Distros

[Charred_Phoenix]

The only difference between versions of distros, is the software that comes with it, right? Really what I am asking is if I install an old version of SuSE, then somehow update the kernel, will it essentially be the same as the latest version of it except for the fact that I will have old versions of programs?

[LrngTheHardWay]

Pretty much--except for those programs that break, but that's easily resolved with more updates... ;)

[MB[DK]]

Why not just install one of the newer versions, like: suse 8.0 or suse 8.1, and so on.....?

[Charred_Phoenix]

Because then I would have to buy/download it :|

[serz]

You could buy a cd copy.. if you don't want to download it cause of your bandwith.

[Charred_Phoenix]

Yeah, like I said though, i'd have to buy OR download it, I don't really want to do either considering if I want to buy it I have to order it and it won't be here for weeks and if I want to download it, I lose a huge chunk of bandwidth, have to leave my computer on for about a day and then end up with less than I would have if I just installed from my 7.1 cds.

[KarrottoP]

if you got debian linux you could download just a small installation that would not take long to download (even on dialup) and then install the extra components as you go over the net.)

[Charred_Phoenix]

The whole point of this is to get SuSE though, my main too activities on the computer are programming and security based things (e.g. playing wargame, messing with strange daemons), so it would be nice to have some of the software that comes with SuSE like SAINT, nessus and a version of nslookup with all the commands.

[redcape]

You can't download the full version of SuSE, or buy cheap CDs of it, because it contains proprietary software. For this reason I would never go anywhere near SuSE.

[aphex]

I think there is more than that to it... (the software). For example, slackware 8.1 and redhat 8.0.. ive found that slackware runs better, and faster. Redhat seemed to have an abundance of extras.... slackware 8.1 seemed more stable and secure..

Its just opinion, no distro is truly better than another (sorta), its just what you like.

[Charred_Phoenix]

So, if I ran and old version of SuSE it would be like opening my computer up to every attacker on the net, or rather, like running windows! :D But seriously, is it that much of an issue?

[Fryguy8]

I would seriously find a way to upgrade. Trying to manually upgrade an old distro would be harder than building LFS :)

[Charred_Phoenix]

Ok, so I guess that means I have to buy the latest version of SuSE, *sigh*

[KarrottoP]

actually the stuff you mentioned should be no problem to apt-get quickly into debian if you decide to go that route.

[Charred_Phoenix]

I'd rather use an up to date version of Linux, i'm really only considering Mandrake and SuSE right now.

[MMYoung]

Originally posted by Charred_Phoenix
if I want to buy it I have to order it and it won't be here for weeks

I always order my cd's from Linux Werks (www.linuxwerks.com). Small shop, really good quality cd's, really good service and uses PayPal for payment. He now has MDK 9.1 and Linux 9 (RedHat 9) for $9, which includes shipping. I usually get my order within DAYS not weeks.

Just wanted to let you know,
Mark M Young

[Charred_Phoenix]

I noticed a lack of SuSE cds.... I might also add that I am in Australia, so what takes days to get to /you/ may take weeks to get to me.

[redcape]

Google says: http://www.lsl.com.au

[MMYoung]

Originally posted by Charred_Phoenix
I noticed a lack of SuSE cds.... I might also add that I am in Australia, so what takes days to get to /you/ may take weeks to get to me.

I knew they didn't offer SuSE, but you did say you were interested in MDK as well.

Your "location" was blank so, not knowing where on Earth you were from, I took it for granted that you were from the "States". Sorry about that.

Mark M Young

PS - I've never used SuSE but I am using MDK 9.1 and am very impressed with it. I might give Linux (Red Hat) 9 a try just to see the differences between the two.

[Charred_Phoenix]

Sorry about that.


No problem :P

I think I will order from www.everythinglinux.com.au, as I have ordered from there before, but it will still take a little while, thanks for the link though redcape.