Definitive: Which Linux distribution do you prefer? (2012 edition)

By +Frank B.
in Linux

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253 members have voted

  1. 1. Which Linux distribution do you prefer?

    • Debian GNU/Linux
      33
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
      1
    • CentOS
      9
    • Fedora
      19
    • Arch Linux
      37
    • {K-, X-, L-}Ubuntu
      87
    • Linux Mint
      40
    • Gentoo
      4
    • Slackware
      6
    • Mandriva
      0
    • Mageia
      0
    • openSUSE
      10
    • Other (specify below)
      5
    • I'm rolling my own distribution.
      2

Recommended Posts

Enthusiast

coolguy80

Posted
Posted

Debian Gnu/Linux is the choice. I've "Linux Mint 12" installed on laptop to get a exposure on latest *buntu development.

I am following Linux Mint Debian Edition(LMDE) and how it evolves may be as a alternate choice for those who dig Debian yet prefer a decent looking version(means eyecandy).

  • 2 weeks later...
Enthusiast

sevensage

Posted
Posted

Arch linux on my main, once you've tried it, it becomes almost impossible to enjoy anything else, best documentation to help you along and like anything else becomes second nature after a couple months in. Most importantly is that after having invested the time in reading the docs to tweak your system to your liking, you really have a greater understanding of how things work. It really makes you a better end user.

that being said ...

fedora, debian, centos all great distros each with their strong points but need to make an honorable mention about Mint 12 (Lisa), testing it out now and am very impressed thus far, everything works flawlessly, the updates have been flawless and as mentioned by some already, it just works ... well done!

aside: if you haven't the time to read nor the patience to search for solution, Arch is not for you.

  • 3 weeks later...
Apprentice

StanJones

Posted
Posted

I have a VPS that currently runs CentOS, found it to be more stable than others such as Debian, RedHat in a virtual environment. But I've a dual boot PC with Ubuntu and Windows 7 Ultimate edition.

I've also started to test LinuxMint on one of the other servers from this Saturday. Don't know how the experience is going to be. Would be glad if someone can share their opinions and measures that I should be taking to best achieve from this. :)

Veteran

iron2000

Posted
Posted

Had been playing with Linux Mint but every version seems to always have problems with the graphics (docky and gnome-shell) and wifi (slow wifi).

Tried Elementary OS Jupiter and its better than Mint for me.

I don't get graphics problem, the slow wifi is there but I discovered compat-wireless and make it following the instructions.

Its simple, fast and stable.

I think I'll stick with E-OS for a while, hope the coming Luna will be good too.

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...
Grand Master

Max Norris

Posted
Posted

Only using it in a server role, but have a few machines running Arch. Loving it for the BSD-style setup, no rolling the dice every six months, and mostly the build-it-from-the-ground-up approach. Not a fan of "everything including the kitchen sink and several of its forks" distros.

Contributor

Princess Katie Pixie

Posted
Posted

The only linux distribution that I ever use and by far the best is Ubuntu. The rest isn't that great. I used to use ubuntu but not anymore since it's not easy to install Windows back when I instaled Linux.

  • 4 weeks later...
Grand Master

dead.cell

Posted
Posted

I've been a fan of Fedora for a while, as Ubuntu was always garbage in the way it ran on the (literally) dozens of computers I've experienced it on. Ubuntu 12.04 though I've got to say it leaps and bounds better than my previous experiences, so I'll be voting it as my preference this year. :)

Grand Master

redvamp128

Posted
Posted

The only linux distribution that I ever use and by far the best is Ubuntu. The rest isn't that great. I used to use ubuntu but not anymore since it's not easy to install Windows back when I instaled Linux.

You do realize you can install Windows then a Wubi install of Ubuntu where it does not overwrite the boot loader... Ubuntu runs inside a directory inside a Folder on your Windows Drive in a compressed image. And can be removed from the Windows Add Remove in the control panel (programs and features depending on your Windows Version)

http://en.wikipedia....untu_installer)

This I would suggest for anyone first trying linux and worried about windows, or for anyone that does not wish Grub/grub2 to take over the boot loader. Or for someone who is a causal user that does not wish to run it in a VM.

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 months later...
Mentor

UncleSpellbinder

Posted
Posted

I'm currently running Fuduntu 2012.4. An independent rolling release forked from Fedora. Rock solid stable here on a 5-year-old Dell Dimension E520. I'm really beginning to appreciate RPM based distros.

  • 1 month later...
Experienced

AussieAnon

Posted
Posted

So far Im absolutely loving Mint Linux 14 RC. Very fast and stable for me and works with everything I throw at it (well after enabling multiarch which will be fixed in the final release)

For anyone having issues installing 32-bit software in the 64-bit Mint RC (eg, Wine 1.5 will not install), type the following in Terminal:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386

apt update

Currently downloading the latest testing version of Debian to try out since I have always loved that distro too, but I think Mint 14 is going to be a winner.

Grand Master

Mando

Posted
Posted

As I continue my "support Elementary OS" campaign, I would like to share this entry of their blog:

http://elementaryos....ibutor-meetings

ok ok :) im downloading the iso now to check it out :) not been a linux user since Buntu 8 or 9, but seeing as your so eager ill try it mate :) Certainly looking good on their site :)

As I continue my "support Elementary OS" campaign, I would like to share this entry of their blog:

http://elementaryos....ibutor-meetings

ok ok :) im downloading the iso now to check it out :) not been a linux user since Buntu 8 or 9, but seeing as your so eager ill try it mate :) Certainly looking good on their site :)

Grand Master

sanctified Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

ok ok :) im downloading the iso now to check it out :) not been a linux user since Buntu 8 or 9, but seeing as your so eager ill try it mate :) Certainly looking good on their site :)

I suggest you to wait for Luna, their new version, to be released in the following weeks.

Grand Master

Mando

Posted
Posted

I suggest you to wait for Luna, their new version, to be released in the following weeks.

Im gonna, but I did d/l the beta of luna to have a look as a live cd and all i can say is wow very slick :) Ill keep tabs on it from now on. cheers for the heads up Sanctified can see this gracing at least my old X1 Latitude if not my XPS M1330 :) dunno if itll make my desktop PC but thats a games rig.

Grand Master

Brandon H Supervisor

Posted
  • Supervisor
Posted

Parted Magic. It's the only Linux distro that has ever been useful to me.

I prefer gparted myself, I haven't really messed with Parted Magic. how's it compare?
Rising Star

The King of GnG

Posted
Posted

I prefer gparted myself, I haven't really messed with Parted Magic. how's it compare?

Parted Magic is more like a suite of useful storage-related tools than a single tool in Live-CD format: it includes GParted, Clonezilla, partition recovery tools, a web browser (Firefox, the list time I checked) and whatever.

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