Tuesday, January 15, 2013

What Linux distro to download for maximum Windows software compatibility and feel?

Q. Hello all. I'm a Windows user, but I'd like to try out a Linux distro. I'm looking for an OS that has a similar GUI to windows and similar applications, with high compatibility with Windows programs. I was thinking of Ubuntu. Do you guys have any better suggestions? Thanks.

A. I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 8 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 9.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint 8 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=44

The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 8 (Helena)
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-8-helena

You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 8 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

Linux Mint 8 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive

INSTALL LINUX MINT WITHIN WINDOWS (not currently available for Linux Mint 8)

To install Linux Mint within windows you will need the earlier release Linux Mint 7 which is built upon Ubuntu 9.04

Linux Mint 7 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38

Linux Mint 7 has a feature called mint4win based on the Wubi installer (Ubuntu) which enables you to install Linux Mint within windows (Windows 7 run Wubi/mint4win in vista compatability mode)

Mint4Win â A Wubi based Installer for Linux Mint
http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-based-installer-of-linux-mint/

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi

You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.

mint4win like Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.

Boot in to windows insert the LiveCD you have just created and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where mint4win comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.

Once Linux Mint 7 is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint

CURRENT SESSION

Linux Mint 6 custom LiveDVD with switchable Beryl 0.2.1* and Compiz 0.7.2**
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_(window_manager)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz
*Beryl 0.2.1 sourced from Ubuntu 7.04 repositories
**Compiz 0.7.2 sourced from Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Alpha 5) repositories


LUg.

What is the best linux distro for me?
Q. I am looking for a good linux distro. I don't like the standard GNOME 3 as I have tried the fedora live cd. I have tried KDE, its pretty good. I am currently running Kubuntu 11.10 and had ubuntu 11.04 unity before but I would like a linux thats advanced but easy. Thanks for your help.

A. The Linux Desktop is currently a mess with a plethora of options available. Unity as on Ubuntu 11.10 and GNOME 3 as on Fedora 16 are cluttered and in my opinion not suitable for use on a production machine. I need a Desktop Environment that allows me to just get things done with minimal fuss. This is where the older Gnome 2 Desktop Environment excels.

Linux Mint 12 goes some way to addressing this wth MGSE (Mint Gnome Shell Extensions) which is a layer built on top of GNOME 3 however like other distros. such as Fedora to deploy the GNOME 3 Desktop Environment for me does not convince

Linux Desktop Faceoff GNOME 3 vs Ubuntu Unity
http://lifehacker.com/5853099/linux-desktop-faceoff-gnome-3-vs-ubuntu-unity

There is a new project being developed by Linux Mint called Cinnamon however as with MGSE it is a layer built on top of GNOME 3
http://cinnamon.linuxmint.com/

I thoroughly recommend the earlier release Linux Mint 11 which is built upon Ubuntu 11.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint 11 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=81

Linux Mint 11 Release Notes/Installation Guide/User Guide
http://linuxmint.com/rel_katya.php

Also worth considering is Linux Mint Debian Edition

Linux Mint Debian Edition Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=88

Manual partitioning guide for Linux Mint Debian Edition
http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2010/12/28/manual-disk-partitioning-guide-for-linux-mint-debian-edition/


LUg.

How can I build a Linux Distro?
Q. I have downloaded the latest stable kernel. How can I make a linux distro from scratch? What do I need?

A. Linux From Scratch (LFS) is a project that provides you with step-by-step instructions for building your own custom Linux system, entirely from source code.
http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/

Alternatively, you can easily customize your own Slax linux live right from your browser. If you are new to Linux you probably want to start with something like that.
http://www.slax.org/

Other Linux Distros
http://distrowatch.com/




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