Ive noticed that a lot of people from everywhere always talking about how amazing linux is due to not having to take all the extra junk hence everything runs quick specifically for your own system. But at the same time, programming seems to be the requirement for linux. Ubuntu, is it as good as linux? Whats the benefits over win7 if any?
Ubuntu is Linux. Linux is kernel, or base - as NT is the kernel of Windows. Ubuntu is a distribution, taking the kernel and adding everything required to make a fully functional desktop OS.
I've never had to any programming in all my time using Linux. I actually found it a lot easier than Windows considering it actually works![]()
Your going to get 95% of people come in here and shout ubuntu, ubuntu, ubuntu. I'm not going to say anything as I think it's wrong.
What I will say is YOU AND ONLY YOU can decide what distribution to run. As your the one who has to use it, I really think you should try as many linux distro's you feel like. As you are clearly a beginner and have stated you want nothing more than for "it just works" I strongly recommend downloading the following distro's, and in same cases variants of distro's and make your own mind up:
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
http://fedoraproject.org/
http://linuxmint.com/
http://www.opensuse.org/en/
http://www.pclinuxos.com/
http://www2.mandriva.com/pl/
Now this is where things get interesting:
Lets take the OpenSuSe distro, it is a linux OS but you get things called Desktop Environment's and they can look like:
This one is OpenSuSe with the Gnome desktop:
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This one is also OpenSuSe but with the KDE desktop:
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There are a lot more desktop environments but I would look at them two for now.
Oh right my bad, I didnt know it was the same thing, so you saying that its easier? What about installing cards, drivers, programs etc is that also the same?
Do you think it is going to be a headache installing my card, programs, drivers? Like Flash, do I have to do my own coding to get it to install or is it the same as installing on WIN7. ONly reason why I ask, I did try once a year or 2 ago and due to the amount of binaries or something that I had to constantly figure out to do something drove me up the wall till I reverted back to windows. What about SSD drivers, or wireless cards, printers etc. All the same as installing on WIN7?
Also forgot to mention, a lot of programs I need dont seem to have a Linux installation pack. Does this mean I can not use those programs?
Try it. Download the Ubuntu Live CD. It runs from the cd, you don't have to install a thing. If it sucks, just walk away.
At the end of the day if you're looking for a free desktop OS, Linux works. However, if you've just bought a new version of Windows and/or play a lot of games just stick with MS.