Linux is AWESOME!!!

arch linux is for nerds ... wouldnt suggest that for starters.. i havent bothered trying it because i dont like command lines and hassle to get it running, graphical systems that are fast to install is what i go for

ubuntu is the ultimate noob system .. mint if you arent that fixed on eyecandy and want a fast system thats easy to use.. opensuse if you have some understanding of linux and like eyecandy ..

then theres prob hundreds of other distros of all flavours, but those 3 basically covers all sorts of languages and are easiest to find info for

LOVE LOVE LOVE this operating system!!

I went with the big deal first, (Linux Mint) but I didn't like it much to be honest. It had crash issues on my computer, the graphics were messed up a little here and there and I just didn't care for the whole look of it.

I was almost ready to give up and go back to Windows and came across a version of Linux called OpenSuse.

O.M.G.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! Much nicer in appearance than Mint and it hasn't crashed on me a single time in the week that I've had it.

I mean this layout is bad ass and the different things you can do with graphics and customizing your desktop are sweet. It runs VERY close to how Windows runs too so you don't have to learn a whole new skill set to get started.

If you're on the fence about Linux, trust me, they have fixed the issues, go for it. You won't regret it. It has no backdoors like Windows does, it's ENCRYPTED, it is ENTIRELY open source which means others can add to it and make it better. You really can't ask for anything more, Linux is the shit.

And it's FREE!!

I have the newest version of OpenSuse, 12.2 with the KDE desktop. If you don't know what that means, like me, it's no problem, the OpenSuse website guides you every step of the way and allows you to choose which desktop you run.

Download the file, burn the image to a DVD and you're done.

I also love being able to keep my Windows with it and I have a choice which one I want to use before the computer boots up.

One thing I have noticed is that Linux doesn't support blueray/HD 1080p, so I keep a copy of Windows on my hard drive that I use solely for that. On the other hand Linux plays streaming HD content MUCH better than the other so I go to OpenSuse for that and general everyday surfing etc.

AMAZING!

If you want to get started, I can help with the setup and questions.

OpenSuse has a setting specifically for playing games.

Or, just run Wine.

It is a Windows emulator and will mount and run most Windows programs on Linux. Also check out playonlinux.

Well yes Arch Linux is for those who want to take control of their OS

If you don't want to learn your OS and just use it to check email etc. etc. then Ubuntu, Linux Mint, OpenSUSE, Mageia are good choices in that order

Yep, unless it's a 3D intensive game. Try running something like Call Of Duty in a VirtualBox, and it won't work.

Unless you do a Hypervisor, which is complicated. But things like Office, Media Player, Photoshop, etc, will work in VirtualBox,

i guess most want that when they try a new operative system .. they dont want to sit for a week and learn command lines before they figure out how to run firefox

You're doing it wrong run if you have to run FF from a terminal. Seriously.

Of course it's wrong - real men use lynx in the terminal.