Flavor of linux

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 2:27 pm

Hey linux users-

I'm going to switch my laptop over to linux so I can start to learn what I can about linux. About time enh? yea yea yea. So I'm curious to hear from avid linux users what the best distro is.

I've been playing with ubuntu in a virtual machine and am installing kubuntu in another (because I like the KDE desktop style better). So what are you're feelings towards the two above mentioned and what would you suggest to be run?

What I'm keen on:

1: Functionality
2: Looks good
3: Support (i.e. growing community)
4: Easy to navigate

registered · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:22 pm

I have used Ubuntu for several years and love it. I don't really care for the new Unity GUI though. Another one I like is Linux Mint.

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:22 pm

It's funny you mention mint. As you responded... I was talking with the other admin in our building and he was mentioning it as well. I've looked it up and I'm downloading it now to put in a VM to play with.

I watched a video review of it and it seemed to have a better layout than Kubuntu... where's the catch with mint though??

What I've noticed about "Ku" is that it's not nearly as snappy as "Ub" which is a huge turn off for me.

Edit***

Installed Linux Mint....... MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. 5 mins of toying and I like it so much better than Ubuntu & Kubuntu. Leaps and bounds.

I believe that will be my pick in the end.

registered · Site Admin Joined: Jun 04, 2004 Posts: 6437

Montego and Guardian are also power users on Linux. I am not certain which flavors they prefer, but hopefully they will weigh in, too.

registered · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 6:01 am

Actually, we're both Ubuntu/Kubuntu fans. We both agree with Nuken that Unity was a real big step backwards. I am using Ubuntu at home and just created a server at work using the server edition (very zippy) and since I'm a GUI guy (avoid the snickers folks!), I thought I'd try and kubuntu-desktop package. Love it! I may switch on my personal PCs to Kubuntu.

I have never tried Mint. Since I can run whatever I want in VirtualBox, I may have to give that a try... But, does anyone know if support / development is as strong as Ubuntu?

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 7:34 am

Mint is a remix of the latest Ubuntu. Mint 11 is based on Ubuntu 11.04. It stays up to date pretty well. They use gnome as the desktop. They also have a Debian edition which I have not used.

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 8:37 am

Interesting. So a remix of the base Ubuntu Gnome version. That being the case how is it so much better? More interested in personal experiences.

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 8:45 am

If I remember correctly when I looked at Mint, it included several popular additions that weren't in the base.

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 4:54 pm

I don't know if it is better as much as it is different. Kguske is correct that it has a few different packages but it uses the same repositories as Ubuntu. If it works on Ubuntu 11.04, it works on Mint 11. I use it on my netbook and an old Thinkpad. My main laptop has Ubuntu 11.04 on it. I like both.

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:33 pm

Ah, ok. Good to know. Thanks guys.

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 2:59 pm

Ok linux guru's... I've finally got my laptop setup the way I wanted it. Very Happy

Linux Mint 11
xplanetFX live desktop
Conky Ken 2.5

mmmm So sexy

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 6:25 am

Holy Toledo Batman, that is one fantastic looking desktop!!!

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 7:29 am

Well thanks montego!! It took me two days of learning now linux works etc to get er' all setup the way I like... but the outcome is awesome. The live desktop REALLY adds to the conky setup and both just totally set off the desktop. I really REALLY like my linux laptop now. Very Happy

Also, if you're not familiar with it already... the green icon next to the wifi signal is a program called "Guake". Extremely useful terminal app. It drops down out of the top of the screen by pressing F12. Makes working in the terminal very easy and eye appealing.

http://guake.org/