What version of Linux is the best?

[Szech]

I'll be testing the waters soon (my winter break), and I was wondering which version of Linux you all recommend.

[RobRich]

Since you are starting out, I would recommend Redhat. In my opinion, Redhat offers the easiest and most understandable installation of all versions available.

Once you increase in Linux knowledge, I would suggest moving to Slackware or Debian. I prefer Slackware over most versions, but the installation and configuration is often more complex for most advanced options.

However, these are only my opinions. Most everyone tends to have their own personal Linux version preference.

BTW, ever tried BeOS or QNX? They both offer excellent stability and performance, but are much easier to configure and install than Linux. Since both of these OS's are still bascially Unix/POSIX compliant, you might want to give them a try.

Good Luck,
Robert Richmond

[Savant]

of the ones I've tried corel was easiest to set up, but I mostly use slackware (yea, it's alot more complicated, but you get to play with everything http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif )
just my $0.02
Savant

[nuclear]

ok here is my opinion, right now i use Mandrake 7.2. mandrake takes the redhat distribution and customizes it and add more features therefor it is that much better than redhat. installation detected all my hardware in all my machines too.........i recomend Mandrake 7.2
http://www.linux-mandrake.com

[LiLRiceBoi]

redhat is the most "popular" distribution

[muno]

For a newbie, the mandrake dist is the best. RedHat is the most popular, true, but it's less advanced than mandrake. And seems that the newest dist is somehow hindered unless the user makes some internet stuff, don't know for sure (I haven't installed it, a friend of mine did).
For advanced, I think debian is the most powerful and versatile.
-M

[Aleph1]

I'd have to opt...hehe SYS-OPT for Slackware too....ah the amazing wonders of slackin off and messin with Slackware all day. Full of puns indeed.

But for beginners I'd have to say just get any one you can buy from CompUSA =P

[This message has been edited by Aleph1 (edited 11-30-2000).]

[Donkey]

I have mandrake 7.2 and it installed very easily. It is, as far as i know, recompiled to run better on pentium processors or something.
If you are just testing the waters though i expect any of them would be good. Especially as they can be got for free and you can try before you buy sort of thing so you don't need to waste any money if it was not the right one for you.
Rod

[CMonster]

Mandrake 7.2 will give you the best hardware support and "CUPS" (common unix printing system) which will work on just about any printer.

I find Mandrake install easier to understand than Redhat.

"The Hose Faucet Argument;"

Linux OS makes your PC hardware useful like a faucet makes your water pipe usable - but some faucet zealots would tell you not to buy a faucet with a ready-made handle - "you have the freedom to make your own handle or use a wrench, pliers, or vise-grips," they proclaim.

I like a faucet that works out of the box - and a choice of designer handles is nice too.

Mandrake 7.2 = best newbie distribution IMHO

[canit]

Can you use a winmodem(oximoronic I know) or an all in one motherboard with Mandrake 7.2 or any Linux OS for that matter?

[Ygor]

There's only a few modems that I've heard of that work with Linux. The one I remember is from Actiontec and also allows one to check on incoming calls to see if you want to take it or let voicemail have it.

I wrote to PC Chips in July asking if any of their all-in-one mobos could operate using Linux, never got an answer.

[linux_guru]

Mandrake 7.2 wins hands down. It's the slickest distro yet. Even a windoze user could install it. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Savant]

sure you can use an all-in one job, just select the right display and sound drivers (note, this may be complicated depending on distro) winmodems however are not, in most cases, useable. as a winmodem is a modem with some of the devices emulated by the cpu, however this software is not ussually written for linux, thus no winmodems. A real modem and you'll be fine though. (they are faster and stabler anyway)
Savant

[canit]

Thanks for the quick responce guys. I think I'll get a copy of linux and try it, I'll just use the modem in the windows box to surf. Now what about BeOS?(hehehe)

[Szech]

Well! Guess I know what to get! Thanks http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif