Linux...

[Coolin]

Since I recently got cable internet, I decided to join in with the hype and download the new operating system Linux. I'm looking for a distro that is easy to install and use. However, I also want one that is powerful and stable. Would Linux Mandrake be a good choice? How about SuSE?

Please voice your opinions regarding this issue.

[psx-dude]

Mandrake is one of the easiest to install and use, It depends mostly on the "Shell" you use. KDE crashes more than GNOME, but you should test it out first

Never tried SuSE.

[atlas]

If you're looking for an easy-to-use and install linux distro -- then go with Mandrake.

RedHat 7.1 is now out... I'd personally recommend that one for anyone else -- or even beginners.

-mk

[RedHat]

Originally posted by atlas
If you're looking for an easy-to-use and install linux distro -- then go with Mandrake.

RedHat 7.1 is now out... I'd personally recommend that one for anyone else -- or even beginners.

-mk

Yep, RedHat is the best :D

[sleepy]

i use SuSE, it was a pretty simple task to install and configure.
i can't compare it with experiences of other packages since i haven't used any.
a magazine i got a week ago said mandrake is the best one.

[Coolin]

I didn't understand how to download SuSE because it's a bunch of files, in a directory. I heard that it was a gig, so i can't burn the thing without splitting it up somehow. And I don't know where to split the thing up. Mandrake 8.0 just came out, but the download files were just like SuSE, a bunch of files in a directory. Therefore, I just downloaded Mandrake 7.2 which is on an ISO. If anyone knows how to download either of the two distros mentioned above, please tell me and i'll download next month when my 10 gig transfer limit resets.

[jw]

The easiest way to do it is download the regular boot disk and the network boot disk then do a network install. You may also want to check out freebsd.org it works much better for me.

[Woofcat]

Yeah FreeBSD rocks :)

[Coolin]

FreeBSD is more of a server. I'm not intending to run a server, just a Windows replacement.

[ashben]

RedHat Delux Workstation is great for users new to the RedHat family.

I had Slackware installed earlier but it took time to getting used to.

[akashik]

The only real problem you may have with a Linux install is if you're using less than common hardware. It's always good to spend sometime checking what you have, then checking it against the distro. Most sites have a list of compatible hardware somewhere. I installed Mandrake a few years ago and it was hell. The main problems were (1). the Mandrake installation was still fairly young and in need of improvement, and (2). I'm using a laptop, with LCD screen, optical mouse, a card modem (Xircom Global Access), and have USB for the mouse, webcam, and scanner, not to mention an external 'cathode tube' Philips monitor running out the back of the laptop. It wasn't very friendly with my para port Zip drive either.

So as you can see, it's worth looking into what you have before starting an install :)

Greg Moore

[smoke]

I am using mandrake 8.0 and yeah I'd have to say it is definately the best desktop OS out there, in terms of everything I've tried. I haven't found ANY version of windows stable on my computer. They all seem to struggle after a while.

Hope that helps.

[niv]

damn...this is one old thread...especially because i see woofcat's post :eek:

[Bruce]

Woofcat? He hasn't been around in ages.

[Bruce]

Originally posted by smoke

Hope that helps.

Might have helped him more 4 months ago.

[LeX]

Originally posted by Phrozen
Might have helped him more 4 months ago.
Even if he said that 4 months ago I still don't think it would have helped. :p

[Coolin]

I installed Mandrake 7.2 back then because I couldn't find an 8.0 ISO.

Then Linux screwed up my Master Boot Record and I haven't used anything but Windows since.

[Bruce]

I haven't used anything but Windows either... except maybe the occasional door.

[Coolin]

Nah. Doors are for n00bs

[robin]

I like emergency roof escape hatches myself...

[stu]

Originally posted by Coolin
I installed Mandrake 7.2 back then because I couldn't find an 8.0 ISO.

Then Linux screwed up my Master Boot Record and I haven't used anything but Windows since.

Some mirrors don't put up the ISO, just the directories and files. Just look for other mirrors that have the ISO and download it.

Switching between Win2k Pro and Redhat Linux 7.1 on my system.

[Coolin]

What boot manager do you use to allow dual-booting like that?

[Bruce]

I found Boot Magic to be good.

[Coolin]

$_$ :(

[Bruce]

I didn't pay anything for it. I made a promise to myself never to buy any software, and haven't broke it yet.

[Coolin]

I sense some W in there.
or was that A?
Nah... I'm guessing R.
Wait... I think it's E.
Hmm... Z is the end of the alphebet.

[Bruce]

I sense your right Coolin.

[Coolin]

I felt it in the force before your comment Phrozen.

[stu]

Originally posted by Coolin
What boot manager do you use to allow dual-booting like that?

Using NT Boot Loader.. I used a small utility called Bootpart to add Linux to NT Boot Loader.. No extra costs, NT Boot Loader comes with Win2k, and BootPart is free..

next project is to have Win98, Win2k, Linux, FreeBSD, BeOS, Solaris all on the same hard drive, but using System Commander..

[Coolin]

How big is your HD? :eek:

[stu]

I have a 40 gig hard drive dedicated just for my OS's and apps, and a spare 30 gig for my personal data..

[Coolin]

My 20gig HD is only good for 2 OS's