What linux distribution should I use? I'm quite overwhelmed with the list!

[tgzo]

Recently, I decided to set up a linux OS on my computer so that I can have dual bootup alongside my Win98. I came upon linux.com and saw their overwhelming list of distributions of Linux such as Redhat, Libranet, Debian, etc. Which is the best linux distribution in terms of ease of installation, powerful features, and hardware compatibility? I'm kind of new to linux and want to see what the open source fuss is all about, can someone help?

Also after I obtained the linux software, what kind of knowledge is crucial for me to have in order to install it?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Diffusion]

Debian is probably the best choice for you, as (from what I hear) it is relatively easy to set up. Slackware would be good if you honestly want to learn the underpinnings of the OS, and not use proprietary package tools, and all that stuff. I personally use OpenBSD, which is not a Linux kernel based OS at all, it is based off of the BSD 4.4 kernel, and as such is a "real" Unix. Poke around the distros websites, in particular, pay attention to their project goals, see if any of them fit what you are looking for.

 

[ProviaFan]

/* Debian is probably the best choice for you... */

Debian is the most powerful, but also one of the harder-to-use distro's. Mandrake would be best for him probably, but Redhat would work ok, also.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<< Debian is probably the best choice for you, as (from what I hear) it is relatively easy to set up. Slackware would be good if you honestly want to learn the underpinnings of the OS, and not use proprietary package tools, and all that stuff. I personally use OpenBSD, which is not a Linux kernel based OS at all, it is based off of the BSD 4.4 kernel, and as such is a &quot;real&quot; Unix. Poke around the distros websites, in particular, pay attention to their project goals, see if any of them fit what you are looking for. >>



Debian is considered tough to install. So is slack. I love slack, it was the only linux that made sense to me. I think libranet is debian based and I have heard very good things about it (easier installation, newer software, etc). I did not find the slack install tough. But the OpenBSD install is the EASIEST thing in the world. Answer a couple questions and bam you have an awesome system. But aparently the install is a little tough for some people..

 

[Diffusion]

<<

<< Debian is probably the best choice for you, as (from what I hear) it is relatively easy to set up. Slackware would be good if you honestly want to learn the underpinnings of the OS, and not use proprietary package tools, and all that stuff. I personally use OpenBSD, which is not a Linux kernel based OS at all, it is based off of the BSD 4.4 kernel, and as such is a &quot;real&quot; Unix. Poke around the distros websites, in particular, pay attention to their project goals, see if any of them fit what you are looking for. >>



Debian is considered tough to install. So is slack. I love slack, it was the only linux that made sense to me. I think libranet is debian based and I have heard very good things about it (easier installation, newer software, etc). I did not find the slack install tough. But the OpenBSD install is the EASIEST thing in the world. Answer a couple questions and bam you have an awesome system. But aparently the install is a little tough for some people.. >>


Agreed, many people have problems with the formatting tool that is used in the installer, but the OpenBSD docs make it rather easy with their step by step guide through that, just fill in the appropriate values and everything goes great.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<<

<<

<< Debian is probably the best choice for you, as (from what I hear) it is relatively easy to set up. Slackware would be good if you honestly want to learn the underpinnings of the OS, and not use proprietary package tools, and all that stuff. I personally use OpenBSD, which is not a Linux kernel based OS at all, it is based off of the BSD 4.4 kernel, and as such is a &quot;real&quot; Unix. Poke around the distros websites, in particular, pay attention to their project goals, see if any of them fit what you are looking for. >>



Debian is considered tough to install. So is slack. I love slack, it was the only linux that made sense to me. I think libranet is debian based and I have heard very good things about it (easier installation, newer software, etc). I did not find the slack install tough. But the OpenBSD install is the EASIEST thing in the world. Answer a couple questions and bam you have an awesome system. But aparently the install is a little tough for some people.. >>


Agreed, many people have problems with the formatting tool that is used in the installer, but the OpenBSD docs make it rather easy with their step by step guide through that, just fill in the appropriate values and everything goes great. >>



You mean you expect people to read the cd cover?