Complete Newbie help me

[SamSus47]

okay guys Ive been using windows since i was 4 years old. Windows 3.1
I'm now fed up with Vista and want to move on to Linux. After watching this video YouTube - WINDOWS VISTA AERO VS LINUX UBUNTU BERYL I'm ready for the switch. I came across this Linux.com :: Download Linux
Which distributors are the best?

BTW after I download Linux what other add on programs do I download.

Thanks in advance and please help a newbie out.

[bigtomrodney]

Seeing as how you were looking at a video for Ubuntu, you might start there thought there are several other 'big' distros to consider such as Fedora, openSUSE or Mandriva.

Personally I use Ubuntu. You get the basic Compiz setup when you install it. Beryl has remerged back to Compiz as Compiz Fusion. After you finish installation you can add Advanced Desktop Effects Settings through Synaptic and enable a huge amount of desktop effects to keep your desktop looking as crazy as you want it to.

I notice the desktop in the video is heavily themed. You can change your theme quite easily in Linux - check out Gnome-Look for ideas

Eyecandy for your GNOME-Desktop - GNOME-Look.org

[GNU-Fan]

Hello,

after you have downloaded Linux, you will have to compile it and you will have to install an operating system.

[MetalheadGautham]

Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't judge a distro by its GUI.

I don't mean to discourage you, but if cool looking UI is the only thing you are after, linux is NOT for you.

But if you still have the courage,............

I recommend OpenSuSE 11.0. Its a distribution which is quite fast, looks great, has lots of software available in centralised repositories, has huge community support and a great deal for newbies who are switching to linux from vista.

Hello,

after you have downloaded Linux, you will have to compile it and you will have to install an operating system.

What ? You serious ?

[MikJP]

Hello,

after you have downloaded Linux, you will have to compile it and you will have to install an operating system.

This must be a troll...

greetings,

mikko

[MikJP]

BTW after I download Linux what other add on programs do I download.

You don't surf around the internet and download any programs. You use the package manager of the distro you have chosen and let it download and install the software.

I would suggest either Ubuntu or openSUSE as the first distro. Fedora is for advanced users who don't mind having bleading edge software.

Greetings,

mikko

[SamSus47]

I'm downing Ubuntu right now its at 65% ill let you all know if I need any help later Thx for the quick replies.

[GNU-Fan]

I think my above statement about compiling the Kernel and installing the OS afterwards was too rude for this question and I am sorry about that.

(Btw. some people really consider this the best way to achieve the ideal operating system, because they can't find any distributions that completely fit)

[kostasan]

Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't judge a distro by its GUI.

I don't mean to discourage you, but if cool looking UI is the only thing you are after, linux is NOT for you.

If you want the coolest looking GUI than Linux is the natural choice, as it has the best looking GUI by far!