A Dummy migrating to Linux.

Hi, gave it a long thought and I've finally decided to use Linux ... tired of using a windows 7 cracked versions ... all the problems that go along with that ... free programs with malware or spyware camouflaged ... and now all the windows 10 noise ... it's hard to decide which distribution to choose since I know nothing about it ... a complete green newbie dummy ... a friend who's a system's engineer told me to go for Ubuntu ... on Linux's forum a newbie is told to use LXLE first since his PC is old like this one ... I've downloaded both iso's ... guess I'll ask for final advice here.

I just surf the web, the usual boring stuff, checking e-mails, facebook, skype chat with family ... music is an important thing, a T.V. show from time to time (mkv format if I download it) or whatever safe free page to watch it online ... amateurish editing of images (I've used ACDSee for ages) ... not a gamer at all, think the last games I installed and played were Max Payne 2 and Manhunt 2 LOL.

I'd like a distribution that's easy to configure, light and with forum support ... like asking or searching for music files (editing or remastering programs) but nothing profesional.

All in all, I feel like getting rid of windows forever.

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/zhXWBeUD7pBeJel34pJvRwM

Thanks in advance

Hi Terokal and welcome. I tried Ubuntu and something called Zoran (IIRC) but settled for Linux Mint 17.2 Cinnamon, which I absolutely love.

If you like, have a look at my thread;

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/591975/my-linux-experience/

There a plenty of good folk 'round here, who are ready willing and able to help you - like they have me.

Good luck with it and I'm sure you will never regret the change.

As I say, it's like stepping out of slavery into the sweet air of freedom !!!

Hi Jargos, thanks for the quick answer, couple of days ago a member in the chat section (won't say his nick 'cause maybe he won't like that) told me he was a Linux user while I was sort of yelling S.O.S. ... that was kinda the breaking point ... checking your thread right now ... again, thanks for the link and your experience.

Cheers.

Edited by Terokal, 09 November 2015 - 09:17 PM.

 Terokal

I hope you find a good solution to your New Linux journey!  I see you have a 64bit pc with a 32bit OS.  If it were me I would go with a 64bit Linux OS, especially if you decide to upgrade to 4GB of RAM later, I see you only have 2GB.  That pc seems to have came with Vista?  Anyhow, it should run circles around anything Windows, but I do see an issue with your Graphics Card.  You might have to use LXLE like was said, but not for the same reasons.  Lubuntu and Xbuntu would also be good.  Maybe some of the more experienced can tell us different, as there are better options if we can get that Card to work with them.  

Refer to this and wait for some guidance before you get started.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2644895/ubuntu-unichrome-pro.html

And this is the link from that one.  I don't see that your Card is supported here or the link provided, but I may well be wrong.

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

Edited by pcpunk, 10 November 2015 - 05:46 PM.

. . . tired of using a windows 7 cracked versions . . . I'd like a distribution that's easy to configure, light and with forum support . . .

Terokal,

I do have to start off by stating that I cannot condone or facilitate any form of copyright violation.  That being said, I would welcome you to the Linux world.

There are lots of threads and posts here, and experienced members are willing to help you with the transition.

Based on your specs, you have a 64 bit dual core cpu, with 2 gigs ram, 64mb of which is shared by the on board video.  You have 150GB of HDD and a DVD burner.

I can make three suggestions to you, based on experience.  I suggest that you download all three and create bootable dvd's for each one.

The bootable dvd's will load and run the linux system.  You can then explore and "test drive" each one.  This will allow you to compare and choose before you actually install Linux on your hard drive.

Be aware that the live dvd's will run slower than the actual hdd install.

1.  Puppy Linux http://puppylinux.org/main/Download%20Latest%20Release.htm

Puppy is designed to be used on older systems.  However, it may be a little confusing for beginners.  Also, it is a "live cd/dvd" version, but can be installed on a HDD as a permanent one.  It should work with your graphics chip, which may be the deal maker/breaker.

2.  Mint Cinnamon http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=190

Mint is a good starter for users who are used to Windows.  The menu system is similar to Windows, and new users like the comfort of that.

3.  Xubuntu  http://xubuntu.org/getxubuntu/

A good light version of Linux with the Linux xfce desktop.  It is more configurable, and can grow with the user as he\she gains experiance.

I use Mint at home, because my wife is more comfortable with it, and that makes for a happier marriage. 

At work, I use Xubuntu.  I like a minimal install that I can configure on my own.

Each release has it's own support group, and help with the install.  If you need additional help, don't hesitate to come back here.

Cheers!

Naught.

Edited by Naught McNoone, 09 November 2015 - 09:35 PM.

Hi Terokal- My vote is in for either Linux Mint Mate !17.1 or.2 17.2 being the latest release,or Ubuntu Mate.Both come in 32 bit .iso and should run fine on your system. Seeing that you are a Windows user,I suggest these two as they are ver user friendly and intuitive for Windows users. LXLE is a good choice if these two do not run well,as LXLE uses less system resources.If possible,try to upgrade your RAM to 4 Gigs and you should have no trouble at all. I run Ubuntu Mate on an old laptop and it works great! Welcome to Linux! Paul

 

 

 I see you have a 64bit pc with a 32bit OS.

PC- He has a 32 bit PC. You cannot run a 32 on a 64 bit and viceversa. You must have misread the speccy-

 

(won't say his nick 'cause maybe he won't like that)

Hi and welcome, Was that me? LOL. My id on IRC is the same as here. Anyone wishing to join us on IRC for a chat or PC advice is more than welcome

About the Bleeping Computer Chat Room

For now you have lots to digest, My only suggestion is that you try the live version of each distro before installing.

How to burn ISO image using Windows Burn Disk Image.
 
