linux on netbook

[kokabel]

I have a little VAIO Sony netbook I use when travelling or working on university stuff, and it would be really awesome if it didn't have Windows 7 Starter on it. I don't have the specs to hand right now, it's pretty much just a netbook - not terribly powerful, weighed down with the bloatware it came with, you know the score.

Anyway, I've wondering about installing some form of Linux on it, as I really think it might make the whole thing a bit slicker to work with. Unfortunately, I don't know squat about Linux, other than it is possible to install it on a netbook and that most versions are pretty user friendly these days. So, I have some questions!

- What version is best for netbooks?
- Do you know of any good online guides/tutorials/walkthroughs for installing it?
- What do I need to prepare?
- What should I definitely NOT do?
- Any other reading material you think I should get?

 

[jwonno]

Linux isn't really a fix for slow computers or bad habits when it comes to maintaining bloatware, etc. That said...

-Ubuntu is generally considered your entry distro into the Linux community, and its Unity interface works quite well for small screens.
-The Ubuntu community and forums are pretty good
-Boot from the live cd to check everything works ok and to your liking
-TRY IT before you install

 

[kokabel]

It came with bloatware (got it at Currys as a part trade for my old brick, OS was already installed alongside all the other stuff), and since it's a little netbook that I only use sparingly when I'm not at home, I never got around to sorting it out. Will try it out beforehand, no worries, I just like the idea of having something 'neater' than Windows 7 Starter on the netbook.

 

[Wozza63]

Ubuntu would be great and will perform better than windows 7, linux runs on just about anything and its usually pretty smooth, as long as you dont have any weird requirements, you should have everything you need, firefox, libreoffice, a few little games, GIMP

Its definitely good to know more than just one OS

 

[kokabel]

Doesn't need to do much, web browsing, some sort of office application, maybe occasionally play a movie I've downloaded. Been looking up lots of demo vids, Ubuntu seems pretty straight forward - installation looks nice and easy too.