Which Linux distribution is better for newbies?

I'm going to install Linux for someone who isn't even very good with Windows. I've narrowed it down to either Linux Mint or PCLinuxOS. Which one should I install? Are there any other Linux distributions I should be considering?

Also, should I install Gnome, KDE, or something else?

asked 21 Aug '10, 17:31

Phenom
11●5●8
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My dad was new to computers. He could not even use ms-windows. He would phone up every second day with a problem. After a few weeks I noticed that most problems I was struggling with. Like modem stops working, CD seems to write and read, but when ejected is blank.

I installed Ubuntu; I now have to make a special effort to go see him. He never has a problem. Well there was one, he would fill the print queue up with rubbish, then a few days later do a print, and wonder why he got the wrong output.

I recommend a distro that does not give user to much privilege (to break stuff). And maybe a simple kiosk distro, if that is all that is needed.

enable security updates, but not other updates (so it does not randomly break)

link

answered 07 Jun '11, 11:17

daves dad
11●3●6
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0	Its better to install Linux Mint since a lot of documentation and help for newbie's is available with ubuntu. After sometime he may start working with terminal gradually. link answered 22 Aug '10, 07:27 shashi 1 accept rate: 0%

0	I agree with teddymills, Ubuntu is the best for newbies. link answered 26 Aug '10, 18:07 Annie 1 accept rate: 0%

0	I suggest you install for them LinuxMint. link answered 01 Sep '10, 07:02 Rod 1 accept rate: 0%

0	i would suggest Linux mint isadora.you can try it first on virtual box check out this link plz (http://myit-solutions.blogspot.com/2010/09/linux-mint-isadora-on-virtual-box.html). link answered 24 Sep '10, 16:57 sunny69 1 accept rate: 0%

Slighty off subject in response to jw benson remarks:

I have a similar (identical) issue with my wife also - how do you get around those websites that seem only to render correctly with IE ?

Maybe a new thead should be opened for this ...

link

answered 02 Nov '10, 20:01

Metcomm
1
accept rate: 0%

Metcomm: Firefox has an add-on called IEtab which uses the IE rendering engine for sites that do not display correctly in Firefox. I have to remind my wife how to use it when she runs into one of those websites...but she rarely has gone to one of those ;o)

(03 Nov '10, 13:26) jw benson

Feel free to post a new question for this with additional information and examples. :)

(27 Apr '11, 08:15) Jazz ♦

0	How about Vector? link answered 03 Nov '10, 10:37 Neal 1 accept rate: 0%

0	IMHO, whatever KDE. It has the most Windows-like appearance. link answered 04 Nov '10, 03:11 previso 1 accept rate: 0%

0	The most complete Distro you can use Fedora. link answered 13 Nov '10, 14:09 Devendra koli 1 accept rate: 0%

0	To help clarify the answer, see here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/914191/storage/How%20to%20Choose%20Linux%20-%20Color.svg link answered 03 May '11, 10:03 Ron ♦ 936●1●7●18 accept rate: 13%

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Asked: 21 Aug '10, 17:31

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Last updated: 07 Jun '11, 11:17

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