Types of Linux, what version do I need?

Question

It's a lazy way to ask but when I google it I get sooooo many information and I am just not in the mood to scan through the junk. I am interested in switching to linux from windows... Just like windows, they have Xp to Vista to 7 which is the latest.
What are my options with Linux?
I saw this video of Zorin: Is Zorin a version of Linux or something totally different.
I just want a straight up answer if that is that simple.


Thanks

Answer 1

GNOME 3 now deployed on many Linux distros. is cluttered and in my opinion not suitable for use on a production machine. I need a Desktop Environment that allows me to just get things done with minimal fuss. This is where the older Gnome 2 Desktop Environment excels.



Linux Mint 12 goes some way to addressing this wth MGSE (Mint Gnome Shell Extensions) which is a layer built on top of GNOME 3 however for me like other distros. to deploy the GNOME 3 Desktop Environment does not convince enough for an installation

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_lisa_whatsnew.php



Given it a spin by running it from a LiveDVD and see what you think



Linux Mint 12 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=94



Linux Mint 12 Release Notes/Installation Guide/User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_lisa.php



Linux Desktop Faceoff GNOME 3 Shell vs Ubuntu Unity

http://lifehacker.com/5853099/linux-desktop-faceoff-gnome-3-vs-ubuntu-unity



I thoroughly recommend the earlier release Linux Mint 11 that uses the Gnome 2 Desktop Enviroinment. Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 11 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=81



Linux Mint 11 Release Notes/Installation Guide/User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_katya.php



Also worth considering is Linux Mint Debian Edition



Linux Mint Debian Edition Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=88



Manual partitioning guide for Linux Mint Debian Edition

http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2010/12/28/manual-disk-partitioning-guide-for-linux-mint-debian-edition/



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 12/Linux Mint 11 or Linux Mint Debian Edition then you need to create a Bootable LiveDVD

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 11 and Linux Mint Debian Edition as with Linux Mint 12 can also be run straight from the LiveDVD without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 2

For cross-over users, you might want to start with Ubuntu 10.04, or the latest Mint "distro" (version). Ubuntu's latest version (11.xx) is not nearly as good as earlier versions.

These resemble Windows enough to allow a fairly easy transition.



Note you can keep Windows and just have Linux installed 'next' to it in an arrangement called 'dual boot' which when you power up gives you a choice, made by moving the arrow key to highlight which one you want.

That way you can play with and learn the Linux yet still fall back to Windows in a pinch.

All files are kept intact with this arrangement, but for fool-proof install, you should always back up your pic's, music & data before doing major hard drive mods.



See here for Ubuntu (Mint is nearly identical for the install):

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing



Also note that during the install you can import some folders from Windows to Mint Linux.

Before starting the install, just have all pics in the"Pictures" folder; Music in the "Music" folder, and Videos in the "Video" folder.

This saves a bit of hassle moving files with a USB, but either way, you'll soon see the advantages of not having to babysit an OS that's constantly on life support.

Answer 3

Yes Zorin is a linux based operating system as well as the following, Kubuntu, Ubuntu, Opensuse, Xubuntu.



You can go here https://www.linux.com to get more info.