Which version of Linux is best for a new starter?

I've never used Linux before.

Which version do you recommend I download

Kindly post the download link

 

Linux mint is good for beginners.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

 

Give Pinguy a try. The only problems I had with it (in fact any Pinguy so far) was Docky ( Docky Separates from GNOME Do, Still a Clever Linux App Dock) that needs to be reinstalled or you could just remove it.

Pinguy OS

There is also a forum with nice support.

First put it on USB and boot from it. See how you like it. Remember you can find most programs using Search. If Docky crashes, use Alt+Tab as a temporar fix since you can not reinstall it on USB.

I'm not sure if latest version supports Persistent files (it should). If it's active, set it to max and you will be able to save your settings and install/reinstall programs. Use this Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

Nothing on your HDD will be changed.

 

2nd, 3rd and 4th.

It has all the features you'd expect in a commercial OS and is easy to use and very little to no Linux experience is required.

 

thanks guys

Mint Linux it is then

Which version shall I download Im confused

 

This is an old review but it's OK for getting the idea behind the project.
Pinguy OS 10.04.1.2 | Desktop Linux Reviews

Some things have changed, but not by that much.

Try them all if you can.

I like Cinnamon. To keep it simple, Cinnamon is Gnome3 with a changed interface (since so many dislike the original one), while Mate is old Gnome2, a more reliable option.

 

I have no time to try all of them

which one is better for me?

 

Just put the first one then. 64 bit.

 

So I downloaded the Image and burned it using Nero Burning Rom 11 onto a DVD

But when I tried to boot off the disc, I got the following error:

 

Ubuntu and Linux Mint typically suggest 32bit for compatibility purposes. I tried Cinnamon and did not like it, I prefer Mate for the cleaner more traditional look.

If you want to try something different which is VERY user/noob friendly, try openSUSE a new release is right around the corner. It has a very cooling looking glass look to the UI much like Windows Vista and 7. It's based on Linux KDE.

openSUSE.org

 

First thing I would do. Use a lower speed for burning the DVD. The minimum you can set.

You could also try to open the .iso file and see if anything is wrong with it.

This is why I like USB sticks.

 

Download this utility and check the ISO to see if it's corrupted.

http://www.linuxliveusb.com/en/download

 

Ah I've deleted the ISO Im redownloading it again now without my download manager

 

That Plasma desktop is nice indeed. I also like it. There is a RC, but I did not tested it yet.

Since we do not really have the big picture here, it's hard to tell what Linux is better for what. Just "beginner" is not much to go on.

There is Antivirus for Linux, but I have never used one.
There is also Firewall for it if you want.

These days there are quite a few user friendly releases, it's hard to say one is the best. People should test them and see what is what. Is not like back in the old days when I had to make my own. And testing is so easy.

 

check the distrowatch major distro recommendations:
http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

That being said, for someone new, you can't go wrong with Mint or ubuntu, or one of the ubuntu derivatives like xubuntu, lubuntu, *buntu. you have a high-end laptop so i would try one of the top distributions because you won't even have to worry about a heavier resource linux. My top picks would be Mint or PcLinuxOS.

I have to agree with c_man. there are so many to choose from that are great. Before installing i would try some out by downloading the .iso's and either running them in a VM, or my preferred method > running them from flash drive by using unetbootin or LinuxLiveUsb.

 

I went with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS 32 bit. It can be run from CD as a 'trial' before you actually have to change anything on your hard drive (it will run from RAM) should you opt to install it. I liked it so much I zapped vista and went with it as the lone OS on my older machine. Thanks very much to the very patient AllurGroceries and Talin , among others I was able to get a stable OS in less than 1 week.
I also like ubuntu for the amazing support available at askubuntu.com.

 

could be either a bad download or burn. Try burning at a lower speed. If you have a usb flash drive then use that instead.

UNetbootin - Homepage and Downloads

I used that to make a linux bootable usb flash drive