which distribution with lxde

[seppalta]

All linux systems suffer in comparison with Microsoft Windows in regard to applications. For me the computer is first and foremost a tool rather than a toy. Therefore, the size of the applications repository is my first consideration. It appears to me that Lubuntu and Mint win out in this regard. I have started phasing over to Lubuntu from Mint because I have come to the conclusion that Ubuntu is dedicated to really supporting LXDE (64-bit version - 3.0x kernel - etc) whereas Mint is treating LXDE as an afterthought for old, low-resource computers.

[Rex Bouwense]

LXDE may for older or less powerful computers but nothing says you cannot use it with a newer or more powerful computer. I have it on one of each and am very satisfied especially since all of the Ubuntu applications are technically available for download. Some people are using Lubuntu to get away from the bloat which Ubuntu is moving toward. Yes, the computer is a tool and you should use what you like and what you need it to do. That is what I am doing.

[seppalta]

Hi Rex. I think we are on the same page. The question is "Which Distribution with LXDE", and my main points were (1)Get one that offers the biggest possible Repository; and (2) Get one that philosophically and action-wise supports LXDE as a bonafide desktop for any computer. With that criteria, the answer is unique: Lubuntu. If you only use a computer to surf, email, create an occasional document and twit, then the whole gauntlet is open for consideration. I think back on my Microsoft days, and the one thing that I could miss is the huge number of choices available, mostly freeware, for each application. HTML editors - there must have been at least 50 to consider for windows. For Linux, I've found 2 (not counting 1 WYSWYG editor, which I refuse to use for serious html): bluefish and quanta plus, neither of which is truly satisfactory. And this is the situation regarding almost any application. In my opinion one of the most useful and neglected components of Linux systems are the tools that have allowed users to run some of the massive world of Windows application. So I think another important consideration in picking an operating system is which ones work best with Wine and/or the other tools for running Window programs. I used to think Mint was best there but there was one problem. I had 2 apps that I used quite often that would too often not shut down, and I had to kill them. However, this was not such a big deal that I couldn't live with it. Then Lubuntu 11.10 came along and almost accidentally I installed it on a computer. It took me two attempts to fix things that I didn't like, and then I realized all my Windows Apps were correctly shutting down every time, and I was sold. That Lubuntu is really committed to Lubuntu and LXDE is shown by their latest release - 64-bit action and a 3.0xx kernel, right on the cutting edge of development, the perfect tool for machines with 8 gb of DDR3 ram, a solid state hard drive and an Intel i7 CPU!

[Rex Bouwense]

Agree. I too dabbled with Mint for a while before I came to Lubuntu. With that much RAM your machine probably smokes. I have been talking to friends about Lubuntu and the availability of applications. Those with older computers can breath new life into them like I have done with an old Dell. As you imply you don't need to stick with the default applications which are sparse. The LXDE does not mean that. I am anxiously awaiting the release of 12.04 next month to see the new envelope.