I don't believe Linux is any more Internet reliant than Windows. I would suggest tying one of Ubuntu LTS releases to try if you are interested. (Long Term Release) You will never get away from software needing updates whether it be Windows, Apple or Linux, but the LTS releases are designed to be rock solid and production ready, vs any bleeding edge distro. If you aren't using the internet, then the only reason to do any updates at all would be for updating features or bug fixes in software.

Most distros are easily able to be installed from a usb stick as well. So it's not much different in that regard. As far as installing new software, you don't ever need to compile from source unless you want to. Almost all distro's have some sort of package manager. ie..software packages that install just by executing them. For debian based systems, it's called a .deb file. Red Hat uses .rpm, etc.. In effect, it's exactly the same as a windows .exe or .msi. So when you wanted to add new software, It's just a matter of finding the package for your system, download it and take it home to install.

http://linuxappfinder.com/
https://www.debian.org/distrib/packages

I don't know what type of hardware you are using, but it should run faster with any Linux distro for the pure fact that is uses less system resources than Windows. If it is older hardware and you aren't a huge power user, I would recommend one of the lightweight distros just try try out. Of course I'm debian-centric so I would recommend xubuntu or lubuntu. Of course there are plenty others that fit the bill as well. The biggest reason I support ubuntu distros for new users is it seems to have the largest support system and documentation network of all. Chances are that any trouble you might run into has been seen before and is easy to find an answer.

I'm certainly not trying to "sell" you on Linux. (Well....maybe a teensy bit) but I hate to see people give up before starting because of misconceptions. I do agree trying to explore a new OS without the internet presents some unique challenges though. I would certainly go about it by using a Live-USB install, or partitioning for a dual boot until you felt comfortable enough to take the plunge. I hope this cleared up some things for you. Best of luck whether you give it a go or not.

Cheers

Very good info Akovia... BTW, I looked at some of your work and it is really good.

TYVM Molly
I haven't had much time lately to do any art since we are overhauling our entire tutorial section. I can't wait to get back to it.

I think this is where Erisian had problems before. Sometimes, it can be kind of a pain to get the package and several dependencies by using another computer, even more so when it's a Window's computer at the library. One option would be to use a package like camicri cube.

If the internet connected computer has Linux installed, most package managers allow you to download the app, along with the dependencies, to be installed later. In Fedora, you can use yum like this:


Then, just copy the RPMs to a USB thumb drive and install from there.

Most all of this can be avoided by installing everything needed from the start. All the major Linux distros provide a DVD install option, with a large selection of software right on the DVD.

Please read the question you asked me again and you know.

Or do you need a explication of about 200 words?

Well, then you know that Fedora has a choice of whatever desktop you want. I just stated that I have Fedora. My question was: "what is it you don't like about Fedora"?