2007-01-04 09:32:08 · 9 answers · asked by B 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Funny you should mention this, as I just set up about 20 realitives with Linux PCs for chrismas.
My Personal choice is Ubuntu.
http://www.ubuntu.com
Its a debian based system (apt-get) with some very sleek package management programs. All in all its very clean, comes with all the basic needs on install (Firefox/Openoffice/Rythymbox/Gimp) and will pretty much set itself up.
In combonation with it, you'll diffently need to run the install script automatrix, which will install a good number of 'i'll install these anyways, lets make it easy' packages. Also if your using a graphics card and actually want to use it, it will also automagicaly install the nvidia drivers for you. Ive only had it fail once on me.
http://www.getautomatix.com/
There are other cool things to install for a 10 year old, Beryl is one of them, its rather a pain to install, but he'll love the effects.
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Edgy#How_to_install_Beryl.2FAIGLX_.28Nvidia.29
Should work out just fine.
Ubuntu is free, and it comes in two (major) flavors, Ubuntu and Kubuntu. Only difference is Ubuntu comes with Gnome as its default window manager (sleeker, more utilatiarian, smoother) and Kubuntu comes with KDE (more eye-candy and toys, pretty cool). Free to download and use of course.
Dont forget to update the system on install though ;)
2007-01-04 09:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by cyhawkx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing to say - almost all flavors of Linux are free. If you have trouble downloading the ISOs and burning them correctly onto CD (as ISOs, not just normal data CD) you may need to spend about $7 to buy a CD of the flavor you want.
To see the choice, surf over to:
http://www.distrowatch.com
I would recommend PCLinuxOS as the easiest to use:
http://www.pclinuxos.com
The PCLinuxOS CD runs as a "live" CD on your computer - which means that you can see if it works on your PC without actually needing to install it. It just runs in the RAM, and has NO effect whatsoever on whatever is on your hard drive. Just make a small change to the boot order in your computer's BIOS - tell it to boot first from the CD/DVD drive, and put in the PCLinuxOS CD, and it will start up automatically. Not all PCs will run Linux successfully, but many will. There are SO many different flavors to choose from - you will find one you like sooner or later.
Start with PCLinuxOS, and jump into the forum if you have problems - a truckload of friendly experts!
DC :)
2007-01-04 09:44:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a comparison between different distributions of Linux. Read it and choose the one you like for your child:
http://www.helpero.com/news/Computers/Linux/UBUNTU-vs-SUSE-vs-FEDORA_20.html
Helpero is a web site that helps every Internet user, from all over the world, solve any computer related problem. You can ask Helpero for free.
2007-01-04 09:44:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ubuntu is commonly held as the easiest linux for a beginner. Give it a whirl.
2007-01-04 09:34:46 · answer #4 · answered by letmepicyou 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
linux is free try suse linux 10.0
2007-01-04 09:34:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ubuntu or Kubuntu.
2007-01-04 09:35:07 · answer #6 · answered by johndeereman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer Knoppix myself.
2007-01-04 09:36:06 · answer #7 · answered by Daniel D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try any version of RedHat ..it's best for newbie :)
2007-01-04 09:41:39 · answer #8 · answered by hostingcomments 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://ubuntulinux.org
2007-01-05 09:12:36 · answer #9 · answered by abhinav 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