Resolved best linus version to install

For a second operating system, what would be the best linux to install?

ubuntu?

should it be saved to D:\

and installed from there

or is there a difference.

Are there any boot up complications?

 

Depends what you want to do with it. The specs of the machine thast you're installing it on is also a factor to bear in mind. Mint needs a reasonable spec while Ubuntu will run on quite an old machine. I've got Ubuntu installed on a computer I threw together from bits that I had lying around - Athlon 1.8 GHz processor base. It didn't like Mint at all - didn't install properly and I haven't had the time to look into it further.

My opinion - for what its worth....

As a windows replacement: Ubuntu or Mint. Mepis looks nice but I haven't had a chance to try it out properly.

For diagnostics: Fedora or Knoppix - although Knoppix is also a contender for a desktop.

For forensics: Backtrack.

Why not try them out in a VM? I've got two Linux VMs (G-Parted and Knoppix) on this PC here in addition to the XP VM that comes as standard. A bit of a pain that I can't run them in full screen, but, as far as I can gather, thats a limitation of the Windows VM. If you use VMware, they can run in full screen.

Yes, you should install it into its own partition if you're going to install it to your hard drive.

I'm not aware of any boot up complications. You just get a standard Multi Boot menu when you power up your computer.

You could also try them out using live CDs - OK, it'd be a bit slow, but you'd at least get a bit of a feel for it and whether you like it enough to try it out further.

HTH

 

I want a full-service OS for general use: email, word-processing, etc.

I've tried twice to download and install from Wubi.exe

but Windows keeps saying "no disk" or something else.

I also have an ISO image burned onto CD with the same result.

 

Head over to Distro Watch for a listing of popular distros. You can choose any of the top 5. The best part is, if you don't like it, you can download a new one & start all over again.

 

As far as I know, GParted is a live distro for disk partitioning. I can't imagine why you are running it in a VM for ?

 

Knoppix, Ubuntu or Mint - any of these is what I'd go for. To be fair I haven't used any others to any great degree so its probably unfair to criticise the others.

You could try getting alternatives via the Live CD List. This will take you to the relevant distro's home page where you can download it directly.

You could try using a virtual drive to run the iso file. Try MagicISO.

Many distros, but not all, have a built in media checker for verifying the integrity of the downloaded image before installation.

You could also have a read of this article. It'll help you make a more informed decision - but the great thing about linux is -as rsinfo says - if you don't like it you can bin it and try another one.

That's quite correct. You can also use it, however, for HD diagnostics. It will run in a VM but I wouldn't use it again. It is a powerful tool but I found it difficult to use - It probably needs more looking at (from my side) to be fair. I didn't like it from the live Cd either. I found Partition Wizard much easier to use - but thats another story...

 

I believe you are referring to MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD. Haven't tried it as GParted does everything for me.

 

Yes. That is correct.

 

I think this is above my pay grade, since I don't know what "kernel" means at this point.

I have downloaded two files:
1. the wubi.exe and
2. I copied a file from one of the cd's I burned onto the same drive (D).

I was therefore able to "download" ubuntu (10 GB!) but problems occurred both times I tried to install. So I assume it is not installed at this point and I will not have to use the Windows cd to repair/install.

I have already burned an ISO file. But I don't know if it is "Desktop" Perhaps this means I will have to scrap the 3 cd's I already have and burn a new one.

Is a CD-R 700MB ok?

 

Kernel is the heart of any OS. Its the code that binds everything together. Just forget about the kernel for the time being.

You don't need the wubi.exe file. Its required only & only if you want to run Ubuntu as an application under Windows.

How did you burn the files ? All the files are image files & need to burned as images.

It can't be 10 GB as its not going to fit on a DVD. Something is wrong somewhere.

 

I just deleted it.

I have the cd's I burned a while ago, but I am starting over now with this boot-from-cd method.

I saw that while I was downloading the previous attempt. Everything was wrong with that attempt. I deleted those files. My cd's only hold 700 mbs.

I am deciding between Ubuntu (reported to have stability issues but still the best for beginners) and Mageia (also recommended in the article dnmacleod referenced).

I will download either directly from the Mageia site or the "Live CD list" mentioned above.

 

I am using XP.
I have these two programs:
1. ISO Recorder."
2. Sony Sonic Stage CD-R Writing Module

I assume I should download Nero.

 

It strikes me as odd that this thread is on this Windows BBS. If I want a Linux answer I go to a Linux forum so wouldn't expect to find a Linux question in a Windows Forum.

 

It may be named WindowsBBS, but we discuss everything.

 

Thanks rsinfo and TonyT for the explaination.

 

You're welcome.