Opinions sought on best Linux distribution

[fullerama]

Hello! I'm brand new to the forum, and brand new to Linux. I've been working for a couple of weeks with Ubuntu, which is fairly user-friendly and so much of the installation was easy.

However, I've had issues with wireless connectivity and audio (recording streams) that I have not been able to solve yet. I'm casting around to see if there might be a better distribution for me.

What's your opinion on the best Linux distribution, from the standpoint of simplicity? I'm not blessed with huge technical skills, and some of the problems I've had with Ubuntu seem to be a little beyond my level of ability.

Should I try another distribution? Or go back to Windows?

Your input is appreciated.

[oz]

Opinions sought on best Linux distribution

Welcome to the forums!

You can check the link in my signature for lots of good information on getting started with Linux.

Unfortunately, there is no "best" distribution for everyone. If there were, we'd all be using it, whatever it might be. You'll need to keep experimenting with different distributions until you find the one that best suits your personal tastes and hardware.

Hope it all goes well for you.

[fullerama]

Thanks, Oz. I'll check the link.

[oz]

Thanks, Oz. I'll check the link.

Usually, any of the top 10 or so distros at DistroWatch.com will work well for most users, but certain hardware can give anyone problems. Most hardware is now supported, but even then certain issues can develop. Of course some users adapt to the entire Linux concept better than others, too.

Do keep us updated on how it's going for you.

[fullerama]

I like the concept a lot, but does require a bit of a change in mindset!

That's OK, I have a pretty good background in computer technology. I am not, however, what I would call extremely accomplished at troubleshooting problems. It's been a bit tough for me, but I'll keep plugging away. I went with Ubuntu specifically because I have a Dell computer and I know they are shipping with Ubuntu, so I figured it must work well with Dell. Overall, it has. The audio thing is pretty important to me, though, and I must say I've been disappointed with what I found to work with.

[techieMoe]

The audio thing is pretty important to me, though, and I must say I've been disappointed with what I found to work with.

Care to elaborate on this "audio thing"?

[fullerama]

I guess that was kind of vague. I have found it very difficult to configure the audio on Ubuntu so that I can record audio streams. Pulseaudio doesn't seem to want to do it, although simply playing audio has not been a problem. I need to use an audio editor to record streams, and I have not been able to get that done with pulseaudio or ALSA yet.

[techieMoe]

I guess that was kind of vague. I have found it very difficult to configure the audio on Ubuntu so that I can record audio streams. Pulseaudio doesn't seem to want to do it, although simply playing audio has not been a problem. I need to use an audio editor to record streams, and I have not been able to get that done with pulseaudio or ALSA yet.

There's a version of Linux based on Ubuntu but specifically tailored for audio/video enthusiasts: Ubuntu Studio. You might consider giving it a shot.

[fullerama]

Thanks! That looks pretty interesting.