Linux Operating Systems? Which one is right for me?

Question

I have decided to purchase an eee PC to take it around town with me because of its size. I will probably be buying one with Windows XP and then upgrading the operating system to Linux.

I just don't understand how Linux works in terms of its versions. I have heard about Ubuntu etc. I must retarded because I still do not get it.

I am a Mac user, I like its functionality and looks of the OS. Which Linux version would be most similar to OS X in terms of aesthetics?

I also heard that Linux' operating system are free, how easy to install are those operating systems? Is there a specific button I have to hold on startup to be able to install it?

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

You can download just about every Linux distribution for free.

As to which one to get and use that is almost an entirely subjective choice. The one factor which will largely determine which Linux version you use will be the hardware you run it on. On a system like the eeePC you would likely want to choose a Linux distro which runs well on a system with minimal specs. If you go to Distrowatch.com and browse the list of Linux distros you could pick any of the top twenty and get a very good and usable OS. I believe some of the small PC's like the eeePC were coming preloaded with gOS. I tried it on a desktop and it was pretty good (but you have to remember to manually update it). Looks similar to the OSx. You can also download what is known as a "Live CD" version of many Linux versions which will run from the CD and RAM without actually installing on your hard drive and making any changes to your PC. It's a very good way to test out a Linux distro before installing it.

I have tried a lot of different Linux distros and find I like Ubuntu the best. I am going to try out Vector Linux today.

http://distrowatch.com/

To install Linux you just put the CD/DVD in the drive and reboot. The install will start up automatically or in the case of a Live CD the system will load to a desktop whereupon will be an install icon. Installing Linux is usually quite easy but some distros can be very geek intensive and sometimes things can go haywire. Make sure you have backed up any important data!

Here is a good site to learn more about Linux:

http://www.linux.org/

Answer 2

I have changed from Windows XP and Vista and have tried several Linux

systems and have now settled for DEBIAN.

I find this excellent and very fast and would never go back to Windows.

You can buy a CD/DVD with the program (try eBay).

Put in your comp  -  restart it and follow the instructions on the screen,

take your time and be careful.

Thats it  !