Can anyone recommend a good Linux distro?

ignatzatsonic said:

Please continue to comment on such items as these:

Total system backup methods.

Backups can be scheduled and you can save them to wherever, including a network location. I didn't do an actual backup because my server is down, but the setup was quite easy.

Keeping Zorin itself "updated", like Windows Update.

The update process is similar to Windows. You just pick a time and choose the update option in the system tools menu. If there are updates, you can apply them whenever you like. I'm updating as i< type this.

Finding, adding and updating individual applications.

Finding and adding apps is done by going to the software center. Updating them takes place through the update feature.

File management generally---such as copying files across multiple drives and partitions, backing up data only.

It works much like Windows, just drag and drop, or use copy and paste. At no time did I have to resort to the command line.

Shortcomings and frustrations?

A couple of menus didn't display properly, and I'm having a little trouble with the linux file structure.

Any sound or video issues? Did they work "out of the box"?

No sound or video issues. I haven't found any hardware issues at all. It even found my printers and set them up without drama.

Overall, the experience is generally positive. Memory usage is light (.5 GB with nothing open) and the laptop is fast enough running it. So far I'm impressed.