5
2
For an experienced Windows user wanting to start experimenting with Linux, which distro provides the closest Windows experience? Assuming the use cases enumerated below:
- Web browsing
- Working with Office 2003/2007 documents
- File indexing (desktop search)
- Basic Sql Server 2005 database administration
- Media playback(MP3, M4P, WMV, WMA, dvds, etc)
- Windows Live instant messaging
- Skype calls/video calls
- Organizing millions of files
- FTP/SFTP, SSH, telnet automation
If you're used to Windows 7, I'd recommend KDE. It looks a lot like Window 7 (it even has blur!). – user113907 – 2012-01-16T18:36:53.713
2Should be community wiki. – ukanth – 2009-11-20T08:17:06.923
5Before you you jump into Linux, you should get rid of the "Linux is Windows as a different UI" mindset. Linux != Windows linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm – Sathyajith Bhat – 2009-11-20T14:32:59.430