What free Operating System would be best for me?

Question

I'm looking at free/open source Operating Systems for my Dell (Windows 7 Ultimate) Desktop. So far I've found out about Ubuntu, Joli OS, Fedora, and PC-BSD. I am disregarding Chrome OS because I'm not just looking for web apps.

I've heard that Joli OS is Ubuntu based, however, does that mean it has at least most of the features as Ubuntu? Is it compatible with Ubuntus apps and software?
Also, I've heard Joli OS has some similarities or features that Fedora has. Is Joli OS like a combination of Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Fedora? Regardless, would I even be able to have Ubuntu installed on my desktop and keep all my Windows stuff including files and software? I'm not looking for a replacement OS.

I'm going to try to virtualize these Operating Systems (except for Joli OS) before installing them.
Out of curiosity are there any hybrid Operating Systems or is there a way to have two different OS's run at the same time on the same PC without virtualization, or at least integrated virtualization (like the Windows XP Mode for Windows 7?)
Please note that I use the Chrome Jolidrive webapp and if there isn't many distinguishable differences between that and the actual OS I won't even bother installing it because then I would just use Chrome to access the same features.

The things I use my computer for:
Music composition
Audio recording, mixing, and mastering
General music, video, and picture media entertainment including movie maker
Web surfing and social networking
Video games of all sorts, mostly the heavy duty ones like some of the games found on Steam (which I use)
Storage of hard documents into pdf's and other sorts, along with general electronic files
Office-like programs such as Word programs and other stuff like Powerpoint
Hardware & software virtualization like Daemon Tools and VMware Workstation
Educational softwares like Rosetta Stone
Downloading and uploading
Stuff that requires Flash and Java
Printing
Sharing on my home network along with streaming, and acting as a server sometimes
Tools like the calculator
Disk imaging and burning/writing
Archive and compression stuff like .zip
Hardware syncing like itunes - ipod and flashdrives

I don't currently do visual arts or graphical/3d creation/editing but if the OS has benefits of this type I will take it into account.
If the OS has any major differences to Windows 7 please point them out along with any other features (like HD/Blu-ray compatibility,) and please tell me why you are recommending the OS.

If the OS is much less capable than Windows I'm not interested in it, unless it could be more useful with my HP Netbook and installing it on that machine instead.

Answer 1

I recommend Mint Cinnamon.

But If you like Ubuntu- you can load the Cinnamon desktop or Xfce too.



I don't think you will be able to run both at the same time, but you can dual boot windows 7 and linux. Thats the way I would do it. I will also recommend you download and install Easy BCD in Windows. That way if you ever have a problem with your linux - then you can open easy bcd and easily delete linux, rewrite your mbr and reclaim disk space. Its as easy as 1-2-3.

Answer 2

One of the Ubuntu Variants unless you like the hell of the sidebar. Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Kubuntu and Mint all offer better desktop experiences. The ubuntu sounding ones are just ubuntu with different desktop environments so you still get all the ubuntu updates and software centre.



For a netbook I'm currently running Xubuntu and it's great, nice little OSX style dock. Very light on system resources and still fully compatible with anyting Ubuntu so Steam will work great.

Answer 3

For general use, Linux Mint would be your best bet (although for newer Flash updates, you'd have to use Google Chrome, as the last version for other Linux browsers is 11.2, with security updates).



If you're specifically using it for music/audio and graphic design, I suggest you try out Ubuntu Studio.



Although for Windows-specific applications, you'd have to run Wine but be warned, as some programs may have compatibility issues. As an alternative, you could run a Windows VM (but then again that'd defeat your purpose)

Answer 4

Linux Mint, Mate desktop version.



Any specific Windows stuff can be run on it using Vmware or Wine.

Answer 5

Ubuntu is awesome for pretty much anything once you get the hang of it, IMHO. It's definitely not the best for games, but it's still decent.

Answer 6

Ubuntu is simple and cool. I just personally HATE the sidebar though.

Answer 7

Linux