There may be many current Windows users who are curious about trying out Linux, but aren't sure where to start, since there is so many Linux distros to choose from. This article is meant to help you narrow down your choices to a few that are known to be user friendly.
What can be assumed from the start is that all of the distros outlined below come with a full set of at least basic productivity software by default, have automated detection of all supported hardware (which is most hardware), can be easily tried out by booting it from a livecd without having to install to the computer and have graphical distro installation programs. This comparison will focus on the notable differences between them, ways in which they stand out from each other.
1. Ubuntu
It is still really hard to have a comparison of easy to use Linux distros without mentioning Ubuntu. It is the most popular of Linux distros and stands out with the sheer amount of support that there is for it on the web with a number of entire web sites solely dedicated to Ubuntu. This means that even if something isn't installed by default and isn't readily available from its package installation interface it's likely to be found from a third party repository or as a single package, along with step by step instructions on how to install it (which are generally quite easy).
Ubuntu is also exemplified by a clean and easy to use "Add/Remove Programs" interface allowing you to browse or search and select the software to be installed. It also comes with a more advanced package management tool called "Synaptic" which offers some more advanced options as well as the ability to install a wider selection of software. There are more than 15 000 packages in total and Ubuntu is one of the distros which has the greatest likelihood of having the software you want available for install.
The founder of Ubuntu and the associated Canonical company, Mark Shuttleworth, has last year called for progress towards exceeding Mac OS X in overall usability. This effort was already reflected in the latest release of Ubuntu, 9.04, with the addition of a nice notifications system that resembles Growl on Mac OS X.
The main disadvantage of Ubuntu may be that it doesn't by default include all of the proprietary media codecs, albeit it offers a very easy way of installing them right when they are needed (when you want to play a video or music file that requires them). It also doesn't include a centralized control panel, except in the KDE4 variant as part of KDE itself; Kubuntu. There is also a light version based on Xfce ; Xubuntu.
Pros:
- Popularity, lots of community support and related web sites.
- Excellent software availability from both official and unofficial sources. Almost all Linux developers ship for Ubuntu.
- Ongoing usability advances (such as the new notifications system)
- Software installation using either simplified Add/Remove Programs or powerful Synaptic
Cons:
- Doesn't come with all multimedia codecs by default.
More info:
2. Mint
Mint is essentially Ubuntu with a number of modifications or improvements added on top in an attempt to make an even more streamlined experience for new users. As such it has all of positives of Ubuntu (packages, repositories and instructions meant for Ubuntu work on Mint) while adding some of its own.
Mint comes with popular codecs pre installed, an all-in-one control center, a unique mintUpdate tool which displays updates according to priority, a more featureful mintInstall tool for software installations, mintDesktop for some additional desktop settings, mintBackup for creating backups of the home directory and mintNanny which allows blocking certain sites.
An artsy gray dark theme with green overlays and a green wallpaper make a refreshing shift from Ubuntu's typical brown and orange. There is only one panel at the bottom with the main menu being in the place where Windows users would expect it. The main menu is also more expanded than a typical menu in Ubuntu, as shown on the screenshot above. It allows searching through applications within the menu.
Pros:
- All pros of Ubuntu
- Popular multimedia codecs pre-installed.
- Additional popular proprietary applications made more easily available.
- Useful additional utilities that complete the user experience (central control panel and mintTools).
- Sexy theme (though beauty is in the eyes of the beholder).
Cons:
- None really, unless you simply prefer Ubuntu the way it is.
More info:
3. Pardus
Pardus is an unique Linux distro which may easily be regarded as one of the easiest to install and use. Upon installation the user is greeted by a setup utility called Kaptan which makes it a breeze to set up the basic working environment, from mouse behavior and themes (and there is a selection of a few excellent ones to boot) to networking and update settings.
The software installation tool is similar to Add/Remove Programs in Ubuntu, but with a more capable yet very easy to use interface. It is arguably the best software installation tool out there as it provides a very polished user experience without sacrificing too much on functionality and information provided to the user.
Unlike both Ubuntu (with the exception of a Kubuntu variant) and Mint it comes with KDE4 desktop environment by default, which is breaking some new grounds in terms of Linux desktop experience. It improves on it with a unique icon theme and built in support for Google Gadgets which allows you to install from many available google gadgets to be displayed right on your desktop.
The main disadvantage of Pardus may be a relative lack of support and packages availability due to lack of popularity, but given the quality which it exhibits its popularity will probably grow and with it the support community.
Pros:
- Kaptan initial setup utility allows quick set up of the desktop.
- One of the best polished KDE4 based desktops
- Google Gadgets support built in.
- Excellent software installation tool rivaling the best ones in the industry.
Cons:
- Not as popular yet meaning a smaller support community and less related material on the web.
