Best Linux?

[ffutures]

Some time soon I've been told I may be given my sister's spare PC, since they've gone Mac. It was horribly badly clogged with old software and viruses the last time I had to deal with it, and I don't think I can face attempting to clean it out. As I recall it's 1gb RAM and about 2ghz. My inclination is to pull the hard disk completely and put in a large drive I have going spare, and turn it into a Linux box.

Just wondering what the best Linux is for a more or less trouble free install and for use by a beginner these days - assuming experience with Windows XP and OS-X but not much Linux. I think the general consensus was Ubuntu last time I asked, is that still the case?

Later The majority voice still favours Ubuntu, it seems. Thanks to everyone that responded.

Comments

[vicarage.livejournal.com]

I vote for Ubuntu

[ckd]

I think so, yes. I don't always agree with their UI decisions, but they're actually making an effort there....

[ramtops.livejournal.com]

Ubuntu

[troyguffey.livejournal.com]

I use Ubuntu 10.04 (becuse my fresh WinXP won't consistently communicate) and am pretty satisified.

The hardest part of Linux I've found is installing stand-alone programs. Then adding repository keys. There's a lot of stuff with equivalents in Linux, and WINE for some of the rest. Some things just can't be found. (Like ClickBook)

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

The only good Linux is a dead Linux. :)

I suspect it will depend on the particular PC and its vintage and make, but I think Hal went through most of the variants of Linux at one time or another trying to get a running install on a PC and all or nearly all went tits up before the install was complete. FWIW, he's running Ubuntu on his EEEPC now, and it seems fine, but I find the interface unpleasant and user hostile.

If you're installing from scratch, why not do an Etch-a-Sketch reset on the PC and install whatever version of Windows you are familiar and comfortable with.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I don't trust there to be any virus free files on the PC, and I want to have a play with Linux anyway, so I might as well give it a go.

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

Sorry, didn't realize I wasn't being clear. When I say you could to an Etch-a-Sketch reset, I mean a clean install and re-build using original installation disks, after you delete everything on the machine. You wouldn't use any of the files currently on the machine. You do have installation disks, do you not?

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

God knows - it's four or so years old and the main user was a teenager, so I suspect that finding them may be difficult.

[alexmc.livejournal.com]

One vote for Ubuntu here. I haven't used anything else for years - except where forced to by other factors.

[averageshmoe.livejournal.com]

Consider yourself lucky if you're just dealing with bloat and bugs. I've stopped repairing friends and family's computers because of the incredible yuck factor once I've popped the case open. Matted pet hair and dust does wonders for my sinuses.

The people I've talked to swear by Ubuntu so give it a shot. I've heard that it's not too hard to get rid of and there are other versions that you can always try.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I'm braced for cat hairs...