First-timer - Liking it so far!

[GMegerator]

Hello all!

So, I just switched up my old Dell Inspiron 8200 from XP to Mint! I like it.
It took a couple days of reading around, I had no idea where to start, but I knew i wanted to see what the penguin fuss was all about. Took alot of random web surfing, and I eventually tried LiveCDs of Ubuntu 10.4.1 a day after the update release, then tried a Live Kubuntu, and then Mint. So far Mint seems to be the best fit and platform for my style and interface goals. ...however I'm thinking the wife might really like Kubuntu on her laptop...

[BubbaBlues]

...however I'm thinking the wife might really like Kubuntu on her laptop...

I would highly recommend Mint KDE rather than kubuntu. It has a lot of essentials pre-installed that you'll have to search for with kubuntu. And Mint works better!

That being said, Welcome aboard! The more you use it, the more you're come to appreciate it!

[caf4926]

Enjoy, it's a great release.
Once you install the restricted extras, you'll be away

[Oscar799]

Hello GMegerator
Welcome to Mint Forum
There is a lot of useful information for new and not-so-new users here -> viewtopic.php?f=60&p=302358#p302358
We have a Community site http://community.linuxmint.com/
For real-time help there are IRC channels,open MintMenu>Internet>XChat and you will be automatically connected to #linuxmint-help and #linuxmint-chat
Have fun with Mint

[GMegerator]

I will have to check out the KDE mint distro!

I'm quite new to this and trying to learn as quickly as i can, so please bare with any rudimentary questions I may ask. Linux is definately quite different from anything I have previously experienced, still trying to get all the hardware working correctly

[craig10x]

I will have to check out the KDE mint distro!

I'm quite new to this and trying to learn as quickly as i can, so please bare with any rudimentary questions I may ask. Linux is definately quite different from anything I have previously experienced, still trying to get all the hardware working correctly

Do definately check out Mint 9 KDE ("boo" from australia is then one that heads up that version) does a wonderful job on Kubuntu 10.04...he puts a lot of "love and polish" into it...If you look at live cds of the two i think i know which one you will pick for your wife

In fact, today just for a lark, i ran a live cd of Kubuntu 10.04 and it really made me appreciate how much he does to it for Mint 9 KDE...
This coming from a guy that always ran gnome...wasn't fond of kde (actually especially after looking at kubuntu) but is now "hooked" on the KDE version of Mint...

[BubbaBlues]

No comparison (IMO) with either the distro or the quality and friendliness of the forum. Whether you choose green or blue, the quality of Mint shows.

[axel668]

No comparison (IMO) with either the distro or the quality and friendliness of the forum. Whether you choose green or blue, the quality of Mint shows.

Welcome home, then

[jesica]

welcome

[GMegerator]

thank for the tip bubbablues! tried mint kde and yeah, we both like it very much.

I've been trying to get Compiz going and the cube, i think i missed a few steps but i'll figure it out eventually i'm sure.

Would compiz enable me to output from my s-video port and set up a television as a second monitor? That's the current goal.

Also, probably since my ~6 year old laptop's ram is a little anemic, video playback is a little glitchy once sized larger than your standard youtube display size, would LXDE be a helpful step toward getting this dell laptop to output a smoother full-screen video stream?

...and I had some free time at work the other day so I made a sticker:

[tdockery97]

Welcome to the Mint Community.

[BubbaBlues]

Go to system settings, then Desktop/Desktop Effects. Check "enable desktop effects. Then open the "all effects" tab and there you can enable the desktop cube. KDE has compositing built in and so you don't need compiz.
As for the video stuff, I'm not sure how to help ya. I'm pretty sure KDE requires more ram than lxde or even gnome, so the older laptop would indeed run better with one of those.