What is the best Linux version for me?

Question

Hey! I am a Freshman Computer Science major and I wanted to know what version of Linux is best for me. I want to experiment with programming, code, developing, things like this, but I barely have enough knowledge to just jump right in. I have a laptop that can have a whole hard drive dedicated to it. I have a 500 gb external hard drive as well. What would be best? Ask me questions if it will help, thanks!

Answer 1

Tough question. There are many great Linux distributions, and each has it's pros and cos regarding how much "hands-on" the user can have.



What I would suggest is this. Since you have such a large disk available, why not install multiple versions? On one partition, install a general-use distro like Ubuntu or Linux Mint, one that has everything you need for day-to-day computing. Then on another, install a distro that's more hands on that you can hack with. This way, if you mangle things up on the second one, you can just jump back to the first one and do your routine stuff.



Once you get comfortable with what you want to do, you can use the second distro as your daily version.



For everyday use, I would suggest Linux Mint. Mint installs everything you need, including a lot of the "non-free" things that get left out of other distros (like certain browser plugins and video drivers). Once you install Mint, you're pretty much ready to go. Mint is also based on Ubuntu, so you have access to the updates and all the program and code repositories.



For messing around and hacking, I recommend Slackware. It's the oldest current Linux distro available. It's a lot more stripped down when it comes to installation and adding apps and other features...the user has to do a lot more hands-on work to get it set up the way you like. With Slackware, you can select what you want and don't want to install, you can build your own kernels a lot easier, and you can get into the nuts-and-bolts of Linux more directly than you can with the general-user versions.

Answer 2

The best distro for your specific purposes would have to be Ubuntu.



It has a GUI (like Windows) right from the start, and is very user friendly and has a easy and slow learning curve.



Like all distros of Linux though, it is very powerful, so if you don't know what you're doing, you may mess something up and be screwed.



My advice though, is to not tweak around with files you're usure of (kernel files specificially) lest you bomb the OS.



But all in all, Ubuntu has my vote for best learning OS for Linux.

Answer 3

Ubuntu is the best version for starters who are new to linux and want to learn programming in linux.

Its easy to install, gives you an option to install inside windows using wubi installer, even 4GB hard disk space is enough to install Ubuntu. But since you need it for programming and developing projects, allocate atleast 15GB. http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download



Linux Mint is another linux distro suited for linux starters. It is the only distro that resembles windows that others even more than Ubuntu. Now there is no big difference between ubuntu and linux mint. Only Mint interface is much easier to work with than Ubuntu and Mint is much more easier to use than Ubuntu for learners. Also mint plays audio and video without needing to install new softwares. http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php



Functionally both mint and Ubuntu work in the same way. But Mint is easier to work with. Only downfall with Mint is that there is no support for a Wubi installer in the latest version.



If you are comfortable creating partitions and formats for installing Mint then use Mint. Otherwise go for Ubuntu.

Answer 4

Ubuntu is easy to install and get working, and has the development environment that can be added via package manager. I'm sure there are many others that would do as well but this is the one that I know and use. I have used an Ubuntu dev environment on 50gb, so you will have no problem there!

Answer 5

I recommend to begin with to get the hang of things consider Dual Booting with distros. that feature windows installers so Linux if you want to can easily be removed without affecting the primary partition



Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows using Wubi without partitioning

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the Ubuntu 10.04 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the Wubi installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Ubuntu (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Ubuntu is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Ubuntu



Ubuntu 10.04 Download

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download



Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Lucid



Linux Mint 9 which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 has a similar feature called mint4win and the directions given above for Wubi can be followed



Linux Mint 9 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



Linux Mint 9 User Guide Download pdf.

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



Ubuntu 10.04 and Linux Mint 9 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive



Also you can try out as many different Linux distros. as you like on LiveCD until you find the one thats right for you DISTROWATCH.COM gives full listings (second lists the major distributions)

http://distrowatch.com/



Major Linux Distributions

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major





LUg.

Answer 6

Here's what I would suggest.



1) download Oracle's Virtualbox

2) Download Linux Mint 9, or ubuntu or centos.



The good thing about virtualbox is you can easily run them from your windows environment, save state, and run multiple instances spontaneously.

Answer 7

Ubuntu, in Ubuntu you can easily download prgramming tools (text editors, compilers, IDEs, APIs, frameworks) with a package manager app called Synaptic

Answer 8

well ubuntu is a good start but you could also go kubuntu if more interested in design

Answer 9

linux fedora



http://fedoraproject.org/