[perfect_rovian_storm]

I recommend Mint because it’s basically Ubuntu with some extra polish on it and it comes with everything working. With most Linux distros, you have to install the non-free stuff like Flash and codecs and stuff. With Mint, it’s all working from the second you’re finished installing. You can fire up Firefox and watch a youtube video first thing. You also can use the Ubuntu forums for any issues you might have, since it’s basically Ubuntu.

[Arkansas Toothpick]

We bought an Acer netbook at Walmart that has Windows XP loaded. It is OK, but we also own an iMac, and I hate the sluggishness and bloated feel that is Microsoft software. I get sick of the constant worry about viruses, plus the inevitable slowdowns as the registry corrupts. No operating system is perfect, but Mac OSX and Linux are far superior in terms of day-to-day usage reliability. It just works when and how it is supposed to work.

[Dr. Sivana]

I see that PhpMyAdmin is PHP based. I am actually more interested in an old school non-browser based DB front end. Not all of us are programming for web sites. PHP always feels like a boat anchor in execution. Regarding Mint, if it is basically Ubuntu with smoother edges and more functionality (just as Ubuntu itself is polished Debian), AND it can installed seamlessly over existing Ubuntu installs, it could be a player. If it still requires the user to load a fresh kernel, etc. Then it still has the same headaches.