Linux newbie - Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Mint? - All Things Unix

Author	All Replies
ironweasel Weezy Premium join:2000-09-13 Belen, NM kudos:1	Linux newbie - Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Mint? This "Linux Distribution Chooser" site (»www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/) recommended 5 distributions: OpenSuSE Kubuntu Ubuntu Mandriva Linux Mint I did some further "research" into the various distros and dismissed Mandriva and OpenSuSE. Ubuntu was supposedly the best option for new Linux users and also discovered that Kubuntu and Mint are based off Ubuntu. Is there any reason to go with Kubuntu or Mint over the distro they're actually based on? I'm basically looking into Linux just to learn a new OS for fun. Whichever distro I do end up with will end up on a dual boot system with Windows 7 Home Premium so keep that in mind...don't know if it makes a difference. -- Support the country you live in or live in the country you support!
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-26 21:37:30 ·
ptuck874 join:2008-10-28	i personally went with ubuntu this past week (daughters pc was messed up big time asking for windows activation code and stuff, got tired of messing with it and just installed linux on the pc) , played with mint some, but wasnt really liking it, installed ubuntu over top of that, no problems, didnt like the unity bar to much on the side, so did a google search making ubuntu look like osx, and fixed it all up with dock on bottom and stuff, turned out pretty cool, and learning the terminal code stuff now, might want to look in that direction (also found out if you have wireless card set up mint didnt have the broadcom wireless drivers in it, but for some reason ubuntu did, so there is another reason there ), for the dual boot i know the ubuntu also had the option of installing with windows, and its a small amount to get it going, so i would maybe lean towards that again
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-26 22:06:14 ·

firephoto Facts hurt Premium join:2003-03-18 Brewster, WA	reply to ironweasel Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Mint are all giving different environments that you're working from. The backend bits are the same in some cases but the interface you click around it will be different. Watch some videos on youtube of the three current versions. See what you like the looks of. My vote is for Kubuntu of those three and of those it has the longest record of the environment you're presented with using KDE version 4.8.3 currently. Ubuntu went to their new Unity interface by default since a year ago, and Mint uses GNOME3 or a modified version of that or a modified version of GNOME2 (looks wise afaik) also in the last year or so. -- Say no to JAMS!
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 01:34:41 ·
chrisretusn Retired Premium join:2007-08-13 Philippines kudos:1	reply to ironweasel None the above, give PCLinuxOS a look. -- Chris Living in Paradise!!
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 01:54:52 ·
Maxo Your tax dollars at work. Premium,VIP join:2002-11-04 Tallahassee, FL	reply to ironweasel The biggest difference is going to be how the desktop environment looks. I would recommend installing each in VirtualBox and seeing which one you like the most. Give each one some time. My first experience with a Linux desktop was KDE. I initially didn't like Gnome, but by the urge of a classmate I gave it a longer try and found myself liking it the most. I didn't like Unity much at first, but once I really got into it I really started to see its advantages. The most popular desktop in Linux today Gnome3, KDE4 and Unity. There are spins of Gnome3 to feel more like Gnome2, which I think is what Mint gives you. With Ubuntu you can use Kubuntu, which is Ubuntu with KDE, and Ubuntu, which is Ubuntu with Unity. From Ubuntu it is trivial to install Gnome3 and get the Gnome3 and Gnome3, with Gnome2 feel all running. You just pick which one you want at log in. Once you find the desktop environment you like, hopping distros is easy, except that currently only Ubuntu has Unity. -- "Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter »maxolasersquad.com/ »maxolasersquad.blogspot.com »www.facebook.com/maxolasersquad
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 08:42:03 ·
FiReSTaRT Premium join:2010-02-26 Canada	I'd go with Mint as it has the sanest desktop environments out of the modern distros. If you're running on old hardware, then go with Lubuntu.
