linux + ubuntu = screaming slayer

[Prisoner416]

There is a build designed to be a bit easier then Ubuntu. Comes with most of your needed materials built in, like Flash, audio/video codecs, software, etc.

It's called Linux Mint.

Get it at http://linuxmint.com/

It's recognized for being user-friendly, particularly for users with no previous experience in Linux. Plus, it's based off Ubuntu, so any Ubuntu tools will work with it.

The Main version of Linux Mint has often been cited as a better beginner's Linux distribution than Ubuntu, due to the out-of-box readiness created by its default application choices and inclusion of restricted codecs (such as MP3 support and Flash).

 

[thelordofruins]

There is a build designed to be a bit easier then Ubuntu. Comes with most of your needed materials built in, like Flash, audio/video codecs, software, etc.

It's called Linux Mint.

Get it at http://linuxmint.com/

It's recognized for being user-friendly, particularly for users with no previous experience in Linux. Plus, it's based off Ubuntu, so any Ubuntu tools will work with it.

The Main version of Linux Mint has often been cited as a better beginner's Linux distribution than Ubuntu, due to the out-of-box readiness created by its default application choices and inclusion of restricted codecs (such as MP3 support and Flash).

I was just thinking about that Distro...I've used it in a VM. It would be a great choice I think....

 

[Passerby]

ya one of the main arguments you will see while learning a new OS is "Familiar vs Better"
a lot of how a unix system works is nothing like windows like the file structure or the package system but they both are much better than windows with it's multiple file tree's and set mount points and it's exe installers.

this argument come up with a lot of more advanced things for example text editors most people who have tried VIM or EMACS for the first time will be confused as hell since they work nothing like notepad or Notepad++ but they are way more efficient and way more powerful once you learn them.

 

[Angellas]

To address your installation of things (software packages and the like), I will steer you toward the command line. It is much easier to control and learn *nix from the command line. The fewer interpreters involved (GUI goodies, poor coding/error-handling, etc.) the less you have to dig through useless forums to find an answer to a question for a problem you didn't know you had.

The command-line installation program is called Aptitude and can be called using this syntax:

apt-get [-S fname] [-u|-i]
          apt-get [options] <action> ...

Install the 'sudo' program:

root@sexyserver001:~#apt-get install sudo

Uninstall the 'sudo' program:

root@sexyserver001:~#apt-get remove sudo

Update the package lists (Best to do before every install.):

root@sexyserver001:~#apt-get update

There are many more. This brings me to my next helpful Ubuntu/Debian Command tool; man.

Syntax:

root@sexyserver001:~#man [program name]

Use the Manual 'man' tool to look-up commands....like apt-get.

My final Ubuntu/Debian 101 quick helper note is on http://howtoforge.com. Anything you ever wanted to know about *nix can usually be found there. Take a look around and see what perks your interest.

Side note: My personal laptop uses the GRUB Boot Loader to dual-boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu. All I have to do is reboot, select desired OS, and enjoy/complete my job. Just food for thought.

I hope this helps you and feel free to ask if you need any further assistance!

 

[thelordofruins]

Nice "Dummy's guide to the Command Line"......

Hit the high points for sure...

Looks like a nice site too....