Help from linux users

hylax

Am going to change my netbook from XP to Linux. I have an installation disk for Ubuntu which I have had for some years. If I used it would it then be updated? It will mainly be used by my wife who will not be happy if it is not straightforward. Is Ubuntu recommended or should I install another version?

Cycrow

Once installed, you will be able to upgrade to the latest version as well as auto update all the programs that are installed to thier latest version.

however, if its fairly old, then it'll be easier to download a newer version instead.

i personally would go for something like Mint+cinnamon instead of ubuntu.

ow easy it is to use would depend on what you plan to use it for. Basic task like browsing, etc wont really be any different

hylax

Thanks. Have seen a few recommendations for Mint

davetrousers

I will be buying a new HDD for my desktop and putting Linux on there. My dad who has used Linux for years is recommending mint cinnamon to me.

Daz2009

Some distros are no longer being supported or are reaching the end of their support.
Best to install the latest version......you can download most distros onto a usb stick and install that way

zax47

Another vote for Mint! Will run on the most basic of systems too - you wouldn't believe some of the heaps I've put it on.

tweeter

I'm using Linux Mint's Mate version myself - have a look here for a huge collection of other Linux distros. Distrowatch


tweeter

henm2

For a netbook you need to use one of the lighter linux distros. Good choices are Linux Mint xfce, Lubuntu, LXLE, Solydx, Xubuntu.

Currently out of that selection only one has long term support (LTS) and that is LXLE . It is an excellent one and I use it on a Acer Aspire One D260 netbook.

For something more demanding the next LTS version of the Linux Mint cinnamon distro is out end of April. Ubuntu 14.04 LTS is due 17th April.

Darksun

Daz2009 wrote: »

you can download most distros onto a usb stick and install that way

The easiest way I've found to do this is UNetbootin. You can just select a distribution and it will download the image and load it onto USB for you. However it doesn't always have the latest versions so I usually download an ISO file from the distro's website and select the disk image option in UNetbootin.

henm2

Even easier is the Yumi multiboot utility. http://www.pendrivelinux.com/yumi-multiboot-usb-creator/
Just download your favourite linux distros and put them on a USB flash stick using Yumi. Once done then to use it you change your bios settings so that your computer boots from the usb stick.