Quote:I'm familiar with Linux for the most part.  But mostly the terminal.  Dell sells laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed, so if I get a Dell I'd be going with that.  

 

The main reason I want it pre-installed is to be sure I don't run into any compatibility or driver problems.  The laptop I'm typing into right now I'm pretty sure can't run Linux.  The reason Ubuntu is ideal is because I originally wanted to install Mint, and I'm assuming if the hardware works with Ubuntu it should also work with Mint.

 

I would argue with you that Linux would probably work just fine on your current laptop.  I've been using Linux since the mid-to-late 90's and have installed it on several different platforms.  I would recommend attempting to install Mint on your current laptop (after backing up your current installation of course).  The "regular" Mint distro is based on Ubuntu, but gives you a choice regarding the interface.

 

One big difference between Linux and Windows to keep in mind.  The drivers for hardware in Linux is built into the operating system.  Windows on the other hand requires hardware vendors to provide their own drivers.  Contrary to popular belief, pretty much any modern Linux distribution is going to support pretty much any hardware.

 

I personally prefer Debian as my distro, but I am a bit more "advanced" when it comes to Linux.  Mint is good for anyone making the switch from say Windows XP or even Windows 7.  Ubuntu is more like Windows 8/8.1.

 

If you want some assistance with making the switch, feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to give you some support.

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