On 28 October 2013 10:19, Chris Green cl@isbd.net wrote:
Those 'major upgrades' are surely as easy as the ongoing Windows updates aren't they?
On Ubuntu derivatives: yes, provided they don't break because they drop support for some graphics hardware or similar.
On Mint: complete re-install, so no. That's why I think Mint is out for me unless/until LMDE is "ready" for casual users.
I think for a non-techie ex-windows user you're much better off with one of either Ubuntu or Kubuntu if you're going for an Ubuntu variant. The problem with either of Lubuntu or Xubuntu is that they don't always work the same as Ubuntu and thus you often have to 'read between the lines' when looking for support as menus, applications, etc. aren't exactly as they are in main-line Ubuntu.
That's one reason I am on Kubuntu myself. However, for these users they're unlikely to be looking on forums etc for support (it'll be me!).
Kubuntu would be the obvious choice (sorry, I just don't like Unity!) but I have decent hardware and I'm not sure I can say the same of the people I'm aiming this at.
I'll do a test install of Xubuntu in a VM (and maybe on real hardware) and play. I wouldn't mind moving to Xubuntu myself if I get along with it.
(Is it trivial to switch the layout to put the "start" button at the bottom XP-style?)