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How To Choose a Linux Distribution

post #1 of 39
4/29/09 at 6:37pm
Thread Starter 
Project Time....

Since this is something that comes up often, there was a recent article floating around the internet that breaks down one person's viewpoint of distributions for people to look at for different purposes, that may be useful reading for any newcomers looking at Linux.

For those of us that have been around a while, if you disagree or have other suggestions(eLive, etc.) post up a post with who you think it fits for, why you think this, and what makes it different from the other alternatives presented. This isn't really a place to flame on about how one distribution sucks, but rather a place to say why one distribution works better. If that makes sense.

Seablade

http://www.tuxradar.com/content/how-...t-linux-distro
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post #2 of 39
4/29/09 at 10:33pm
Wow. That's a pretty in depth article.
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post #3 of 39
4/29/09 at 11:03pm
Thread Starter 
It is a fairly good article, and whether I agree with all of it or not, it is a pretty good breakdown of what makes a very tough choice for many people.

Seablade
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post #4 of 39
4/30/09 at 3:36am
Thank's for posting,a good overview of some distro's.

Guess I'm a newbie or lazy [or both] for only messing around with ubuntu
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post #5 of 39
4/30/09 at 4:43am
Thread Starter 
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

If Ubuntu works for you, then keep using it. Nothing wrong with it in all honesty, and using it doesn't necessarily make you an automatic newbie or lazy.

Seablade
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post #6 of 39
5/3/09 at 3:08pm
somewhat related, at least for people brand new to or interested in trying linux...

linux distribution chooser (http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/), a short quiz that points you to distros that might be a good fit.

disclaimer: the OP article is a lot more in-depth and interesting.
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post #7 of 39
5/3/09 at 11:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zem Frim-Bott View Post
somewhat related, at least for people brand new to or interested in trying linux...

linux distribution chooser (http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/), a short quiz that points you to distros that might be a good fit.

disclaimer: the OP article is a lot more in-depth and interesting.
lol it gave me both 100% matches for Gentoo AND Slackware
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post #8 of 39
5/5/09 at 5:34pm
Did you put down that you like to spend more time fixing your OS then using it Conda?

Quote:
We found the following perfect match(es):

100%
Mandriva

Homepage: http://www.mandrivalinux.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioMandriva Linux (formerly known as Mandrake Linux) was created in 1998 with the goal of making Linux easier to use for everyone. Mandriva offers all the power and stability of Linux to both individuals and professional users in an easy-to-use and pleasant environment.

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
OpenSuSE

Homepage: http://www.opensuse.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioThe openSUSE project is a community program sponsored by Novell. Promoting the use of Linux everywhere, this program provides free, easy access to the world's most usable Linux distribution, SUSE Linux. OpenSUSE delivers everything that Linux developers and enthusiasts need to get started with Linux. Hosted at opensuse.org, the project features easy access to builds and releases. It also offers extensive community development programs for open access to the development process used to create SUSE Linux.

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
Linux Mint

Homepage: http://www.linuxmint.com/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioOriginally launched as a variant of Ubuntu with integrated media codecs, Linux Mint has now developed into one of the most user-friendly distributions on the market - complete with a custom desktop and menus, several unique configuration tools, a web-based package installation interface, and a number of different editions. Perhaps most importantly, this is one project where the developers and users are in constant interaction, resulting in dramatic, user-driven improvements with every new release

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
Ubuntu

Homepage: http://www.ubuntulinux.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioUbuntu is a free, open source operating system that starts with the breadth of Debian and adds regular releases (every six months), a clear focus on the user and usability (it should "Just Work", TM) and a commitment to security updates with 18 months of support for every release. Ubuntu ships with the latest Gnome release as well as a selection of server and desktop software that makes for a comfortable desktop experience off a single installation CD.

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
Kubuntu

Homepage: http://www.kubuntu.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioKubuntu is a user friendly operating system based on KDE, the K Desktop Environment. With a predictable 6 month release cycle and part of the Ubuntu project, Kubuntu is the GNU/Linux distribution for everyone.

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101


In addition, we found these matches, sorted by how well they match:


90%
Debian
Debian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer. An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. Debian GNU/Linux provides more than a pure OS: it comes with over 15490 packages, precompiled software bundled up in a nice format for easy installation on your machine.

Visit Debian at: http://www.debian.org/May not be suitable because:
May require Linux knowledge

90%
Fedora
The goal of The Fedora Project is to work with the Linux community to build a complete, general purpose operating system exclusively from open source software. Fedora Core is built to provide choice. It includes the latest versions of many software packages, including both GNOME and KDE desktop environments. Fedora Extras, a repository built entirely by volunteers, provides thousands more packages, and is enabled for use by default.

