Help please - Best distro for someone who never used linux.

E

Eric Steffen

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My girlfriend said that after seeing windows 8 and hearing that Microsoft stopped selling Windows 7, she refuses to use that atrocity. She also does not want to use a mac. She asked me to teach her the ways of Linux.

I use Debian and Kubuntu as a dual-boot to windows 7 on my two systems. I think Debian may be too advanced for her. I am not sure about Kubuntu. I think the newest Gnome desktop (3.0 +) would be too much of a change for her and want to stick with a traditional Unix/Linux desktop UI. Any suggestions on a distribution, and desktop UI to start her out with as a dual boot with Windows 7?
 


Why don't YOU act as Administrator/Root and let HER be a user. Debian Xfce?
 
Why don't YOU act as Administrator/Root and let HER be a user. Debian Xfce?

it would be on HER laptop so I don't think I will be denying her root access on her own laptop. I am not an Android cellular/mobile phone carrier xD
 
If she likes the windows 7 look. Use zorin os. Probably similar in look with Ubuntu base.

If she wants all software's present installed and good forum support.. Look at
Ultimate Edition or
Oz Unity

Sent from my Nexus 4
 
Personally I think that learning a new desktop environment is a great way to learn that even though the face may change, the basic principles of desktop computing remain the same. I wouldn't worry so much about that, a new desktop environment is only a day or two of learning. The most important thing I think it a good support network when your learning. That means your support, and having a well developed community support network in place. With that on mind, you are already a kubuntu and Debian user, you will feel comfortable supporting her on those distros. Kubuntu is a good choice (even though I am a Debian user myself) because all the firmware blobs, proprietary vid drivers, media codecs, etc are all taken care of simply. Kubuntu/Ubuntu also have a thriving community so if your not available help is just a google search away. Mint would be another good option for the same reasons, a Debian underpinning so you will be familiar and a good supportive community.
 
I tried out both Ubuntu and Mint through Virtual Machines before doing a full install. I love how Ubuntu has a great community and was there every step of the way whenever I ran into a few problems.
 
Very interesting question with simple answers.
I've been using Windows XP for years because I like it, but, as Microsoft is discontinuing support early next year I'm going to switch to a Linux distro as I have zero interest in Win8 (plus, I have no interest in updating everything that is presently working fine)
It gives me plenty of time to try out different distro's and find the one I like best
I haven't tried Ubuntu yet but from the feedback it may be 'easiest' for me to learn?
 
It gives me plenty of time to try out different distro's and find the one I like best
I haven't tried Ubuntu yet but from the feedback it may be 'easiest' for me to learn?
It's definitely in the top 3 most user-friendly. I'd say Ubuntu, Mint and Fedora. Keep us posted if you find anything awesome!
 
Hi i joined this community as i have used Linux for a while now i think for a beginner i would go for either Zorin or Linux mint or Ubuntu or Xbuntu or Lubuntu. Zorin is not a free Linux distro but if you don't mind paying that is fine but overall for a free one i would probably go with Linux mint and go with linux mint 14 Nadia rather than linux mint 15 as it is supported for longer or even better get a LTS release of mint linux mint 13 is a LTS release let her see screenshots of those linux distros and see what one she likes the best the best interface or show her a youtube video that would be good ill post if i find a more user friendly distro!
 
Thanks for the information
I have MINT 15 on desktop but was wondering about the support because it has a new release every 6 months.
As I'm a complete newbje I didn't know if the next release would act as an update or would be something completely new
Luckily I'm running it off flashdrive, I'll get 13 instead
I also have Ubuntu 12.04 LTS running off CD on laptop so I can see which I prefer
 
ZorinOS is FREE, just select the FREE version instead of Premium.
 
I'd recommend Mint as it definitely has a "windows feel" if she if coming from Windows though I know this partly comes down to the GUI one chooses. Also how old is her PC? The last Mint distro I used was Mint 14 with Cinnamon and it ran great on my Asus netbook with 2GB RAM. Ubuntu is a good choice for the community, but if the laptop isn't heavy in the RAM dept I'd stay away from Unity or GNOME 3 for that matter.
 
I have Ubuntu running just fine and very fast on a PIII 933MHz with 512MB RAM.
 
Thanks for the information
I have MINT 15 on desktop but was wondering about the support because it has a new release every 6 months. . . .
As well as here, support for mint may be had at either the Mint or Ubuntu forums. This is because LM-15 is based on 'buntu 13.04. Don't overthink, just go with what she finds more appealing -- Mint, 'buntu, zorin -- in that order, IMHO.
 

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