4 of 15

Write now Article Tools

Although there are literally hundreds of Linux distribution's ranging from operating systems that fit on one 3.5" floppy disk to distributions that require several DVD's to install, I have found a very short list of distributions that are practicable as a general use desktop operating system. The one's that I have found useful are, listed beginning from my favorite, Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, and Knoppix STD.

Ubuntu, in my opinion, is the most versatile and user-friendly Linux distribution. I have used Ubuntu in place of Windows XP as my desktop operating system for the past year and a half. I had no problems transitioning from Windows to Ubuntu, because of the ease of use and helpful online tutorials. It automatically configured with all of my hardware and I have had very few problems with it as a whole. One of the few problems that Ubuntu has is that it is difficult to configure a web cam with it. Ubuntu itself uses the GNOME desktop enviroment, but also available for download are Kubuntu with KDE, Xubuntu with the xfce desktop enviroment, and Edubuntu which is the Ubuntu for children. This distribution can be found at http://www.ubuntu.com

PCLinuxOS is not as fully functional as Ubuntu, but it came in as a close second. I found very little documentation online about the distribution, and couldn't seem to upgrade it, but other than that I found it very useful. It is a good all-around desktop operating system and it comes with a lot of bundled software already installed, so there is very little post-installation need for installing third-party software. It also configured with all of my hardware, including my internal Network Interface Card. This distribtion is available at http://www.pclinuxos.com

I felt the need to include Knoppix STD in this article, because of its very useful tools. Knoppix Security Tools Distribution, or STD, is a live CD that has a plethora of security tools for all your security needs. It would definitely not be a wise choice to use as a family desktop operating system, but if you need to do anything that has anything to do with computer security, Knoppix STD should be your choice. The distribution can be found at http://s-t-d.org

I hope this was helpful, Enjoy!

Learn more about this author, Collin Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Choosing a Linux distribution?
We want to hear your view. Write now!