10-27-2017, 09:54 PM
I was interested to browse this thread, as the discussion included comments on most of the Linux distros I have tried in the three to four years since I moved from Windows.
I use various computers (mostly laptops) which are getting old and have modest CPUs. One or two have processors without "pae" (which can be a constraint). My usage is not particularly demanding (no gaming....). For what it's worth, here are my current thoughts on the distros that have become my favourites:
Linux Lite: my joint favourite (with Mint). It's lightweight, uses XFCE, is visually pleasing, works out of the box on my various machines (no headaches with wifi or printers), has excellent help and guidance, and a very good forum. My only gripe is that the 'tweaks' to GRUB2 (details are in other forum threads) mean that it doesn't play nicely with other distros in a dual/multiboot installation;
Linux Mint - XFCE version: equal favourite, for much the same reasons. A very reliable, easy to use distro. Although Cinnamon is pretty, I actually prefer XFCE both for its appearance and its lower demands on processing power. Mint's larger user-base might make the forum busier and bigger, but the discussions there are polite and constructive.
PCLinuxOS: Interesting to see so many comments in this thread, most of them positive. I like it for the fact that it is stable, secure and polished. Developers and users are proud of the fact that PCLOS is not just another Ubuntu derivative. The KDE version has all the bells and whistles but is too big and complex for my tastes. So I use the MATE edition. I haven't tried the XFCE one (which is community-developed rather than a totally 'official' release). I installed PCLOS precisely because it was a rolling release, so I hoped never to have to upgrade or reinstall. My huge recent disappointment is that support for 32-bit versions has ceased, so no further updates or improvements and no further availability. For those still trying to prolong the active life of older computers, this is a real blow. A breakaway group of users is aiming to keep PCLOS 32-bit going under the label of UPLOS - but I'm not sure that will prove sustainable. But I hope PCLOS itself keeps going.
Zorin: Intended to appeal to former Windows users, the different display/interfaces were an interesting idea. But as a distro, style seemed to matter more than substance, and the combination of rough edges and gimmickry (3D displays) put me off - I haven't looked at recent versions.
LXLE: I tried it because it claimed to be among the most lightweight. But I didn't really get used to the menu-display or desktop environment, and both Mint and Lite are easier to use and slicker.
I use various computers (mostly laptops) which are getting old and have modest CPUs. One or two have processors without "pae" (which can be a constraint). My usage is not particularly demanding (no gaming....). For what it's worth, here are my current thoughts on the distros that have become my favourites:
Linux Lite: my joint favourite (with Mint). It's lightweight, uses XFCE, is visually pleasing, works out of the box on my various machines (no headaches with wifi or printers), has excellent help and guidance, and a very good forum. My only gripe is that the 'tweaks' to GRUB2 (details are in other forum threads) mean that it doesn't play nicely with other distros in a dual/multiboot installation;
Linux Mint - XFCE version: equal favourite, for much the same reasons. A very reliable, easy to use distro. Although Cinnamon is pretty, I actually prefer XFCE both for its appearance and its lower demands on processing power. Mint's larger user-base might make the forum busier and bigger, but the discussions there are polite and constructive.
PCLinuxOS: Interesting to see so many comments in this thread, most of them positive. I like it for the fact that it is stable, secure and polished. Developers and users are proud of the fact that PCLOS is not just another Ubuntu derivative. The KDE version has all the bells and whistles but is too big and complex for my tastes. So I use the MATE edition. I haven't tried the XFCE one (which is community-developed rather than a totally 'official' release). I installed PCLOS precisely because it was a rolling release, so I hoped never to have to upgrade or reinstall. My huge recent disappointment is that support for 32-bit versions has ceased, so no further updates or improvements and no further availability. For those still trying to prolong the active life of older computers, this is a real blow. A breakaway group of users is aiming to keep PCLOS 32-bit going under the label of UPLOS - but I'm not sure that will prove sustainable. But I hope PCLOS itself keeps going.
Zorin: Intended to appeal to former Windows users, the different display/interfaces were an interesting idea. But as a distro, style seemed to matter more than substance, and the combination of rough edges and gimmickry (3D displays) put me off - I haven't looked at recent versions.
LXLE: I tried it because it claimed to be among the most lightweight. But I didn't really get used to the menu-display or desktop environment, and both Mint and Lite are easier to use and slicker.