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For the Linux users out there, I need some opinions/answers. I've got an older Windows machine that I am thinking of reviving with a Linux OS. I am also considering a Linux dual boot system, with Linux on a thumb drive while the original Windows OS on the HD. That would give me access to all the stories, photos, and what-not.
My question is which would be a better choice: Ubuntu or Mint? Either one can be installed on the HD or a thumb drive. I like the thumb drive option for it's portability. Any suggestions or recommendations?
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Karen, Ubuntu & Mint are both good
I've used both at different times, currently Mint. Both are about 2 gig or a bit more in download size and expand to over 5 for system partition (I use 18 gigs for system & 128 gigs for home partition) - my setup is on a hd so can be bigger. On a thumb drive try 8 gig system & 24 gig home. With separate home partition you can upgrade system w/o losing personal data on /home by only formatting system partition. Hope this helps.
I concur
I use Mint, but that is mainly because it was recommended to me. I tried Ubuntu, but it was at a time when they had rolled out a new gui. There are more choices now. I used a branch of Ubuntu called Skywave and it worked well.
If your computer is really old, go with the LXDE or XFCE desktops, since they're less resource intensive.
By the way, Mint is a branch of Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is a branch of Debian.
Debian is the root distro. It's solid, but really best left to more experienced users. Also, it doesn't necessarily play well with proprietary drivers.
Ubuntu Command Line in Windows 10
Of course, there is an Ubuntu command line built into Windows 10.
Linux
Go for Debian.
Which to use?
If you are not familar with Linux, then I suggest that you start with Mint and it is a much more user friendly startup. Once you are feeling confident using Mint, then transferring to Ubantu will offer you more options and flexibility. The root is, as others have mentioned, Debian, but I would only look at using this if you are wishing to become a developer as it is not user friendly, although powerful. Using Linux will not limit your application options as there are some 90 000 applications 'out there' which will interface (work with) Linux. Hope that this helps a bit.
they are both popular
mint is a spin off of ubuntu, but they both have a large community of support, so you can't go wrong either way. my personal preference is ubuntu, but that doesn't mean it's best for you.
if I had to chose again, I might go with elementary os, it's very user friendly
Mint is a lot more user
Mint is a lot more user friendly, especially for Windows users. I'd go with that. Is there any particular reason why you want to run it off a thumb drive? You'll get better performance if you run it from the hard drive, plus flash drives aren't intended for prolonged use so it could fail on you somewhere down the line.
Have delightfully devious day,
portability
I want to be able to plug it into any computer I'm using. Thinking about moving all my BC files to it, so my relatives won't be able to see what a naughty girl I've been. ;-) Only has to work for two years, the way I've been feeling lately, maybe less than a year.
Edit/Add I might due an HD install on one of these older computers I have, just have to see.
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”
George Carlin
If you do go that route,
If you do go that route, please make sure you do frequent backups.
Have delightfully devious day,
That was my thinking
With the idea of setting up an old desktop. I could backup the thumb drive to the desk computer. Then convert the files for use with Windows.
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”
George Carlin
To step out a bit, there's
To step out a bit, there's also Zorin Linux.
I personally use Xubuntu for my servers and ancillary workstations, and Kubuntu Neon for my laptop. I haven't used Mint. I wouldn't suggest Ubuntu Desktop; Gnome can be a bit of a weird smack in the face for people completely unfamiliar with anything but Windows. Xubuntu has a minimal menu, but does have a menu (drop down from the top, like a Mac), and Kubuntu has a 'up from the bottom left' menu.
There's also CloudReady, which will turn your old computer into a Chromebook. To use the DVD to play movies, you'll have to install VLC, which is available for Chromium OS. (I'll be testing that in a day or so)
I'll get a life when it's proven and substantiated to be better than what I'm currently experiencing.
Menus
In Linux Mint Mate, you can set your menus to be on the top, bottom, either side, or any combination. I expect that that is the case with most distros in the Debian family. Right click on the menu bar and choose Panels.
Gnome doesn't really have a
Gnome doesn't really have a menu structure. It has searches, application lists, etc. It's nothing like it was back in, say, 2003. KDE at least looks roughly the same, even though they added some excessively unnecessary crap that you can't disable without non-stop complaining.
I'll get a life when it's proven and substantiated to be better than what I'm currently experiencing.