what distib...(for me, of course ;) )

[stillonwindows]

I am looking at many linux distributions to get me started on linux. Although i have never used linux/unix before, i am a fairly advanced windows and general computer user. I have a pretty new comp, so i dont think that harware compatibility will be a problem.
What i am looking for:
-I am a gamer, so i want a fast stable os
-I am willing to get a more complicated distribution, i am willing to work hard to figure it out if in the end it means i will have a more customized and tweaked computer
-I have little expirence coding (c or other) although i am willing to spend a little time learning some
-I also like to fool around with things such as networking and 3d modeling

I have been seriously considering mandrake, (powerpack or standard) but would like to hear some other opinions from this community

[z0mbix]

Debian GNU/Linux (http://www.debian.org) is the distro you need.

[serz]

If you choose linux you will have a stable OS :D

For starters I'd suggest Mandrake/Red Hat/SuSE

If you're willing to get a more complicated distro then you could get Debian/Slack/Gentoo.

Check this site to know more about these distributions: http://www.distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

[mdwatts]

Let's move this over to /dev/random so the other questions in this forum get a bit of acknowledgement instead of everyone piling into the 'best distro' thread and ignoring all the others.

[JamminJoeyB]

So many distros so little time. Here is what I did. I tried Mandrake8,9, Evil Entity, Slackware8,9, Source Mage and Arch Linux. I currently run Evil Entity and Arch on a dual boot.

Before you settle on just one flavor try a bunch. Learn about how linux all the different distros have things about them people like. You have to find on that fits you.

Any distro can be tweaked to the total bleeding edge. You just have to take the time do learn and do it.

[Darkbolt]

i'd stay away from the propriatary distros, just incase you dont like it.

If you want the *most* customized, I'd say Gentoo or Slackware. You have to do the most work with them, and it's not always easy.

What I personally did is used Mandrake for a couple of months, until I got the feel of it, then I tried slackware, sometimes I switched back and forth. That might be the best choice for you (not necisarily with slackware....)

But that's what I'd suggest, start with a distro that makes the learning curve easier at first, then move onto a more advanced distro...And remember to read the documentation :D

[DerekKraan]

I did Mandrake for a couple of months, then Debian for a couple of months(apt-get is rockin), and now I've finally rested on Slackware. Out of the three my experience with Slackware has been the best. I don't find it hard at all, and have gotten past the stage where I want a graphical configuration utility for everything. That said, when I used Mandrake(about a year ago) the configuration utility was a major pain in the ***. Now I can do just about whatever I want in linux, and it's not a hassle at all. That is to say that tonight in about 20 minutes(without any previous experience) I got my burner to burn(first attempt), but I still haven't gotten printing to work(managed on Debian though). Go figure.

I'll be moving on to LFS when I get my new computer though. As for what you should use, I would suggest Mandrake to start, and then move right on to Slackware if you feel comfortable. But before you do that I would highly suggest you make sure you understand a little bit of scripting and especially the syntax for the XF86Config file(you'll understand when you boot it up and look around a bit)

If you have any questions about installing Slackware(the boot disk thingy can be a bit cryptic) feel free to PM me. I don't mind - really.

[plattypus1]

Gentoo r0x0rz! "emerge <programname>" rules. That said, it's a pain in the @$$ to get running if you have no linux experience. For a new user, I reccomend RedHat or Mandrake.

[CaptainPinko]

if you want to learn linux and do 'advandced' things like servers then get RedHat and buy a RedHat 10 Bible when it comes out(though you could just get RedHat 9 Bible now) its excellent and got me started. If you want a little more hand holding then go with Mandrake. Go with the powerpack just since it includes all the plugins and java etc.

that been said those are if you want to have a working distro and then learning by taking it slowly apart and customizing it


if you want to start with scratch and slowly build you way then go with Gentoo or Slackware or even LFS (!) but then you should be prepared to spend lots of time reading manuals and posting A LOT of questions (tho search firast please ;) )you won't have a computer for at least 3 weeks (unless you dual boot obv), but you'll learn a hell of a lot at once (ps- take notes). this is possible. it'll be long and painful and its not my style or the way i did it, but you could do it. (if you got LFS up in a week i'd recommend we coronate you or something)

as an aside if you panic and need something that "just works" try knoppix (actually you should burn an iso of this -if you are on x86- before you even try anything just for backup) Lycoris or the ultimate handholder: Lindows

on a final note i believe Gentoo has made Debian obsolete, IMHO of course

[EmperorPenguin]

Originally posted by plattypus1
Gentoo r0x0rz! "emerge <programname>" rules. That said, it's a pain in the @$$ to get running if you have no linux experience. For a new user, I reccomend RedHat or Mandrake.

