Hi I am a long time Windows user but I have from time to time dabbled with Linux, I am at the point where I would like to take the plunge and switch altogether. At this time Mint would be my preferred choice, I hate the new Ubuntu style but the huge repositories are a massive draw to an Ubuntu based OS. What I need from my operating system is:- As user friendly as possible To be able to read, write and manage an NTFS partition [I have a huge media library that I don't want to risk losing] To run a DLNA media server program such as serviio [Rygel also looks promising] Steam would be nice but not essential A desktop that most resembles Windows 7 [KDE was OK but is there a better one?] My PC is 8 core with 4 gig of RAM with a reasonable graphics card [all AMD] 32 or 64 bit is another issue, with Windows I have always stayed with x32 OS and software what is the advice regarding Linux? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Ditto to Tito's reply... Mint uses Ubuntu repo's so you are not missing anything There a thrmes and applets galore if you want to get a windowsy look-'n-feel..
Thanks both What about the NTFS support, I read conflicting reports about the the compatibility of this file system with Linux?
I suggest using Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon 64-bit. LM17 is a Long-Term Support release. Linux Mint is a derivative of Ubuntu, and it uses Ubuntu repositories for packages.
Thanks for the advice. I have spent hours looking at the different distros. Mint comes out top for me with the other Ubuntu derivatives all very close behind, these are followed by Mepis and Debian. They are all closely related and Debian based