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Which is the best "Linux" and why?

TameasDust	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 8:17 PM there are so many forms of Linux, which do you download? Does it depend on what you want to do with it? What avantages does linux have compared to windows or unix?
Expose	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 9:11 PM http://www.hevanet.com/peace/microsoft.htm is something I link to a lot over windows. 8)" id="63346">If you want to get the truest purest linux experience, the 'best' is slackware. If you have an anuerism by the second week with it, don't blame me.. Gentoo is like slackware yet has a few DAY install, since you build the entire OS from source. Hard as hell, but one of the fastest OSes ever, and all you do is type emerge whatever to download and install a proggy, it does it for you. emerge mozilla will download mozilla's source, and build and install it for you. It's a personal thing. There is no best really. The advantages over windows is that windows sucks. http://www.hevanet.com/peace/microsoft.htm is something I link to a lot over windows.
Cryxan	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 10:05 PM The Distro Wars... yeah it depends on what you wanna do with it, and how capable and willing to learn you are. Some might be the "better" ones, but it really is a personal preference.
Expose	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 10:11 PM There's really two classes usually. The slower, less customizelable, more easy to use RPM based distros(redhat, suse, mandrake, lycoris), and the other ones. I'd suggest starting out with mandrake(altho they seem to've gone to shit too), then trying slackware. Don't expect a point and click experience though, even setting up the m ouse wheel in slack takes config file editing.
Apertome	Date: September 29, 2003 @ 2:07 PM http://www.knoppix.org/) -- you download an ISO, burn it to CD, and boot to the CD. It detects your hardware automatically and boots straight up to a graphical interface (KDE). The CD is loaded with apps so you can try out a bunch of applications, as well as Linux itself, without installing anything." id="63440">Yes, it depends what you want to do with it. For newbies, I recommend Knoppix (http://www.knoppix.org/) -- you download an ISO, burn it to CD, and boot to the CD. It detects your hardware automatically and boots straight up to a graphical interface (KDE). The CD is loaded with apps so you can try out a bunch of applications, as well as Linux itself, without installing anything.
pog	Date: September 29, 2003 @ 9:02 PM I've been running Mandrake 9.1 for a few days now, and the only thing I can't get it to do yet is dial in... keeps disconnecting on some timeout logging on to the network. I'll have the use of a debian driven firewall box soon, which should clear it all up. Until then, I gotta do online stuff in win98se. It's worth re-mentioning that to save downloading the linux distro's, it's helpful to find a local linux usergroup, and buy the cd's off them... it virtually costs the price of a blank, and they can help you with any problems.
Expose	Date: September 30, 2003 @ 3:45 PM (nerd)Mandrake sucks, SuSE is tempermental and quirky, RedHat is Windoze, Gentoo is a trend, go Slackware or Debian. And everything else sucks. (/nerd)
pog	Date: September 30, 2003 @ 5:52 PM Mandrake's the only one's thats successfully set itself up outta the box so fars...
DanLSweZ	Date: October 23, 2003 @ 2:49 PM I would probably agree or maybe disagree if I knew what it was that you were talking about. I musta stumbled into tha worng forum by accident.
fu-dog	Date: October 23, 2003 @ 5:33 PM DMusic is currently running on Debian. It used to run on Slackware, but that's kind of a management nightmare. Debian is roughly the in between for usability versus configurability. I say this not yet having messed with Gentoo... i've read a fair bit of positive commentary on it.
RyanS	Date: October 23, 2003 @ 8:55 PM That's one bad thing about Slackware, it's hard to get it right. But it is one tough distro. I haven't tried any other distros other than Mandrake, SuSE (well, except Slackware). My test webserver/fileserver/cvs server/etc. uses Mandrake 9.1. It is easier to configure and install. SuSE was a pain in the arse to get right. I'd go with Slackware, but the version I have is 8.1, and slightly old.
RyanS	Date: October 23, 2003 @ 8:56 PM ..and I'm not downloading Slackware 9.1 on dialup like I did the rest. Might just fork out the $35 and buy the CDs.
