[lug] linux distro for a beginner

[Lori Reed]

Hugh Brown wrote:
> As I discuss what I do by day (linux sysadmin) with folks and complain
> about windows periodically, I sometimes get asked which Linux distribution
> I recommend for someone who wants to get started with Linux but doesn't
> want to be their own sysadmin.  So far, I've been telling them to get a
> Mac.

My sister & niece both have Mac's and they both know I won't give them 
any support.

> Which distribution would you recommend for someone that thinks MS is vile,
> doesn't want to support them, but doesn't want to become a techie?

Since you're likely to be their primary source of support, I'd recommend 
installing whatever distro you're most comfortable with.

This just came up in my family a couple of weeks ago when my 73 year old 
step-dad decided to try linux on his laptop so I helped him install FC3.

His only needs are web browsing, email, and the occaisonal word 
processing and so far he's pleased with the decision. Time will tell if 
he's still as pleased when he goes back to Phoenix for the winter and 
his support staff (that would be moi) is 1000 miles away.

Lori