Q: Just out of curiosity, whats everyone think is the best version of Linux for a complete computer novice. I have not tried too much, but until now Linspire like, mainly due to the Clink N Run service, so installing applications much easier for a beginner. Im sure Im out here, so someone from another nice ones, if any?
Best Answer: Here is a new forum that you may find interesting. It has a troubleshooting section and sections about hardware and software. It doesn't have hundreds or thousands of members as those listed above, but the handful of members it does have are nice and helpful.
http://www.systrough.com/forums/
Re:Please get anything but Linspire. Even if they changed it, the fact that they dropped regular users in a root account by default pisses me off.
If you want to get linux, but want it to be easy as possible for a transition from the Windows world to the Linux world and you're willing to pay for it, take a look at Xandros (http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=687&slide=20&title=xandros+desktop+4+screenshots). This has got to be the most windows-ish linux distro I've seen (although Linspire looks very similar to Windows too). If you're still willing to spend money, want the distro to be as easy to use as possible, but would rather have it look more like linux distros than windows then wait until SLED 10 (http://www.novell.com/products/desktop/preview.html) comes out. SLED is Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop and its sweet! Novell has spent a crap load of time trying to make it as easy to use as possible. When it releases, its going to be just $50. You can beta test it for free now or just try out its free version (just regular Suse linux listed below), but I'm definantly going to buy it when it comes out. 
Another worthwhile mention as we're referring to pay-for distros is Mepis (http://www.mepis.org/) although they try to do a subscription thing more than a pay for it once thing even though they have that.
If you would rather have a free linux distribution. then there are still plenty of free and easy to use ones out there. Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/) and its derivatives (Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc), Suse (http://en.opensuse.org/Welcome_to_openSUSE.org), Fedora (http://fedora.redhat.com/), and plenty others. In fact, go ahead and try out Ubuntu. Its free and you'll have an easy experience because the community forum is huge and extremely helpful. And you can just play around in the livecd until you feel ready to install if you're not sure if you even want a linux distro.
Re:Ya.. Just make sure that you have everyhting they need running right away.
Java, flash, and that sort of thing. End users tend to get pissy if you show then something new and it doesn't work perfectly the first time they try it.
Re:If you are OK with Windows, and you like to install your own software (don't just use what it comes with), I would look into a Linux distro based around Gentoo. I found using portage to be easy after a while.
But Ubuntu is great for just email/web/etc.
Re:Originally posted by: xtknight
Ubuntu 6.06 i386
Agreed.
Re:Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
Ubuntu for the win!
:thumbsup:
Re:Originally posted by: guy
Just out of curiosity, what does everyone think is the best version of linux for a complete computer novice. I haven't tried too many, but so far Linspire seems nice, mostly due to the Clink N Run service, making installing applications much easier for a novice. I'm sure I am way off here, so anyone know of any other nice ones, if any?
Xandros
Re:I'm a big fan of Ubuntu – have set several friends and family members up with it as a Web/EMail/Office machine and they've been very happy with it
Re:Same Question- this is for family members who can barely turn on the stinkin' computer. This would be a Web/ EMail/ Open office type of box with minimal hardware.
Re:Can you elabote on how 'novice' you are? Novice to OSes in general, or experieced in Windows, and just not in *nix?
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