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Which Linux should I get? What about Pentium optimizations?

L

Leo V

Diamond Member
Hi,

I'm choosing amongst (mainly) the latest Redhat distribution (7.0), Mandrake (when is 7.2 Final due?), and SuSE(7.0). My considerations are:

* Updated hardware support (favors newer distros)
* Pentium-class optimizations -- only Mandrake mentions optimizing for i586, I suspect the others have generic i386 code. Anybody know?
* Comes with the latest XFree 4.0 or 4.0.1 (Redhat and SuSE)
* Comes with NVIDIA drivers (I think SuSE includes the latest, .95).

Any comments or suggestions? Please reply soon, because I hastily ordered Redhat7 from BUY.COM; I still have time to cancel as it's backordered.
Thanks!
LeoV
 
In fact, I'm cancelling the backordered Redhat right now. After all, I've just purchased a Plextor burner, haven't I? 😉
 
Well, I'm sure you've read that Redhat's *.0 releases are usually plagued with numerous bugs; this one is no different. I'm going to wait for 7.1 or 7.2 on that distribution, regardless of optimizations.

Mandrake is a very good distro, but I've been worried recently with all the security flaws that are publiced on the Linux Today newsletter. I'm using 7.1 currently and I've had no problems at all, except for making the "perfect desktop theme" (if it exists). Mandrake 7.1 comes with version 4.0 of XFree86 (IIRC) in case you are wondering, and I'm sure 7.2 will come with version 4.0.1... I'm also NOT SURE if 7.1 comes with Nvidia drivers, because their "supported hardware" page still has a link to: How to Install NVIDIA Drivers for Linux.

SuSE is one of the few distro's I haven't tried yet. It has me curious though, people talk highly of it.

 
Thanks Webratta. I've scanned a few posts, and Mandrake seems like a good choice for me. However, does anybody know when Version 7.2 comes out? On Mandrake's site, they've mentioned Beta 3 being released on Sept22. Perhaps the final version is just around the corner...
 
Depends on your application, if you are placing the distro in a server environment I wouldn't recommend mandrake, but it's by far (in my opinion) the best workstation version. Something to keep in mind, Mandrake includes a kernel optimized for Pentium processors (i586), but you can compile a new kernel supporting whatever flavor of processor you have. The newer kernels can optimize to any of the new processors (Athlon, PIII, etc).

From looking into SUSE I can tell you one thing about it. It's very european in flavor. There are certain "features" that are implimented in a multilingual distribution that can make things just a little more confusing, and if English is your first language you may want to stay away from it.

I really suggest you take a look at Debian they have a very kick butt update system.
 
rahvin,

Interesting. Any suggestions regarding a server distro? I'll start messing with a workstation (an experimental installation at first), but eventually plan for a dedicated server also.

Thanks.

PS: It's great that open-sourced apps can be recompiled for top-notch CPU's.
 
I'm biased for RedHats method. 🙂 Redhat is the most popular server system so a lot of help is focused on the Redhat way of doing things. But that's just my impression...

Mandrake is just a modified Redhat system so I showed my bias again by recommending Mandrake. 🙂
 
RedHat's gone to some kind of subscription method. Kinda spooks me in that pay-for-Linux? way. I've been with Mandrake since 7.1's beta stages. I'ts been very good to me.

Follow this on LinuxNewbie.org

-SUO
 
i've been doing alot of reading on linux and mandrake in particular lately and i know that the mdk 7.2 wont be out till the very end of this year. put that burner to work and dl a copy of beta3 for the time being. mdk has a nice update util to help fix those security bugs

there will also be a corp server version of mdk out soon (not sure when, i have little interest in it right now)

and mandrake isnt just a modified redhat anymore, it has lots of additional features. (different wizard type things, esp during installation) check out their page, they explain the differences pretty well.
 
nuttervm, I'll take your advice and try out MDK 7.2 beta3. Since it'll be an experimental installation on an extra disk, it ought to be great for exploration.

PS: After checking the book thread, I ordered Running Linux 3rd Edition.
 
I prefer GNOME and Redhat's instalation, but mandrake works pretty well. Running Linux has been a good resource for me a bunch of times.

Michael
 
My Linux friend just reminded me that any Linux installation can be 100% customized to fit one's needs (where you effectively mix & create your own distribution). I find this very comforting, as this eliminates the risk that I'm "missing something" by starting with the wrong distribution.

I'm currently downloading Mandrake 7.2 Beta3. I'll install it on my freshly-arrived Quantum Fireball+ LM (god bless buy.com) later this week and share my experiences! (The exciting ones, anyway 🙂)
 
Have you considered Caldera OpenLinux? I like their distributions better than RedHat. In my opinion, it is easier to install.
 
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