Linux Picking Help?!?

[Kk4JC]

I know there are about 100 active posts on this subject, but...
I know a bit about Linux (currently running RedHat), but not tons. I'm also learning Perl.
I'm looking for a distro that is powerful, kind of small, and that supports Perl (I don't think I'm quite ready for Slackware though).
This won't currently be connected to the Internet (so security isn't an issue), and I might eventually replace the kernal with Mosix.

Kk

EDIT: Download time isn't an issue

 

[cleverhandle]

Actually, I would think Slackware would fit the bill very well. It's not nearly as hard as some people around here make it to be. It's small, stable, and is probably the most "vanilla" of the Linuces - which is nice when you're trying to learn the system and/or develop on it.

 

[Kk4JC]

I was digging around Slackware's site (very original domain), and it seems you have to d/l and install a "boot" file, the same for the kernal, then the shell, then if you want X11, then...
I don't think I'm up for that right NOW (as in I'll think about it in a little bit).

Kk

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: Kk4JC
I was digging around Slackware's site (very original domain), and it seems you have to d/l and install a "boot" file, the same for the kernal, then the shell, then if you want X11, then...
I don't think I'm up for that right NOW (as in I'll think about it in a little bit).

I don't know what you're talking about... Slackware's install is just the usual bootable CD routine. Boot up, answer some simple questions, pick your packages, and you're done. In fact, install-wise I think it's easiest one.

 

[lowtech1]

Debian - simple & tigh over network install ++ apt-get, relatively fast (pick & choses the
packages during install).

Crux - relatively small, not as many pre package as Debian, but most pakages are quite upto date.

Yoper - relatively fast & extreamly workable with beautiful KDE 1.3 or X, and base on Debain & uses all Debian deb/apt-get.

Knoppix - similar to Yoper with a bit more pre-package ISO, and is base on Debian, but the desktop is not as nice as Yoper.

Then the next step is to go with source base distro such as Sorcerer, Slackware, or Beehive.

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: lowtech
Then the next step is to go with source base distro such as Sorcerer, Slackware, or Beehive.

OK, maybe I've been transported to some Slackware fantasy world or something. But Slackware is not "source-based." It's packages are just plain vanilla binary tarballs that bundle a post-install script. It doesn't get much simpler than that in the packaging department.

 

[Kk4JC]

I FTPd to slackware, and I can't find any ISOs, or anything saying, "put me on a CD and you will magically get Slackware".
I'll install it if someone would tell me what to do? Can anyone at least point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Kk

 

[Kappo]

http://www.linuxiso.org/

 

[Farfrael]

Linux from scratch

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: Kk4JC
I FTPd to slackware, and I can't find any ISOs, or anything saying, "put me on a CD and you will magically get Slackware".
I'll install it if someone would tell me what to do? Can anyone at least point me in the right direction?

Try "Get Slack" on the website to find a list of mirrors - Slack's server doesn't have all that much bandwidth.

 

[civad]

If you want a "mini Slackware", try Vector Linux

No Bloat, no GNOME/KDE. (With IceWM and XFCE, who needs the monsters, anyway?? --->no flame wars plz; just personal opinion abt WM)

Else, of course, there is always Debian