Suggest an open source OS
June 28, 2005 11:24 AM Subscribe
Can anyone advise a non techy person of an open source OS that I can use?
I want it to be reliable, easy to use and intuitive.
I know I am asking a lot but it needs to suit all the family.
I currently use XP.
Howzabout this one?
If by open-source you mean "free linux on an x86" I would recommend Ubuntu. It seems to be aimed at real people.
posted by docgonzo at 11:46 AM on June 28, 2005
If by open-source you mean "free linux on an x86" I would recommend Ubuntu. It seems to be aimed at real people.
posted by docgonzo at 11:46 AM on June 28, 2005
Ubuntu. it's the fashionable choice right now, but it's genuinely good.
As soon as I can get MythTV running on it, I'm going to switch off XP completely.
(Also have a powerbook, so I'm an OS agnostic)
posted by socratic at 11:52 AM on June 28, 2005
As soon as I can get MythTV running on it, I'm going to switch off XP completely.
(Also have a powerbook, so I'm an OS agnostic)
posted by socratic at 11:52 AM on June 28, 2005
Sorry, just re-read my post and it seems overly snarky, which was not the intention. I blame the 35 degrees C temp, my attic apartment and the smog warning...
posted by docgonzo at 11:57 AM on June 28, 2005
posted by docgonzo at 11:57 AM on June 28, 2005
Knoppix is pretty easy to use, too. Don't let all that talk about it being a "live CD" bother you. It can be installed just like any other distribution.
Why are you especially concerned about your OS being "open source?" Are you planning to make source modifications? Or do you just want something free?
posted by majick at 11:58 AM on June 28, 2005
Why are you especially concerned about your OS being "open source?" Are you planning to make source modifications? Or do you just want something free?
posted by majick at 11:58 AM on June 28, 2005
Response by poster: its not about something being free but its about using something that is made for a common purpose and nary a profit motive in sight.
I used the term open source meaning its aims of community benefits. I am not a miser wanting something just because its free. I dont really intend to fiddle about to much with code unless there is somewhere that I can actually help.
This kind of stuff doesn't encourage me to give money to Microsoft either.
posted by ClanvidHorse at 12:15 PM on June 28, 2005
I used the term open source meaning its aims of community benefits. I am not a miser wanting something just because its free. I dont really intend to fiddle about to much with code unless there is somewhere that I can actually help.
This kind of stuff doesn't encourage me to give money to Microsoft either.
posted by ClanvidHorse at 12:15 PM on June 28, 2005
I would suggest keeping an eye on Distrowatch. They have links to reviews and downloads, plus news about various BSD and Linux distros.
I didn't like Ubuntu. It isn't compatible with regular Debian archives and had trouble with some of my hardware. I am partial to Libranet. Knoppix is very difficult to upgrade, but booting off a Knoppix CD and going about your everyday business is a very good way to make sure that Linux will meet the needs of your household.
posted by QIbHom at 1:52 PM on June 28, 2005
I didn't like Ubuntu. It isn't compatible with regular Debian archives and had trouble with some of my hardware. I am partial to Libranet. Knoppix is very difficult to upgrade, but booting off a Knoppix CD and going about your everyday business is a very good way to make sure that Linux will meet the needs of your household.
posted by QIbHom at 1:52 PM on June 28, 2005
This comparison of Linux distros was posted to an AskMe thread yesterday.
But I'd agree with the Ubuntu recommendations -- I think it fits your stated goals best (and I use it and like it.)
posted by Zed_Lopez at 5:46 PM on June 28, 2005
But I'd agree with the Ubuntu recommendations -- I think it fits your stated goals best (and I use it and like it.)
posted by Zed_Lopez at 5:46 PM on June 28, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by hilker at 11:46 AM on June 28, 2005