New to linux

[Marshmule]

Hi could someone reccomend the best version to start using? Having never used it before i would like the most user friendly and basic version to try,
Its going to be installed on a laptop!

Thanks

 

[chriscpritchard]

either suse or ubuntu, or maybe fedora, i would probably go with suse

 

[leezer3]

Mandriva is probably one of the most idot-proof distributions out there, and comes on 4 CDs (At least the last version I downloaded did lol), and this means that it can automatically install most of the required stuff. Add to this the EasyURPMI website for the updates/ legally restricted stuff, & this has gotta be one of the best all-round beginner distros.
If you want Gnome, the Ubuntu is by far and away the best out there, especially as it's usually the first to have new versions. However, this means that the KDE support is nowhere near as good. It also comes with far less stuff availabe by default, which may or may not be a good thing. (Mandriva lets you choose categories of common apps to install)

-Leezer-

 

[TotalImmortal]

I'd go with ubuntu and if you want KDE there is Kubuntu or just add kde to ubuntu from the repository.
It's extreamly eays to use and less bloated than suse/mandriva/fedora ilk.
There is a ubuntu package for just about everything in the multiverse repositories and if you use "easy ubuntu" it will automaticaly install stuff like video drivers and libdvdcss for dvds and w32 codecs...
+ APT / synaptic is amazing

 

[Mason64]

was just about to ask the same question is it ok to use linux as a desktop pc? does it do most things u need?

 

[900I]

My vote goes to SuSE as usual, 10.0 is good to go on a laptop.