Emerge has it's pluses and minuses.

<pros>
- totally customized and tailored to your own system and preferences
- dependencies looked after by portage/emerge
- smooth running once it's up
- great support from other users, and online documentation
</pros>

<cons>
- very scary install for a newbie
- USE flags must be configured correctly
- compiling can take forever
</cons>

AFAIK, the pros FAR outweigh the cons. I started on Mdk 7.(somthing), then 8.x ... then RH 7.3, 8 ... then a bit of tinkering in Knoppix, Debian (Woody), Mdk9, RH9, freeBSD ... now Gentoo 1.4rc4. It is official, I LOVE Gentoo.

My advice, do something like I did. Learn a bit at a time on the easier to learn distros, then work your way into the more involved distros. Mandrake is a great starting point. If you are willing to learn and make an effort at things, Gentoo is a GREAT place to end up :D

What you should know to learn linux:
1) It is NOT Windows, so forget everything you've learned about using a desktop computer

2) Things work logically ... not nec. simply, but always logically ... if you work to understand why things work, you will gain understanding quickly

3) There is plenty of support out there (justlinux.com is just one of many great boards)

4) Linux is FUN ... it can get frustrating at times, but in essence, it's a grand old time for the bulk of us :)

Good luck and have fun!

[sarah31]

gentoo gento gentoo. feh who the hell cares about gentoo. you all talk like it is special or something. it is not hard. it is time consuming and it is riddled with bugs (as all distros are), some of which are quite scary (ie etc-update). for the time you put in there is so little in return imho. you can get excellent speed and stability from so many other distros it is not even funny.

as far as source distros go i would never try gentoo again i would be more inclined to use something like sorcerer which has a much wiser development strategy development.

if source based distros are not your bag then there are a raft full of other precompiled distros that are every bit as fast and good as gentoo.

oh and gentoo has NOT made debian obsolete. not by a long shot.

[trc]

try out jollix and if you like it, i'd say install gentoo. its a live cd that focuses on gaming, you dont have to install anything onto your HD, and its gentoo based.

[ZAmodeo]

Knoppix is nice to start out with and see how you like it. You can also install it to your hard drive, and then use apt-get, which is good for getting new programs or upgrading them (apt-get install program.) I once read somewhere that: "Windows has a learning curve of a flat plain with some hills in the distance. Slackware has a learning curve of a brick wall." I'd guess you probably don't want to start with Slack, unless you're up for the challenge. I thought I knew a lot about computers because I knew windows well, but when I came to linux, I had to learn a pretty good deal more. Mandrake is also a good newbie distro. If you want some live help, try joining the JL irc channel mentioned in my sig. I'd be happy to help the best I can and others *coughsharthcough* will probably be able to handle what I can't.

[Darkbolt]

Originally posted by sarah31
gentoo gento gentoo. feh who the hell cares about gentoo. you all talk like it is special or something. it is not hard. it is time consuming and it is riddled with bugs (as all distros are), some of which are quite scary (ie etc-update). for the time you put in there is so little in return imho. you can get excellent speed and stability from so many other distros it is not even funny.

as far as source distros go i would never try gentoo again i would be more inclined to use something like sorcerer which has a much wiser development strategy development.

if source based distros are not your bag then there are a raft full of other precompiled distros that are every bit as fast and good as gentoo.

oh and gentoo has NOT made debian obsolete. not by a long shot. Ok, Instead of arguing you're just criticizing :p

So sarah, what exactly would you suggest for him as a distro, seeing as how you're so anti-gentoo?

[joesbox]

what i would suggest is this:
step one: start with mandrake. this is a very easy to install. try using the command line (CLI) as much as possible. try and install apps in tar first before going back to rpm. again, don't be afraid of the terminal. you will find that it will be your best friend when you move on to harder distros.

step two: go and by a p.o.s computer that you wouldn't mind beating up (and i mean with a baseball bat) take it to a field and smash the crap out of it.

step three: once that is out of your system then try installing slack/gentoo/debian.
(don't forget to search for distro spacific install walkthroughs) if you are still feeling like you need to throw your computer out the window repeat step two.

step four: if you can't get past step three then go back to step one and replace mandrake with redhat or keep mdk if you like but always remember that this is a never ending learning experience. even the most experienced linux user (guru if you like) will tell you that there is something new that they are trying to learn or accomplish.

linux is a great distro not only for the fact that it gives you the freedom to do what you want but for the fact that it makes/lets you learn.

