What are the benefits of SUSE Linux and Ubuntu? Which is better for Linux newbies to start with?

I'm going to be installing Linux on my PC in the very near future as either a dual boot or a fresh install after I backup my important files. I have read a lot on both SUSE and Ubuntu Linux. Please help me by informing me which is best for Linux newbies. I have read volumes on both, but am having a difficult time deciding which would be the easiest for me to get into since this will be my first Linux OS.

What are the benefits of SUSE Linux and Ubuntu? Which is better for Linux newbies to start with?
They are both great distributions. A major problem with Suse is that it's using Yast as a package management, which for newbies it's really annoying to configure software with it. But then again, this happens to all *.rpm based distributions, including Fedora.


Ubuntu on the other hand uses Synaptic for package management, which is extremely easy to use and configure. No issues whatsoever.


Ubuntu comes only on one CD, and after installing it you can add as many software as you like. The ubuntu community is the best, meaning you'll find your answers quick.


On the other hand Suse comes on 6 CD's (including the add-on), or a mini-CD version, in case you prefer a network install (which i don't recommend for beginners). There is also a suse comunity but i wouldn't say it's that great...


You can try them both and then choose with which one you feel comfortable. Remeber not to change distributions every single time... If you want to learn Linux choose one distro and stick with it until you get the hang of it.
Reply:Definitely UBUNTU. My wife who is not very "technical" installed it.





She was amazed that all of the programs (including office suite and photo editing) she needed were installed at the same time as the OS.
Reply:I am a newbie too in Linux. That's why I install Ubuntu as dual boot on my computer. I'm using my XP just for image editing program. I know there is one for linux, but in windows I have a far better image editing application. But when I'm finish with image editing in XP, i'm going to linux, because it will be safer for using internet and never worry about viruses and spyware treat.
Reply:Ubuntu will be easier for you to install and learn.


Suse is nice, but needs a bit of exposure to Linux before you fully understand it.
Reply:probably Ubuntu (easier on the noob).
Reply:I think you probably will do well with either of these. However, I am more familiar with Kubuntu, which is similar to Ubuntu, and I highly recommend Kubuntu. You can even try Kubuntu "live", that is, the operating system will run off the CDrom drive without installing anything to your hard drive so you can make sure you like it before deleting your old operating system.