For Linux users: What open source OS would you recommend?

Question

I want to try a Linux based OS on my machine as dual boot system w/ Windows Vista. Found lots of info in net, tried Ubuntu Live CD (without install), however cannot decide which OS will be the best for me. I’m not experienced w/ Linux and just want to try open source soft. I researched all of these distributions http://www.linux.com/distributions/ Is out there something else I don’t know about? Also the question is which distribution will work the best on my machine which is HP Pavillion dv9420us, see http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=computer_store&landing=computers&category=notebooks/dv9000z_series&subcat1=rts&catLevel=3&product_code=GA354UA%23ABA&tab=detailed_specs#defaultAnchor Thanks!

Can I try other OS without installing them (like Ubuntu)?

Answer 1

Hi --

Yes, there are many LiveCD's available for you to try without having to install them.

As you know, ubuntu is based on Debian, which many others like Knoppix {http://www.knoppix.org/} are also based on.

Another branch of Linux distributions are based on Red-Hat/Fedora, and include MandrivaOne 2007 'Spring'. Two others derived from Mandriva 2007 Spring include PCLinuxOS and MCNLive, for example.

I would suggest you try MandrivaOne, to compare with your ubuntu experience. You can download it at:
http://www.mandriva.com/en/download/mandrivaone ...look
near the bottom of the page for ftp or http mirrors if you don't want to use bittorrent.

For PCLinuxOS, take a look and download at:
http://linux.softpedia.com/get/System/Operating-Systems/Linux-Distributions/PCLinuxOS-2007-22543.shtml
...or
http://www.pclinuxos.com/

For MCNLive, take a look at:
http://www.mcnlive.org/

For a list of others you could consider, take a look at:
http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

BTW, for more information and reviews of various distributions, take a look at:
http://distrowatch.com/

hth.

Answer 2

You sound like you covered alot of territory already. Good job. My answer would either be very short or very very long.

What I would say is your BEST bet is to check and see if there is a linux user group in your area. Most of them have "install fests" where people bring in their machine and the experts there (who can argue all day about the "best" linux) will make sure that you are up and running before you leave.

Answer 3

I even have use Ubuntu and that's remarkable. it extremely is the main person pal version of Linux and there are solid replacements for Microsoft utility. i prefer to advise attempting it first to work out in case you like it even with the undeniable fact that. you may get a stay cd by ability of downloading Ubuntu from the positioning and then burn it to a disc and then positioned it interior the optical force reboot and it could boot from the disc and attempt it. you additionally can twin boot with living house windows and Ubuntu or use a digital gadget like digital container that's unfastened. digital container permits you to run different OSs in a application and it paintings commonly. i admire Linux and distinctive of the distributors and Ubuntu is a competent one to apply in case you have not at all use Linux previously.

Answer 4

Hi, I am not a Linux user but I can say this that in my opinion there is only one distro of Linux that matches Windows Vista and that is OpenSuse 10.2. Get it at:
http://en.opensuse.org
Yeah u can run it without installing I think!
Good Luck!