I want to get Linux, Which one is best?

hack_man_ · Last edited by hack_man_ on Tue Jan 17, 2006 3:26 pm; edited 1 time in total

I currently have Windows XP (god help me) and want to change to Linux. I know that Linux is open-source, but does that mean that it is free? I have no idea on the matter so I decided to consult the forums.

EDIT: New question. See topic title

Stickied by Animal - 31 May 06

madsencarl

Well, open source means it's usually completely and utterly free, no strings attached, but in rare cases you might have to pay for it. I'm pretty sure Linux is free though.

Vrythramax

What alot of people don't understand is that all flavors of UNIX are free, what we end paying for is software bundled with the main kernal.

Try this site: http://distrocenter.linux.com/

The package I think you'll find most interesting is Debian GNU/Linux, and you can find them, and a downloadable (I Think) distribution here: http://www.debian.org/

I just checked the site and the distribution is avaiable at: http://www.debian.org/distrib/

Hope this helps.

Rule #1 when running UNIX....if it ain't bitchin' it's working just fine.

photon

actually all of the linux distros are free. if you pay for it, you usually get a commercial edition complete with free upgrades, technical support, installation help etc. ..

neosree

So we can replicate those Suse linux, Redhat linux, Mandrake, Linspire and give them to friends. Or a group of friends can buy it together sharing money, in case they dont have the source CD/DVDs.

blackstripes

linux is totally free... so free that you can actually go to their website and download the iso for it

DRock

LandShark

^^ thats what linux i use. They have forums to help with everything. they ship it for free and they always give extra discs so you can give them to your friends and stuff. Linux is pretty awesome, but before you do install it on your computer, make sure yuo know how to run a UNIX based OS

goutha

Linux is 100% free. It is not shareware. It won't cost you a dime. You can borrow a copy from a friend and use it for free, legally. Or you can buy a CD-ROM for yourself. It's still free, you're just paying for the CD-ROM and maybe some other stuff. The cheapest CD-ROM I've seen is $1.89 ordered online. You can also buy Linux boxed up with a nice manual and user support for about fifty dollars. Of course, you could download Linux off of the internet for nothing, but that would take hours and your time is much more valuable than that. My favorite source of Linux CD's is the LinuxMall ( http://www.linuxmall.com/ ).

SNES350

I recommend trying http://www.knoppix.org/ (site defaults to German, just select the flag that is half of the U.S. flag and other half is Britain), it is downloadable as a CD image (the latest one is a DVD image though) that you can burn, then put it in a computer, restart, and be using a version of Debian right from the disc without installing anything.

Nyizsa

Yes, Knoppix is a good choice to start with. Just boot, play, and if you like it, you can install a permanent image to the HD. Or download the distro of your preference, as the others mentioned. My suggestion is that whichever you are going to install, keep that Knoppix CD! It may come handy if you do something wrong and your system doesn't start up. Boot Knoppix, edit the file you messed up, and be happy!

Anyway, Linux is so free that you may even re-sell it! (If certain conditions apply, of course - check out the homepage of your selected distribution.)

devroom

Did not see any ubuntu here.

i believe that's the 1 to start with.

And if u like linux you can download or buy (about $3,- per cd)
some other distro.

myrevolt

oh yeah knoppix has saved me many times. but be careful if you try to dualboot xp + linux (whatever your flavor), the main problems are caused when you try to resize your partitions...heh Mad

partition magic left my hd unbootable, i had to use knoppix for about 2 weeks b4 i finally backed up and reinstalled. gentoo from what i heard is a good distro (once its installed) though it has something like a 6 hour install (non-automated). whichever distro you choose good luck Smile

DX-Blog

Knoppix is pretty crappy imho, for truly starting out I would advice mandriva. When it comes to functionality it's more like windows, so it's easy to get into linux quickly without getting stuck at the installation. Or without having to rely on a CD for your OS.

hack_man_

What is the best version of Linux? e.g. RedHat, Debian, etc.

anhstar

You can get SUSE, my company use it and it's very user friendly. With a sotfware management that you can use to install software and Firefox included Smile

. And it's also theres a free version that you can download I think.

Google for SUSE if you want to have more details.

DRock

magnusmoty

help lamer!!! photoshop will work on lunix?

lockwolf

Helios · Last edited by Helios on Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:24 pm; edited 2 times in total

delete this one please

ocalhoun

For a beginner like yourself: SuSE or Redhat's new Fedora Core.

If you have a complicated hardware setup, by all means choose SuSE.
If you want to be able to install downloaded programs more esily, choose Fedora.

These Distros are easier to install and configure than any version of windows.

Platform

Mandrake, or most preferably Novelle SuSE.

These are easy to install, dual boot, get online music photos etc.

And SuSE does look good too, and in the future it will be even better...see previews of it....OS X copy of course but....

Go for it Cool

windval

I think Mandrake linux is the best for you~~

i am using it

it is a very good software

rocky

to start and keep an ease in using a linux distro a best choice would be mandriva/suse/fedora - those 3 have alot of graphic installers and configs, good hardware support and since they are around for quite a few you can find help fast in the linux comunity or user groups

...and yes, linux is FREE to download, distribute, copy and modify, you may pay for customer support or some specialised software (crossover office for example)

meaniegeanies

It depends on the use you want it for.

For general use, I found that SuSE Linux has a sufficient support for hardware and it is very similar with windows.

For advanced use, I would recommend a Debian distribution

For a cluster pc system, Knoppix

For a very small installation, PuppyLinux

For firewall, Stress Linux

and so on... Wink

AffroThund3r

This is probably a daft question but I have just ordered unbuntu.

Will I be able to install programs such as PhotoShop, InDesign etc.?

Thanks

kimrei

Suse is my no.1 because it runs with an interface probably more user friendly yet fairly similiar to windows and contains most of the more power orientated super features of linux hiiden in easy reach.

