Hi Alex, first, I'd take a hard look at a Mac OSx, especially the new Leopard OSx as I believe it will do everything you are looking for and more. Mac OSx 10.4 will run Windows software using Parallels or VMware which is software that will allow you to use Linux, Windows and I believe Unix as well as Mac software and or Operating Systems. I think the Mac is the most versatile Operating System out there. It is also based on a 64 bit OS but will run anything and everything with a few exceptions. Macs are expensive but they maintain a higher resale value and they have fewer problems with hardware and software. I don't have a Mac yet as I'm waiting for the Leopard OSx which will be out on Oct 26 of this year. I'm running Xandros Professional 4.0 and like it as it too is Debian based and an easy transition from Windows. It is not a free version, it is a commercial version which is a more complete version that comes with it's own antivirus, adware and file protection system as well as a license which enables you to load it and use it on as many personal computers that you own as well as one business PC. Go to Xandros website, check the hardware compatibility list before you decide to buy it as you may want to base your decision on what you have, what you might have to replace or just go for a MAC
As far as to what distro to use, here are a few good options for newbies:
1) Linux Mint (everything works out of the box; Ubuntu derivative)
2) Ubuntu
3) Xubuntu (uses less resources that Ubuntu)
4) PCLinuxOS
5) SimplyMEPIS
6) Freespire
These are the ones I've used and they all work fine. I'd recommend you download and burn these on CD and boot up your system with them so you can give them a test first... most if not all of these come with a "Live CD" which is part of the image so you can try them without changing your current OS.
So give them a try, you got nothing to lose. Remember, almost 100% of the Linux distributions are free.
PS: As for the best one; there's no such thing, you need to decide for yourself. That's the beauty of Linux, there's a perfect distro for everyone.
Quote:PS: As for the best one; there's no such thing, you need to decide for yourself. That's the beauty of Linux, there's a perfect distro for everyone.
Well said, I could not agree more and IMO all are better than Windows!
