I was just given an older laptop, Vista is toast not bootable, thought I'd try Linux or other non M$ OS. Any suggestions for free, easy alternatives? Thanks
For Linux I'd recommend any of the top distros, Debian for example, or Mint, whichever you prefer. Cinnamon is a nice desktop UI.
I'd go with Ubuntu, LXLE is good though, especially on older machines. http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop http://www.lxle.net/
Not sure just yet, Vista was toast it's a Toshiba Satellite A135-S4407 I believe circa 2006. Instead of the mfg restore disk, I installed Zorin 10, I figured it was 32 bit. Is Zorin linux, umbuntu, or something different. So far the only AV I've found is Clam. Any suggestions for security software. I did see "Mint" would this have been a wiser choice. It came with Libre office.
Zorin is based on Ubuntu. It's not bad. 9.1 has long term support, the newer v10 is only about 4 more months of support. You don't need an AV for linux, just drop that idea now, and you'll be good.
My preference would be OpenSUSE, highly recommended. But as suggested, any of the top distros would be great to start with.
My "preferred" list of Linux Distros (in order of liking): Arch openSUSE Debian Fedora Then comes the fun stuff: OpenBSD It really depends on the use. What is the machine going to do?
Thanks Guys! what's a distro? Use of this machine, not much, I was given this machine (non functional OS), have never tried any alternative OS's. So was just getting my feet wet.