PS: You can emulate windows software with programs like wine and cedega (for modern games, it works brilliantly, unfortunately it has a price tag), I haven't used InDesign before so I'm not sure about that but, in the case of Photoshop The Gimp is a free equivalent that contains all the commonly used features of Photoshop aswell as many others.

Helios

Why 'god help me'?

Windows has the best interface and almost every program works on it.
Yes, I know that these 'viruses' are sometimes a pain in the arse, but Windows is the best OS yet.

Linux and windows have both their advantages and disadvantages.
Which I won't specify here(google).

But if you want to try Linux, that's cool.

I'm using Linux for over 2 years now and I'm quite happy with: www.debian.com .

It has the best Package Manager.
It's VERY stable and fast.
And most of Debian's wallpapers have pretty chicks on 'em Very Happy

in red

Good luck!

Vrythramax

I like Redhat myself, but have found that some of the Mandrake releases are easier to install on win32 platforms. It will find/dectect most of your hardware and configure itself for it...it even found and configured my modem on one machine...I have always had trouble in that area when installing any flavor of linux on a windows platform.

I'd be interested to hear how well (if at all) it (any Linux distro) works as a dual boot on a winXP machine....anybody tried?

zarky

The software is free.
You pay the media for the software if you want the company ship you the CD or DVD.
Also most important you pay the support. (This is how the company make money)

avk

Hey man

Linux is really free and opensource is really free
I think that linux is reallt good but really hard to use
I have installed both Windows XP and Ubuntu .
ubuntu is linux and i think that it is really good

I think that ubuntu is good for beginners

Jack_Hammer

You pay for certain distributions of Linux (They usually come with a custom installer (making it easier to install) programs (Professional programs like word processor etc.), they are about $70 usually (Though prices change and distrobutions vary).

Profesional Distros.
Red Hat Linux
Suse Linux
Mandrake Linux

Free Distros.
Suse Linux
FC4/5 (Fedora Core 4/5) Linux

There are a lot more to choose from than just those few, but Red Hat, Suse and Mandrake and the most popular distros.

Lennon

For convenience you really should stick with Windows for better and for worse coz it has more software to choose from. Anybody know anything about the new windows to be released from Microsoft?

dragonflame

kimrei

It works perfectly (dual booting with windows).

A boot manager sorts out the OS selection at startup.

Linux can read FAT32 and NTFS filesystems.

The only pain is that windows can't read linux filesystems and linux can't write to NTFS drives without some tweaking (which works though the write speed is slow).

(linux has full read/write support for FAT32)

vinodmishra

You can get Ubuntu shipped to you for free. I got 10 Copies of it for free Smile

.. If you want a pretty easy install go for SUSE or FEDORA. Mandrake is easier but it may not work in some cases. Fedora is my personal choice though.

Helios

Yes, for a beginner Fedora just rocks.
I had used it for 6 months and it was great, but I wanted to try somehting else, so I've moved to Debian.

Gonna try Gentoo soon(don't tell me how masochist I am).

coreygates

gentoo, knoppix, mandrake...those are the ones i have, if you have high speed its great, just download the iso's and burn em! i'm still new to linux but i really like it, wish i had some friends that lived close that knew even what linux is that could show me around, its alot different than windows at least for me

falconfx

Hi!

I suggest you to try ArchLinux, http://www.archlinux.org/. It's a bit more difficult than other distros, but it gets updated almost every day. And it's fast, very fast...

Finally, quoting R. M. Stallman: - Linux is - "free as speech, not as beer".

anurag_bhd

I think till now, you must be clear of the fact that most of the Linux distros are totally free of cost. I have spent much time trying the newest and latest distros. But believe me, the experiences were not always that good. Many-a-times my hard disk got totally formatted for the linux to be installed, at that time I was a novice. But as my experience built up, I became kinda expert in this field and concluded that you must try only the distro that is free of hassles of installing and are accompanied by GUI installation which are easy to install. Moreover, the distro must fit and adjust amicably with your other OSes like Windows.
So, I would recommend the following distros which I think are just for you:
1. SuSE 9.0
2. Xandros 3.0.1.Open Circulation Edition
3. Edubuntu(The Educational version of Ubuntu)

And certain live cds(which boot the OS directly from the cd/dvd wiithouy being installed on your hard disk), if you want linux only for fun or for exploration :
1. PCLinux OS
2. Gentoo
3. Knoppix

Hope you enjoyed reading my long-long "advice" without getting bored.

scyphon

Linux is definately one of the best operating systems around and for many reasons as well. The biggest reason for me is that it was free. I think that its always a plus. I have used many live cds and they all serve a different purpose for me. My favorite distro though is Mandriva. Currently I am using Mandriva 2005 LE which has a very easy to use GUI installation and can sit right next to any other OS (albeit separate partitions) and play nice. It also has a nice graphical lilo bootloader to handle dual booting. Explore2fs is a program that can let you view linux partitions and also pull files from them in windows. I am going to upgrade to Mandriva 2006 w/ PowerPack very soon.

Mandriva has excellent hardware detection. I have not yet had to find missing drivers except for my broadcom wireless chipset which isn't support natively by linux at all yet. I have a HP zd7000 laptop. Graphics, sound, and all of my other devices are recognized and work. Mandriva also uses the redhat package management (RPM) to install packages which is really simple to use. The OS comes with virtually everthing you need and adding new things are pretty simple.

I have never had a problem with Mandriva and I wouls expect that most users wouldn't. I don't plan to change to any other OS anytime soon and it is so complete that I only use windows minimally since Mandriva has everyhting I need.

charredii

maybe someone already said it, but definitley check out distrowatch.com and http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php?firsttime=true it's a distro chooser. Anyways, good luck hunting. If you every choose solaris, i might be able to help you as well.

Bastiecar2

If you want to Start with Linux I would say that you take Ubuntu Linux. It's fantastic. You can download a Live DVD to take a first look on it.
It's very easy to install, all what you need comes with and with the Debian Package managment you can easyily install new programs and update the programs you already have.