- Might not have all software available for it that is available for more popular distros
More info:
4. OpenSUSE
OpenSUSE was many times reviewed as the most polished Linux distro with every facet of the user experience being carefully designed. What especially and traditionally highlights OpenSUSE is YaST (Yet another Setup Tool), a powerful control center that allows configuring every part of the system (even though OpenSUSE comes pre-configured and supports auto-detection).
It is also known as the best implentation of the KDE desktop environment, with most attention to polish and detail. Another highlight is its one-click install, a way of installing software by clicking on a link in a web site. This makes it much easier to install third party software offered in such a manner because it spares the user having to add repositories manually.
The disadvantage is that in order to get the full experience of OpenSUSE it is really recommended to get a full DVD, which is quite a download.
Pros:
- Polished user experience, (arguably) the best KDE4 implementation.
- A large support community and plenty of related material (like Ubuntu).
- One click install.
- YaST Control Center
Cons:
- Over 4 GB download for full experience.
More info:
5. Fedora
With a release schedule very similar to Ubuntu and primary focus on a GNOME based desktop, Fedora tends to be seen as direct competition to Ubuntu. What sets it apart is the early inclusion of newest and innovative technologies, some of which developed by RedHat, Fedora's parent company.
While not all of these technologies present an obvious benefit to the common user, those which do may be what sells the new user on Fedora, including things such as more control over the multimedia system (ability to control sound level of specific programs as they run), the flickerless (and amazingly beautiful, as shown in a screenshot) boot process, package manager that downloads only what's new about an updated package rather than a whole package (saving bandwidth, making updates quicker) and so on.
Suffice it to say that if you'd like to experience the latest Linux world has to offer, Fedora may be a good choice. That said, Fedora doesn't contain a centralized control panel and having the latest and greatest does mean a somewhat greater chance of things breaking or crashing, albeit probably not more often than Windows XP blue screens. ;)
Pros:
- Bleeding edge technology.
- Large community, good support.
Cons:
- Bleeding edge also means somewhat greater likelihood of instability.
More info:
6. PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS builds on Mandriva, previously known as Mandrake, which was the first distro to break the barrier of Linux user friendliness and to this day remains one of the most polished distributions. PCLinuxOS features a control center from which every facet of the desktop can be managed (similar to YaST in OpenSUSE) and offers excellent Synaptic package manager for software installation and removal, the same advanced manager available in Ubuntu.
It comes in multiple variants based on desktop environments, KDE3, GNOME and LXDE (lighter and faster environment) and tends to emulate, to an extent, the Windows look and feel. Its selling point may be in combining the Ubuntu-like software management with OpenSUSE-like control panel.
The only disadvantages may have to do with it being a little behind the pack in terms of latest software as is evident with the KDE variant which still uses now de-facto outdated KDE3 rather than the new KDE4. But then again, compared to the age of Windows XP which is still used by many, this is nothing.
Pros:
- Good control center.
- Powerful synaptic package manager.
- Multimedia readiness out of the box.
Cons:
- Somewhat behind the times (still on old KDE3!).
More info:
7. Sabayon
Here is an oddball, a distro which reportedly plays rock music while its LiveDVD is booting, builds on a source-based Gentoo distribution and is apparently known as the "swiss army knife" of distributions. Yet according to reviews it appears to be doing a good job in terms of providing new users practically anything they may ever need without fuss.
Regardless of being based on a distribution in which nearly everything is installed by compiling from source, it employs a binary package management system called Entropy and provides an easy to use graphical software install tool called Sulfur.
If you don't mind options and would like an extensive set of features, including proprietary software out of the box Sabayon might be worth a try.
Pros:
- Offers more out of the box than typical distributions (including multimedia codecs).
- Tools that make it easier to install software from source if not available as a binary package.
- Sulfur package management, for those who prefer it.
Cons:
- Might be a bit overwhelming to some.
- Not among the most popular distros.
More info:
Conclusion
It is worth noting a couple of things. First, not every person has the same needs, preferences or tastes. What may be a perfect easy to use Linux distro for one might be something else for another. Second, it is important to keep in mind that Linux is not Windows and can therefore not be expected to behave in the same manner. Just like OS X is a completely different operating system so is whichever Linux distro you choose.
That said, given that in the Windows world you have always been given a single choice, it is still possible to make a "safe pick", something that may work reasonably well for you to possibly replace Windows as your primary operating system even if it is not the absolute perfect among Linux choices for you. Chances are you will know your safe pick when you see it.
In any case I hope this article helps you put you in the right direction. It is worth exploring the info pages, especially reviews, before making your pick, or you may simply pick one right here and dip your toes right in. In any case, I hope you have fun and find the right one.
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