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 14:07:10 ·
KodiacZiller Premium join:2008-09-04 73368 kudos:2	reply to ironweasel said by ironweasel: Is there any reason to go with Kubuntu or Mint over the distro they're actually based on? The main difference with Kubuntu is it uses a different desktop environment (KDE) while Ubuntu uses Gnome/Unity. It is a matter of preference, but I prefer Ubuntu since it is better supported by Canonical. Plus Unity feels lighter to me (KDE seems to be more resource intensive). Mint is a complete fork and is not under the control of Canonical. The main difference with it is that it comes with a lot of multimedia codecs preinstalled so the user doesn't have to do as much to get things like Flash, DVD playback, mp3 and other stuff running. -- Getting people to stop using windows is more or less the same as trying to get people to stop smoking tobacco products. They dont want to change; they are happy with slowly dying inside. -- munky99999
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 14:16:33 ·
ironweasel Weezy Premium join:2000-09-13 Belen, NM kudos:1	reply to ironweasel My hardware is maybe 6 months old. Asrock Extreme3 Gen3 Z68 board, 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM, and an i5-2500k @ 3.8Ghz. Never thought of running a virtual box (or LiveCD) to try out the various distros, but that is an excellent idea. I have messed around with Ubuntu in the past, but that was maybe 3 years ago and only for about 15 20 minutes...so it doesn't count for anything. I'll grab the newest distro of Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Mint and take them all for a whirl before making a decision. Thanks for the replies. -- Support the country you live in or live in the country you support!
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 20:04:28 ·
FiReSTaRT Premium join:2010-02-26 Canada	Make sure you get Mint in both MATE and Cinnamon and see which one you like better.
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-27 21:53:02 ·
TuxRaiderPen join:2009-09-19	reply to ironweasel said by ironweasel: This "Linux Distribution Chooser" site (»www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/) recommended 5 distributions: OpenSuSE Kubuntu Ubuntu Mandriva Linux Mint I did some further "research" into the various distros and dismissed Mandriva and OpenSuSE. Ubuntu was supposedly the best option for new Linux users and also discovered that Kubuntu and Mint are based off Ubuntu. Is there any reason to go with Kubuntu or Mint over the distro they're actually based on? First, for some one coming from the "OS" your coming from choose a KDE based distro. I would suggest the following: Linux KMint 12 Netrunner 4.2 And last only if you want the source distro Kubuntu Why? Linux KMint and Netrunner put polish on Kubuntu to offer install and go distros ready to get things done. Like play media, view websites... theres no need to hunt down 50 things to install to get Mp3's, flash etc. to work. And hope you get them installed and working... Its not as bad as it used to be, but there can be pitfalls for the newly converted. They work and are ready to roll in Linux KMint and Netrunner. *In my personal* opinion** both leave things out, and in the case of Netrunner have issues with including things like virtualbox, failing to include Konqueror. Kubuntu leaves out most of this stuff and you have to search out directions on how to "install[fix]" this after installing. And if you need Java for anything, then you will need to fix ALL the distros today due idiocy from oracle on distributing it? [Yet Netrunner sees fit to distribute virtualbox? ] And before some one tells you that OpenJDK is what Java 7 is based on and works... PFFT! BZZT! Run away from that person! 99.999% of Java programs don't work on it, follow this tutorial on fixing this problem: »blog.flexion.org/2012/01/16/inst···ackages/ Download the Live DVD's of each and play. But one thing I will give, is resounidng and unequiovical NO $!()$!() Ubuntu (the main version!) its garbage with its idiotic useless interface and for a new convert you will be totally lost on how to get any thing done. Stay away from it and anything related to MATE, Cinnamon. KDE offers a interface you will be familar with and can start getting things done, with out trying to figure out where stuff is hidden, why there is not {this,that, or this, or that} in other DE's. said by ironweasel: I'm basically looking into Linux just to learn a new OS for fun. Whichever distro I do end up with will end up on a dual boot system with Windows 7 Home Premium so keep that in mind...don't know if it makes a difference. Go all in or go home. I dabled for years... waste of time.. had I cut the ms cord way earlier I would be better off... pull the plug and just wipe it away... With out that crutch there is no, well I'll just boot back to the dark side and .....You will learn to solve the problems and find the programs you need to get your task done. NO.. ALL OR NOTHING.... Outside of one particular area, there really is no need for this, most tasks can be done on Linux with out issue. I am not going to go into the one area as I personally just don't care about it, others can address its [alleged] merits.
