Need Linux Opinions

[darrelld]

I was wondering what flavor of Linux to try for a first timer. Also, a fast site to get it.
Sorry just noticed the similar post. Nevermind. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/redface.gif

[This message has been edited by darrelld (edited 01-23-2001).]

[2canSAM]

I just asked the same ? and all seem to point to Mandrake 7.2. You can download it at http://www.linuxiso.org or order it through http://www.cheapbytes.com. I just ordered it for I think 8.99 for the 2 cd set. Not bad for what I keep reading about Linux. I sure hope it all they say it is. Check this out and thanks for the links Joel. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum9/HTML/003086.html



[This message has been edited by 2canSAM (edited 01-23-2001).]

[jgargac]

I am still a Linux newbie and I would highly, highly, highly suggest that you try Mandrake for the first install. It makes the partitioning painless and really puts together a nice package.

Jeff

[RalphArch]

if you fit a profile like you have a windows home network with a shared ICS or some type of proxy network connection to the internet; and you have an extra hard disk sitting around that's less than 8.4 gigs - I would recommend Corel Linux 1.2 download. It is an extremely easy install in this case and you could be on internet and surfing immediately after installation.

Yes they are being sold but it is designed for ease of use and easy transition from Windows. Play with it a while and graduate to something else if you run into any road blocks. Be ready to fdisk /mbr to get rid of the dual boot if you decide you don't like it.

[t048]

I just started with Mandrake, as well. I found it really easy to learn and install. It's totally intuitive.

[CMonster]

Mandrake Linux 7.2 will give you the best hardware support. Mandrake is also loaded with easy to use graphical utilities that make setting up things like DSL connections and Internet connection sharing as simple as a few mouse clicks.

More Linux info: Almost every distribution of Linux comes with a ton of usefull office applications, graphic/paint/photo editing software, simple games, and much more. You can pay $29 for Mandrake Complete and get about 500% more stuff than if you bought MS Windows off-the-shelf and at about 1/6th the price. -heck, Windows doesn't even come with a spell check!

Linux hardware support can be difficult but not impossible - initial setup can be difficult and it may take a while to get use to the file system. For one thing there is no "C" drive ....

I would run like the wind from Corel - they are dumping their Linux line and future upgrades/support is not likely. Corel hardware support is spotty at best and you do not get a choice of several attractive GUIs like most Linux distributions give you. Corel is non-standard linux, and is also based on debian - which has a kind of non-standard applications packaging - some users love it some hate it.

The only thing somewhat nice about Corel Linux is that the installer pretty much works like a MS Windows program, so that the new Linux user doesn't get lost. Both Mandrake and Caldera Linux now have install programs that smoke Corel.

Don't give up, hang in there, Welcome to the revolution!