Been using PCLINUXOS since February.... THANKS Texstar and team!

[nemesys]

I used to play with Linux in the late 90's and never found it to work out well for me.  This year, I decided to give it another go b/c there was no way I was going to Vista or 7. Plus, I wanted to live my values and using an MS or Mac OS would make me a hypocrite in so many ways

So, 1st tried that really popular distro, then another German one, and was having so many issues with each I was getting desperate.  I had managed to strand myself without a working OS in my 2nd month (February '11) at a new university. The pressure was on.  I had to make a decision at 2AM, install PCLINUXOS or Mandriva, and the choice would mean I'd be able to complete some crucial assignments or not.  Guess which I picked?

Anyway, it's almost October and I'm on the same install of Pclinuxos KDE.  I gotta say guys, in spite of my minor issues along the way, this is the most ROCK SOLID operating system I've used on a PC. 

Part of me is curious about other distros, but there's no way I would even try one without having another computer. If it ain't broke don't fix it! But seriously, there's no reason to switch.  This has got it all for me right now at my current level of use and understanding of Linux.  I haven't found anything I haven't been able to work out myself, but I know when I do, this community will help me fix it!

I may do a fresh install at some point just because I did so many things I didn't understand along the way I'd like to start from scratch.  But that can wait.  Also, I am stoked that when I get a more powerful computer I can really see what this OS can do.  I have an older laptop now. 

I do have a question:  are the other desktop versions as well supported as the KDE or is there any difference?  I was thinking of trying a lighter desktop since my puter is kinda old. Any disadvantage?  (like I said if it ain't broke....) is FullMonty better for fast machines?

Anyway. THANKS THANKS THANKS and awesome work to all who make it work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best,
John in Colorado @ Colorado State U.

[izto]

All other editions work great too. It all comes down to personal preference. Of course, the lighter the environment the more difference it makes on an old machine.

Try the liveCDs first (on a USB stick it's even better). Best of all, the Control Center comes in every edition, so they are more user friendly than other distros with the same environments. Just don't get caught up with the default aesthetics, they take seconds to change to your liking.

[Archie]

You must try other Linux distros to really appreciate PCLinuxOS. Without a dobt after successfully installing and using another distro, you will truly see the dedication that the devs poured on the OS we (at this forum) all have in common with. Welcome to the community, nemesys.

[menotu]

Nice post nemesys - and a big welcome to the forum.

+1 to Archie's post in that all the other versions are rock solid; they all have there own way of doing things, so it come's down to which makes the "best fit" for your needs and likes.

Virtualbox could be your friend as this enables you to have a looksee without installing them directly to your hard drive (good to have a little "spare" memory available for Virtualbox)

[Crow]

You must try other Linux distros to really appreciate PCLinuxOS. Without a dobt after successfully installing and using another distro, you will truly see the dedication that the devs poured on the OS we (at this forum) all have in common with. Welcome to the community, nemesys.

+1 Using other distros gives you a reference of what you have but I think you did that already.

To try other desktop environments you may only install task-(name of DE)  or better, download the iso and use the excellent "PCLinuxOS Live USB Creator", you can find it in our menu. Boot from the USB and you will appreciate what that DE has for you.

[Duvid]

Another way to test drive other desktops using the same computer, and utilizing all of the computers resources is to repartion hard drive. A small partion is all you need for /. It will use the same swap and same home if you wish. I have repartioned as many as three desktops for the full experience. The way to do this has been posted several times, is not as daunting as it may sound.

[Archie]

Another way to test drive other desktops using the same computer, and utilizing all of the computers resources is to repartion hard drive. A small partion is all you need for /. It will use the same swap and same home if you wish. I have repartioned as many as three desktops for the full experience. The way to do this has been posted several times, is not as daunting as it sound.

Good idea, Duvid ... multiboot. Just be careful of bootloaders. They are such nasty creatures. 

[Just18]

Welcome nemesys ........  and I hope you continue to enjoy your stay  

Given the hardware limitations you have at present I am with Crow .......  install, using Synaptic, (after fully updating of course), task-lxde for example ......  and at your next log in choose that desktop environment.

You will immediately notice the difference in speed of the Desktop .....  but you may also miss some functions that KDE has and LXDE doesn't.

After that it it a matter of personal choice .....  what can you do without in order to get a faster response on the Desktop!

Have more fun!  

[Ɗα√ϵς§]

I have four partitions the first one has the standard PCLOS KDE, the others are for testing but the 4th one has the LXDE edition and I think it's great! You do need to play around a tiny bit with it, nothing too difficult but plenty of help here. I think mine looks like a throwback to KDE3, except of course it's light and goes like an express train. Even though my computer handles KDE4 and all the 3D effects, there is something appealing about the LXDE desktop if you choose the scheme carefully