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-28 10:31:11 ·
Maxo Your tax dollars at work. Premium,VIP join:2002-11-04 Tallahassee, FL	said by TuxRaiderPen: Why? Linux KMint and Netrunner put polish on Kubuntu to offer install and go distros ready to get things done. Like play media, view websites... theres no need to hunt down 50 things to install to get Mp3's, flash etc. to work. And hope you get them installed and working... Its not as bad as it used to be, but there can be pitfalls for the newly converted. They work and are ready to roll in Linux KMint and Netrunner. At the first screen during the installation of Ubuntu you can check a box for it to go ahead and download and install proprietary codecs and software for DVD, MP3, and Flash. -- "Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter »maxolasersquad.com/ »maxolasersquad.blogspot.com »www.facebook.com/maxolasersquad
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-28 11:03:15 ·
ironweasel Weezy Premium join:2000-09-13 Belen, NM kudos:1	reply to ironweasel Ok, so another question then. I discovered (long time Linux use rs don't laugh at me for this....) Wine yesterday. According to the wine site, some games run flawlessly while others take some "fiddling" to get them to work asst an acceptable level. How does Steam run under Linux? Diablo 3 is platinum according to wine, so it should run without any problems, but I have about two dozen games in my Steam library. I already use a lot of open source software under Windows 7 like Open Office for example and I see that the majority of Windows applications have an equivalent app on Linux. Also, I have a Geforce GTX 570 video card....how well is that supported? -- Support the country you live in or live in the country you support!
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-28 11:17:19 ·
Maxo Your tax dollars at work. Premium,VIP join:2002-11-04 Tallahassee, FL	said by ironweasel: How does Steam run under Linux? I recon that remains to be seen. said by ironweasel: Diablo 3 is platinum according to wine, so it should run without any problems, but I have about two dozen games in my Steam library. I already use a lot of open source software under Windows 7 like Open Office for example and I see that the majority of Windows applications have an equivalent app on Linux. IME Games tend to get the best support in Wine. -- "Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter »maxolasersquad.com/ »maxolasersquad.blogspot.com »www.facebook.com/maxolasersquad
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-28 11:54:55 ·
TuxRaiderPen join:2009-09-19	reply to Maxo said by Maxo: At the first screen during the installation of Ubuntu you can check a box for it to go ahead and download and install proprietary codecs and software for DVD, MP3, and Flash. And its been a RESOUNDING FAILURE 100% of the time every time I've tried it on every xbuntu or derivative that uses that...I've had to redo installs, restart installs all because that was checked. FAIL. DO NOT USE. Linux KMint and Netrunner are ready to rock and roll, no muss no fuss.
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 12:40:01 ·
TuxRaiderPen join:2009-09-19	reply to ironweasel said by ironweasel: I discovered (long time Linux use rs don't laugh at me for this....) Wine yesterday. According to the wine site, some games run flawlessly while others take some "fiddling" to get them to work asst an acceptable level. SKIP the "WINE" enjoy the wine, a nice red, with your cheese and Linux! WINE is another of those "crutches" that should be distanced away from . . . GO NATIVE! What task are your after that there is not a better or equal NATIVE Linux application? (sans games, which I don't know any thing or care about.) said by ironweasel: How does Steam run under Linux? Steam is used to power things like electric turbines... oh... No clue, see above. said by ironweasel: Also, I have a Geforce GTX 570 video card....how well is that supported? Supported since the 260.19.29 driver see: »www.nvidia.com/object/linux-disp···ver.html Best way to get your [excellent choice] nVidia card is to enable the XSWAT PPA in your disto. First, use the "Additional Drivers" thats included in buntu deriviatives to install the OEM drivers then follow this post: »forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.p···&t=66839 It applies really for any buntu based like Linux KMint or Netrunner. You can also review how to do this at the XSWAT PPA »launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat/+ar···-updates
