Hello, I'm new here...

[DaCalebMan]

Hello, I am new here, I'm definitely considering a move to Linux, but have a few general newbie questions.

I am thinking of downloading Ubuntu's operating system, and need to know the minimum requirements...

My PC is currently running XP pro SP3. has an Intel celeron Proccesor at 2.40Ghz, and 504MB of Ram...

Also, is gnome an operating system or a...um, how do you say it?

Interface upgrade/extension??

I am quite good with PC's, but know absolutely nothing about Linux, so I want to be prepared for the move. Could anyone help me out with this??

Caleb

[buckbeak]

I am very new too, but having just installed Ubuntu, perhaps I can answer your questions.

The minimum requirements are P4 (Celeron should do) 1 GHz, 512 Mb RAM, but it will work on even 128MB RAM (it is a beautifully designed OS).

The user interface is layered. The first level is a windowless environment. On top of this basic interface, Linux runs X-Windows, which is a basic windowed GUI. Gnome or KDE form the third and final layer of the user interface. They are known as desktops. KDE is supposed to be closer to MS Windows, but Gnome is not too different and extremely intuitive - except for the task bar being at the top rather than at the bottom.

Happy installation - it is well worth it - you will be amazed by the improvement in performance over Windoze.

[buckbeak]

This may help ->

https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/installation-guide/i386/minimum-hardware-reqts.html"]https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/installation-guide/i386/minimum-hardware-reqts.html

[DaCalebMan]

Wow,

Thanks Buckbeak. So Ubuntu is the Operating system, and Gnome is the interface. Interesting...

Does gnome come pre installed? or do you get it online later?

My only complaint about Linux is, it's so non advertising, I've never been interested in it!... until I found Linux Red hat for dummies!

From what I've heard, linux is an extremely flexible and compatible OS.

Thanks a bunch,

~Caleb

[buckbeak]

When you install Ubuntu, it install Gnome by default . If you want to install kde instead of Gnome, I think you need to install Kubuntu instead of Ubuntu. I don't really know how to install one of the lighter desktops such as xfce, but it should not be too difficult.

Yes, it is extremely flexible and fun (especially if you enjoy tinkering with settings), and there are loads of free applications available for anything that you want to do.

One note of warning however: sometimes finding and installing drivers for your devices might be a challenge - it may be worth checking if your scanner/ webcam, etc is supported. For instance, the Nokia phone is supported - I have installed the application, but have not got around to testing it yet.

[oz]

am thinking of downloading Ubuntu's operating system, and need to know the minimum requirements...

Welcome to the forums!

You can check this Ubuntu webpage for system requirements:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/In...emRequirements

The info there should still be relatively accurate for the current version.

Hope it works out well for you and you have lots of fun with Linux!

[reed9]

Howdy. Linux really isn't too hard to figure out, but there is definitely a learning curve. You should read this:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Sw...tu/FromWindows

Ubuntu should run adequately on your system, but my personal opinion is that the two major desktop environments, GNOME and KDE, would be a little slow. You might also consider Xubuntu, which uses the lighter weight XFCE desktop environment. That should be a little quicker and more responsive. However, that is greatly a matter of personal preference. I personally think GNOME is too slow on any computer, but I don't like to wait more than a second for a program to open, and about 30 seconds to boot is about the most I can tolerate.

More on desktop environment vs window manager: Flipping the Linux switch: Desktop environments vs. window managers

I don't know why so many people seem to compare KDE to windows. I frankly don't see KDE as any more analogous to windows that GNOME. KDE historically tended to be preferred by power users and people who liked to tweak and customize everything. It offered far more configuration options than GNOME. With the release of the 4.xx series, it initially lost some of those options, though they have been working their way back in. My experience has been that most new people I show linux to find GNOME more intuitive. XFCE tends to look and behave more like GNOME.

While Ubuntu ships with GNOME by default, Xubuntu XFCE, and so on, you can install any window manager or desktop environment you like regardless of what version you start with. All you need is a working internet connection. For example, to install the Xubuntu version on regular ubuntu, open up a program called Synaptic Package Manager, search for xubuntu-desktop, select it and hit apply. It will download and install everything you need, and you can now select XFCE or GNOME when you log-in.

[DaCalebMan]

Wow, that's incredible!

So, if I need some speed, I can change to a lighter desktop!

And when I want some style I just open GNOME!


One things for sure, you could never do that in windows!



Man, I think I'm gonna' enjoy this,

Thanks,

Caleb

[reed9]

I should note that while the window manager/desktop environment you use has a lot to do with memory usage and speed, which applications you use also play a large role. Firefox is slow-ish to open and a memory hog no matter what you're using. It's the price you pay for all the features.

[markharding557]

but Gnome is not too different and extremely intuitive - except for the task bar being at the top rather than at the bottom.

this can easily be moved to the bottom(i always do that)just right click the menu-unlock and move