LinStart is being revamped to bring you a more useful and informative resource centre. Bookmark now for these features and more...

• Layman's introduction to Linux.
• 10 great reasons to dump MS and go Linux.
• Linux software reviews and links.
• One stop Linux BitTorrent downloads.
• Newbies bash and burn help centre.

Ubuntu

The most popular Linux operating system in the world, Ubuntu is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. Using the popular Gnome desktop environment, it contains all the applications you need for home and office use, complete with a web browser, email client, office suite, instant messaging, multimedia player, CD/DVD authoring and more. It is resource friendly, so it will run just fine on older computers, no hardware upgrades required. It is easy to install, just click, follow the prompts and you're done. It's fully supported with regular updates and new releases to ensure that you always have the latest advances and features. And it's 100% free for life for both personal and commercial use, no strings attached. Highly recommended for people who are new to Linux, new to computers or who just want an operating system they can use right out of the box with a minimum of fuss.

The Ubuntu Desktop version is both a Live CD so that you can preview and play with Ubuntu without installing, as well as an installer that allows you to continue playing with Ubuntu while it is being installed.

The Ubuntu Alternative version has a text based installer for those who want to upgrade a previous version or who just want to install.

If you have an AMD64 capable computer, the 64bit version is highly recommended to take full advantage of your hardware's capability, along with a 10% speed gain!

Kubuntu

For those who are spoiled by the MS way, Kubuntu is the ideal operating system to help you break free from the hype and cost of commercial software. Based on Ubuntu, Kubuntu uses KDE, the Konquerer Desktop Environment, which has a familiar look and feel to help you make the transition. It has all the features of Ubuntu, along with a few tricks of its own. Recommended for people who are transitioning from MS based computers, as well as tech heads.

The Kubuntu Desktop version is both a Live CD so that you can preview and play with Kubuntu without installing, as well as an installer that allows you to continue playing with Kubuntu while it is being installed.

The Kubuntu Alternative version has a text based installer for those who want to upgrade a previous version or who just want to install.

If you have an AMD64 capable computer, the 64bit version is highly recommended to take full advantage of your hardware's capability, along with a 10% speed gain!

UbuntuStudio

UbuntuStudio is an advanced version of Ubuntu that is designed with the creative artist in mind. Whether you are a desktop musician, photographer or video buff, UbuntuStudio has everything you need to capture, edit and create. UbuntuStudio includes all the features of Ubuntu Desktop, then adds a video editor, photo manager, music sequencer and more, along with a slick custom desktop.

If you have an AMD64 capable computer, the 64bit version is highly recommended to take full advantage of your hardware's capability, along with a 10% speed gain!

UbuntuStudio requires DVD media.

Mythbuntu

Mythbuntu is a community supported reduced version of Ubuntu that includes a MythTV based PVR system. It can be used to create a standalone media centre or integrated into an existing MythTV network. As a reduced version of Ubuntu, it doesn't have the standard Ubuntu desktop or applications. instead, it is solely focused on being an entertainment centre on computers that have a TV capture card. Even so, you can easily add the desktop and applications with point and click ease.

If you are interested in building a dedicated Linux based media centre, it is highly recommended that you download and burn the Live CD desktop version first to test Mythbuntu out before installing. This disc also includes the installer and requires no additional discs.

The Mythbuntu Alternative version has a text based installer for those who want to upgrade a previous version or who know what they are doing and just want to install.

If you have an AMD64 capable computer, the 64bit version is highly recommended to take full advantage of your hardware's capability, along with a 10% speed gain!

Mythbuntu PDF Installation Manual

OpenSuse

A favorite operating system of business users, OpenSuse is not only free, it sports a 100% compatible MS office suite. And like most Linux based packages, it comes with all the basic bells and whistles like instant messaging, a web browser, email client and more. OpenSuse is recommended for SOHO and business users who demand MS office compatibility with the licensing restrictions and cost.

If you have an AMD64 capable computer, the 64bit version is highly recommended to take full advantage of your hardware's capability, along with a 10% speed gain!

Why BitTorrent?

LinStart hosts only BitTorrent and Small support files to help keep our sites fast for our users. The main benefit, however, are super fast downloads. BitTorrent is a revolutionary shared p2p network powered by people just like you, where everyone helps in the distribution process without breaking the bandwidth bank. It also helps ensure better downloads on slower modem connections, where downloads can be resumed with ease without having to start all over again if a network connection error should occur. BitTorrent is simply the smart choice for todays broadband world.

Need a BitTorrent client?

For Win32, including Vista, Get uTorrent.
For Mac, Get Tomato.
For Unix and Linux, get your BitTorrent client by accessing your distros Package Manager catelogue.

Need a distro sent on Disc or USB Key for you?

Coming soon, low cost distro mail service. We burn your favorite distro of choice for you on archive quality CD or DVD, or preinstalled on high speed USB2 media for portable access on any computer. Speedy 42 hour turn around service.