What's the best linux distro?

If you want an all-n-one Ubuntu distribution it would be Pinguy Linux. Me I like the Mandriva based distributions because I need direct access to the root system, not indirect use. It works with most .rpm files including Suse and Red Hat and Fedora, not always though.

Ubuntu is highly recommended, but for me their decision to drop Gnome desktop environment and strictly use KDE, just means I won't use it or even recommend it. I absolutely hate the new KDE desktop environment for personal reasons. But my opinions should not scare people away.

In reality there is no best Linux distribution, the all use basically the same common base file systems. Only difference is what files they do or do not include in their distribution. It's really just that simple. Every one has their own perference and feel what they use serves all their needs and requirements. What you may choose to use, may not even meet what I need and require.

I don't have a better answer.

I learned on Slackware in 1994. By 2000 I was using Red Hat. Around 2003 I flirted with Slackware again (as RH/Fedora became more hardware demanding). but bailed for Debian when they dumped Gnome. I dumped Gnome myself about a year later, and Debian in 2009, mainly for Gentoo but now I'm pretty much back on Slackware full time despite intending to only try it "for a few weeks".

When I learned Linux my understanding of and expectations for an OS changed. And change is something I value. The best Linux distro is the one which you have customized and fixed to your liking. Before I left debian I discovered dyne:bolic which was a live cd based on slackware. It had Rasta graphics and was otherwise very similar to (though better engineered than) the debian system I was running. It has a lot to do with why I am back on slackware. Dyne:bolic has been replaced by pure:dyne, which is based on Karmic Koala. There are some minor annoyances with it (though I STRONGLY prefer it to Ubuntu Studio) but really when I sit down and work things out, it shouldn't matter because I know, at this point how I work, and what is right for me, and I know how to do what I should to get it working.

I was listening to a Linux Podcast last night where they were making slackware jokes. I was smiling because they were kind of cute, and because Slackware is not a distribution to use unless you are really willing to take responsiblity for what is on your computer. But there is another irony there. Yes everyone should take responsibility for what is on their computer but people who say you can't do that with Windows are bigots. You can do it with ANYTHING.

The best distro is the distro which best meets your needs, as the best OS is the one which best meets your needs. People who tell you it is Ubuntu or Fedora or Debian are arrogant. I'll vote for Damn Small Linux in a pinch, but Linux is about choice and if you are at all serious then you'll do best with Linux by trying them all.

I have used Ubuntu since 8.04 its a user friendly desktop and it is easy to use. To make it even easier to use you can install Ubuntu-Tweak which will help you get almost anything installed on your system. Another easy Linux Distribution is Linux Mint. Linux mint has some software pre-installed by default where Ubuntu doesn't. Fedora is a decent distribution and I had at one point Fedora installed in a Virtual environment using Virtual-box You can set up Fedora to do the same as Ubuntu but it takes longer cause you have to enable and install repositories of software. Fedora uses Yum for the package manager. and Debian / Ubuntu / Mint use Apt-get for a package manger. I would recommend that you download the Live CD's of the Linux flavors that you want to use and try them with out installing anything on you computer and then when you decide which one you like install it

I use MINT 10 Julia both 64bit and 32bit. I prefer it over Ubuntu or kubuntu for a few reasons like the more windows like interface instead of the two panel system. It has everything you need to use the internet like adobe flash, Java, codecs for everything you need already installed. Where as Ubuntu you have to install it manually and its a PITA for a beginner. All packages for ubuntu will work in mint without issues.

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (Long Term Support) 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 LTS Download

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

Linux Mint 9 LTS Installation Guide

http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2009/12/03/linux-mint-8-...

Linux Mint 9 LTS Release Notes/User Guide

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

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

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

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

LUg.

Try Ubuntu. It seems to be a great OS for beginning Linux users. Do a Google search for Ubuntu

Best for what?

I like Gentoo, as it supports a lot of platform optimization, has a high degree of configurability, and has a very nice package manager. It's also a rolling release to only one small thing breaks every month rather than 10 things every six months.

However that being said it's not very beginner-friendly

Kubuntu is a cooler looking version of Ubuntu.

Most popular is Ubuntu.

ubuntu is the best