Thaspian	Date: October 23, 2003 @ 9:07 PM I use Slackware 9.1. After setup, it works great. And whatever programs I can't compile myself... I just get slackware packages for. Gentoo can kiss my ass. Long list of bad experiences just getting it installed... so it can kiss my ass.
pog	Date: October 24, 2003 @ 3:04 AM If you're running an older system, with slightly older, or unique hardware on it, then I suggest you go with mandrake... it tends to handle the more obscure hardware betterer. Mdk's ideal, as there's not quite as much pain involved going from windows to linux. Eventually, I plan to run with debian, but my current hardware would make it a nightmare for me to install and set up without a little more practice. For the uninitiated, linux can run with the equivalent of windows (as in point and click, m ouse driven stuff)... this is called using a gui (graphics user interface), but if you open a thing called a terminal... sorta like a dos command window, it allows you to do some pretty powerful stuff. As in, it's not just point-click = start winamp, although you can do this also, it's more like xmms -p (thats the play command) once you get used to it, you can really do a hell of a lot more with your pc.
pog	Date: October 24, 2003 @ 3:10 AM quite simply, everything is configurable, and there's often many different programs of the same type. It's entirely up to you which programs you choose to have insalled and use... by default, mandrake is shipped with about 5 text editors, and hell knows how many office programs The only drawback... even changing to mandrake is no walk in the park, so starting with a dual boot windows/linux setup is prolly a good idea to start with. Me.. Im a little obsessive at times... particularly when it comes to boycotting things wherever possible. So I formatted my windows partition and filled it up with media
dgtzr	Date: October 24, 2003 @ 3:24 PM I'm not even gonna touch this one. Okay, well a little bit. Try 'em all, use what you like. F*** everything else.
jmweirick	Date: October 24, 2003 @ 6:16 PM Thaspian convinced me to try Slackware, so we'll see if i'll trust him again in the future.
mtekk	Date: October 24, 2003 @ 7:58 PM I think I'm going to try Gentoo and Slcakware ( Two seperate drives) to see what one I like best, For some reason a friend of mine want's me to try SuSe then possibly move to his recomended Slackware. I've heard Slackware was a 'bitch' to install. Once I 'feel' confident enough to go through with the Slackware setup I will since It seems to be a favorite amoung many here and other places. Oh yeah, Linows has to be the worst Distro for anyone who has half a brain (like us) but then again it's great for ppl. who are tied tightly to windows.
Thaspian	Date: October 24, 2003 @ 10:53 PM Read the gentoo install docs. Slackware has the easiest install of any OS. You just need to know how to use fdisk in the beginning, except that, it's easy. Gentoo is the most annoying Linux install, ever. mtekk - the entire philosophy behind gentoo is dling and compiling the entire OS from source. IMO, you won't enjoy dling GBs of stuff on a 56k modem.
princess-angry	Date: October 25, 2003 @ 1:38 AM RedHat is a definitve for first time and experinced users! I love it! it was super easy to install, has more features and progrma with it,is completly customizable, and is easier to do anything that winxp/2000!!!! I have RedHat and Debian machines and I do have to say that Debian does have more documentation included and it is for more advanced users. But for tons of compatiblity, go with RedHat!!! you can also get ISO's off their site!It'll just take a while to download them if you got a slow connection. I bough mine and it was only 30 something bucks! It came rather quick, but our first cd set was defective(the 2/3 installation and 1-3 source discs were all encoded with the same ser. no in the discinfo file!), but they sent us a whole new set. Thier support is good even if you dont buy it!
mtekk	Date: October 25, 2003 @ 6:57 PM Thaspain: I don't enjoying dling anything over 1-4mb on my 28.8k modem , Also Gentoo has CDs that are precompiled that are avalible for purchase, And compileing It myself is no problem. fdisk, that's the thing that they say that makes Slackware hard to install! geeze. I still stand by trying both then desiding, plus it's mainly for the experience that i would have both. The new improvements that Slackware is going to get soon make it almost Ideal when the next version comes out, So exciting
RyanS	Date: October 25, 2003 @ 9:21 PM I usually use a separate program, such as Partition Magic in DOS mode, which I've burned on a bootable CD to make partition changes. Much easier!
RyanS	Date: October 25, 2003 @ 9:23 PM I'm in the process of downloading the newer Slackware 9.1 ISOs on FTP, and see if I like it better than Mandrake 9.1. I'd like to try MDK9.2, but can't find the ISOs on an FTP. BitTorrent on dialup is worthless...
princess-angry	Date: October 25, 2003 @ 10:33 PM heheheheh.. I bought Redhat 9 for only 30 some bucks!!!! not bad for an OS that can do just about everything!
dgtzr	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 7:23 AM Why buy when you can do a direct install via FTP?
