Which distro for new notebook

[firstborn]

Hi,

I need to install Linux on a new laptop for a colleague at work. Specs are:

2GHz Intel core duo, Intel 945GM chipset with embedded graphics
2GB RAM
80GB HDD
Intel 3945 WLAN Card
Media card reader

Think thats all that matters. Any suggestions as to which distro would give me a hassle free install. The chap only uses Unix and has never used windows.

Cheers

Steve

 

[firstborn]

Much of a muchness really
Whats he using for a display manager?- Ubuntu is very much Gnome focused, & even in Kubuntu KDE support isn't as good as that from other distros.
I'm also a fan of Mandriva, which is a very nice distro but comes with tons of stuff that might be seen as unnecessary. (Very nice installer though )

-Leezer-

CDE - no bells and whistles needed. He'd prob get away with just vi and g++.

I'm only really concerned about the installation process and the hardware being detected properly. It's been years since I carried out a linux install and remember it to be a right pain.

 

[firstborn]

as otherwise you could become embroiled in providing support for this machine.

Well as it's part of my job spec I doubt I'll avoid that. I look after our Unix boxes anyhow so hopefully it'll not be too much of a problem once installed. My last linux install was about 5 years ago and it proved a right pain in the rear!

Think I'll give Ubuntu a go first and see how things go.

Cheers All