I testes it on an Centrino Laptop and it seem's to work out of the box with my WLAN. I can't test it any more because the Laptop get broken.

i wish you fun with the penguin.

dsauxier

Ubuntu is definitely a good choice. If you do go the LiveDVD route, just be aware that it is the slowest-booting live distro I've ever seen. That's about the only bad thing I can say about Ubuntu.

linuxuzmani

i think you should try pardus.It is very good.I am using pardus and it is really great.When the 2.0 realized it will be batter.

download adress:
ftp://ftp.linux.org.tr/pub/pardus/kurulan/1.0

it'is my screenshot Smile

Nolt

Yup. UBUNTU is the best choice for begginer and professional user. Is easy to use if u read all, few programs will help u like synaptic-auto searcher for packedges ?? im not sure this word is corretly Razz

but who cares Very Happy

If u want try u can send your request to free shipment and they send u a free copy of the UBUNTU Smile

EDIT: here are few mine screens Smile

oh0092

I think ubuntu is one of the bes linuxes.

ezekiel_rage

first of all i want to add that Linux is indeed "free". but not in the context of "free beer", rather when we speak of "free" we mean "freedom". Free in the sense that you (the user) are free to use it on any purpose you want, that you are free to look in the source of the programs and free to do modifications as you see fit for your purposes.

most linux distributions are indeed free as in free beer. But the majority of the commercial or rather Enterprise Linuces comes with a cost. and NO you cant just distribute these so called Enterprise Linux systems. You still have to PAY for licenses to use these.

personally i use Mandrake 10.2. very user friendly and even the advanced thingys are very easy to do.

I have used a lot of other distros, but i keep coming back to Mandrake. I am still in search for a replacement distro, though.

What i can suggest to you is not what distro to use, but for you test different distros and then decide for yourself what distro you want you stick with.

my 2 cents Wink

Petee

I've used several linux distros so far (And I intend to try out more as well). I'd say may favorite right now would be SUSE 10. It seems to work the best for me out of all the distros I've tried. Fedora Core 4 is also pretty good in my opinion.

zorindart

I like Mandriva very much.
I borrowed it from a friend (it's absolutely legal) and I installed it without any problem in less than one hour, and after that I had not only a complete operating system, but a lot of quality software instaled (Open Office, The Gimp, etc.)
Of course I share it with my old windows xp, but I'm using mandriva as far as much times.

charredii

LiveDVD boots slowly becuase the box has to load everything from the dvd, more data than a regular cd. Usually, it's a slower or same speed as a cd. Just the sheer amount of data you're loading is greater than a regular live cd. a Hard-drive is much faster than either cd or dvd drives.

kiranaghor

Ubuntu is the best ditro I ever used. It's perfect for a newbie. But u have to get urself ready to do some terminal 'type' work. It is really amusing. Believe me. The best part is Ubuntu has the wide range of hardware support. It comes for mac too. os x and ubuntu on an ibook is a great experience.

altec

I've tried Ubuntu, Suse 9, Xandros, and Lindows. All are great, for surfing, wordprocessing, Excel, email, the usual stuff. However, for games, graphic softwares like Coreldraw, Photoshop and etc., you'll have problems running it even under wine. Its just unstable.

I do hope they create something very close to windows, Lindows came close, but you need to pay for every software downloaded. The installation is like windows. No terminals, etc. Just point and click.

fiendskull9

photographerguy

I decided to try linux last week. I have never been so frustrated in my life. I am slow at work so I spent all 40 hours reading forums and using google to find out as much information as possible. I successfully installed with no problems (sometimes re-partitioning and always dual-boot with XP)

I installed:
Ubuntu
Fedora Core 4
Open Suse 10.0
Mepis

The installations went perfect-(easy with no problems)can't connect my laptop to my wireless router to access internet, and can't even install one simple program. I am about to give up. I thought I had a head start (I used to run Unigraphics on SGI, HP, Sun seats, so I had some Unix experience) Ubuntu is my favorite, it looks sweet and if I could just get my laptop to connect to the internet, I think it would be problem-free after that, but I haven't been able to so it is useless to me at the moment. I don't like windows, I love my Mac, and think I will like linux if I can figure it out, but I'm angry at the moment. Good luck.

fiendskull9

next to ubuntu, my second is definately Mepis....

although they didnt pioneer the idea of live cd install, they were the ones that made it catch on

3rd would be Vida (VLOS), its gentoo based, but uses anaconda (red hat installer), and has graphics that could compete with OSX.

google it sometimes

-clay

loosu

I would suggest SLACKWARE , as it is the best LINUX DISTRO ,
close to UNIX & also that , it is the most difficult for you to learn .

Since being difficult to learn , you will digg ur way through the NET , to learn .

Thus SLACKWARE , lets you learn more , thus more UNIX .

Once you get comfortable , with this one , you can see your productivity , increase and also , learning other LINUXes , will be
a piece o cake .

Shocked

www.slackware.com

fiendskull9

there is no best distro man

all distros use the same kernel, so they are all the same relation to unix

and learn other linuxs? perhaps other distros, but there is only one linux, and that is the unix based OS kernel written by Linux Torvalds in the late 80's.

-clay

jamez

i would suggest running first live cd like knoppix to make sure you have met the system requirements.. if it is, then i would suggest you using KUBUNTU.. get it from: kubuntu.org

fiendskull9

good thinking Smile

and if you have problems like, proscessor running at 90% and such (or even 30 and above)

then get Ubuntu, at ubuntu.org

the difference?

Ubuntu uses gnome WM, it uses much less cpu and ram

Kubuntu uses kde, which can but not always be a memory hog

but kde is most certainly ALWAYS going to tale alot of proscessor when opening things, switching desktops, and hovering their buttons, because KDE felt EVERYTHING needs animations.....

most of those things can be changed, the hover animations being easiest.

