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Linux + 64bit + Free + Noobie Friendly = ?

A2597A2597 Fanboy
in Zocalo v2.0
OK, I'm going to Dual boot next format (1-2 weeks)

I need to know a good version of Linux to run that is firstly, 64Bit, and second, VERY Noob friendly, and of course, FREE.

So, any reccomendations?

Comments

  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    64 bit? You'll be wanting Gentoo then.
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    Yeah, Gentoo... Even though I'm still using Mandrake 9.1 (becomes I am soo lazy)... :)
  • JamboJambo Scriptkiddie
    Ahh yes, that noob-friendly gentoo :p
  • sleepy_shadowsleepy_shadow Ranger
    Disclaimer: I am not up-to-date on latest releases. Corrections welcome.

    ----------------

    Gentoo is quite flexible... permits you to tweak really many things... but takes time to install (especially if you recompile everything) and isn't especially noob-friendly.

    Of the distributions with a higher level of pre-configuration, I could recommend Mandrake 10.1 Official (which I personally use) or Fedora Core 3. The latter has already completed its first release for x86-64, cannot tell about compatibility or success.

    Mandrake too has an x86-64 version available, but to my knowledge, CD/DVD images are not out yet -- currently only included in their sellable pack (with documentation and support, tad expensive for those who simply want to experiment). Those who want it free must either perform a network or harddisk install.

    It goes without saying that:

    1) Install the Microsoft abomination first. When you install it after Linux, it is liable to overwrite the Linux bootloader (either LiLo or GRUB), demanding additional hassle to get dual-booting back.

    2) Have at least 512 megabytes of RAM. Although they can be optimized to run with less, modern distros prefer to have reasonable RAM.
  • C_MonC_Mon A Genuine Sucker
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jambo [/i]
    [B]Ahh yes, that noob-friendly gentoo :p [/B][/QUOTE] Yeah, Gentoo is noob friendly. It's the first linux distribution I'm starting to learn more about. It is pritty easy to install if you follow the handbook. I even got my usb wireless network adapter to work by doing a quick search on the gentoo forums. :)

    Why is it noob friendly? because I get alot of errors when gentoo boots on my laptop, but still it runs. :D
  • JackNJackN <font color=#99FF99>Lightwave Alien</font>
    Here's a question from ignorance...

    Can you run a 64 bit OS on a 32 bit processor, or does it require the new 64 bit processors?

    :)
  • BigglesBiggles <font color=#AAFFAA>The Man Without a Face</font>
    Nope, you must have the 64 bit instructions.
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