Linux for a Newb

[Capricorn]

My friend has outdated hardware (P4 @ 1.8 ghz, 512m RAM) and I was wondering if Gentoo would be fine for a newb? All they use the computer for is browseing the internet, but on Win2000 lol.

And I mean newb as newb gets, my friend doesn't really know much about computers - probably been handheld by MS all their life :P.

Or would xubuntu be better?

[Nava2]

for low specs, I would guess ubuntu > kubuntu... But are you setting up Gentoo? If not *definitely* not Gentoo.

Ubuntu is pretty much nub proof for the most part, and has the most support.

[Capricorn]

I edited my post, meant to say xubuntu which afaik has the smallest memory footprint.

So Gentoo is a definite no? Alright then.

[Nava2]

Gentoo is not noob friendly. I have no experience with xubuntu though.

[Capricorn]

How bad is Gentoo after its compiled?

[MylesMadness]

Not Gentoo. The specs would run ubuntu fine. I would recommend ubuntu

[Alek000]

Definitely don't do Gentoo... It is in no way noob friendly. Stick with distro's that have GUI installers. Ubuntu is the better choice.

[Rubix]

ubuntu

[Boreas]

gOS, Mint, (x)ubuntu

[YoHoJo]

Linux Mint

[bullzeye95]

I'd go with xubuntu. It has a pretty small memory footprint, is noob friendly, has a great UI, etc.

[Wizzup?]

I'd go with xubuntu. It has a pretty small memory footprint, is noob friendly, has a great UI, etc.

I've never tried xubuntu, but I think this would be a good choice.

[chaoyd]

Any Ubuntu Derivative, or Debian too for that matter.Long as it has a GUI plus bunch of support(which both do). Happy *nixing :)

[Syronix]

Yeah don't use Gentoo, ubuntu is pretty soft on the hardware for the most part low usage and stuff, just don't allow them root access and everything should be fine but make sure you install java and flash player for them b4 they bitch about it.