-clay[/u]

kiranaghor

Ubuntu always rocks !!!
They have great support system. and they are debian based.

kuisong.tong

For desktop, I suggest [url= http://www.ubuntu.com/]Ubuntu[/url].

Ubuntu Philosophy is that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customize and alter their software in whatever way they see fit.

In the November edition of the Linux Journal, Ubuntu beat the more established distributions in this year's Reader's Choice awards.

For server, I usually use Redhat Linux advanced Server.

tobytobsen

Debia, absolutely!

But when you are a beginner, Ubunto, Redheas or Suse/Novell is a good choice to get started!

Toby

Qube

As was said earlier, Linux is absolutely free of charge.
The only way you'll pay is with support and other things (e.g. RedHat).

I myself have gone through an immense amount of time testing various distros.
The sad thing is, there is no "best" distro out there.
Just like flavors of icecream, it's all in your tastes.
What you want to do with it will ultimately decide which you choose.

I myself have become horribly addicted to Fedora Core 5.
Debian has been one of the leaders IMO.
I would show a screenie, but my comp is in storage.
It uses GNOME anyways, so you can pretty much figure out what it looks like.

For starting out, just like many others, I'd suggest running LiveCD's of SuSe or Ubuntu.
Those 2 are quite possibly the easiest to get running.
The only problem I had was SuSe didn't pickup my soundcard right away so I had to do it myself.

As for dual-booting, I run both OS'es perfectly fine.
Thank you GRUB.
I don't like having to update Lilo when I switch things or update.

All in all, Linux isn't where you want to go if you want ease.
You have to gain a bit of knowledge in command line syntax.
Also, compiling apps from source can be a pain when they don't offer pre-compiled packages.
Sucks if your distro doesn't come with GCC or other compilers for some reason.
I suggest sticking with Windows.
I absolutely HATE MS and its stranglehold on the PC market, but they did things right for the most part.

That and almost all software is produced for Windows.
Fortunately Linux has pioneered a few apps that are the counterparts to today's software.
Trade GIMP in place of Photoshop.
OpenOffice for Microsoft Office.
GAIM or Kopete for Trillian/AIM/MSN/Y!/etc. Msngr.
MPlayer/Amarok/Helix/etc. for WMP/Winamp/BSPlayer/etc.
And there's many others you'll find once you look around.

I say good luck.
Linux is awesome once you get everything configured.
Stable and fast, uses a hell of alot less space than XP.
Also Cedega and WINE can help you make the transfer if anything.
If there's anything else I forgot, feel free to ask/append.

my personal opinion towards the best linux flavor would have to be Slackware... ive had great experiences with it... but then again, im not big on the "pretty" linux distro's out there, id rather have a powerful stable box than one thats super userfriendly... ALL! x86 linux distro's are free, with the exception of packaged OS's (customer support and such) with retail box.... even redhat came out with the fedora project for x86 machines.. and suse recently released v10 as opensource and it came free in a Linux magazing that i bought.. id recommend something to start with such as SuSe or Slackware... RedHat is more oriented towards somewhat experienced users... or if you want something a little more pretty but with the same linux power, just buy a mac.. its better for x86 desktop use.

Pe@cE

nevillethenerd

It's not just financially free; it is more fundamental than that. The software is completely open, you can take the sources and modify them to do what you want. you have complete and total control. software doesn't get any freer than that.

lSaKenl

Definently Suse or Slackware, best window managers are KDE, GNOME and fluxbox ^^

polizey

i prefer ubuntu-linux, because of the best security like debian. ubuntu is free, easy to install and much comfortable at use. it has gnome gui. those who like the windows gui, can take kubuntu within kde gui.

and i take knoppix and kanotix as live linux, means a operating systems on cd. kanotix is for users having modern hardware and devices. it supports all the hightech...

and there is damn small linux, only 50mb - for usb-sticks

good shit!

ryanh2006

Hello there. I have used several distros in the past and I really recommend Kubuntu. They released a new version on June the first and it has great new features. Plus Kubuntu is really user friendly, has a great community, makes software installation a breeze, and its uses the beautiful KDE environment. Of course, the other guys here have always posted some great recommendations like knoppix and Slackware.

gazzanova

i prefer ubuntu because their forum (ubuntuforums.org)is great, have a problem, just go there and look up the solution

henrygl

[quote="DRock"]

lazaruslupine

anything debain based is a great idea for beginners. Damn Small
linux is one of my favorites.It fits on a a flash drive and can run entirely in ram. The newest version of ubuntu just came out yesterday, with 3 years of support and upgrades on the desktop! A good place to look is www.distrowatch.com to give you an idea of whats out there. Also a distribution on a cd, like slax or knoppix(also ubuntu) can let you boot the system from the cd without touching your hard drive.Its a great way to try linux before you commit.

grantmaster

Been running Breezy now for approximately 4 months.

The system has been up all of that time with no resets, no lockups, no software incompatibilities. I have installed some new programs, (DIA, VLC) and they have run fine without system restarts. The system hibernates perfectly and then comes back on when I press a key. It can hibernate for days and then still works perfectly when I need it. DVD movies can be left on pause for days and they start playing right away when I click play.

My Windows computer has been working like a piece of MS doggie doo. All of this after a system restore about 4 months ago. Sometimes, if a script has bombed from the internet, the whole system turns into a big pile of yellow snow, frozen until I physically pull the plug from the power supply. No other button on the system will work, what's up with that.

In the last 4 months I have repaired approximately 30 Windows computers (I'm a techician). They have mostly been windowsXP machines with various problems. Some of my clients are school districts and I cannot tell you of the monies that are lost each year to loss of productivity due to system failures, time spent on upgrades, and other updates.

It gives me a warm feeling to reach over and wake up the Ubuntu machine and realize that I (for one) am not a slave to Microsoft...

