Is Debian for me?

[FNDII]

I dont even know where to start with my questions.

Do i need all DVD ISO?
ftp://debian.cites.uiuc.edu/pub/debi...0/i386/iso-dvd

The main things i need to do with my computer is iTunes and World of Warcraft.
I know you can use both of them, but are the easy to set up?

I am not very good with command lines so i need an easy to use GUI. what happens when you first boot up? is there a gui on inital boot up? how similar is it to windows or will i be totaly lost?

I have read several FAQ's an am still a bit confused.

DVD 1 is currently downloading. I have a spare HD so i'll install it all alone on that HD.

I know i'll have more questions as i sit here and watch the iso download><

[MrZodiac]

I'm assuming you never used linux before. Ubuntu which is based on Debian, but more easy to use would be better for a newbie. Command lines are a little hard a first, in order to install itunes, and WoW your'll mostly likely need to use the command line. Once, you learn the basic commands in linux you should be alright. If your interested in Ubuntu check out Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu

You can even order Ubuntu on cds for free!

[bigtomrodney]

I agree that Ubuntu would be a better starting point, but a better question would be if the two most important applications for you are Windows based why run Linux? There are plenty of alternative music players if you are not buying from iTunes. Amarok is my favourite and in my opinion the best. There are others like Rhythmbox and Banshee which are more like iTunes.

[techieMoe]

I dont even know where to start with my questions.

Do i need all DVD ISO?
ftp://debian.cites.uiuc.edu/pub/debi...0/i386/iso-dvd

No, you only need the first DVD. Really, all you need is the first CDROM to get the system going. There's even a smaller one called the "Net Install" which will just install the base OS and let you download the rest as needed, but that's a little more work and it requires you have a decent internet connection.

The main things i need to do with my computer is iTunes and World of Warcraft.
I know you can use both of them, but are the easy to set up?

In my personal opinion, you should really just use these in Microsoft Windows. Keep an install of it on your computer when you want to game or use iTunes. Getting either of these set up in Linux is going to take some work and neither will run perfectly anyway. Dual boot if you still want to game and try out Linux.

I am not very good with command lines so i need an easy to use GUI. what happens when you first boot up? is there a gui on inital boot up? how similar is it to windows or will i be totaly lost?

If you're not command-line friendly I would not recommend plain Debian. As others have suggested, Ubuntu is a more GUI-oriented version of Debian. You'll likely feel more comfortable with that one than plain Debian. It also comes on a single CDROM, so it shouldn't take so long to download.

[kring123]

I agree with many others that an Ubuntu-like system would be better for someone who doesn't like "looking under the hood" so to speak.

If you are used to Windows, I would suggest trying out a KDE-based distro like Kubuntu.

Kubuntu offers all of the great Debian stability and packaging tools but adds a little extra when it comes to simplistic GUIs and multimedia codecs.

I also found it works better with wireless networks (without having to configure a 3rd party package).

[loopback]

Yes, Ubuntu is the right choice for a beginner like you. Especially if you use automatix2 with it. Automatix2 is a program that allows one to install all sorts of apps one might need on their PC.

Mint Linux, an Ubuntu based distro (which in itself is Debian based) is another excellent choice for those new to Linux. You don't have to do a thing to it. It comes with everything.

Once you get the feel of Linux and in particular Debian, then you can try the Granddaddy of them all - Debian.

If you still feel adventurous, follow the links below for help in install Debian itself. Especially this one: Home Page - debiantutorials.org

[machiner]

If you're not command-line friendly I would not recommend plain Debian.

Nonesense. I have set computers up for people, or walked some through and they have yet to see the command line. Unless they want to.

You can run Debian all day without ever using the command line. You would rather recommend a somewhat shaky distribution like Ubuntu over a rock-solid one like Debian -- to a rookie? I see no sense in that.

[Johnny Utah]

I would recommend Mepis over Ubuntu (especially for a windows user). It ships with KDE which will be more familiar to you (Kubuntu is bloated and ugly). It also comes with proprietary software (flash, JRE, plugins, etc) that Ubuntu doesn't. This will save you time. And of course, it's based off of Debian. MEPIS | discover the possibilities...

[techieMoe]

Nonesense. I have set computers up for people, or walked some through and they have yet to see the command line. Unless they want to.

The last version of Debian I installed was 4.0. They've made good strides with their GUI installer and certainly don't rely on the command line as much as they have in the past, however there are other considerations for a new user.

One is size. Argue all you want about Ubuntu vs Debian but Ubuntu is still just one CDROM. That's a lot less download time for someone who's just starting out.

Another is the LiveCD. If I remember correctly, the default Debian download does not offer this option.

The difference under the hood between Ubuntu and Debian is negligible, so there is no reason for me personally to recommend Debian over Ubuntu for a new user. If they end up liking Ubuntu, the skills they learn using it will transfer to Debian.

You can run Debian all day without ever using the command line. You would rather recommend a somewhat shaky distribution like Ubuntu over a rock-solid one like Debian -- to a rookie? I see no sense in that.

Do you have any specific examples of how Ubuntu is "shaky" and Debian is "rock-solid", or are you just trying to push your favorite? I found version 6.10 of Ubuntu to be quite solid.

Threads like this are usually locked for this very reason: everyone has their favorite and when someone disparages it they feel the need to defend it. It's one thing to say you don't personally like Ubuntu (I didn't for quite a while myself). It's quite another to call it buggy.

In case I wasn't clear at first, the reason I recommend Ubuntu over Debian for a new user is that Ubuntu's development focus is directed at new users, while Debian's isn't really directed at anyone in particular. Debian is more of a general-purpose distribution.

[machiner]

I was making a point about the command line, and it still stands. Your post is...well, it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense. You even misquoted me and put words into my mouth. WTF is that?