I installed Kubuntu on my PC but found I didn't like it.

Got some useful advice from http://www.computertips.me.uk/help-f...abble-f4122825

Had a brief try of Lubuntu. Not at all sure about it. Probably try it out in more depth tom- later today!!

Gnome Shell Extensions go live. I think this is pretty cool myself. Personally, I think the design of Gnome 3 and Shell is perfect as is, and the only extension I use currently is the alternate menu status (power off button), but I certainly understand that many feel the need to make it more like Gnome 2. I think they're crazy, but with this functionality you can do that now to some degree. I'm looking forward to seeing other additions down the line.

Just installed the Zeitgeist jump list search. Seems as good as the Ubuntu Unity one.

I had to start afresh with my Ubuntu 11.10 install today.

For some reason, it would randomly boot up to a text mode login screen, then start Unity when I typed startx - instead I was using (and tearing my hair out with) GNOME 3.

I hate GNOME 3 ever so slightly less than Unity (which runs terribly on my couple of month old quad core machine).

I really wanted to put Debian on but for some reason it just wasn't happening (wouldn't boot off the net install disc, used the normal CD 1 and it would go to setting up extras and sit there for ages and/or give a failure message) so after 3 attempts and many hours I just put xubuntu on.

Pretty pleased so far... XFCE is rather nice!

XFCE is lovely. My mum and dad have it on their older desktop and it's aces. I would say give a KDE distro a go too. Kubuntu is excellent (well it is for me on my old AMD dual core with Nvidia 9800), as is openSUSE.

I had a couple of crashes with Unity too, but mine were seemingly memory and Compiz related. Even though I set it to use only a small amount of swap (swappiness 5 instead of 60), for some reason ProjectM with Banshee caused a proper problem with Compiz, and the swap usage, with a complete system lockup after a while of using it.

Just curious what version of the ...Small CD... net install did you try
http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst

iv'e always used the .. i386.. one and have never had any problems.
Debian shouldn't really let you down.

The image I used was called debian-6.0.3-amd64-i386-netinst.iso from the link on the top right of the debian homepage. It would show half of the ISOLINUX message then after ages and ages say there were read errors. Probably just a badly burnt CD, though I did it at a slow speed and verified it.

I'm not sure what was going on with the normal install discs, I think it was just one of those days where if anything could go wrong, it did!

Ok its not exactly call of duty

http://www.penguspy.com/true-combat-...arters-battle/

or Battlefield

http://www.penguspy.com/zero-ballistics/

But after a few beers who cares

http://www.penguspy.com/extreme-tux-racer/

Note not all of them are free..

I would appreciate any advice for a Distro that will work preferably as a Live CD/DVD, USB stick or Hard drive.
I have struggled with all the major Linux versions with various degrees of success. All I want is a Linux that works mainly to use Firefox. My HP Monitor never works at it's native resolution of 1920x1080. This is a must have. I cannot install to Internal drive because I need to keep Windows 7 intact. Any advice please?

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7 2600K @ 3.40GHz 27 °C
Sandy Bridge 32nm Technology
RAM
8.00 GB DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
PEGATRON CORPORATION 2AB5 (CPU 1) 32 °C
Graphics
HP2159 (1920x1080@60Hz)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 545
Hard Drives
1954GB Western Digital WDC WD20EARS-60MVWB0 (SATA)
Optical Drives
hp BDDVDRW CH20L
Audio
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC

You could try installing it alongside/within Windows via Wubi or Mint4win.

I want to use some sort of live system, as I mentioned I must leave the PC with Windows 7 intact.

It would leave your Windows 7 intact though - it does not affect how you use Window 7 at all.

You could try Knoppix - that's a good live Distro

or you could try one of your choice and run it in Virtual box

Lots of distros will install to USB happily, such as Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, openSUSE.

As you have alreeady tried the 'Major' Linux dists.
Then i would suggest

http://www.puppylinux.com/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

There are loads of others, but not all the ones that run from a live cd\dvd or usb come with all the required codecs, so running something via windows virtual box as already suggested, should leave you with almost a cast iron guarantee that you're windows will be left in tack.
BUT Remember computers being what they are i hope you have things backed up as a matter of course, regardless of if you try Linux?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. The many versions I have tried include the two mentioned above with varying results. I am beginning to think I am jinxed with the spec of my PC, particularly with the NVidia Graphics card. I cannot seem to find any Linux version that auto recognises the HP widescreen monitor and resolves the 1920x1080 I require.

All I need is preferably a totally portable distro that either works from USB stick or even better a small USB Hard Drive. I am nearly at the point of giving up on Linux and waiting for the new 'Windows 8 To Go'.

There could be any number of reasons why your resolution is incorrect, but I suspect the main one is because you don't install the OS, and only run it live. You most likely need the proprietary Nvidia driver, and you won't get that until you install the OS.

If I were you I'd walk away and stick with Windows.

You just dont want another JoasonWatkins on the thread
Not seen any posts from them lately, hope things are ok!

No not at all. Jason is just unlucky, sadly, but he is very keen.

Thanks for the advice. I have been able to try PuppyLinux using a very clever piece of Software called MobaliveCD. This is similar to a virtual setup but enables you to very quickly see and try a Distro. Using this non-destructive method I have been able to test Puppy successfully. The bizarre problem is when I burn and boot from CD the progam loads all the way but now requires a 'Login' and Password. Can anyone tell me how to Login please.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...tem&px=MTAyNTU

Looks like the Mate alternate desktop to Gnome3\Unity is still ongoing.

Maybe it was a good move by Mint to give it a go, time will tell.

Can't believe people are finding it that difficult to adapt to the new desktops. It seems such a silly discussion. Neither Unity nor Gnome 3 are very hard to use at all. I appreciate the effort for MATE, but I have a feeling it won't last the distance personally.

I was listening to the LAS podcast today, and one of the presenters was going "well I don't like to have any effects or nice wallpapers on my desktop. It's just bare minimum to get work done". I thought, well look matey, I'm a home user. I want bling and effects. I want nice wallpaper and an attractive and yet functional environment. Why do these people have to ruin it for us norms? You want a bare minimum desktop? Fine, use SliTaz and openBox or whatever, but don't be hassling those of us who do appreciate a modern environment.

Dont think its a issue of being difficult to use, its just different. (it will be intresting to see how the new Win8 goes down as that has the same tablet look)
Its just Gnome 3 is 'different' People in the past frowned on Compiz, but lots of people loved it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCgEP...eature=related

I say let Gnome3\Unity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD_M-...eature=related
go for it, it gives people a choice. If they dont like it (and thats me included in that at the moment ) Then theres the likes of LDME or XFCE That are fast becoming as custamizable as the old Gnome 2.
Ps I also dont think MATE will last, due to LDME +XKCE advancing so quick.

edit Forgot to mention KDE, but i cant get into that no matter how many times i try it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs9L8...eature=related

*salutes*

I'm actually half in the mood to try another distro now i've completed Assassins Creed: Revelations.

I saw the "Black Panther" one earlier on - it's a Hungarian distro, but it looks very sexy - based around KDE apparently.

http://distrowatch.com/images/cgfjoe...ackpanther.png

I assume there'd be an english language option on install.

I did read earlier on that Fedora 17 is currently known as possibly the best distro name ever - "Beefy Miracle"

Nice one, but thought you would have saved the game for xmas.

I Need a new game to play over xmas, will have to drop hints for prezzies

Yes BlackPanther does have a English install instructions
http://eu.blackpanther.hu/2011/11/no...owto-bp-v11-1/

ive never really given Fedora a good try, so cant comment on it.