RyanS	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 11:05 AM So you can help support that particular distro. Plus, alot of them offer extended support for their buying customers.
princess-angry	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 12:39 PM yeah I did want the support, plus our connection is so shitty (dialup) grrrr... that;s whay we have to buy.
dgtzr	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 1:55 PM I support with swag. I can take my mascot anywhere!
princess-angry	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 2:23 PM
dgtzr	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 2:32 PM FYI (in a non-condescending manner) my linux swag consists of linux and free-bsd t-shirts, books, and coffee mugs all emblazoning their respective mascot. http://www.freebsdmall.com/cgi-bin/fm/search?id=ANxxvk8y&mv_pc=6 and http://www.linux.org/about/donate.html
princess-angry	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 5:48 PM as per my previous mention about the connection I have now..... cool swag I say!
Karmatic	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 8:48 PM The best Linux is no Linux
dgtzr	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 9:34 PM I've never heard of that distro
Thaspian	Date: October 27, 2003 @ 6:19 PM Windows >. :nod: Back on topic! :\|" id="66860">The best Windows is . Back on topic!
princess-angry	Date: October 27, 2003 @ 10:47 PM hehehehehhehehe....
dgtzr	Date: October 27, 2003 @ 11:22 PM OMG, I just totally crapped my self after using windowsRG. To hell with everything else, WRG is the real deal!
Apertome	Date: October 28, 2003 @ 1:58 AM That was abnoxious! Thanks, Expo-thasp-ian
mtekk	Date: October 28, 2003 @ 5:29 PM Yes Windows RG is the Best windblows!
princess-angry	Date: October 28, 2003 @ 7:15 PM hehehhe.. I heard of that about 2 yrs ago....
thedarkaeons	Date: December 28, 2003 @ 7:07 PM If you want to actually do something besides play nerd or run a server, it's best to go with a user friendly, gui based distro like Mandrake. If you listen to the loonies that babble on about Gentoo and Slackware, you'll get frustrated and dissapointed with Linux very quickly.
johnnygnote	Date: December 29, 2003 @ 12:39 AM Mandrake 9.1 is good, (it does not suck) no problems with any of it( don;t use MAndrake 9.2) I hear RedHat is pretty good too. The only thing I didn't like was Mozilla 1.3, it sucks as far as I can tell for a browser. I donwloaded Firebird and all is well. Konqueror is ok for a browser but it still lacks somethings. I've used Windows since the first distro and I have to admit all of my audio ware is Windows based, in fact most of the best audio ware is win based. For Linux based audio wares (multitrack, trackers, players etc..) got here http://linux-sound.org/ I just got tired of the internet woes of virus's, worms, trojans, and BSOD's. So I built a system and put Mandrake on it. very cool. Only thing about Linux is you have to be a bit more computer savy than with Windows fortunatly I have 25 years conputer and programing exp so I can figure most of it out. Like I said in another thread. Windows is for people who take their car to a mechaninc for every little thing. Linux is for people who can work on their own car. Pog are you still having probs with your dialup? Let me know maybe we can get together and figure out what's up unless you already have. What kind of modem are you using? go here: http://walbran.org/sean/linux/linmodem-howto-3.html#ss3.3 http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~comech/tools/PCImodems.html#howto http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/hardware.php3 http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Modem-HOWTO-2.html
pog	Date: December 30, 2003 @ 4:47 PM oh... i figured it out... i was using an old modem riser card that mandrake did't recognise. I plugged it into the mainboards comport, and it was fine after that.
pog	Date: December 30, 2003 @ 4:48 PM Had me baffled for a little while though
Veratien	Date: January 17, 2004 @ 10:09 AM My personal opinion on this: Mandrake 9.1 is probably the easiest distro to use. I like it a lot. 9.2 has a lot of issues, so I'd recommend getting 9.1 and then updating. Knoppix is brilliant if you want to dual boot without installing anything, hehehe. Gentoo is God, but as you'd expect, God is a pain in the arse to work with, but we can live with the 2-6 day installation... Although have yet to finx a distro of Linux which supports my Avance Logic AC'97 Via8233 chipset audio card... :/
Apertome	Date: January 17, 2004 @ 5:31 PM Veratien: Have you tried the ALSA drivers? (http://www.alsa-project.org/) According to their page that audio chip is supported.
