[nyran20]

Before I start, I should preface this with I know NOTHING about Linux but I want to learn. However it's like learning a new language, just a matter of where to start. I could probably easily do this with Windows, but I want to learn Linux.

I ordered a ZBOX which I plan to make an HTPC (4GB ram and 64 GB SSD). I have some pretty simple needs. I'm going to use Hulu for TV, Spotify (NOT a Spotify app, but FULL Spotify) for music and I'd need to be able to browse the web for watching streaming sports. It's really XBMC + a little web browsing + spotify. I don't know if I should go with Openelec, Ubuntu or dual boot (or maybe something else?)

Ideas or suggestions?

[artrafael]

Welcome to the XBMC forums.

If you want to learn Linux, go with an Ubuntu installation. OpenELEC tries to provide an appliance-like user experience for XBMC, so it does its best to hide the underlying operating system (Linux) from you. Plus, it's a stripped-down Linux without a desktop environment. For a dedicated XBMC system, it's great; but if you want to learn and use Linux as a general user, it would not be a good choice.

When you say "dual-boot", are you referring to dual-booting between Linux (OpenELEC or Ubuntu) and Windows or between the two Linux distributions (OpenELEC and Ubuntu)?

[nyran20]

When you say "dual-boot", are you referring to dual-booting between Linux (OpenELEC or Ubuntu) and Windows or between the two Linux distributions (OpenELEC and Ubuntu)?

Between the two Linux distributions.

What would I 'miss' by not having OpenElec (if anything)?

EDIT: Thanks, good to be here!!

[artrafael]

You can install and run XBMC as an application in Ubuntu, so you don't really "miss" anything by not installing OpenELEC other than really fast boot times.

[nickr]

By having openelec you miss learning anything about linux, as openelec pretty much shuts you out of the operating system, or editing anything, or adding extra packages.

[robweber]

If browsing the web is a requirement then you'll have to go with ubuntu. Openelec doesnt have a GUI other than xbmc. With it you'd be unable to close xbmc and use other apps.