Flavor of linux

killing-hours · 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

nuken · 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.

killing-hours · 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.

kguske · Site Admin Joined: Jun 04, 2004 Posts: 6044

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

montego · 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?

nuken · 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.

montego · 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.

kguske · Site Admin Joined: Jun 04, 2004 Posts: 6044

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

nuken · 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.

montego · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:33 pm

Ah, ok. Good to know. Thanks guys.

killing-hours · 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

montego · Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 6:25 am

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

killing-hours · 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.

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