mtekk	Date: January 17, 2004 @ 7:13 PM I've got Gentoo Linux 1.4 CD1 downloaded and burnt onto cd and sitting on my desk here, CD2 is at work and needs to be burnt from iso, then this longer weekend i'll be trying to install gentoo linux 1.4 enhances for pentium 3's (I 'll be running it on my 866Mhz p3)
tsukasa137	Date: January 24, 2004 @ 10:36 AM I'm running Gentoo 1.4 on my home box. Let me say that first off: you do not have to compile the OS from source. That's just one of the many cooler things you can do with Gentoo. My recommendation is to read up on Linux and get Gentoo. Here's my reasons: 1) It autodetects your hardware 2) It's optimized for your processor 3) The portage system is sweet Granted, it is a bit difficult when you get to software like ALSA, but ALSA's documentation is great.
TameasDust	Date: January 25, 2004 @ 2:34 AM
Veratien	Date: January 31, 2004 @ 12:18 PM @ mux: They lie. It's only half supported...
TameasDust	Date: February 24, 2004 @ 8:04 AM
tomkerswill	Date: March 3, 2004 @ 6:00 PM Veratien - The AC97 via chipset works fine with Debian. I got it working perfectly... you have to use Alsa, but I believe that Debian works with that as default anyway. Even the midi part of the card works great (though that was a bit harder to configure... I have the info if you want) Anyway, to get the sound bit working on Debian... Just type: apt-get install alsa Tom
BobaFlex	Date: May 4, 2004 @ 2:09 AM Mandrake 9.1 .. easier and works fine .
thedarkaeons	Date: May 4, 2004 @ 12:16 PM Mandrake 10 is out now!
fireball87	Date: May 6, 2004 @ 6:47 PM I used to use linux awhile ago, infact, I got it again just a few weeks ago. First I went with my origonal distro, mandrake 10 (i used mandrake 7 or 6 before), but somthing screwed up on my burn which totaled my system after i recompiled the kernel to install the nvidia driver. So i decited to look into other distros, not wanting to spend the 3 days of old that we had to do with the old distros I looked into redhats free distro, Fedora. Its worked fine for me so far I guess.
figfarmer	Date: May 10, 2004 @ 7:34 PM The best Linux is the one you think you might get some day that is actually going to work.
gothian	Date: July 25, 2004 @ 11:39 PM This is the eternal question, I've been ussing Linux full time for 2 years or so. Linux is an incredible OS, and I have seen that the people that talks bad about it are the ones that don't know it (most of the time.. I used windows for years, and never get to like that unflexible piece of crap).. well, I can't tell you what would be the best for you, but I can tell you how it went for me... one day I enter a Linux channel in IRC and most of the people at that time agree that to begin Red Hat would be the best, so I did. I learned and then "taste" some other flavours like Debian, Phalk, Knoppix, Arch Linux, Ark Linux, Mandrake and some others including FreeBSD. So I would recomend to pick the easiest one, learn it, and then if you feel like, taste some more.
plungerboy	Date: August 7, 2006 @ 6:39 PM Apparnetly kubuntu is good. Dont go for slackware or gentoo, unless you want to be a linux scholar or something. Desktop BSD is also cool, but not cool enough yet. Kubuntu had a lot of capital pushed into it, and its relatively new, but everyone whos using it is very satisfied. Mandrake distros are too big imo. Stay away from anything without a graphical installer!
jack	Date: August 7, 2006 @ 7:04 PM I love Gentoo - but as it was said earlier in the thread; it's purely a matter of personal taste and how willing you are to tinker with things.
nitedreamerxp	Date: October 31, 2006 @ 3:49 AM The easiest is to use would most likely be debian,ubuntu,xubuntu,mepis,knoppix,Blag. All are live CDs so you can try before installing it. A great source for downloading linux distros is www.distrowatch.com Or you can get magazine distros from linux format, linux user & developer. Barnes and Noble usually carrys these magazines and the distros are either on the outside of the magazine in a cd case or inside the magazine.
nitedreamerxp	Date: October 31, 2006 @ 3:54 AM Correction on the Blag distro it is not a live cd but a easy to install distro. It uses the anaconda installer that fedora uses,Blag is basically like fedora but is a one cd installer and has more music software thats why I threw that one out there.

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