Windows fails again, please help me get started in Linux.

[Mosheingun]

So I just finished building myself a new 64 bit system, figured I'd grab Windows 7, because I haven't tried it yet, and I "WRONGFULLY" assumed that microsoft would have been all over this 64bit technology, but now I'm convinced that they are still trying to figure out how to count to 64 (not enough fingers and toes I guess). After doing a little more research, like I should have originally done, I've come to the conclusion that Linux is where I want to be.

The only problem is that it looks like there are sooo many different versions of Linux, I'm not sure which is best suited for me and my needs, so I figured the best way to find out is from the users. So I ask you, which is the best version of Linux?

First off, I would really prefer a 64bit version, wether it has that many advantages or not, I want to be using the newer technology. I would also prefer something very simplistic. Like windows 95 simplistic, but with all the compatibilities of the modern generation. I hate all the different settings and folders and plug-ins and accelerators and all the search engine tool bars, it's all garbage to me. I don't like my computer cluttered with all these "convienience" tools, there is nothing convienient about them, they destroy operating systems and crash computers. I don't like things downloading themselves without my knowledge, wether it's just an update or not, I want to know everything that goes on my computer. I don't like things integrating into other programs, If I wanted to use both programs at once, I will open both of them seperately. Although, I did try slackware about 3 years ago, when I built my last computer. I ran dual operating systems for awhile, because I wanted to try to learn slackware, but in the end it wasn't my cup of tee. I am a visual learner, I need pictures, Text base doesn't work for me, but I really did appreciate how extremely basic it was, I just couldn't pick up on all the command lines.

I do alot of work with media. I use my computer for recording and editing music, not professionally, just a hobby. Right now I'm using Ableton 8, but I've been looking into buying Cakewalk Sonar 8.5, it's suppose to be the best for 64bit. I also do alot of backing up files and disks. I back up all my discs onto discs and only use the copies and store the originals. Right now I use wondershare ripper and converter 4.3, but I don't believe they are 64bit compatible. I also use Poweriso, but I believe there is a 64bit version of that.

Any suggestions as to which version of the Linux OS would be best suited for me, would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has any suggestions as to what 64bit programs are best to use with Linux, media players/converters/rippers, browser(I'm assuming Firefox is the best, but we all know where assuming gets you), Office tools, compression tools, Anti-Virus Program, GIF animator, DVD Creator, Graphics and picture editor, etc...

Thanks,
Mosheingun

[reed9]

Linux has had support for 64 bit processors for many years. There are very few linux flavors (or distros as we say) that do not have a 64 bit version. Slackware was one of the last holdouts, and they recently released a 64 bit version.

As for applications, one of the last pieces for a lot of people was a 64 bit flash player, but adobe has released (though not final release) a 64 bit flash that works quite well.

You can actually run 32 bit programs on a 64 bit distro, if you install the right libraries, so it's not much of an issue there either. Normally, the only apps that are not available for 64 bit are windows crossovers, like Picasa.

Music and video production are somewhat weak points for linux. There are some decent apps as I understand (not my thing so I can't speak authoritavely) but they do not apparently match their proprietary counterparts. Audacity and Ardour are the two that get the most press, and are about as good as we get.
42 of the Best Free Linux Audio Software - LinuxLinks News

As for which distro is best...that's wholly subjective. Ubuntu is the most popular. I normally recommend Linux Mint as a good place to begin. However, given that you have some experience with Slackware, and don't care for all the glitz and bloat (I'm with you on that!), there might be better options for you. Also, do you need realtime capabilities?

If you have the time and desire to learn, you might consider starting with a minimal base and build up exactly what you want for your system. Ubuntu or Debian would make a good base system. Or just to get going, maybe something like Ubuntu Studio to have a preconfigured multimedia workstation. Ultimately, you should try many distros and find what works best for you, I'm afraid.

As for applications, almost everything is available in 64 bit, as I said. Most distros will have apps to handle everything you listed installed out of the box. (though of course you can install different apps)

This guide will give you an idea of some of the programs available out there and how to install a system. It does advocate a sort of throw everything in, including the kitchen sink, attitude, which is serious overkill in my opinion, but what I would recommend is install all the crap. Use it, figure out what you like, and then slim it down to what you actually like and want.

[Rubberman]

I was in your position a couple of years ago. Which distribution you use depends upon what you are doing. If you want stability, go with something like CentOS (the community/free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux). If you want more (b)leading-edge stuff, go with Ubuntu 9.10 or Fedora 11 or 12. I have a high-end 64bit workstation - Intel S5000XVN motherboard, dual quad-core E5450 xeon processors, 8GB RAM, 10TB of sata storage, nVidia 8800GT video card w/ dual 1920x1200 displays. I use the workstation for software development, audio and video processing, CD/DVD burning (dual DVD burners), and running Solaris and Windows in virtual machines.

On my laptop(s) I run Ubuntu 9.04 because it handles the current generation of wireless (wifi, bluetooth, and CDMA Sprint broadband usb modem) devices as well as most webcams without diddling with drivers, configuration, etc. They all seem to work out-of-the-box very nicely. My wife, a physicist, has installed Scientific Linux 5 on her new Toshiba 205 netbook (it's a variant of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5), and everything seems to work just fine there also. However, since her netbook is running an Atom processor, it is running the 32bit operating system. On my workstation, I run the x86_64 (64bit) CentOS, on my Core2 Dell D630, I run 64bit Ubuntu 9.04, but on my older Pentium-M Dell Inspiron I run 32bit Ubuntu 9.04. All of these have worked very well. In any case, running 32bit software on the 64bit systems is not a problem in my experience.

[hazel]

I'd say Debian. It's much less bloated than Ubuntu and you can choose between a stable and a bleeding edge version. The stable one is very stable. You can do a network install and choose which software you want. I suspect that with your tastes, you'd do best with a simple GUI based on a window manager, not something like Gnome. Debian uses Gnome but also has lxde which is much simpler and faster. Anyone here will give you a hand if you have trouble installing.

[Dude500]

Although I haven't used Linux in awhile, I'd reccommend PC Linux. It is extremley easy to use, its like Windows, only with linux. I am a visual learner as well. I'd suggest using the Live CD version of PC Linux and playing around with it. If you decide you really like it, you can install it from the Live CD onto your HDD.

[Bobalicious]

If you visit linux.org they have a terrific sort system on the site where you input what you want and it lists the Linux versions that more closely suit your choices. After that you should visit livecdlist.com and download an iso of the Linux you want to try, burn it to cd and run it. It's pretty slick as nothing gets installed and you see if you like it.