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Originally Posted by Bender
I want to learn about Linux. Simple as. Problem is, I currently know NOTHING! So I'm hoping someone can help me out here...
1 - Type
KDE / Gnome / other
Which is the best? What are the differences?
2 - Flavour
I've downloaded Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Suse 10 desktop. Which is best? Should I chose another?
3 - Anything else I should know or look into here
Thanks in advance...
btw, I'm currently on nights, so will be in bed pretty shortly. Please feel free to add stuff here -I will read it and comment, but it may not be until later.
I'm looking for something in Linux that is intuitive, looks great, is easy to use and compatible with Linux versions of things like MSN, Skype, open office and anything else that is general everyday use stuff like CD / DVD burning, listening to music (mp3 AND M4A - M4A is very important)
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1) KDE and Gnome are both good desktops, but they have different focuses. Gnome tries to be as stripped-down and easy-to-use as possible. Whether you like this approach is a personal preference. On the other hand, KDE is a lot more "Windows-like"; it also allows you to tweak just about every single pixel on the screen if you choose to.
When I first started off with Linux, I had a very strong preference for KDE, both on account of it being more "Windows-like", and the fact that Gnome had just released 2.0, and frankly it wasn't very good. Seven releases later however, Gnome is excellent, and I find KDE practically unusable now by comparison. But it's really personal preference: download both the Ubuntu and Kubuntu Live CDs and see which you like best. Once you've installed one, you can also download the other desktop and choose which one to use at login, if you like.
2) I'd recommend Ubuntu to a new user, but that's because I prefer Gnome. I should think Kubuntu would be equally good. The latest beta of Suse Enterprise Linux (not the same as OpenSuse or regular Suse Linux!) has had very good reviews, but that won't be free when it comes out.
3) Gnome and KDE come with Gaim and Kopete respectively for instant messaging. These are a little like Trillian for Windows, in that they allow you to connect to AIM, Yahoo, Google/Jabber, MSN, and probably a couple of other networks I've forgotten, all at the same time.
Skype is available for Linux, but without webcam facilities at present. Also, it only works on the i386 version of (K)Ubuntu, but you might be able to jump through hoops to get it to work on the AMD64 version.
OpenOffice comes preinstalled with virtually every Linux distro ever. Also available is KOffice for KDE, and Abiword, an excellent lightweight word processor (also available for Windows and Mac).
Both KDE and Gnome have some CD- and DVD-burning facilities built in, but for a complete programme, look no further than K3B. It does everything Nero for Windows does, and probably better.
As far as music goes, KDE has AmaroK, which is probably the most comprehensive music player available on any platform. Gnome comes with Rhythmbox, but frankly it's not very good -- you can install AmaroK, of course, or there's an excellent media player for Gnome called Banshee which I highly recommend. Both MP3 and AAC (and every other non-free media format) require you to download plugins to play them, but work perfectly once installed. This is dead easy with (K)Ubuntu -- come back when you've installed it and we'll tell you how
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As far as games go, it's true that only a very small percentage of Windows games get an official Linux version. However, few notable ones which do are:
All id software games ever, including Doom 3 and Quake 4.
Enemy Territory
All versions of Unreal Tournament ever (installer included on the CD!)
America's Army
Probably others I've forgotten.
Also, there's a programme available called Cedega which apparently does a very good job of allowing you to play Windows games on Linux, but it does cost money. Also, to play any sort of 3D games, you really need an Nvidia graphics card: ATI's drivers really aren't up to it.
Right, well I hope that's not too much info in one go! If you've got any more questions, just ask. And welcome to the family!