I personally recommend an Ubuntu variant like Kubuntu or Mint
Man, I wish we could recommend regular Ubuntu, but the unity launcher just kinda kills it at this point. I've tried to use it, but I just could never come to like it.
I've never liked the original Ubuntu distro, but I found KDE extremely easy to learn and configure. That's why I usually recommend Kubuntu rather than the base Ubuntu. I also think Lubuntu and Xubuntu offer excellent alternative desktops although I also tend to install the Flux desktop on anything I run. It appeals to the minimalist in me since I don't build a computer to stare at the desktop. If all I want is a platform to run the applications I want, minimalist is the way to go.
Man, I wish we could recommend regular Ubuntu, but the unity launcher just kinda kills it at this point. I've tried to use it, but I just could never come to like it.
Mint is definitely a good distro, though.
I've never liked the original Ubuntu distro, but I found KDE extremely easy to learn and configure. That's why I usually recommend Kubuntu rather than the base Ubuntu. I also think Lubuntu and Xubuntu offer excellent alternative desktops although I also tend to install the Flux desktop on anything I run. It appeals to the minimalist in me since I don't build a computer to stare at the desktop. If all I want is a platform to run the applications I want, minimalist is the way to go.