[je_fro]

Originally posted by stillonwindows

-I am a gamer, so i want a fast stable os
-I am willing to get a more complicated distribution, i am willing to work hard to figure it out if in the end it means i will have a more customized and tweaked computer
-I have little expirence coding (c or other) although i am willing to spend a little time learning some


You just said you want Gentoo.

[ven0m]

All distro's are easy, if you read the manual, even debain & gentoo. Both have very good documentation.
You'll probably end up using one of these at some point and staying with it, so why not just start with one of them, it'll save you time switching from drake or any of the other of the (so called) easier distro's.

I prefer debian :D

[jailbreaker]

Gentoo all the way:D :D :D

[sarah31]

Originally posted by Darkbolt
Ok, Instead of arguing you're just criticizing :p

So sarah, what exactly would you suggest for him as a distro, seeing as how you're so anti-gentoo?

do some reading.....

distrowatch (http://www.distrowatch.com)

i don't see anyone here giving reasons why he should install gentoo over other distros but nobody can suggest other distros because the gentoo just come around and say use gentoo.

on distrowatch he ca get quick links to most if not all distros and he can read and decide for himself.

as for what i would suggest:

source based distros: Sorcerer or Evil Entitiy

precompiled: Arch, Debian, Slackware, Mandrake, Red Hat, take your pick really.

[z0mbix]

lol, these threads are funny. Loads of Gentoo morons trying to be "l33t"!

[je_fro]

I resent that. I'm no l33t Gentoo!

http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/proj/penguins/images/gent4.jpg

[trc]

Originally posted by z0mbix
lol, these threads are funny. Loads of Gentoo morons trying to be "l33t"!

from personal experience, i think you're more "l33t" if you install debian or slack over gentoo. i find the installs a bit trickier. and with the documentation provided by gentoo.org, its hard not to have a gentoo system up in running. but then again, i often have no idea what i'm talking about
:confused:

[Gaxus]

I started with slack, took me a month or so to get used to linux but required a lot of reading/learning.

I then tried mandrake, suse + redhat in that order- didn't like any of em.

Then tried Linux from Scratch- interesting experience but illogical for a desktop distro.

Then used core linux- found it to be like a better slackware (much more lightweight).

Then started to yearn for a distro where you didn't have to manage dependancies yourself and one that could update easier.

Ended up trying Gentoo + Sorcerer. Thought they were both GOOD, but didn't like them due to the amount of time it takes to compile their programs. I see no real need to compile every single piece of software I want to use- pre-built binaries are fine with me.

Then I discovered Debian, currently running it and loving it. Great package management system, no need to compile packages, extremely up to date. If I need programs that aren't found on debian's servers I can add them either by compiling with checkinstall or converting from another package using alien. Good stuff.

I would definately recommend Debian.

Think I'm gonna go and try one of the *BSDs next.

[Darkbolt]

Originally posted by sarah31
do some reading.....

distrowatch (http://www.distrowatch.com)

i don't see anyone here giving reasons why he should install gentoo over other distros but nobody can suggest other distros because the gentoo just come around and say use gentoo.

on distrowatch he ca get quick links to most if not all distros and he can read and decide for himself.

as for what i would suggest:

source based distros: Sorcerer or Evil Entitiy

precompiled: Arch, Debian, Slackware, Mandrake, Red Hat, take your pick really.
I assure you, I've done quite a bit of reading on gentoo (and I think if you examine my avatar and sig, then its fairly easy to come to the conclusion it's not my distro of choice). I found it a bit amusing that your criticism was far from constructive. And about EvilE, I thought that was a binary based? According to distro watch, it says its package management is "PKG".

Additionally to the person who started the thread, I'd stay away from this one, for the sole reason that it says it "blows out your Windows partion during the install -- for the good of mankind of course".

Dont get me wrong sarah, I agree with you in the sense that *most* people arent telling him why he should install gentoo, they merely say "get gentoo!". This does help him little, and is simple "Use this because I use it"

Personally I'll stick with my advice to him, Start out with a newbie friendly distro, and move up to a 'harder' distro, when you feel comfortable.

[jedthehumanoid]

The whole distro thing is a double-edged sword. Linux is so unique in that it can be easily tailored for different purposes but it also means that you will not find the right distro by asking. You can only find it by trying a bunch out, because the truth is the reason these threads have so many rants in them is that your opinion will end up being different than others. In other words, it will come down to what you want from your distro and what you want may not be entirely obvious at first. I mean some things will be. Like you probably want it to play cd's, mp3's, be able to write documents or surf the web... But you might find out later that you don't like rpms. Or maybe you won't like debs. Or maybe you'll hate binarys altogether and therefore enjoy gentoo or something. My suggestion is to be patient. And for god's sake, don't use mandrake! j/k :D

[Gertrude]

Lindows.

