Which is the best linux operate system?

[supergoku]

Hi, I want to install a linux system in my old computer. I am new to linux system, so I want to know which is the best linux system to install? Thanks

[Garibaldi]

There aren't really different linux "operating systems" just different distros. The only difference between them is the default packages included and how they are compiled. I would highly recommend Kanotix Linux: http://www.kanotix.com/

It works as both a live-cd (runs off of the cd) as well as an install disk. This means you can try it first to make sure it will work with your old computer before you even install!! Plus Kanotix is compatible with both klik and apt-get, two great programs that make installing apps much easier IMO than windows - both are 1 click installs.

[supergoku]

Thanks alot!

[vitualis]

Personal favourites:
- Ubuntu (remarkably good for something that is free)
- Xandros (the most polished Linux desktop I've used - but payware)

APT is really quite fantastic, but I don't necessarily agree that it is easier than Windows. The idea of downloading a single "installer" file, and then "running it" is pretty damn intuitive. Trying to see if an application is hidden within an existing repository with APT and then installing it is although very "neat", it is not intuitive.

Of course, if it isn't in the repository, adding extra servers or manually downloading and installing the app and its dependencies is EXTREMELY non-intuitive.

The model also does not particularly work well with software distributed on physical media (e.g., CDs).

Klik is nice, but there is no uninstallation option. It also doesn't work for many applications, even those which are provided. It also seems somewhat of a magical mystery box - how do I know that I'm not giving permission to some very nasty malware?

If anything, the proof is with Apple and OS X. How do Macs install software? Single installer file/image that is executable.

Regards.

[anitract]

So far I've found Ubuntu to be a great straight-forward distro. Very user friendly. Hardware compatibility is great also.

My personal fav is VectorLinux to use on older (slower) machines. It's derived from Slackware.

Since you're new, try Ubuntu. Remember to backup any important files before you install though!

[Garibaldi]

APT is really quite fantastic, but I don't necessarily agree that it is easier than Windows. The idea of downloading a single "installer" file, and then "running it" is pretty damn intuitive. Trying to see if an application is hidden within an existing repository with APT and then installing it is although very "neat", it is not intuitive.

Of course, if it isn't in the repository, adding extra servers or manually downloading and installing the app and its dependencies is EXTREMELY non-intuitive.

Yep I agree. I guess my thoughts are that it is easier in this respect - with installing a windows binary you must first find the file (on the internet say) and then download it. After doing the search it is easy to install. With Apt though, you don't have to do any searching, just type it in this one place and it will grab it from any of the repos. I think there are advantages both ways.

As for Ubuntu I personally prefer the KDE Desktop which is why I recommended Kanotix. However there is also a version of Ubuntu compiled with KDE called Kubuntu