Re: Debian: A noob query

[Rob Owens <rowens@ptd.net>]

On Thu, Nov 24, 2011 at 05:36:09PM -0500, Brad Alexander wrote:
> Hi Sam,
> 
> I'll throw in my 2 cents as well...
> 
> On Thu, Nov 24, 2011 at 1:45 PM, Weaver <weaver@riseup.net> wrote:
> 
> > On Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:43:54 -0500
> > Sam Vagni <sam.vagni@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Hello everyone,
> >
> > Hello Sam,
> > >
> > > I just want to go into Linux, coming from Windows XP. Just want to
> > > know if Debian is good to go with and learn then?
> >
> > It's good to go with, depending on what you're looking for.
> > If you want to learn, there's no Linux distro better for the purpose,
> > but an easier introduction could be by downloading and installing LMDE
> > here: http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=1818 which many are switching to
> > from Ubuntu.
> >
> 
> It also depends on what you want to learn and how deeply you want to delve
> into Linux. I have been working with Linux for many years (I started using
> Linux to teach myself SunOS 4.1.3). I started with Slackware (2.2.0.1) and
> progressed to RedHat, then started using Debian, where I have been ever
> since.
> 
OP:  Just remember that as you learn more, you might switch distros at
some time.  Don't worry too much about choosing the distro that will be
best for you in the long run.  Choose what is best for you right now.
Maybe that's one of the "hand-holding" distros, or maybe it's Debian
(which requires only slightly more learning than the hand-holding
distros).

For now, stick with the defaults because that's what most people will be
able to help you with.  In Debian's case, that would be the Gnome
desktop.  I don't use it, but I did for a long time and it's good.  It
makes some things easier than they would be if you just installed a
window manager.  

Don't overwhelm yourself with new things.  Take it one step at a time.

-Rob