I've been using the Linux operating system (OS) for many years (since 1994) and in that time I've installed and used many different distributions (versions) of the OS.

During the past couple of years, I've mainly settled on using Debian/GNU Linux, Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint, although I will frequently download and try other versions just for fun. I also like Bodhi Linux for quick/easy "Internet Cafe" type installs. I tend to stick with Debian based systems (package management) and have never been a big fan of RPM or other packaging systems. While I can understand why some people like the "do it yourself" approach (Gentoo, et al.), I just don't see the point (on modern hardware) and, frankly, don't have the time or energy to do it from scratch every time (I don't grow my own food for the same reason).

I've been using Debian/GNU Linux on my servers for years and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. I'm also quite happy to run Debian on my desktop (or laptop) but as I am in the business of helping others with their computers, I prefer to use the same system I am recommending to my customers (it's easier to explain things when you are using the system yourself).

I have moved back and forwards between Ubuntu and Linux Mint for a few years because (with each new release) I liked different aspects of the system configuration. However, in both cases, there were a number of "must have" applications missing from the default installation that I had to install each time I loaded Linux on a customers computer...

After going through this process many times (load Linux, load extra apps, configure theme and desktop layout...), I developed a kind "standard configuration" that I applied to most computers before handing them back to the customer. It was effective... and time consuming.

Recently, I became increasingly concerned with the direction Ubuntu is taking with "Unity" and I started to grow weary of always repeating the same tasks when installing Linux Mint (I don't like the default green themes much, besides having to do all the extra tweaking each time).

I actually started thinking about doing my own 'spin' (custom linux version), but then I found PinguyOS. In a word: Amazing!

PinguyOS has every customization I had been doing (on every install of Mint) and LOADS MORE! Talk about "Out of the box" ready to go. This is awesome!

As a bonus, the Pinguy "community" is relatively small and quite responsive to input, though I am not sure how I would want them to change... I like it as it is!

I could go on about all the specific details, the apps and the 'look' but you just need to see it for yourself.

So, for now at least, PinguyOS is my current favorite Linux based OS and definitely my top recommendation for anyone new to Linux.... and even for more advanced users who are looking for an "out of the box" system with almost everything you could possibly hope for. You do still need to make your own coffee!

PinguyOS ... because using a computer IS meant to be easy!

Check it out... and let them know I sent you by clicking HERE

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