[CaptainPinko]

Originally posted by Gertrude
Lindows.

did you read what he is looking for? i don'tthink Lindows is geared to that at all IMHO. but i think others will agree. tho i must say i've never tried lindows just read reviews.

[je_fro]

I think she was kidding.


Hey Gertrude, you forgot the rolleyes!

:rolleyes:

[sarah31]

Originally posted by Darkbolt
I assure you, I've done quite a bit of reading on gentoo (and I think if you examine my avatar and sig, then its fairly easy to come to the conclusion it's not my distro of choice). I found it a bit amusing that your criticism was far from constructive.

oh crap i didn't realize it was a sin to be unconstructive. :rolleyes: like you are constructive 24/7? :p more like arguementative 24/7 :p :p wanna go out we could really do some serious damage to each other :)


Personally I'll stick with my advice to him, Start out with a newbie friendly distro, and move up to a 'harder' distro, when you feel comfortable.

yes i agree. well except i don't know if say newbie friendly is exactly right (mind you i don't know what term i would use). i believe in saying that regardless of what distro you start with or move to you will have to "get your hands dirty". you have to in windows or any new OS too if you come in knowing very little or nothing about it. i would have no trouble warning someone that if they were told that linux was easy to learn they are being misled.

[stillonwindows]

Thanks all, after reading all the replies, i have decided:
-poke around knoppix some (i already had it sitting on my hd but was too lazy to burn it and run it:mad: )
-start on mandrake and learn linux ;)
-move on and try some more advanced distros, like gentoo, debian, and maybe slackware or something

btw i am going to dual boot with winxp, so i need something that will work fine with that; i have a ntfs drive and i guess when i install linux i will reformat and partition the drive, although i would like to keep it as ntfs for windows (i dont know how ntfs works with linux, because most of the things i have seen poking around imply that linux is best on fat32) Can someone please clarify all these file system questions?

Also when i said i was a fairly advanced computer user, i did not mean just windows specific things, also a lot about tcp/ip and hardware, etc. ALthough i have no doubts that I will have plenty of problems getting linux up and running :P

But thanks all for the replies, you have another linux convert :D

[chrism01]

Linux uses its own filesystem, usually ext3 these days, although you may see references to ext2, Reiser, JFS.
Windows uses FAT32 and NTFS.
Note that there are modules to allow you to read/write FAT32 from Linux.
However, due to MS closed src/unfriendly attitude, we currently only have a module to safely read NTFS.
There is an experimental module to write to NTFS, but its AT YOUR OWN RISK ;)
See mdwatts signature for precompiled NTFS read module.

HTH
We're here to help you :)

[SDS]

Hmm... Well, since we're on this subject of selecting the best distribution for him, I was wondering what would be the next best step for me?

I'm running Mandrake 9.1 and it's going pretty well; I've got everything flawlessly except I'm a bit uncertain about my on-board videocard, but I'm going to be upgrading to some nVidia card soon, anyways. Mandrake is easy to use, and the KDE desktop enviornment is pretty cool, but Drake is a little heavy on the bloat, it takes a long time to get shut down and reboot. I want to move on to a faster and more command-line intensive enviornment to get to know Linux better, but I don't want a really difficuly install like Linux From Scratch.

I'm considering Debian and Slackware. I've heard Debian is a fairly easy/moderate OS with lots of good features like apt-get, but I've heard that Slackware is a lot faster and more powerful. I've got DSL, so it wouldn't be much trouble to download Slackware later, but I'm just wondering which would be better for me right now. Mandrake's been too easy on me and I haven't had to use the command line much(well, at all, really. I've used it by choice more often. It's much easier when the file is in a large directory or something and takes like a minute or more to find sometimes.).

I think I'd be better off with Debian first, but I've heard Slackware isn't much harder, so I thought I'd ask some people that have had more experience using different distributions since I've heard Slackware can be a tough install for people with more Linux knowledge than I have. I suppose I could work with it if it had good hardware detection, but I haven't heard much from real people, just things from the distro site.

Thanks for at least reading this, and more thanks for a response.

Hmm... I think I've decided to just go with Debian first. I'll do the network install. That sounds like a good idea. There are 7 ISOs to download and burn. That's a waste of CDs and a lot of packages I wouldn't use.

I hope this way, I can dual boot with Drake and Debian until I'm comfortable with Debian, then I'll dual boot Debian and Slackware to get used to Slackware. Then, who knows where I'll go?