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Thread ID: 54810 2005-02-23 01:09:00 Which Linux Distro ? Overdrive_5000 (4950) Press F1
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327493 2005-02-23 01:09:00 Hi people, I am complete n00b to linux was going to try it out but not sure which distro to use (waiting for ubuntu to arrive). I will mainly be using it for surfing the net, emails watching movies and games etc.

My Hardware:
Gigabyte GA-7VT600 mobo
Amd 2400XP+
1 gig ram
40gig HDD (soon will have another 1)
Winfast 6800LE video card
D-Link DSL-302G modem
Asus CDRW
MSI DVD-RW

Which Distro will be the most compatible with my hardware ?
Any comments/ suggestions will be appreciated. :D
Overdrive_5000 (4950)
327494 2005-02-23 01:17:00 Most distros will run on your computer but do you want a Power Distro, One that is userfriendly or a distro that is for Windows users? Dannz (1668)
327495 2005-02-23 01:33:00 Are you wanting a Windows Clone look, or can you handle a culture shock with a more purer Linux looking distro? :D

I think for first time users, you need something with a track record of good support, stability and a wide range of packages available. People's favourite distro's vary, and everyone has a different opinion on which is best.

For the more purer Linux look, I would go for Fedora Core 3 (fedora.redhat.com/). There are helps of easy to use guides and how-to's - example (http:). There are also two very good installation guides and for putting the final touches on the desktop install - Fedora Core 3 Installation Notes (fedoranews.org) and Personal Fedora Core 3 Installation Guide (www.mjmwired.net).

Mepis (http://www.mepis.org/) (according to Murray :p) is the next best thing to sliced bread to learn on as well. It is also a smaller download if you are downloading it yourself.

If you are wanting less of a culture shock, then Xandros (free edition) or SuSE (free edition) might suit you.

Your hardware is fine, the only thing I can see is your router. Do you connect via USB or ethernet? Ethernet is dead easy to set up under Linux, and if you don't have onboard LAN or a NIC device then it is well worth buying a cheap DSE Realtek NIC.
Jen (38)
327496 2005-02-23 01:34:00 I'd just start with Debian and finish with Debian.

Nothing too hard about typing apt-get install some-package to get your software. Works on anything.

I guess you have to read the docs though...
gibler (49)
327497 2005-02-23 01:37:00 I would like something that isnt to hard to use, I do connect using USB Overdrive_5000 (4950)
327498 2005-02-23 01:40:00 Debian can be a pain in the <censored> to install though i have tried many times with no sucess Dannz (1668)
327499 2005-02-24 04:27:00 knoppix live cd is a good distro to try with out touching your hard drive.... Prescott (11)
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