Linux help

[leebria]

Whats up all,

I am completely new to Linux and was wondering which build would be best to start with. I'm not sure what the differences are between Redhat, Mandrake, Debian etc. are so any info/opinions would be very helpful. I just got a Dell 600m and wanted to install it on that.

Out of curiosity, anyone here go to Oregon State University? I wanted to look into the open source project here on campus and was wondering if anyone here was involved in that.

Thanks for any help

 

[Nothinman]

The major differences are mostly personal preferance, I personally use Debian. Ubuntu is a Debian-based distro that will give a slightly simpler install and still have all of the nice things about Debian.

 

[keeleysam]

Fedora Core 3

 

[hooflung]

Mandriva, newly reformed Mandrake Linux, is the best distro I have used for everyday use as you would windows xp AND its the best server platform I have used on x86 platforms. The reasons are that it is basically a RedHat based OS that takes everything RedHat did correctly and simplifies them. The Installer is on par with YAST2 and URPMI is as powerful as apt-get. On top of that it is pretty and comes with just about every app you would want packed right in and usually up to date.

Many other Distro's can make similar claims but tbh ever distro falls short somewhere but Mandrake seems to be consistant and just runs better, read as smoother, stock than others.

If what you want to do is learn linux the hard way then try Slackware 10.1. If what you want is something to replace your Windows Desktop in the future then you can't go wrong with Mandriva.

 

[Loki726]

debian

 

[P0ldy]

As a newbie, I'd throw Ubuntu on the laptop and be amazed. Then start out with LinuxCommand.org using CLI for your day-to-day work besides the web to get accustomed to linux. Debian(-based) is hard to get away from once you see how great APT is.

 

[chuckywang]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
Fedora Core 3

 

[Giantwasp]

I use Fedora Core 3 (Core 4 in a couple of weeks). It all comes down to personal preferance. I just like the Red Hat/Fedora feel and approach to things. There used to be a sticky about all the distros and people are always asking which is "best" but in the end it they all have merits in different ways. Assuming you have enough space install 2 or 3 and give them a test drive.
The next question you'll be asking, which has a simular answer is KDE or Gnome.

 

[lambchops511]

i think fedora is horrible

mandrake: dunno

debian sarge is pretty good . very fast . has apt-get .

 

[calyco]

Fedora or Ubuntu for the easy install, Fedora for the full package or Ubuntu for a minimalistic approach.

 

[Nothinman]

Fedora or Ubuntu for the easy install, Fedora for the full package or Ubuntu for a minimalistic approach.

Huh? Ubuntu has many more packages than Fedora available, if you enable universe and multiverse you get access to around 15,000 packages. The packages in universe and multiverse aren't officially supported but they're mostly just rebuilds of Debian packages so most should work fine.

 

[calyco]

Nothinman, I meant a fresh install off the CD. Like Fedora has the option to install everything vs. Ubuntu installs just enough to get you up and running. He said hes totally new to linux so Im assuming he might not know what yum and apt-get does.

 

[i1o0i]

I have used Mandrake 10.1.. Got no problem with it at all! I liked it a lot

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Originally posted by: Giantwasp
I use Fedora Core 3 (Core 4 in a couple of weeks). It all comes down to personal preferance. I just like the Red Hat/Fedora feel and approach to things. There used to be a sticky about all the distros and people are always asking which is "best" but in the end it they all have merits in different ways. Assuming you have enough space install 2 or 3 and give them a test drive.
The next question you'll be asking, which has a simular answer is KDE or Gnome.

Gnome 4-EVAR!!!!:evil:

 

[nweaver]

the kitchen sink approach of RH and Mandrake are what turned me off to those distros. I like to have a simple install, with only the tasks I want/need/turn on.