Which OS should I use?

A

I am currently using Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 (64 bit ) on my Dell Studio XPS 1340 Laptop which is approximately 1.5 years old. However I was thinking to shift to Ubuntu as I quite liked the features. I use the laptop for everyday internet surfing via WiFi and some light gaming. ( Games like Skyrim and Counter Strike ). Is it a viable option to shift to Ubuntu ?

I think you dont have much experience with linux... Install ubuntu as second OS and see if you are comfartable with it...
Window users sometime find it difficult to use...
So, you must Try it first as second os and learn its basics via internet...

R

Dell = Drivers = Problem... Anyway you seem to be new to Linux, you could run in problems if you don't have proper drivers for your laptop. I suggest first run a live CD and check if all your devices are working properly or not, then go ahead with the installation.

Games like Skyrim and Counter Strike ). Is it a viable option to shift to Ubuntu ?

Because of this line, I would suggest you to stick with Windows. Ubuntu is better no doubt but Gaming = Windows :wink:

A

Look gaming is not a necessity because I already have a desktop to play games on. I was just wondering if I could install linux. Which linux would best server my purpose such as normal use (no gaming)?

Get Ubuntu for now. Best for new users. It will give you a good feel. Also Linux Mint 12. Have a look at both. See some screenies, both are great.

S

Try Ubuntu through Wubi - see Download | Ubuntu so that you can run it inside windows without the need for a fresh partition... If you are happy with it and face no driver issue, you can go for separate install partition...

Arun

thetechfreak said:
Get Ubuntu for now. Best for new users. It will give you a good feel. Also Linux Mint 12. Have a look at both. See some screenies, both are great.

completely agree with @thetechfreak, try Linux Mint12 live cd as it is based on Ubuntu and is much easier & familier to use than Ubuntu coz of its Windows like user interface. Later u can shift to ubuntu. Also check for drivers compatability in Linux first. With WUBI slowness will be there. Better to go with Live CD/DVD first.

^+1. Installing with Wubi will be a nice option.

Even if you liked the features of Ubuntu, I would recommend you to stick with Windows for a few days. Install Linux as second OS. Once you master the basics of Linux, you can then move to Linux at a later time.

Hanna Montana Linux

dual boot, be careful of the boot record and your hard disks

use ubuntu with wubi, later you can dual boot. If you know virtualization then you can use VMware too.

Anorion said:
Hanna Montana Linux

dual boot, be careful of the boot record and your hard disks

personally i've found hannah montana, buggy.. why do you suggest it over ubuntu, mint etc?

^because its the only legendary tier Linux distro
would suggest mint over ubuntu for mint specific tools, the mint CLI and the themes but I guess ubuntu is an obvious choice
if OP wanna jump into deep end then Arch is def the way to go
remember a time when Gentoo and Gentoomen weere the most popular
personally I would go for Sabayon because of the gaming related tweaks

hopefully all that is confusing enough, lol, linux distros are so unique that each person can have 2-3 distros set up for specific purposes... media center, internet only (Jolicloud)... or just a regular desktop distro

Anorion said:
^because its the only legendary tier Linux distro
would suggest mint over ubuntu for mint specific tools, the mint CLI and the themes but I guess ubuntu is an obvious choice
if OP wanna jump into deep end then Arch is def the way to go
remember a time when Gentoo and Gentoomen weere the most popular
personally I would go for Sabayon because of the gaming related tweaks

hopefully all that is confusing enough, lol, linux distros are so unique that each person can have 2-3 distros set up for specific purposes... media center, internet only (Jolicloud)... or just a regular desktop distro

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