Which Linux version for me?

[Ben]

I've got an old PC, I currently use it hooked up to the TV but it's running XP (not even SP1 I think) and it's getting a bit too happy about crashing so I'd like to replace it with a version of linux.

All we use the computer for is watching iPlayer/4od and playing some MP3s/Spotify. Ideally, I'd like something easy to install, looks alright and doesn't mind custom resolutions as it's being hooked upto a TV (via HDMI).

Tried an old LiveCD of Ubuntu and Knoppix and they were alright, just wondered what would be the best solution?

tia

[Dud]

For ease of use and compatibility i think probably has to be ubuntu!

[Chris H]

I think the Ubuntu distro might be the best if you don't want to stray too far from how XP looks and feels.

Another good one would be Mint, which was based on Ubuntu but now looks to Debian.

I'm partial to Slackware and it's derivatives, currently using Zenwalk. Might be too 'different' though.

You can always have a trawl through distrowatch.org. You might be better off going for one with a livecd option where you can install from that.

[neal]

ubuntu 10.10 was released fully yesterday. i've been using it for a couple of weeks and it feels more robust than 10.04 did (i haven't had any issues with xorg failing to start thus far - and having to log in via cli then startx - with 10.10)

how familiar are you with linux at the moment..?

I think the Ubuntu distro might be the best if you don't want to stray too far from how XP looks and feels.

is that using gnome, kde, xfce or something else? any distro can run any of those. ubuntu comes with gnome by default, which looks and feels nothing like windows. you can install kde and use that, but then you might as well just download kubuntu instead (from kubuntu.org - it's ubuntu taliored for a kde interface). other window systems can be installed easily via the software centre.

Another good one would be Mint, which was based on Ubuntu but now looks to Debian.

ubuntu is built on debian itself. http://www.ubuntu.com/community/ubuntu-and-debian

[MattC]

Another one for Ubuntu