And also, the upgrade from Windows ME to XP cost $90, and so far everything on the Ubuntu computer has been free (it was donated by someone who bought a new computer when their Windows started to screw up)!

nizish

The answer to question 'which distro to use' depends on the type of person and what he'll use it for. IMHO, from ease of use to stability,

Knoppix, DSL, SLAX - A quick Live demo of Linux capabilities.
Mandrake - very much M$ Windows like, good for newbies
Fedora - Not for production
Ubuntu and Gentoo - Workstation
Suse Pro and Redhat - Commercial Server Grade
Debian - The true Free Server Class distribution

Most Linux companies distribute two flavours of linux, community and commercial edition. For some the community edition is testbed for inclusion of new technologies in their commercial edition. So you use the community edition and report bug, they fix it and include it in commercial edition. Some of the commercial versions may include proprietry software. So it's not Free Software.

root

Opensource does not mean software is free. It means that the software's source code is available, and if you wanted to, you could compile that source and essentially have that piece of software for free. There are cases though when software is opensource and not free.

My Linux reccomendations:

Gentoo if you want a source based Linux.
Debian if you want a binary based Linux.

If you think that using a source based Linux will give you significant increases in performance, you're wrong. Weigh those "increases" with the time spent having to compile the software. Use Debian.

And of course...screw Ubuntu.

quartz

Many years i have used RedHat/Fedora and now i have installed Ubuntu to test. Using it over 2 months but i dont feel confortable with it.

Im going to swhich back to Fedora 5.

kernel_geek

It really depends whay you like I would not recomend knoppix as an installed Linux distrubution a good one to start of with (mid way) is mandrake or suse. Alhough there are hundreads of distros, I use gentoo, witch is considerd to be advanced :p. Check out Distrowatch.org, until you find one that folllows your philosophy.

kernel_geek

Please excuse my poor english in the last post, I was typing it in a bit of a rush Smile

.

nox-Hand

Linux. Linux can be edited all you want, and it is a lot more stable Very Happy

I use Linux now, as I got so tired of Windows Very Happy

nox-Hand

Dalector

i haven't read all the topic but take a look at distrowatch.com. In my opinion, fedoracore and opensuse are the best one (suse with kde looks like windows)

mhpschool

With the world of Linux probably only 6 months away from being able to provide me with all the software that I use on my Windows Machine....my official jump to Linux will come when I build my new pc in July.

I have tried out 20 different distrobutions in the past 5 years and by far I have found the Ubuntu family the most comprehensive and easiest to install, configure and use.

The Ubuntu family includes the latest version of Ubuntu, Edubuntu (a setup for schools/kids), and Kbuntu (KDE version). An awesome lineup that has a very shallow learning curve (my 6 year old could figure it out....literally)

nox-Hand

That is one thing people must remember when they install U/Ku/EduBuntu; They are the same. The only difference is what programs (packages) are installed. When you have Kubuntu, it only takes one command line action to get yourself Ubuntu (( You can also do it in the graphical program (package) installer, so it's really easy)) I currently have Ubuntu and Kubuntu on my PC, but I am going to uninstall Kubuntu when I get around to it.

nox-Hand

Rubbinio

Seth

If Linux is what your after then I recommend Fedora core 5...
Ive used Knoppix, Suse, Red Hat, DSL, Mandriva (formerly mandrake) and a few other small distros..
and Fedora core is by far the best ive used so far...I have a HP nc6230 laptop and this OS worked with almost all my hardware right out of the box..And updating your system, finding drivers is a breeze..I can play UT2004 with no problems, and it looks grate..It also comes bundled with tons of open source software..almost every app youll ever need, and some youll never use either...
the downsides are: No MP3 support.(but that is easily fixed) and no Video drivers for ATI or Nvidia (also easily fixed) other than that I use it as my main OS and I love it..VERY stable..and it does everything i need it to do..I still use windows as an alt OS, but only to use my Recording and sound editing apps...Once the open source community catches up on the multimedia scene ill be a complete Linux user..with no reason to ever return to winblows!!!

lene

I'm using Kubuntu. This is Ubuntus with the KDE-Desktop. It's very easy to install and use. Kubuntu is based on Debian so you have also the rights-management without a root user. So you are always have to confirm changes in the system with the admin password. This is a little bit annoying at the beginning but so you haven't to log out and log in as root.

shenyl

I have donwloaded Debian and tried installing on my notebook, but realised that many drivers are not available. On checking with the site relating to my notebook, I discovered that it will not be able to support Linux. Linux can be free, but more updated hardware may end up only having a Unix console, rather than able to use a GUI Desktop.

bboy_nycb

Ubuntu is one the best choice you could make.
Check this out to see how important the customer support is :

ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Dapper

Atomo64

JayBee

It depends.

Next question could be, what window manager is the best Wink

because with all distros you can get almost same apps

I have tested all these distros and Ubuntu was the worst and Gentoo the best for me Smile

ashik

I know a friend who has been using Linux for about 6-7 years and he certainly likes it.... he will not change to windows even if some one threatened to kiill him....... coz of him, i started using Linux... i have to say... SUSE is the best i have seen so far...

i would certainly recommend SUSE Linux... OpenSUSE is a free version of suse... but if u want to suport Novell .. i suggest buy SUSE CDROM / DVD from them....

I also recommend Ubuntu who are new to Linux... its cooll, but there is a lot of work to be done to bring the system upto ur liking....

tziemba

Ubuntu is probably one of the easiest to switch to.

postbrutality

Well the best thing with those live cd is that you can't really destroy anything, in the worse way you just have to reset your computer and all your mistakes go away . It's really nice to learn how linux works, after this you should go toward redhat, suse or debian or... , there is not really better choice than other, it's all on the same kernel and you should choose the one you like the most, you're the one who better know which linux is for you. Wink

vicarious

There is no such thing as the best Linux distro. I have seen in this thread the advice of knowing how much hassle you want to put up with and what you want to do with it. That is good advice that I disagree with. Let me explain.

