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I'd recommend Ubuntu. Good software, good community.

• Ernestas 17y ago
  +1 I'm using it for about half a year now. I was surprised how easy it was. Most software you can get in debian packages and it installs similar like in windows. For php I use gEdit, very lightweight Gnome editor with plugins. If you want full IDE eclipse PDT is the way to go. For images I like GIMP. I've 1GB of ram and Flash seems to be really heavy on the laptop, fan is on max when viewing flash.
  • pbhjpbhj 17y ago
    Yup, I use GIMP installed from getdeb.net as they usually have updates before Ubuntu repos get them. Also Inkscape is great as a vector editor. Digikam for photo/image management and occasionally I use it for some touch ups too.
  • CyberFonic 17y ago
    Have been using Ubuntu on HP notebook exclusively for the past 2.5 years. Programming with GCC + Python + several browsers and multiple web servers. Apt manages all the upgrades, patches fine. Upgraded from Ibex to Jaunty to Karmic without having to re-install anything. Just follow the release information. Although the HP has only 1.5GB RAM, single 1.8GHz Celeron. I run the notebook screen and an external 22" LCD without problems across 4 desktops and typically have 10+ apps running concurrently. Gimp & OpenOffice are fine for typical uses. With more up to date hardware you won't be disappointed.