Linux Versions

[fjf314]

I'm interested in trying out Linux and lately I've been doing a lot of research into dual-booting my system with XP and some version of Linux. However, the only thing I don't know right now is which version of Linux I should use.

Right now I'm kind of drawn between using Fedora and Ubuntu. I mainly use the computer for programming (with Java), web browsing, and chatting. However, I'd also like to ensure that I have good driver support, too. The following are the specs on my PC:

Processor: Pentium D Processor with Dual Core Technology (3 GHz)
Memory: 1 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533 MHz
Monitor: 17 inch E173FP Analog Flat Panel
Video Card: 256 MB PCI Express x16 ATI Radeon X600 SE HyperMemory
Hard Drive: 250 GB Serial ATA Hard Drive
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005
DVD Drives: 16x DVD+/-RW Drive and 16x DVD-ROM Drive
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Speakers: Dell 5650 5.1 100 Watt Speaker System with Subwoofer

So which version of Linux would be the best for me? I'm really looking for something that's relatively easy to use to start off with. Also, does anyone know of where I could download the drivers I would need for my hardware? I definitely don't know enough about coding to go about making my own drivers. I'm currently looking into instructions for installing Java in various forms of Linux, but if anyone knows of a good tutorial for that, I would appreciate a URL. Thanks for all the help!

 

[macdude425]

Ubuntu. Fedora is far too bloated, and the package manager is terrible.

The Sun website should have directions for installing JRE and JDK in the same place, or close to the place where you download them.

 

[fjf314]

I was also leaning towards Ubuntu. Would Ubuntu 6.06 work with my hardware on it's own, or will I need new drivers?

 

[Vybuni]

You will probably have to install the linux-specific drivers for certain components (video card, sound card) for the best performance. The default generic drivers don't really cut it.

 

[fjf314]

Alright. I'm not going to lie, I'm not really good when it comes to the hardware aspect of computers, I'm more of a software guy. I just want to make sure, I would use driver 8.29.6 found under the "RADEON 8500 Series and higher" link on the following page, correct?

https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=27

If not, which driver should I be going with?

 

[macdude425]

That's it.

 

[jakec]

I know you have your heart set on Ubuntu,

However Just FYI there are other distros out there that may suit you better. ALL Linux distros can be used for what you want (web, email, chat etc) but Ubuntu is hardly at the top of my list in terms of useability

try these:

Kubuntu
http://www.kubuntu.org/

Mandriva
http://frontal2.mandriva.com/en/downloads/mirrors

PCLinuxOS .92
http://ftp.nluug.nl/pub/metalab/distributions/texstar/pclinuxos/live-cd/english/preview/
ftp://ftp.nluug.nl/pub/metalab/distributions/texstar/pclinuxos/live-cd/english/preview/

This is the distro I use and recommend, Why because it works right out of the box. No need to configure Everything, everything just works. It also comes as a 1 CD install that is a live CD that you can install later if you wish.

BeatrIX
http://www.watsky.net/download.html

OPENSUSE
http://www.opensuse.org/Download

Mephis
http://www.mepis.org/

Mepis install guides:
http://www.mepisguides.com/install/install-custom/Install-Custom-Partitions.html
http://www.mepisguides.com/install/install-dual-drives/Install-with-dual-boot-and-clear.html

if you are still unsure of the distro: http://eedok.voidofmind.com/linux/chooser.html
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

if you are wanting to look into Fedora, but don't want to use fedora itself for the reasons listed above you might want to try Blag: it is based on FC but less bloted and has more useability: Blag
http://www.blagblagblag.org/download/

and if you are so inclined a little bedtime reading:

Linux online bible
http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

Linux Tutorials: Introduction to Linux, Hands on guide
http://www.tldp.org/LDP/intro-linux/html/index.html

Ultimate guide for beginners
http://www.linuxlots.com/~jam/

The beginners Linux guide
http://www.linux.ie/newusers/beginners-linux-guide/

but if you do decide to go Ubuntu here is a site on dual booting with XP: Dual boot Ubuntu 6.06 +XP
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing


I am sorry if this post has caused confusion for you, not my intention just wanted you to be aware that their are other distros out there, as it seemed by your first post you were limiting yourself too quickly.

very few people stay with the first distro they try. so browse a little bit experiment with different distros see which ones you like, & in the end you might well stay with Ubuntu it was great for me when I first started but then I moved onto others until I found PCLinuxOS .92. it is all about personal preference and what works for you and if ubuntu does that then great!

I hope this begins a life long love affair with Linux

Jake

 

[fjf314]

I'm actually seriously considering PCLinuxOS right now. Usability is pretty much my first priority with this so that I can get used to working with Linux as quickly as possible. I'll have to do a little research. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[fjf314]

Okay, I have come to a screeching halt. I thought it would be simple for me to find some sort of partitioning program for free. However, that has turned out to not be the case. Any suggestions?

Edit: I'm trying GParted right now.

 

[fjf314]

Okay, I've come to the conclusion that I am not smart enough and not good enough with computers for this to be any sort of a good idea. Windows it is. Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.