Originally posted by Syn I also suggest Ubuntu.It's Debian based and the .deb package management just blows the .rpm based distro's away IMO.Plus it's very n00b frienldy.
I've used ever major distro out there and I can in good conscious suggest Ubuntu.
Wow, only 1 CD to download. Is that correct? Thanks for that info.
This might be a dumb question, but why are there so many versions of Linux?
Originally posted by Executioner This might be a dumb question, but why are there so many versions of Linux?
Because technically speaking, none of these are Linux. They are distributions (a.k.a. "distros"). Linux is a kernel, a core of an operating system. Everything else is built around the kernel. Anytime you get a group of people together who think they can do something better (at least for a specific application), they can build a new distribution around the linux kernel with whatever features they do/don't want.
Also I'd like to add that if you just want to try linux, theres an Ubuntu livecd. Basically its the entire OS but it runs from the cd you don't have to install anything to make sure it runs and works with your ISP and that sort of thing.
Yep though there is a Live cd also which can come in handy(requires no install).
This might be a dumb question, but why are there so many versions of Linux?
Well there arent really different versions of Linux just alot of different distrobutions(distros).I guess it's because people have different needs or an idea of what Linux is to them.Some distros are geared more towards security and web servers.Other distros come with the packages you need if you are interested in developing apps for Linux or even crossplatform stuff.I reckon it's all about what you are using it for and what you need.I think having so much choice is great.
I just use it for a desktop and to mess around with learning python(New Year's resolution I havent gotten serious about yet).Only reason I boot into windows really is to play my games that arent supported in Linux or to use a few apps I havent found a free equivalent to in Linux.
OK thanks for the info. I'm not really planning on running games, but I am more interested in running equivalent apps like MS Office, burning CD/DvD's, playing music, and surfing on the net. I'm sure there is a free Linux version somewhere out there that can import DOC and XLS files from MS Office.
Ex,OO.o comes with the Ubuntu install BTW.And yes there are free apps that will fit your needs fine in Linux.Most of those apps come with the install by default unless you chose not to installl them.The Ubuntu forums is a great place to start if you decide to go with Ubuntu.
Originally posted by Syn Ex,OO.o comes with the Ubuntu install BTW.And yes there are free apps that will fit your needs fine in Linux.Most of those apps come with the install by default unless you chose not to installl them.The Ubuntu forums is a great place to start if you decide to go with Ubuntu.
apt-get is a wonderful thing.
OK thanks Syn. I'll give Ubuntu a shot. If I have time this weekend, I'll see about installing it on my spare rig.
They are distributions (a.k.a. "distros"). Linux is a kernel, a core of an operating system. Everything else is built around the kernel. Anytime you get a group of people together who think they can do something better (at least for a specific application), they can build a new distribution around the linux kernel with whatever features they do/don't want. 
