Ask Slashdot: Easiest Linux Distro For a Newbie

anymooseposter writes "My mom is taking a computer class at the local Community College. she asks: 'I need to download a Linux OS and try it out for class. The assignment is to use an OS different from what you normally use. Well, since I use Windows and OS X, the assignment suggests Linux. But, my question is, what is the easiest version based on Linux for me to put on CD and try? I saw several on the web. Any thoughts off the top of your head?' What Linux Disto would be easiest to set up without having to resort to dual booting and/or driver issues?"

Re:Ubuntu + VMWare Player

[Anonymous Coward]

I've got to break some news to you - You're mother is at the local community college trying to pick up D&D players.

Gentoo

[Anonymous Coward]

Gentoo - By far the easiest!
* no need for a mouse to install it!
* don't have to boot a live cd
* don't have to dual boot (just have it take over)
* no hard to understand buttons - if you can read, you can install it!

Re:Ubuntu + VMWare Player

[Anonymous Coward]

I think the easiest thing to do in this situation is his mother.

Mom... eh?

[CodeInspired]

Sure... it's your mom's assignment. My grandpa is also taking Theory of Computation at his university and asking me why his carefully crafted Lisp code still doesn't solve the halting problem.