What version of Linux should i use?

[Craftninja7]

I've been having issues with Windows, and I'd like to try out Linux. I know there's a ton of different versions, and i don't know any of them, what is one that's easy to use, and similar to windows? Thanks.

 

[michael diemer]

Very good post michael diemer.

Thank you.

 

[Dave8671]

The best distribution hmm?

I purchased the IBM T500 thinkpad for a linux version I tried many versions. The lappy had a old hdd and I used that to test which version i wanted to use. I first tried PClinuxOS 2016 i could not install plugins on firefox which is a big points lost.

I not a fan of ubuntu but I tried ubuntu 16.04 I do not like the interface witn the side panel. Yes i know it can be changed but not easily hmm MS Ubuntu. I tried ubuntu mate same version felt like i was missing parts of it. The one distribution I choose was Linux Mint 18. I have always liked this distro better than any other. I am thinking of trying
Xfce desktop since I have never used it. How mint does it is very different that other distros i do not jave to dig around for codecs mint asks me if i want to install these at installation. I use cinnamon desktop in my desktop i3 core 4 year old home build i use this for more intense video editing and VirtualBox for windows 7. I want to use a operating system like linux mint and not have to be a administrator to run it. Though I am a computer tech i do not need to be one with linux mint. Heads up if you want to try Linux mint 18.1 had a few issues and i do not know if these are fixed as yet.

Minor update

I may try Ubuntu 18.04 once it has been released for a few months.

 

[michael diemer]

Since my last post in this thread, I have tried two more Linux distros, Linux Lite and LXLE. Both are lightweight distros. Linux Lite may be the closest to Windows 7,XP. And it has System Restore, which I have not seen in any other distro. It works very well. LXLE is another "light" distro, but is loaded with apps, games, etc. You can make it look like Windows 7, but the default position of the start menu is on top. However you can move it to the bottom to make it more Windows Sevenish. It is an outstanding distro. finally, Zorin 12 Lite finally came out, and it was worth the weight. Another light distro, good for older systems, it is the fastest Linux I have ever seen. both in terms of booting and performance. I still have Ubuntu Mate as well. I am spending most of my time on Zorin and LXLE. Any of these would be great choices for Windows refugees.