Which Linux distro is right for me?

Question

I'm hoping to remove the aged Windows ME from my desktop and replace it with Linux, but I am unsure of which distro and version of distro to use.
The computer is an hp paillion 2950.
According to my PheonixBIOS Setus Utility, my Installed Memory is 128 MB, CPU Type is Pentium III, CPU Speed is shown as 1000MHz/133MHz and Cache RAM is shown as 256 KB.
When I go into My Computer Properties, my memory as 127.0MB RAM and does not display the CPU speed. Entering (C:) properties, I'm show that my total capacity is 38.1 GB for memory. My file system is on FAT32 (if that even matters).

I'm not very knowledged in computers (infact, I'll say it, I'm pretty ignorant on the topic.)

I'd just like to get rid of Windows (without resorting to using something as annoying as a Mac...) and have Linux on my computer...

Help?

Answer 1

The problem with answering the Linux question is that there are so many different distributions, and so many different ways to use a computer. I recommend you use the Linux Distribution Chooser (http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/)........ This will ask you a series of questions in many different areas, after which a few distributions will be recommended. I think you will be better served by the Distribution Chooser than if each of us just recommends our favorite flavor of Linux.

Answer 2

I think all the advice you are getting is garbage. All you really need is a stable *nix distro with a good Xwindows (GUI) implementation.



Red Hat is fine for that. Ubuntu is fine for that. Mandrake is fine for that.



Your computer is definitely lower-end (it has specs that would have been appropriate in 2000). You can always pop another 128MB SIMM into it (I'm sure it uses SIMM; another 128MB one should cost no more than $10 on eBay / from a junk computer store) and your memory issues would be ended. Your CPU is fine if you just want to putter around the Web and use OpenOffice.



Your FAT32 file system will be replaced with Ext2 / Ext3 (depending on the distro you use) if you go to *nix.



And before you bash Mac, System X is nothing more than a *nix distro with a decent Xwindow implementation. It looks and works great.



Here's what I would do: Go to the bookstore. Look at the computer magazines. Find one of the ones that has a full distro and lots of helper programs on CD. Buy it. Install that. From where you stand, and for what you want to do, there's no practical difference in desktop distros.

Answer 3

Why don't you look at ubuntu linux, it is very user friendly, has support, is easy to download and easy to update and maintain and install new programs. It is the most user friendly linux.



Check it out at http://www.ubuntu.com



You can also burn it onto a disk and run it over windows to see if you like it and if it would work for you without actually installing it.



I am not too sure about the system requirements though but give ubuntu a try, I did and haven't ooked back.

Answer 4

I would personally reccomend Ubuntu. I started with Fedora Core, which is sponsored by Red Hat, but is supported by a community. Ubuntu is a lot faster, and it's very easy to learn, as well as all of its variants, like Kubuntu and Xubuntu. I'm using Arch right now, but that's probably too advanced for a beginnger. Definitely go with Ubuntu. It's got a great community for support. It really can't be beat.

Answer 5

It is not required but I would try to get another 128 meg of ram. You can find those chips anywhere on another old computer or something like that.



get a version of linux from one of these two it does not really matter there free and about the same



http://fedora.redhat.com

http://www.opensuse.org



RJ

Answer 6

I would tell you to use Ubuntu or Kubuntu. Personally, I like the look of Kubuntu better. They are very easy to install/use and they come with A LOT of community support so that you can ask questions.

Answer 7

There are 2 that i love: Debian and Kubuntu. Debian has thousands of help classes (purposes and utilities). Kubuntu is an off-shoot of Debian and has develop into universal because it really is a "plug and play" replace for residing house windows. It in simple terms works with none flaws.

Answer 8

Good luck buddy... my suggestion is using redhat... that is the most user friendly of them all from my experience mandrake is a close second... and allows for command line only for the more advanced users... although i would suggest you do some studing on linux prior to installing it... if you have never used it you will be lost for a long time... GNU!!!

good luck...

Answer 9

Hi,

there is lot linux distro is avail for you.



i think you better install mandriva. it has a software for mp3 player, movie player and all programming language support.



for redhat and suse you have to download xmms and xine for mp3 and mpeg files.