mandrake6.5 or RH 6.1???

[mypython8]

Could I get some pros and cons on these 2 os's. I pretty new to linux, and don't know wich one would be best. I wouldn't need to do anything special, just wanting to learn Linux a little better, and maybe install VMware/win98 on it. If I did install mandrake 6.5, would it be hard to upgrade it? Thanks for any replies.
Robert

[DavidHaze]

I'm new to Linux also but why instal 6.5 and worry about upgrading it when you can just instal 7.2

[mypython8]

I have 6.5, not 7.1. I could never download it on a 56k, and I am poor and cannot buy it. I'm sure I could find it somewhere, but I want to install something right now.

[Tyr-7BE]

I haven't heard much about Mandrake 6.5...7.2 is extremely good for the newbie, but I'm not sure how good hardware support is for 6.5. RH 6.1 was my first-ever linux install, and I would highly recommend it. The two distros are almost identical (Mandrake is based on RH), so no matter which way you go you should be alright. However, my advice would be to save up for a more modern distro like Mandrake 7.2. I've also been hearing amazing things about Red Hat 7.0 (might be 7.1 by now...not sure). But if you're gonna install right now, it's a coin-toss...you're getting an identical system. The only difference I can think of is that Mandrake is built with user-friendliness in mind. It does the job well in 7.2, but I can't speak for 6.5. Good luck either way!

[DavidHaze]

Cheap distros if the 56k can't handle it. www.cheapbytes.com (http://www.cheapbytes.com)

[jbstew32]

MAndrake 6.5 is actually Mandrake 6.1. I would definitely pick Mandrake. I have used both and Mandrake is the best of the two. Red Hat 6.1 just sucked...Mandrake was SO much better