How much hassle you want to put up with. If you choose a lame distro because it was easy to install, then in the long run you will cause yourself more hassle during daily use. You don't want to marry a girl because she was easy, if you know what I mean. I agree that avoiding hassles is a prime factor in the choosing of a Linux distro, but I would like to add to think long term and not focus on installation. Before you wipe your hard drive and start an install I would suggest checking out the sever Live-cds that can be downloaded and burned from www.linuxiso.org . Find out what kind of desktop you feel comfortable for day to day use. Get online and find out if you can find all of the software you want in your distros of choice, and then narrow it down by bells and whistles that come in default installs. Then you will be ready to install.

What you to do with it.-
Games- Dual Boot w/Windows (all distros)
*Put pressure on Games writers to platform code for Linux release or work with WINE project

Watching DVDs- With any distro other than some commercial version distros such as TurboLinux with an included DVD decoder, you may have to get it to work yourself (hint. use google: dvd linux codec install)

Anything else-

Considering the before mentioned factors any distro will do unless you have a specific need for which you can find a special needs distro through linuxiso or other distro site.

I hope my 2 cents helps ( I have to admit I am unable to find the cent sign on my laptop keyboard at the moment)

Commando_Sondre

kd5nrh

bassgs_17

Man, I've been away for a while. As far as linux distros go, I reccomend Ubuntu/kubuntu or Open SUSE. Open SUSE running XGL is, in my experience just as pretty as the Aero Glass effects in Vista and is less of a system hog. Have fun, and remember, Aquastrike is back!
-aquastrike

urangkayo

Hi...

At now i using Fedora Core 5 and Ubuntu 6. I think this distro is very good.

If you new at Linux i recommended u to using Fedora Core or Ubuntu or Mandriva.

I think i want change my distro into Debian.

What do you think about Debian distro?

Can u give advice about this distro?

thanks

ilona

Hi!

I personally use Mandriva for many years now (what called Mandrake before). But I think that if you ask 100 different persons, you'll end up with 100 different Linux distributions!
The best thing you can do is to choose a (free) Linux distribution (you should not pay for packaging) and download it from the Web. Pick a distribution that is widely used as you will get more support for it and more (third-party) packages.

If you take a look at this Web site http://distrowatch.com/ you'll get a list of the many Linux distributions and an idea of their popularity.

Cheers!

ashik

well for people who dont have easy access to internet "may" find it difficult to switch to linux.. since it will take sometime to get all the packages and stuff running.... suse win there.. as it has a wide array of software coming with it plus most of dependency packages are taken care of....

ashik

suse is actually better than most of the OSs out there.... if u r looking for a pro OS to switch to from windows... i think its better than ubuntu...

goblinish

i would have to vote for opensuse. Its the only other system installed on my pc (apart from windows!) and it really does feel like a professional and swish environment to work in. Pratically every program you need to get work done on your pc is all there ready to use after install, and adding more stuff via yast online update is a breeze. Cool

Since the release of 10.1 my ati graphic card finally works with 3d support too! Smile

eznet

Live cds def are good for trying the os but I dont like setting up swaps and save drives constantly.... Ubuntu does seem to have a good success rate for 1st time users... wasnt too long ago people were popping their proverbial linux cherry with Knoppix. I love Debian based systems, their package system is really nice (and really, in the end, thats what it will boil down to - the free software you have at easy, minimal click access) To date my favorite (and longest install) system has been Gentoo. It was a .... well I wont say what it was like to get it installed but fun and angel arent the words that come to mind. But I can certainly say, without that install it would have taken much longer to learn what I did in that one 30hr install (for those who dont know of Gentoo it compiles everything for each computer, each install - slooooow). As I said above, package system is where its at and Gentoo's portage was tha chrizonic. Like many others have said, I don't know that there is a "right" distro... there are pros and cons to each... kinda depends on your computer hardware and what you expect out of your hardware and OS - what you want out of the box anyways.... any of them can be made to do about anything if the right geek is present Very Happy

darkhallow

I used RedHat, Suse and mandrake. you should know ,what do you need ? what du want from OS, Security? Stability ? UserFriendly ? and for what place ?

urangkayo

iron_trooper

i think the best distribution is the mandrake linux and red hat

chazcb

tony

i dont suggest you pay for linux. the free distributions are just as good if not better than the ones which cost money. for beginners, a good free distribution is slackware - thats what i started on. it installs like any OS - just boot off the iso and follow the instructions...

http://slackware.com

when you are comfortable w/ linux you can move onto a more advanced and customizable distribution such as arch - http://archlinux.org

simp

Asking what is the best distribution is like asking what's the best religion - ask either question and watch the knives come out!

Each person should (and will) decide for themself. Just as in choosing a partner for a long term relationship, take your time - and shop around. Then decide for yourself and realize that you will probably change your mind many times, as you and the technology both change.

Here is a very good (probably the best) place to start:
http://www.distrowatch.com

By all means, thy the live cds. You can play around all day and won't damage your computer. If you access your hard drive though, you CAN thoroughly trash your data, which is infinitely worse!

And if you possibly can, dedicate an old second hand computer to your experimentation, and go crazy! You are abiout to start on a great adventure that just might last a lifetime. I envy you.

turbohead

1. Interest
2. Patience
these are the only you should get to use linux

lookahead

To start as a beginner U can prefer Mandrake (now mandriva) Linux. With its new GUi most features are similar to windows and its is also user friendly.

pandmatrix

dude, if u r searching for good linux...
go for.. SUSE 10.. its very nice with all functionalites that any other linux provides, plus nice media support n its most user friendly linux,as far as i know...

ammonkc

Ubuntu is very user friendly for someone new to linux or someone thinking about switching from say windows. But I gotta recommend SUSE 10.x. Its really robust, and there is a lot of support for it. I also like that SUSE is really actively being developed. which means constant updates and improvements.

ciaran27

If you are looking for a nice linux system, and are willing to put a little work into learning how it is built, get gentoo.