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 12:47:56 ·
El Quintron Resident Mouth Breather Premium join:2008-04-28 Etobicoke, ON kudos:2 Reviews: ·TekSavvy DSL ·WIND Mobile ·voip.ms	reply to ironweasel said by ironweasel: How does Steam run under Linux? Something worth mentionning is that although you can get the Steam client working pretty good (I've always used playon) it's no guarantee that your steam games will work. That being said I've always had pretty good success with the Valve games (TF2, L4D, HL, CS etc) -- Everything in moderation... Including Moderation --Oscar Wilde
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 12:56:34 ·
Maxo Your tax dollars at work. Premium,VIP join:2002-11-04 Tallahassee, FL	reply to TuxRaiderPen said by TuxRaiderPen: said by Maxo: At the first screen during the installation of Ubuntu you can check a box for it to go ahead and download and install proprietary codecs and software for DVD, MP3, and Flash. And its been a RESOUNDING FAILURE 100% of the time every time I've tried it on every xbuntu or derivative that uses that...I've had to redo installs, restart installs all because that was checked. FAIL. DO NOT USE. Linux KMint and Netrunner are ready to rock and roll, no muss no fuss. And its been a RESOUNDING success 100% of the time I've tried it on every Ubuntu I've installed. -- "Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter »maxolasersquad.com/ »maxolasersquad.blogspot.com »www.facebook.com/maxolasersquad
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 13:48:41 ·
markofmayhem Why not now? Premium join:2004-04-08 Pittsburgh, PA kudos:5 Reviews: ·Comcast	reply to El Quintron said by El Quintron: said by ironweasel: How does Steam run under Linux? Something worth mentionning is that although you can get the Steam client working pretty good (I've always used playon) it's no guarantee that your steam games will work. That being said I've always had pretty good success with the Valve games (TF2, L4D, HL, CS etc) I as well. Trouble with Portal 2's sound at first, but it seems okay now. Nearly every game with a strong OpenGL option built for Windows is "out of the box" capable with Wine (their used to be many more choices than just World of Warcraft). -- Show off that hardware: join Team Discovery and Team Helix
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 14:17:51 ·
Santa Fe I use Xfce, don't you wish Everyone did? Premium,ExMod 2002-7 join:2000-08-22 Freight Yard kudos:2 Reviews: ·Mediacom	reply to Maxo said by Maxo: said by TuxRaiderPen: said by Maxo: At the first screen during the installation of Ubuntu you can check a box for it to go ahead and download and install proprietary codecs and software for DVD, MP3, and Flash. And its been a RESOUNDING FAILURE 100% of the time every time I've tried it on every xbuntu or derivative that uses that...I've had to redo installs, restart installs all because that was checked. FAIL. DO NOT USE. Linux KMint and Netrunner are ready to rock and roll, no muss no fuss. And its been a RESOUNDING success 100% of the time I've tried it on every Ubuntu I've installed. Shhh.... next it'll be "And don't use the GUI, we should ONLY use the CLI boxes to do stuff. I've used Slackware, and later on when I got lazy, Ubuntu. Haven't had any problems with either. Although gotta admit Unity I can live without, hence the Xfce Me tag. -- Explore Xubuntu. Like It? Install It. [Love It]!
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 14:46:19 ·
El Quintron Resident Mouth Breather Premium join:2008-04-28 Etobicoke, ON kudos:2 Reviews: ·TekSavvy DSL ·WIND Mobile ·voip.ms	reply to markofmayhem said by markofmayhem: I as well. Trouble with Portal 2's sound at first, but it seems okay now. Nearly every game with a strong OpenGL option built for Windows is "out of the box" capable with Wine (their used to be many more choices than just World of Warcraft). I had problems with L4D's sound a while back... I had to select "stereo headphones" or another downmix option to get it working... otherwise it worked almost flawlessly. -- Everything in moderation... Including Moderation --Oscar Wilde
	to forum · permalink · 2012-06-29 15:32:17 ·

OS and Software > All Things Unix > Linux newbie - Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Mint?

Linux newbie - Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Mint?