Notice:  This applies only to Windows 7 and Windows 8, earlier versions do not have this.
 
1.  Place a blank CD or DVD in the tray of your optical drive and close the tray.
 
2.  After you have downloaded the ISO image you want to burn right click on the Start orb, then choose Windows Explorer.
 
3.  When Explorer opens click on Downloads in the left pane.  Scroll down till you find the ISO file you want and double click on it.  Click on Burn Disk Image.
 
4.  In the image below you will see Disk burner:, this should be set to the optical drive you want to use.  Click on Verify disc after burning if you want to Windows to verity the disc image after burn.  Click on burn.
 

 
5.  In the image below you can see that the green progress bar, when the image is finished burning the bar will be filled.
 

 
6.  After the image has completed being burned click on Close.

PS.

 

I do have to start off by stating that I cannot condone or facilitate any form of copyright violation

I agree.

Edited by NickAu, 09 November 2015 - 09:57 PM.

Thanks guys for all your answers, kinda flattered ... I'll read with care each one of your posts ... right now I'm really tired ... yes, I'm guilty of using cracked versions in the past of windows XP and 7 ... my brother gave me this PC telling me it was completely ruined, that if I needed some hardware parts I could take what was still working (DVD-rom for example) for my own old piece of junk ... I had the feeling it wasn't a throw it out with the garbage issue ... so after a couple of clicks on the back side panel and a F1 after a message of failed boot, it was on ... I put to rest my PC (which is old but slightly better) ... I'll start using my own PC again after sending this one back to my brother Linux included) ... about copyright violations, well ... yes ... it's all about income ... and it's hard to be a saint in this city, and I really mean it ... "hey you still want windows XP ?, I'll just install the new windows 7, it's cool" told me the technician, I said "whatever man, just make it work" ... after a couple of years it went south so he had to download and install another cracked one ... an it goes on and on ... until I found bleepingcomputer.com (my first nick was tarkus) and said bye to "technicians" ... I thought this PC was with a legal copy 'cause it came originally with vista and I was like "ok my brother for sure has bought windows 7 cause he was upset with that OS and has his computer fixer pal" .... but after passing windowsrepair (all in one) it was surprise surprise to me !!! ... the vicious circle started again just to be online as quick and cheap as possible ... I want that to be history ... thanks again jargos , pcpunk , paul88ks , Naught McNoone (I agree with you) and NickAu (yes it was you !!!) ... cheers for a brand new start.

 

PC- He has a 32 bit PC. You cannot run a 32 on a 64 bit and viceversa. You must have misread the speccy-

 

pcpunk had it right Paul. That proc is a 64bit one, as are pretty much all now a days. Intel E2160

Welcome to the Linux side Terokal! Its much better over here! 

As others have stated Linux Mint is a good choice to start out with. I use Ubuntu personally and I like it (Nick uses it as well). Mint is the more "Windows" like than anything, so for a quick transition and to start learning Linux you may want to try that. My advice would be to download a couple and give them a try on a Live DVD (use the instructions Nick showed you). Don't take our word for what one to use, give 'em a try and use the one you like the best. If you want to check out the top 100 Linux Distros have a look here. Stick with trying the ones suggest here first though, but then once you feel more comfortable you can try out other ones in that list. You may find you like a more obscure distro after you start learning more about Linux.

Hi DeimosChaos, thanks for the links ... downloading Linux Mint as well ... my brother gave me the heads up (it's still his PC after all) ... I'm giving a try with : Mint, Ubuntu and LXLE ... saving some stuff from both C and D to an external drive ... guess we'll have "True Detective" season 2 late night watch and then try 'em distros ... that's gonna end on a fight for sure (he's all patience and care, me the complete opposite) ... maybe tonight I'll have to install Linux on 2 PCs ... I'll be around to let you all know how it went (the instalations not the yelling and insults )... thanks for the encouragement ... after 20 years of windows I guess it's a big step ... and feeling like an outcast with my empty thread on the virus malware section is kinda hard to swallow after 3 or 4 years hanging around here ... nah, it's OK ... rules are rules and I accept them, as I told Louis on the windows 7 section ... greetings.

Edited by Terokal, 10 November 2015 - 11:42 AM.

Terokal, those are great choices, and most new to linux tend to make bad ones at first, by not sticking with ones that have larger support community.  Windows 7 is dirt slow on 2GB of RAM imo.  With linux - this will make a big difference, will be much faster imo.  I had some time to kill so wanted to put this one out there also - as it is a bit obscure to a noob.  You will however see it down at number 20 on the list that DeimosChaos provided above.  It is specifically for noobs to linux, is simple and well laid out.  Just don't use the "Torrent" Downloads - go below that to one of the mirrors "HTTP Direct Downloads" and select 64bit of course. 

https://ubuntu-mate.org/trusty/

Thanks Pcpunk, thankfully my brother never showed up so the instalation hasn't been done yet ... I'll keep the other iso's as I get to know better about working with Linux OS or in case I buy another memory card for this PC or mine which needs to be working again  ... if that's your choice for this machine let's do it then (I'll try it by myself, hope there won't be problems while installing it) ... cheers for all your help.

Edited by Terokal, 11 November 2015 - 03:24 PM.

 

 

pcpunk had it right Paul. That proc is a 64bit one, as are pretty much all now a days. Intel E2160

My Bad- I got it backwards- I tried to install a 64 bit version of Windows on a 32 bit computer and it was having none of that. I did not think -Honestly that you could run a 32 bit software on a 64 bit system. That being said - I would certainly find out how much memory the motherboard will support and MAX it out. You can never have too much RAM. And as we approach the holidays,there are some really good deals out there- so,best of luck to you and welcome to Linux!

Thanks Paul