Gentoo is unique from the other linux distributions in that it does not use binary packages as it's primary software medium (they are available if you want them though) Gentoo uses a system called portage developed in the BSD community. BSD invented it and Gentoo perfected it Smile

Portage allows you to install a piece of software, and all the other libraries and software it depends on from source code with one command. The advantages to this are that every piece of sftware is built on your machine, optimized for your machine, and has only the features enabled that you want, nothing more. This results in faster performance, more free system resources, and more free drive space.

There are 3 ways to install gentoo, stage 1, 2, and 3. A stage 1 install compiles the operating system asa whole from source code. Stages 2 and 3 eliminate some of the initial compile steps by using binary packages. The advantage to doing a stage one install is that you will build your system from source. You will know your system inside and out, because you built it. All one has o do to perform a stage one install is to follow the gentoo handbook.

After your system is installed, all one has to do to instal just about any opensource software out there is open a command line and type "emerge <program>" Portage will then automaticly download, configure and compile the source code for that program and all of it's dependancies. What could be easier?

Gentoo is easier to maintain, and far more streamlined than any of the package based distros. The documentation on the gentoo website is far more complete than the other distros out there. Bottom line is Gentoo Rocks Smile

Check it out. http://gentoo.org

Ryan

turbohead

If you are new to linux, ubuntu maybe a nice one.

Mannix

Having tried alot of them, ubuntu is by far the easiest one I tried. After using suse, mandrake, redhat/fedora and a few others I can't remember, I prefer using Fedora. Though I've heard that slackware beats all of them for flexibility.

wetumka_ok

I Currently Use Fedora Core 5, and Centos, true linux is open source, but I don't think it's absolutly free! True you may download an Iso, or Ubuntu can send you a disc, however if you use their products, you should be obliged to support them by some donation!, monetary, technical support in the forums, or promoting the product, you don't have to send cash just help support in some way you can.

eznet

It is all about preference....

It is funny taking notice of the reoccurring themes here. We (myself included) are saying pretty much the same (or very similar) thing(s). Obviously Ubuntu, by sole numbers alone, seems to be the easiest and smoothest to test the waters with. From here preference picks up. As many have pointed person preference often times is based around personal computing needs. People tasking with IT and CS specific computing desire more advances or specialized distros due to their ability to customize and configure to a specific need or function. An example is the immense popularity of Debian based systems for servers (like many based on the LAMP configuration – such as the popular DIGG.). Another example, this an even more specific distro, would be something such as bioKnoppix which is a Knoppix based distro specifically geared towards Molecular Biologist.

Truth of the matter is that it really, truly does boil down to pretty much one thing…. Preference… desire… determination… dedication… okay, so that’s not exactly one thing but I think you get the point…. Each distro is different, each one is really, really good at one thing (at least). Most all distros are easier than others in at least one specific use/function. Linux will do what you make it do. With that said, it is easier to do some things with some distros that are very difficult in other distros. The distro decisions should be based on your learning curve and free time and of course intended primary use. You have to weigh what it is that is most important to you in your os.

My recommendation, and it is one that at least a few other readers in here would probably support who have toyed with linux for the past several years, if you have a long weekend and are sufficiently smart enough to read, pay attention to, and follow directions grab a distro of slackware or Gentoo (I recommend having a 2nd computer and/or printing out the entire manual/faq(s) as it can get difficult). By the end of your first successful install you will fell as if you actually learned something about linux and its MAJOR DIFFERENCES from windows. Aside from this, I would suggest playing around with Ubuntu, Kubuntu or any LIVE CD (especially KNOPPIX). I am obviously a wind bag and a half and hold no experience outside of personal.. My only credentials is my personal experience in linux since roughly the fall of 98 with many current and now long gone os distros.

If you really want an OS check out BEOS…kidding… ok, not really, but yea… kidding. Kidding aside... check out distrowatch for the scoop on most all distros.

tonk

Ubuntu is the best.

-It is based in Debian thath for me is the best big&known distribution.
-It is easy for new users.
-They ship CD to you at not cost.
-Comercial support available.
-Growing community.
-Kind and helpful community.
-You cand find a lot of support in the web.
-Many and understable documentation included.
-Easy acces to sourcecode.
-Freedom and community spirit.
-Canonical supports it, and Debian in the backward.
-Long Term Support.

I think Gentoo, ututo XS, and Slackware are good because you can compile everything easily, but this features in these distributions are based in ports, so in that case I prefer Desktop BSD, or Open BSD or maybe ututo.

In Ubuntu you can use apt-build to compile everything, for me ubuntu is the best linux distribution for servers, desktops, and laptops.

www.ubuntu.com

knullasvensk

I use puppy linux and it worked wonders for me (as I am technology impared haha)

I like it better than windows, but maybe that's because I got a punkload of viruses last year and I have been scared ever since.

Who knows...different things work better for different people I guess.

crasso

Just remark, I think the majority knows that but there's somebody who doesn't: Linux is just the name of the kernel, GNU/Linux is the operating system. So distro are the distro of the GNU/Linux, not just Linux.

Jaan

My favourite has always been Debian.
Once mastered, it is very easy to use, though a friend of mine said, "linux is just a computer game"

shaggly

So far I've tried Xandros 4.0 premium, SuSE 10.0, Ubuntu, and Kubuntu 6.06 (Dapper).

I would have to say that, thus far, out of all of them I am very much leaning towards Kubuntu. It seems to be the most user-friendly package that I've tried, both in terms of "out of the box", and also in terms of customization.

