Which Linux Distro?


Recommended Posts

I would like to try Linux but as I am a long time user of windows I am unsure :blink: which distro is the easiest to install and use.

I would appreciate any help you can give?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just installed Linux for the first time 2 days ago and found Mandrake to be pretty straight forward. I am using it through VMWare to just get used to it and figure things out...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Red Hat 9.0 is very easy... on my first try with Linux it was almost as easy as Windows.

I'm running it in VMWare, because I can't make the switch to linux, but Red Hat 9.0 looks and feels like a good OS. My advice is run VMWare and try some.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would reccomend SuSE personally as it's got excellent config tools for a beginner, which gives you pretty much full control over your server. You can also get editions meant specifically for the desktop user (I think it was called SuSE Linux Office or summin??, not tried it myself).

On the other hand you have to buy SuSE (or install via your network connection) and RedHat/Mandrake is free to download as ISOs. Of the free ones I found RedHat more stable, but have only used it as a server so can't comment on its effectiveness as a desktop system. Mandrake seemed to have lots of bleeding edge software and features, and as a result needed some technical knowhow to get around problems, although the graphical tools are excellent (although I dont use them as configuring a system with them only allows you to set a very small selection of options).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

dduardo, I work in a computer store and have tried out Jaguar in store, and while I like the look I have never been a big apple fan.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Try Knoppix. It's on CD and it never touches your harddrive. Great for getting your feet wet in Linux.

Seconded.

It's not the best for learning because you can't install programs while using it from the CD, but it's a great way to get an idea of the GUI, and what kind of programs are out there. And you can still learn the console commands and file structure as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yea I'm trying to decide between RH 9, Mandrake 9.1 or SuSE 8.2 as well. I am not really trying anything else because of my GeForce Go card, I really don't wanna mess around with compiling my own drivers, so I'd rather use the premade nVidia ones that only work with those versions above.

I'm kinda a linux newb. I have RH 8.1 right now... its fine... Its not like I'd use it a lot, I just want a linux install to mess around with a little bit and get familiar with the environment. Think I should go RH9? I've never tried or even seen SuSE before tho, so that sort of intrigues me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I tried SuSE 8.2 recently and I love it. It's easy enough to follow without going to Console (DOS style) commands.

If you want, try the SuSE 8.2 Live Eval. Its like the Knoppix CD distro, just runs from CD, but copies 100mb config data to any drive so your settings are remember for the next time.

And once you're happy with it, get the 5 CD version and load it. the installation was a breeze. dual-boot setup was perfect too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just did the FTP install of SuSE 8.2 last night, and it's absolutely marvellous. SuSE is definately my favourite distribution for every day use, I've been using it since version 6, and I'd recommend it to anyone. YaST2 is the best configuration utility i've ever seen, and SuSE Firewall is great too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree on SuSE 8.2. It's YAST2 config tool is unique to SuSE and makes tricky things like partitioning, checking dependencies of programs and configuring hardware damn easy. Never yet had to drop down to root mode and key in bash commands. :shifty:

if you're a newbie and have lots of free time, i'd suggest try out SuSE, Mandrake and RedHat and see which works best on your hardware and go from there. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i think some of you guys are missing the point..... , i'm learning linux for the past few weeks and one thing i noticed is that useing those gui configuration tools wont get u anywhere (you don/'t learn anything;, and when you get into problems, you won't know how to solve.)..., the right now, i just realize how powerfull are commands and text mode operations..., and i think that's what linux is all about.....

if you want easy operating system, then why not just use windows..?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i think some of you guys are missing the point..... , i'm learning linux for the past few weeks and one thing i noticed is that useing those gui configuration tools wont get u anywhere (you don/'t learn anything;, and when you get into problems, you won't know how to solve.)..., the right now, i just realize how powerfull are commands and text mode operations..., and i think that's what linux is all about.....

if you want easy operating system, then why not just use windows..?

Lol that is why I use Windows (XP) :D

Linux was just something to play with... I never even thought about switching to Linux at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i think some of you guys are missing the point..... , i'm learning linux for the past few weeks and one thing i noticed is that useing those gui configuration tools wont get u anywhere (you don/'t learn anything;, and when you get into problems, you won't know how to solve.)..., the right now, i just realize how powerfull are commands and text mode operations..., and i think that's what linux is all about.....

if you want easy operating system, then why not just use windows..?

I started on Redhat many years ago, and it taught me lots of bad habits, but it also taught me the basics, then i moved onto SuSE, then Slackware. People go on about how Slackware is the best, and i don't disagree with them, but SuSE is more comfortable for everyday use.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.