Which Linux?

Question

OK, I'm officially fed up with malicious corporate interference in my OS. I am just an end-user who only wants to be able to use my computer, not devote my life to removing scumware and maintaining a stable machine. I understand that I must learn coding to really understand this stuff, and will learn C when I get the time. Until then, though, I was planning on switching my 1.5 celeron gateway notebook over to a Linux-based OS. However, in searching for one, I found a multitude of different "flavors" of linux. Does anyone out there have any advice on which is the most stable? Most user-friendly? Do I need to purchase a specifically Linux-compatible machine for this? I'm fed up, I tell ya. I'm about ready to designate my notebook as a placemat and go back to using a typewriter (I'm a writer). The internet has become more headache than it's worth. But I know it doesn't have to be this way. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

try knoppix

you can run it live from cd to see if you like it and that it has all of your drivers before deciding to install it to the hard drive

for a list of live cds

http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

i still use xp though as well

Answer 2

As a linux user myself, I *totally* understand your confusion at this stage.
However, there is good news. Try looking around distrowatch.org, and single out a few distribution(or flavors) that appeals to what you are trying to accomplish. You can generally run a live cd, that is, you can test drive the linux os distro without modifying your computer in anyway, or even installing it. Be advised that it will run slower than normal.
"I understand that I must learn coding to really understand this stuff, and will learn C when I get the time." I would put that question in the category that would be quickly answered once you test out your new os, in short, NO.
"Do I need to purchase a specifically Linux-compatible machine for this?" Another brlliant aspect of the linux os is that it can run on about ANY machine. I am running linux on my cell phone right now. NO
"Does anyone out there have any advice on which is the most stable? Most user-friendly?" this question is along the lines of "what kind of ice cream should I try?' 'I don't know, which flavor do you like?' ' I don't know, I have never had icecream". The best way to find out is to simply try it and play around with it. In my opinion the most user friendly distros out there is a tie between MEPIS and ubuntu.
After all, if you install an os you decide you don't like, try another! Linux is free !
I believe once you try linux, you will never go back, I have seen amazing transformations in the oldest, most feeble and abused machines. Feel free to ask any additional questions if you are having a hard time.

Answer 3

I think Ubuntu LInux will suite your requirements.
This is the no. 1 flavor of linux in this world. its very easy to learn also.
Also amazingly you can get it free from www.ubuntu.com either
as cd/download.
If you want to more about linux and its stuff join http://www.linuxgalore.com/forum.php

Answer 4

Ubuntu

Here is plenty of info:
http://ubuntuforums.org/

Edit: Brand new version comming out in two days or so that addresses a wifi bug.