Linux for me? Basic machine to learn on, which Distro?

[Generic42]

OK, simple little intel celeron box. I won't do any gaming, or anything on it. Maybe an FTP server, possible Webserver later, I could re-install for those though.
I won't be dual booting and I'll be starting with a fresh harddrive, so I'd like to boot from CD for the install if possible. I'm not against doing a floppy boot then installing across the internet though, I have broadband.

So, what would you recommend? So far looks like Redhat 8.0 would be the way to go.

Murdock

 

[lowtech1]

Knoppix - an excelent distro that run from CD that will get your feet wet with linux if you already have a computer.

Walmart Lindows special - you can't beat a preinstall 1.1ghz Duron/Lindows at $199.99.

 

[Generic42]

Gah, what I don't need, more hardware! Thanks for the recommendation though.

I ran Linux before, on a dual boot 95 machine, it was slackware though. Didn't learn much, and just gave up. I'm pretty advanced and all, so I'm just looking for a good install to learn on.

Thanks.

Murdock

 

[lowtech1]

Knoppix can be install directly on to the hdd & uses apt-get to install/update everything eles that you need.

Try out all popular distros to see which one you like, then go with a source base if you want more control over your system.

 

[MedicBob]

Since you have broadband, download several versions. RH, Mandrake, Knoppix, and Suse(if you can find it.) Try several, use KDE and Gnome for GUI, try other windows managers, etc.


RH, Suse, and Mandrake seem to be the most n00bie friendly to me. Knoppix is also as if something goes way wrong remove the cd and restart.

 

[lobadobadingdong]

I prefer rh just because there are more people out there familiar with it, so you can find more people to help you if you get stuck. 8.0 is really quite easy to install.

 

[Spyro]

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
I prefer rh just because there are more people out there familiar with it, so you can find more people to help you if you get stuck. 8.0 is really quite easy to install.

So is mandrake 9, besides linux doesn't mean red hat. Generally speaking what can be done on red hat can also be done easily on any other distro.

 

[Acts837]

Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

 

[Spyro]

Originally posted by: Acts837
Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

Actually mandrake is doing just fine. You should just pick a better download mirror.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Originally posted by: wizardLRU

Originally posted by: Acts837
Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

Actually mandrake is doing just fine. You should just pick a better download mirror.

Ah, besides the fact that they are bankrupt

 

[agnitrate]

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey

Originally posted by: wizardLRU

Originally posted by: Acts837
Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

Actually mandrake is doing just fine. You should just pick a better download mirror.

Ah, besides the fact that they are bankrupt

Hey, if KMart can declare bankruptcy and still be in business (against all odds), I certainly hope Mandrakesoft can stay afloat

-silver

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Originally posted by: agnitrate

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey

Originally posted by: wizardLRU

Originally posted by: Acts837
Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

Actually mandrake is doing just fine. You should just pick a better download mirror.

Ah, besides the fact that they are bankrupt

Hey, if KMart can declare bankruptcy and still be in business (against all odds), I certainly hope Mandrakesoft can stay afloat

-silver

Well, there has been talk about creating a totally volunteer based mandrake fork, I think that would be cool to see, no point in being dependant upon a company staying in business to supply your OS.

 

[agnitrate]

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey

Originally posted by: agnitrate

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey

Originally posted by: wizardLRU

Originally posted by: Acts837
Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

Actually mandrake is doing just fine. You should just pick a better download mirror.

Ah, besides the fact that they are bankrupt

Hey, if KMart can declare bankruptcy and still be in business (against all odds), I certainly hope Mandrakesoft can stay afloat

-silver

Well, there has been talk about creating a totally volunteer based mandrake fork, I think that would be cool to see, no point in being dependant upon a company staying in business to supply your OS.

That would definitely be a good thing to see.

I'm going to need a map to trace where all of these distros originally came from.

Red Hat from Slackware (IIRC), Mandrake from Red Hat, spawns of Mandrake

Either way, it would be great to see.

Then you would be able to have the minimalistic Debian on one end and a Mandrake fork on the other. Excellent!

-silver

 

[Spyro]

Originally posted by: agnitrate

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey

Originally posted by: agnitrate

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey

Originally posted by: wizardLRU

Originally posted by: Acts837
Red Hat and Mandrake are great to start with. If I'm not mistaken though I think Mandrake is having some $$ issues. I tried downloading Mandrake 9 and I had issues.

Actually mandrake is doing just fine. You should just pick a better download mirror.

Ah, besides the fact that they are bankrupt

Hey, if KMart can declare bankruptcy and still be in business (against all odds), I certainly hope Mandrakesoft can stay afloat

-silver

Well, there has been talk about creating a totally volunteer based mandrake fork, I think that would be cool to see, no point in being dependant upon a company staying in business to supply your OS.

That would definitely be a good thing to see.

I'm going to need a map to trace where all of these distros originally came from.

Red Hat from Slackware (IIRC), Mandrake from Red Hat, spawns of Mandrake

Either way, it would be great to see.

Then you would be able to have the minimalistic Debian on one end and a Mandrake fork on the other. Excellent!

-silver

If that ever happens I will definitely become a debian user.