Of course, I've only been rediverted back into the Linux world for a few weeks, after quite a long "absence" from the scene, so I still have a lot more experimenting to do and I'd pay more credence to those guys that have been constant in their testing over a longer consistent period.

kcw1304

I just recently installed Ubuntu on my laptop in addition to Windows. I am not a computer guru but managed to figure out the dual install. Its very easy to use coming from Windows and pretty easy to install- I found instructions on the internet. The only problems that I've had are making my printer work with it and the office suite isn't quite as useful as the MS Office. Other than that I love it!

ashik

ubuntu tend to do that to u... sometime.. they dont give real good hardware support .. right out-of-box.. but SUSE does not have this prob... if u ever watn to change... i think suse is a reall good option...

wimvpetegem

My favorite distrobutions is Mandrake, but that's totally personnally.
So it's almost all up to you...
But Mandrake is also for beginners very good, and also for experts it is a fine distrobution, so... Give it a try. Wink

nata_ratero

i don't like mandrake because of all that "FREE EDITION" stuff, and i wouldn't pay to someone that is re-inventing the wheel..

Ubuntu is my choice .. umm, Kubuntu. Wink

KDE is a good choice. (dont like GNOME)

don't know what distribution to choose?

then use FreeBSD Evil or Very Mad

(still prefer linux)

Raijenki

I ever used the Windows XP in a partition and the *nix system in another one...
I used the another partition to use Red Hat and recently, Slackware, I really like Slackware, use it with you want to use the unix for Servers...

THE11thROCK™

Nothing beats Linux for freeware. I had Red Hat and Linspire but I guess I would stick with Ubuntu. KDE in Ubuntu is great-looking and customizable, but freeze-ups (in my experience) in KDE or Kubuntu made me shift back to GNOME or Ubuntu. Ubuntu rules.

angel_of_death

ashik

suse could offer a better experince..... i wud also recommend linspire or knoppix , debian.... ubuntu.... u have to depend too much on the net..... Sad

jrs32

Personally my favorite linux OS is Ubuntu. It is free, and has some great programs and options.

They can even ship you some nice CDs as well. Basically as many as you need! Check them out, I believe it is www.ubuntu.com

prongs_386

I currently use fedora core 4.... yes I should probably update..

In a few weeks I'll be redoying my lan server and wondering which is the best linux to choose for running network services etc. I still want the gui though Wink

Also, what would people say is the most refined linux system? every linux system I've used has had something annoying about the gui. Eg. mouse clicks don't always work, right click menus slow... lots of little stuff like that. I would be interested in running a linux that runs really smoothly with no hassle.

ashik

if u r looking for a real nice linux.. i wud say go for SUSE PRO... i have seen REDHAT advanced server , Enterprise linux.. i shld say. they are awesome.. but i dont know abt their cost.. better use a linux that u feel comfortable with... coz almost all linux distros have the capability of managing a LAN

malcolmiles

My favourite is ubuntu which you can do everything I want windows and mac to do and it hasn't cost me a penny, they even post you the disc for free (+ five others to give to friends),

Freespire also looks interesting- totally open source but made by linspire to be easier than windows

cybernerf

If you just want to try linux without installing it... you can try KNOPPIX... But like ubuntu and other linux distributions, you can use the LIVE CD to have an overview to what it looks like when installed in system...

If your looking for desktop linux, try using Ubuntu because it is much user friendly than others

DEBIAN / KNOPPIX ... if you want a good sturdy secure OS.. go w/ the new Knoppix LiveCD 5.0 .. i use it and it works like a charm. it has multiply WM's so you dont have to stick to KDE, and a BUNCH of software to accompany it. Truely a good Open Source OS.

anathema

Debian
and Knoppix Live CD Smile

ashik

Debian comes with all the packages... so not to worry.. i had a tough time customizing... coz thre is a lot... i really like it.... but they have such a ling release cycle... Sad

4ndY

For new linux users i definitely recommend ubuntu and kubuntu (with necessary automatix installed). Ubuntu and kubuntu are the easiest Linux distributions I every tried.

wicke

All Linuxes aren't 100% free (Red Hat, Suse...) but most of them you can't also get free. Debian based Linuxes like Debian and Ubuntu are 100% free and if have understood right you can get CDs in free also and you don't need to download it at all but CD Shipit is very slow way to get Linux. It takes few weeks to get CDs.

If you want Debian based Linux, I think that Ubuntu is better for beginners and it's easier to use. Someones think that Debian is better because there is more packages avaible for it but Ubuntu's packages is very often more high quality than Debian packages and some Debian packages can also work with Ubuntu (I used ZSNES for Debian on Ubuntu and it worked correctly but installation gave me few error messages).

bulek

I'm using Fedora Core 5 any I'm very happy for it. I recommend it for begginers.

sky217

I'd also like to post my vote for Debian. I really don't think the learning curve is that much more than any other distro - especially now that the installer is working better.

I have to agree that Knoppix is a wonderful alternative to try things out or troubleshoot. It's saved my data many times being able to boot to Knoppix, chroot, and fix whatever I broke while messing with stuff I shouldn't have.

tar-xzv

Hi,

There are too many really!!! I started out with Mandrake, moved to Debian i think and then to Fedora core. I favor Debian because of apt-get pkg manager. I've tried suse and ubuntu and many others, including live CD's. My suggestion, do start with the easy ones to install, do format, it does damage your hd in a certain way, but you have to install and then format, and start all over again Smile

. It's a whole process of learning. Orrrrrr, too many replies, maybe I'm repeating, install VMware on your windooze machine and go crazy with experimentating. Don't forget to add your box to http://counter.li.org/

Good luck
5ani

Simulator

I think Mandriva (Mandrake) is the best to start off with, its easy and simple to install, though first time off I couldn't get my head around it, but it is easy enough with the news ones, start off with Mandriva One, you boot into it from the CD, or Live CD, and then you can install it from the desktop, couldn't be any easier, but it does not come with all the extras you would like it too, but you could always go for Mandriva Free, its on a DVD or a few CDs, but slightly harder to install.....

Hardrive

For nwebies in Linux, the best is Ubuntu Dapper Wink

bye

Scoria

Why should I get linux?
How do I get it?
If I get it, can I still keep windows?

Thanks ahead, new to this things.

//JOhan

Daniel15

My favourite distributions are Debian and Ubuntu. I mainly use Debian on servers, and Ubuntu on desktops.

suicidalsam

Scoria