Is there a Linux distro with the solid build of Debian, well-roundedness of Fedora, and maturity of Slackware?

Question

I am very, very new to Linux (currently downloading the said 3, Mandriva, Mint, Ubuntu, and openSuSe. I said my permanent goodbyes to my desktop a week ago, so I'm now stuck with my (turtle of a) 1.5Ghz/1Gb/256mb video laptop running on Vista Home Basic. I hate the fact I can use my laptop screen as a mirror during several instances while I'm using my laptop, so I'm switching over to Linux. However, all this stuff is too intimidating, even though I know my way pretty much around a computer and Windows. I choose Debian and Slackware because they are solid and mature, but being Windows-oriented, I think switching to a system that requires a lot of typing is dreadful. I don't really like Ubuntu because it's new, even though it uses Debian as a base. I value speed and stability first, and good graphical user interface and security second (on a list which is probably 20 items long). I know this is insane, but is there a distro fits my needs?

Answer 1

To answer your question I would say either Ubuntu or Linux Mint. Both are based off Debian (which is actually older and more mature then Slackware) and are more user friendly then Fedora.



That being said I strongly recommend you use the following site ( http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php?firsttime=true ) to find out which distro of Linux is best for you. I use it all the time when trying to figure out what distro I need for any given situation (most of the time it comes up either Debian, Ubuntu, or Linux Mint for me).

Answer 2

Mandriva, the Free Edition would probably be the best choice. Not all that complicated and fairly easy to use. Open Sues would probably come in second, Fedora around third, Mint Linux around forth. You may consider reading the links listed below. Naturally Ubuntu is one of the most highly recommended Linux distributions, but as with any operating system it is strictly user preferences.

Answer 3

Ubuntu isn't really "new." It's been around for almost six years. It is also firmly based on Debian unstable, and Debian has been around for ages.



The simple to your question is "no." There is no distro that is solid and mature that also is targeted toward Windows users. If you want a "friendly" distro, you want Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or PCLinuxOS. If you want something solid, you want Debian.

Answer 4

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 9 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 9 (Isadora)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-9-isadora



Linux Mint 9 User Guide Download pdf.

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Linux Mint 9 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive



Also worth considering :



Fedora Remix (Fedora with elements of Linux Mint)

http://fcoremix.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/lucky-13/

http://iso.linux.hr/community-fedora-remix/

http://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/Fedora/13/html/User_Guide/



Again Fedora Remix can be run direct from the LiveDVD without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 5

Check out a latest linux distro "linux Mint" its solid, user friendly, and is a derivative of ubuntu and almost simlar to windows as far as functionality goes...



am sure u'll love it because its ultra fast!



hope i helped



happy linuxing!



cheers

Answer 6

mandriva is a good choice



http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/mandriva-2010.html



http://www2.mandriva.com/linux/overview/



if you choose mandriva and want proprietary drivers (closed source) then do not use the free version - this version only contains free open source software,

its also install only



choose the one version, this is still free (as in no money) but contains closed source software,

it also runs as a live cd,



there is also no need to use the 64bit version, linux is not really bothered about the limitation,

the 64bit version is also install only and has no closed source drivers