I don’t know much about linux, but I have read a bit.
As I see it, for a guy like me the two obvious choices are Zorin and/or Mint.
Now, I could ask on their forums, but I’m kinda hoping for an independent opinion.
Which one would be best, for me.
Now, although I’m a complete linux noob, I do know my way around a pc, and indeed friends and family bring me their boxes when trouble strikes. So I do have that.(for whatever that’s worth)
At this point in life, I use my computer for browsing the internet, some accounting, and it doubles as a htpc.
I’m just tired of devoting so much time trying to make windows work. I want something that just works. I get that there will be a learning curve, no matter what, just so long as none of my hardware is incompatible…
Thanks…
Here are my system specs:
Operating System
64-bit
CPU
AMD FX-8350 23 °C
Vishera 32nm Technology
RAM
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 937MHz (10-11-10-30)
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. 990FXA-UD3 (CPU 1) 34 °C
Graphics
LG TV (1920x1080@60Hz)
PX2710MW (1920x1080@60Hz)
2048MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6570 (ATI AIB) 57 °C
Storage
1863GB Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 ATA Device (SATA) 32 °C
1863GB Western Digital WDC WD2003FZEX-00Z4SA0 (SATA) 44 °C
1863GB Seagate ST32000542AS (SATA) 30 °C
1863GB Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 (SATA) 28 °C
1863GB Seagate ST32000542AS (SATA) 31 °C
3726GB Seagate Backup+ Desk SCSI Disk Device (USB (SATA)) 31 °C
Optical Drives
HL-DT-ST BD-RE WH10LS30 ATA Device
Audio
Creative X-Fi Audio Processor (WDM)
I actually bought the zorin ultimate 9 distro(<- did I say that right…??)
I installed easy BCD to set up a dual boot, chose grub2.
Dvd boots, loads all the way up to welcome screen, but I can’t choose either option, as neither mouse or keyboard work…(note that I followed these instructions http://apcmag.com/how-to-dual-boot-windows-8-and-linux.htm/)
I’m gonna grab the minty one… would I still choose grub 2 …??
Was that comment in regard to Zorin or Windows 10? Totally agree with the privacy point about Windows 10, it really brings home the phrase “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”.
I’m sure we can help you with Zorin, everything new will be a bit confusing, everyone is new and has to learn at some point (think of driving!)
If you’ve used Windows for 22 years, that makes you pre-95, and hopefully someone who doesn’t fear the command line (as you must have used DOS)! You’ll find that a LOT of advice with Linux is given with command line statements - the main reason for this is, the command line never changes between distros, but the desktop/user interface does. So, rather than people try to learn every crevice of every “control panel” of the various distros, just learning a few troubleshooting commands to enter into the terminal and get feedback from the user (it can be copy/pasted from the terminal) is way simpler.
Anyway, do you have an issue with Zorin that we can help with?
I have too!! just registered here, had a nightmare with windows 10 download and now want to try linux mint, but havent tried yet, hence my registeration here to get some back up before I try, a Dutch colleague has advised me to try Linux Mint, he is a very accreditted electrical engineer and swears by Linux. Laptopdunce
Welcome guys- from the only lady on here (that I can see anyways…). I’ve been using Linux for about 4 years now. I’d never go back to Microsoft! Of course I have to use it in other places (e.g voluntary work) but at home it’s Linux forever!
Can I add my twopenneth. Started with a BBC micro (had to wait in the queue in them days), then an archimedes. After that had to use Microsoft for compatibility reasons, 2000, XP, Vista (current). Never did like any of them. Now retired so MS is getting the Heave Ho.
I suspect I’ll need a little help with Linux though.
