Install Linux - What Version?

@TrevaUK (142)
April 14, 2007 8:30am CST
I've got a spare computer and was hoping to install Linux on it. I've seen a lot of downloads for Free Linux but Don't know which one would be best for me, Having never used Linux before I would want a version that has a similar interface to windows and is not too difficult to setup or use.
1 person likes this
8 responses
brothertuck
@brothertuck (1257)
• United States
19 Apr 07
Ubuntu is one of the easiest for you to start with, Freespire, the free and open source version of Linspire is also good. The best thing to do is to download a live cd iso and test it out before installing it. I know you can do that with Ubuntu and with Freespire, and there are other distros that have Live CDs you can make. Some also have ways you can get the cd already made, and for that I would say go to ubuntu and get theirs as it is totally free including shipping, or at least was when I got my copy.
TrevaUK
@TrevaUK (142)
•
19 Apr 07
I have installed Ubuntu onto my computer in a new partition. I have used the Add/Remove programs to install programs onto Ubuntu but what I can't workout is how to I install software I have downloaded, when I extract the downloaded gz.tar file I get a bunch of unexecutable files. I have no-idea what to do or where to put these files.
darkshadow88
@darkshadow88 (20)
• United States
30 May 07
Treva, when you download a .tar.gz archive, there will probably be installation instructions in a readme file. Typically, you will have to use a terminal to perform the installation and you will have to perform the installation as root. Exactly what you need to do depends on what you downloaded (read the readme), but remember that any time you're asked to run a command as root (or "super user"), you will need to put "sudo" (without quotes) in front of the command.
dinaki08tt
@dinaki08tt (583)
• Portugal
25 Apr 07
hai i been using Ubuntu its really user friendly u can use Ubuntu 7.04its the new release
codename26
@codename26 (361)
• India
16 Apr 07
i think all linux are best..nut ubuntu is easy to install....same is with SUSE linux
priyadarsan
@priyadarsan (4)
• India
16 Apr 07
Hello there.... u can use redhat 4.0. it has a simple instalation like windows and u ll find improved graphics in it.
yours_harjeet
@yours_harjeet (13)
•
23 Apr 07
if you want a similar interface start with PCLinux OS
aseru48
@aseru48 (173)
• United States
24 Apr 07
Definatly check out Ubuntu. It gives you so many features. It is easy to use and great for beginners.
andben
@andben (1075)
• Italy
15 Apr 07
I also agree Ubuntu is the best choice if you have never used Linux so far, but I think Mandriva is also a good distribution to start with because it is easy to install and use because it is very similar to Windows.
richux
@richux (119)
• Lithuania
14 Apr 07
I think Ubuntu or Kubuntu is best to start with linux. (K/X)ubuntu is small, very easy to install (through GUI) and configure.