Sick of Windows

[DoctorReno]

I have been getting steadily more disillusioned with Windows and the time of procrastenating has ended. I want to learn about Linux and switch to Linux as my OS. Since I am a total newbie I would like suggestions and reccomendations on which version to start with. I'd like pros and cons on the different versions to help me make my decision. Of course I would like to make some Linux friends here because I know I will have problems.

Thanks in advance!

[EXreaction]

I'd recommend starting with SUSE, Fedora, or Ubuntu.

As long as all of your hardware is supported correctly it should be very easy to switch to Linux, of course if it isn't you are in for a nightmare.

[DoctorReno]

I have heard a little about each one you suggested. Ubuntu was just highly reccomended by a tech at my cable proadband provider. Guess I will eventually try several until I find one that fits my needs. Thanks

[KarmaKiller]

Hi there..
I would suggest taking advantage of your broadband and download several flavors till you find the one YOU like, and can work with. It varies with the user. I myself got started with Red Hat back in the day. Which nowdays seems a little bit harder for a beginner. But IMO, a Ubuntu flavor is probably the easiest to migrate to. It's setup very well, and is fairly easy to learn. Ubuntu Studio is currently my favorite.
But I have to say that 80% of my learning was done by the distro's forum boards. Alot of great tips and knowledge there. I would highly recommend you check out the forums first to see what kind of issues people seems to be having with the distros, especially hardware issues.
But all in all, it's worth it IMO. It's nice to get on a system that YOU setup. Plus, the open source community is awesome!!

Good luck, and enjoy!!

[excuzzzeme]

I agree that Ububtu is easiest to learn and use. But before embarking on a switch, download "Live CD's". Pop one in and boot to it. It does not change you harddrive. You will be working from the CD itself.

Smaller distros such as Damn Small Linux and Puppy Linux are about 50MB and run in ram. I have both installed on flash drives! Using them allows me to boot from my flash drive and I can take my files with me! (I have a 512Mb drive and a 2GB drive).

Try several different distros until you find the one you like best and then you can change your system safely.

[DoctorReno]

Great advice fellow members. Expect to see me here often as I run into problems or need instructions. I respect all of your opinions.

As always, THANKS!

[cunokyle]

I have always like SUSE and Mandriva

[Rootstonian]

What is it that you dislike about Windows, if I may ask?

Since the advent of XP, XP Pro and yes, even Vista, I have found Windows to be a stable environment for my home PC's.

I have XP Pro, Media Center Edition, Vista Home Premium and Vista Business on my PC's at home. With proper antivirus software, regular updates and spyware scanning (plus I block ALL cookies), I have not had a Windows crash that is not hardware related in over 5 years.

[SeanC]

I'd recommend Ubuntu, Fedora or SUSE. For pretty much everything you'd do it's all point and click, just like Windows. I use Ubuntu 7.10 and I like it. I've gotten everything I need, to work on it with either a little common sense or a quick trip to the Ubuntu support forums if I couldn't figure it out.

[Keymaker]

http://www.freespire.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freespire

http://www.virtualbox.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_machine

Actually, I'm sick of Windows too. They are very hard to clean.. More like, I am sick of M$. HEHE.

Now cleaning Vista car roof tops, that's not too bad..