First Time Linux Instal

[Icey1174]

I have always been interested in Linux but have never gotten around to installing it on an old computer. My intentions are to buy a new hard drive and instal Linux on an old computer. From what I have read it appears to be "simple" if you follow directions. My basic use for the computer would be Internet browsing and word processing.

Which would be the best verison, brand name, whatever they call it of Linux that would be the best for these applications and most user friendly for someone that has never used Linux or Unix and has always used (and hates) Windows?

What browser would I use?

What word processing and spread sheet programs are there that are somewhat equivlant to MS Word and MS Excel?

Is there a program or version of Linux that resembles a Windows type of set-up for the user?

My goal here is to convert a handful of old, slow Windows machines to Linux for friends and family with the same uses as mine for a good stable OS without having all the problems that come with Windows.

Thank you in advance for any help and guidance!

[TrendyMartini]

Hi Icey, welcome to TIMO. If you search this forum, you'll see that there are many opinions regarding the best version of Linux to use; many have asked this same question. Most say that Ubuntu is perfect for Linux beginners and I agree. It has everything you need and the above links will answer all your questions.

[Icey1174]

Thanks for a quick reply! I read through some of the info quick and that looks exactly like what I am looking for! How long does it take for your computer to "boot" when you turn it on? My current computer takes about 5 minutes to boot in Windows.

[TrendyMartini]

Originally Posted by Icey1174

Thanks for a quick reply! I read through some of the info quick and that looks exactly like what I am looking for! How long does it take for your computer to "boot" when you turn it on? My current computer takes about 5 minutes to boot in Windows.

The time varies on all my machines, some a minute, some less. 5 minutes is a really long time, but would be understandable if it were an older machine trying to load Windows XP for example. Ubuntu will boot faster.

[Icey1174]

I also find that as the machine gets older it runs much slower and takes much longer to boot with Windows. Is this typical with Linux also?

[ShuckyD]

well the reason they get slower is usually because of all the stuff installed that has to load on boot...

[Icey1174]

I have always installed MS Office and that was about it. I never installed anything after that and they always get slower.

[TrendyMartini]

Originally Posted by Icey1174

I have always installed MS Office and that was about it. I never installed anything after that and they always get slower.

It's probably from having a poor maintenance schedule. We get busy and forget to do things like defragmenting our drives, running virus and spyware scans, along with doing general clean up. Also, as you're installing Windows Updates, etc.. things are being installed that require more system resources and so the older the machine gets the slower.

[Icey1174]

How does Linux compare with these updates and maintenance to Windows?

[TrendyMartini]

Linux is much more stable and will run better on an older machine. There are updates occasional with Ubunutu, but they will not bog your system down.