Linux distro a-go-go

[neuroking]

Okay, so I'm gonna take the plunge and try Linux again, for the first time in 4-ish years. I'm trying to decide between Ubuntu and SUSE. Any opinions?

[dang]

I've used suse at home for a dev server, while its OK, everything I hear about ubuntu rocks.

Do you plan on using it as a server or a desktop?

If you plan on setting up a server, try using CentOS. It's a duplicate of redhat enterprice, has YUM, and completely wr0x0rz.

[neuroking]

I'm thinking mostly as a desktop solution, but I might want to eventually get comfortable with some server applications. Right now I have no reason to do any server-type stuff, except for general interest, and I'm thinking my free time won't be what it once was.

[neuroking]

Oh, I forgot to ask. How 'easy' is it to move things over to another computer? I would like to install it this week, but I plan on getting a new comp in July. I assume it would be a total reinstall, right? Any easy migration tips, or is it basically like Windows where you have a nice month or so where you're constantly cursing about missing apps/different config params from the old install?

[ECA]

WELL,
It comes down to WHAT drivers are needed on the Mobo.

If you set one up, and MOVE to another you need to change all the Mobo drivers, and probably the drivers for the audio, video, network, modem...

UNLESS you are using the EXACT same setup..

[neuroking]

Well, I know that, but is there some easy migration tool, so, say, I can either reinstall on another drive and sync all non-drivers to the new install, or go through the inital system setup again, but not lose all the packages, etc.?

[Cogar]

I generally recommend the retail, boxed version of SUSE 10.0 for someone who is willing to make an investment. It includes a dual density DVD that has more packages than are available via any of the "free" .iso files. It also includes 5 CDs, for those who do not have a DVD drive. Finally, it includes a rather thick user's guide and limited phone and email support from Novell. Not a bad package for $60. I should also mention that the newest version, 10.1 is somewhat buggy at the time of this writing. (Think a new version of Windows and you get the idea.)

For those who want to save some money and are willing to add to their frustration level to do so, I recommend Kubuntu. Kubuntu is like Ubuntu, except that it uses the KDE desktop environment instead of the GNOME one. In my opinion, most people used to windows will prefer it. A disadvantage compared to SUSE 10.0 is that the wireless networking is not as good out of the box. It may be OK and it may not. Still, I will give Kubuntu and Ubuntu the nod with older hardware. They are less demanding with regard to processor speed and RAM.

Moving from one computer to another is generally a snap. You would install the OS on the new computer, apply all the updates so the two systems match, and then copy the /home directory from the old computer to the new computer. Everything, including system settings, should migrate correctly. (No guarantees, though.) Good luck in any case. :)

[gdhsk]

Howdy all,

Choose the Ubuntu or beter yet go SimplyMepis. They are both Debian distros and thus you can get everything (updates) easy. They all use the deb files with one of at least 3 programs to install updates while being sure to install all required files so you can run the new software. How about that for easy of use and staying current. I love my SimplyMepis, for two reasons: 1) ease of use and installation 2) it is a Live CD and thus I can still use my prefered OS on any computer - even those infected with 'Windoze'

[dang]

I'd recommend Ubuntu all the way now for desktop and server installs @ home.

[spankers]

I'd recommend Gentoo for anyone living in the Northwest. I find the heat generated by my computer whilst compiling packages from source is a great comfort on cold and dreary days in Seattle.

Warmer climates will be better served by Debian or Ubuntu.

[dang]

Lol!

[Cybrsayr]

Been using Ubuntu since last fall and love it. Was using an old Fedora core till Dell said they were going with Ubuntu so I followed their lead. I'm running it as a 'dual boot' system with XP PRO on a 11 yr old Pent II and it runs great. On a dual boot setup I could switch back to XP anytime and learn linux at my leisure. It did the upgrade from Feisty Fawn to Gutzy Gibbon online flawlessly and Ubuntu easily updates automatically, just like XP and Vista. Lately I spend more time on linux than windows. I found linux easy to pickup and like the way it's laid out and runs lean and fast. When I do speed tests on the same speed test sites linux always gives me faster results than Windows.
Some other good points for linux is it's even more stable than a Mac, no worries about spyware, malware, viruses and best of all it's free.

[dang]

Awesome. Ubuntu has the reputation it does today because of how well it works.

[mtwelve]

pure excellent freeness

works with old hardware and even troublesome hardware for ubuntu still produces a usable GUI

take the plunge

but do as i did and have a windowze partition because anyone so infected will want some Doze on hand

[dang]

Yup. I'd recommend having a windows partition at first as well. Although, if you are seriously commited, taking the plunge and doing just linux without a window parition really means you can't look back without a hassle. :)

[Cybrsayr]

Since last post I've updated from Gutsy Gibbon to Hardy Heron, Ubuntu 8.04 LTS. Lately in my job, I spend about 8 hours a day on the PC and about 90% of that is spent on Linux. I have a new laptop with Vista, and an older dual boot PC with XP and Linux. I see MS has plans to go from Vista to Windows 7 next year! Big deal, who cares. At this point I have no need for either MS or even more pricy Apple. The more I use linux, the more it impresses me and I could care less what MS or Apple do.

Like others have posted, go with a dual boot setup while learning linux. That way you always have Windows as a backup OS as you learn linux. At this point in time I don't need Windows anymore and can do everything I want to do with linux. Linux is super stable and has not crashed, locked up or froze once the entire time I've used it about a year now.

With linux there's no need to 'Defrag' the HDD, no virus, spyware, malware scans/problems. Unbuntu comes fuilly loaded with over 260 apps, programs, etc. It automatically updates itself just as easily as Vista. It's really a very nice OS and best of all it is FREE.

[dang]

I really dont like Vista that much. However, I do love me some OS X.

There is a lot to be said about ease of use, and OS X has all the power of linux/bsd without the pain (usually) of knowing how to do ./configure make make install

[Cybrsayr]

Vista is OK after SP1 is installed. I use it because it came with my new laptop. Both me and my son haven't had any problems with Vista and my son used it about 6 months before me. I looked at Mac and liked Mac, before getting my Vista laptop. What turned me off to Mac is, it just costs too much. Then a friend said give linux a try and I'm glad I did.....it's free.

Installing apps/programs on Ubuntu is very simple now....they have come a long ways here. Now in Ubuntu, all you do is go into 'Add & Remove', then all your installed apps are listed and have a 'checkmark' if you have them installed on your PC. If you want to install and new app, you just click a checkmark next to that app, in the Add & Remove Listing, then click on 'Appy Changes' and Ubuntu automatically installs that app. If you try it and don't like it, removing it is just as easy. You just go back into Add & Remove and 'uncheck' that app, then hit the Apply Changes button and Ubuntu automatically removes that specified app for you, then cleans up for you afterwards.

PS:
Thought of adding this excellent article on,
Security in Ubuntu 8.04 (http://ubuntutip.googlepages.com/security)