What Version of Linux is Right for Me?
How to Choose a Linux Distribution
If you read my previous article “Microsoft is the Debil!“, than you probably know I am in the process of switching over to Linux. As I mentioned in that article I have no experience what so ever with Linux so I am writing a series of guides to document my first steps to help others who have been considering the switch but are nervous about what it may entail.
There are several considerations I need to make now that I am switching over to Linux. The main consideration is that I will be installing it onto a laptop that me, and my fiancée share so I need to find something she can easily use also.
I considered doing a dual boot setup incase I need to run Windows for one reason or another but I feel that this will defeat the purpose of this project. I may outline installing a dual boot system in another guide, but for the time being we will be focusing on installing one operating system onto the laptop.
With that being said there are other considerations that need to be made also. What is a good graphical version of Linux? I am a designer and artist by trade so I prefer a visual operating system over command line. I also prefer this for practicality. Since we are looking for a “Windows alternative” here, I do not want to make any sacrifices when choosing my new OS.
Other considerations include hardware and software compatibility, the ability to install onto a desktop or laptop, ease of use, easy access to software, an easy installation, etc.
As you can see there are a lot of considerations that a person can make. Fortunately someone has put together a “Linux Distribution Chooser” that will help someone that is new to Linux (like me) find the distribution that will best suit their needs.
The link below will take you to the “Linux Distribution Chooser” website:
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/
Now that I am at their website lets find a version of Linux that is right for me (or you!). I will be outlining the questions asked and the answers I provided to help others with the considerations I made when taking the test.
NOTE: It is not necessary to read the following section if you are confident in getting started with Linux. I have merely provided it for those who want additional information to help them in making decisions regarding their new operating system.
The first thing I need to do is click the “Take the Test” button to start. Now I will choose my Language which is “English“.
This takes me to the test and starts a series of roughly 10 questions to help me determine what version of Linux will best fit me.
The first question is:
01. Do you know what a “Linux distribution” is?
I am selecting “Yes“. A Linux distribution, often referred to as distribution or distro, is a member of the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems comprised of the Linux. I am guessing that most anyone reading this article is somewhat familiar with what this question is asking.
The next question is:
01a. Have you successfully installed an operating system before?
Once again I will choose “Yes“. I work for a computer company and have been working with computers for years so I have had to install my fair share of operating systems over the years. If your answer is “No”, don’t worry, the test is designed to point you in the right direction, not to judge you. Answering the questions incorrectly will only steer you away from a version of Linux that will work best for you.
Now that we have answered these questions lets click “next” in the lower right hand corner. This takes us to the second screen which is asking:
02. Do you know how to “partition” a hard drive?
I will say “Yes” to this because I have had to do this prior to some Windows installations. I have done this through both FDISK and the Windows Setup interface. If you are unfamiliar with what partition means see the definition below.
Define:Partition - Logical storage unit. One hard disk can be divided into one or more partitions. Each partition is regarded as one logical storage unit, and normally contains one file system. In the Windows operating systems (95/98/NT/2000) each partition is assigned one station letter (C:, D: etc).
The following question is:
02a. Which kind of installer do you prefer?
.
I’m going to choose “Graphical (Point and click)” because as I mentioned above I am looking for a Windows alternative. Also note option 4 which says “What is the difference?“. If you are unsure of any questions in the test you can always use this option for a more detailed explanation of what is being asked.
Once again click “Next” to proceed to question 3.
Question 3 asks us:
03. How would you rate your technical skills?
I’m going to choose “Intermediate / Advanced” because I have been working with computers for years but I do not know advanced computer fields like programming, or high level networking and security. These things may get factored into the type of distro that is recommended so I want to be as accurate as possible. Once again choose the option that is right for you.
Click “Next” once you have answered this question.
The next question on the test says:
04. What kind of computer are you installing on?
I’m going to go with the “Could be both” answer because as I mentioned I am looking for an OS that will allow me to replace Windows. I will initially be test driving it on my laptop with the intention of installing it onto all my computers in the future.
The follow-up question asks:
04a. What is the primary use of this computer?
I will say I’m probably going to be using this for a “Desktop / home system” which is what I currently use my laptop for. I mainly need to be able to write, with access to some type of office software, and the ability to go online, play music, and watch videos. I think this is a good option to go with while I’m starting out, to find a good Linux distro.
Click “next” to proceed:
Question #5 asks about 64bit processors (CPUs):
05. Do you have a 64-bit processor?
I am going to choose “No” because I do not have one on the laptop. I do however have one on my main PC, and server. This is something you will want to check on your system before answering. If you have purchased your computer in the past two years or so (written as of 05/08/2008) you most likely have a 64bit processor.
If you are unsure you can always select “No”. The worst case scenario is you will get a Linux distro that doesn’t make full use of the 64bit function of your CPU. In any case it will still run much faster than Windows because Linux is designed more efficiently than Windows so it makes better use of your hardware. Keep in mind most Windows software at the time of this writing does not make use of 64bit processors with the exceptions 64bit versions of Windows. Aside from the operating system, not many applications that are out make use of 64bit CPUs either.
Once you have answered for your specific system click the “Next” option:
The next question is:
06. How old is the computer you are installing Linux on?
My answer is “Just a few years old“. I bought my laptop (a Sony VAIO) from a friend in 2005. I would say we can assume that “just a few years” probably ranges from about 2-4 years old. Anything newer would be “still shining” and anything older would be the first option. This question most likely will try to take hardware support into consideration for the Linux disto that is recommended to you.
The follow-up question asks:
06a. How would you rate your knowledge of linux?
I’m going to choose “I’ve never used linux before / only tried it a little“. In fact, I have tried it… “a little”. I work with Linux at my work for a QA procedure, but this is laid out for me on paper and has not required me to actually learn Linux. This is another question where you will just need to use your best judgment. Because I am looking for a good Windows alternative I am going with this answer so I can find something that is really easy to use.
Click “next” to proceed with the test.
The seventh question states:
07. Do you need easy access to a lot of ready-to-run software?
My answer here is definitely “Yes, please” because as I stated, I will be using this for my “office” type functions for writing and publishing, and also for entertainment purposes like music and videos. Since I have not used Linux before I would prefer this came with the operating system instead of requiring me to go online to find compatible software and then figure out how to install it.
The next question is:
07a. Will you be installing the distribuion on a PC or a Mac?
In my case “I am installing it on a PC“. Just pick the answer that applies to your system.
The follow-up question to this is:
07b. Please select what best fits you..
I’m going with the “I prefer to use perfectly stable, thoroughly tested software” option because as I mentioned I need to share this laptop with my fiancée. I also do not want any crashes or problems when I am typing up articles. I feel the answer here can really vary depending on what you are using the computer for. Since I am using it for “office” use, I want it stable. Select the option that best suits you.
Click “next” to proceed to the last question.
The final question is:
08. Does the Linux distro have to be free (gratis)?
I am choosing “Yes” because one of the biggest advantages of Linux is that you are not required to pay to use it. If you would like to know why someone might choose to pay for Linux, check the “What’s the advantage of paying?” option.
The follow-up question is as follows:
08a. Do you want to include Live CDs in the results?
I’m going to choose “No, just standard distributions” because I want an installed operating system on my laptop to replace Windows. If you do not want to replace Windows and still want to try out Linux this may be a good alternative. For more information on “Live CDs” check the “What’s the difference?” option.
define:live CD - LiveDistro is a generic term for an operating system distribution that is executed upon boot, without installation on a hard drive.
Once you have selected your answer you are done with test. Congratulations.
“Thank you! Now, let us find a Linux distribution that best suits your needs!”
You can now click the “next” button to see the test results and what distributions of Linux are recommended based on your answers.
As you can see based on my answers there are several recommendations for a Linux distro. They are:
Ubuntu
Kubuntu
OpenSuSE
Freespire
Mandriva
You will notice that each distribution has a link to the homepage where you can download the software. They also have a link below that which will let you see screenshots for each distribution, and a brief description of the distro so you can get a general idea about it before deciding on one.
This test is really convenient because it allows you to cover all the major considerations involved in switching to a new operating system, especially if you do not know what questions you need to ask yourself.
Now that these issues have been addressed I can make my final decision based on the visual look of the options that were recommended to me. All of these options should meet my criteria, so which ever one I think will make a visually good Windows alternative will be the option I go with.
After looking at the screenshots provided in the results I am going to go with Kubuntu (Hardy) as I feel this will provide a good Windows alternative for me. I will posting follow-up articles on my switch to Linux so users who are “new” (like me) can get a good feel for what it is like to approach the process having almost no knowledge of Linux.
As always thanks for checking out Pseudorant. If anyone else you know would be interested in this article please send them the link! I am hopeing this type of guide will appeal to people who have always wanted to switch but were nervous to do so for one reason or another.