Visit Fedora at: http://fedora.redhat.com/
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post #9 of 39
5/5/09 at 6:10pm
Thread Starter 
Yea for some reason that site said I should use Mandriva as well...

Yea I only put so much stock in that

Seablade
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post #10 of 39
5/5/09 at 10:29pm
hence my disclaimer - though i will admit i didn't realize just how borked it was

the article you posted, on the other hand, i bookmarked. good reading.
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post #11 of 39
5/5/09 at 10:52pm
It suggested Fedora, Ubuntu, Mint, Mandrive, and Open SuSE for me
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post #12 of 39
5/6/09 at 1:26pm
hmm, took the 'test' Zem linked. No wonder I'm so happy with my switch from Slack to Debian.

Quote:
We found the following perfect match(es):

100%
Debian

Homepage: http://www.debian.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioDebian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer. An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. Debian GNU/Linux provides more than a pure OS: it comes with over 15490 packages, precompiled software bundled up in a nice format for easy installation on your machine.
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
Linux Mint

Homepage: http://www.linuxmint.com/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioOriginally launched as a variant of Ubuntu with integrated media codecs, Linux Mint has now developed into one of the most user-friendly distributions on the market - complete with a custom desktop and menus, several unique configuration tools, a web-based package installation interface, and a number of different editions. Perhaps most importantly, this is one project where the developers and users are in constant interaction, resulting in dramatic, user-driven improvements with every new release

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
Ubuntu

Homepage: http://www.ubuntulinux.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioUbuntu is a free, open source operating system that starts with the breadth of Debian and adds regular releases (every six months), a clear focus on the user and usability (it should "Just Work", TM) and a commitment to security updates with 18 months of support for every release. Ubuntu ships with the latest Gnome release as well as a selection of server and desktop software that makes for a comfortable desktop experience off a single installation CD.

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101

100%
Kubuntu

Homepage: http://www.kubuntu.org/
Screenshots: The Coding StudioKubuntu is a user friendly operating system based on KDE, the K Desktop Environment. With a predictable 6 month release cycle and part of the Ubuntu project, Kubuntu is the GNU/Linux distribution for everyone.

(This distribution also has a "Live CD" you can use to test the distribution before you install it)
Get this distribution on CD/DVD at PCTech101
I also really like mint, and [K]Ubuntu, so for me at least it was spot on. I got a kick out of this nugget on the introduction page:
Quote:
Firefox is apparently the most popular browser preferred by almost 66% of our users, closely followed by Internet Explorer (16%)
emphasis mine. not sure I'd call a 50 point difference "close"

Edit: Seablade, that's a nice article! ggod find
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post #13 of 39
5/6/09 at 1:54pm
Yeah that's not close at all. I would suspect that number would get smaller with chrome out and dominating.
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post #14 of 39
5/6/09 at 2:07pm
Chrome may be faster (at least according to Futuremark) but Firefox is a ton more customizable.
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post #15 of 39
5/6/09 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djembe View Post
Chrome may be faster (at least according to Futuremark) but Firefox is a ton more customizable.
Google has hinted at some cool stuff in the near future. They obviously know about FFs power.
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post #16 of 39
5/6/09 at 3:01pm
Thread Starter 
Yea Google is looking at adding an extension API as well, so you might find that one no longer true.

At this point though I am waiting for Chrome on the Mac. I might consider Opera sometime as well. The maint hing for me is that Firefox is leaving the area I enjoyed it for, being small fast and lean by default, in favor of incorporating things that would work better as etensions that come with the install. It has gotten progressively slower on startup for me. I am also looking at Chrome due to the per-tab processes though, that really was a good idea.

Seablade
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post #17 of 39
5/14/09 at 7:13pm
I think I am gonig to give the new mint a spin.
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post #18 of 39
8/5/09 at 7:04am
Huh, it said that Fedora, mandriva, OpenSUSE and Kubuntu were 100% for me.
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post #19 of 39
2/7/10 at 11:31am
The results for me were that I try Gentoo or Slackware. Well I guess this makes sense since I've been a Gentoo user for years. But I must say the articles, though enlightening for those inexperienced to Linux, I think don't offer much for those who're already users.

My advice to anyone who wants try out Linux is to first try one of the many distributions on a "live-disc". As a matter of fact I would suggest trying at least 4 or 5 distros that way before installing any permanently.

There are so many differences between distros, as far as usability, convenience, ease of setup and operation, type of default GUI environment, complexity of user space tools, size of package repositories, size of installed user base, quality of help forums,... the list goes on.

The trick is to find out what you like and feel comfortable with, then run with it. The beauty of Linux is you can make it your own. Everything is customizable and each distro has it's own take on things.

Try it you'll like it!!!

Ciao
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post #20 of 39
2/9/10 at 6:20pm
Due to an XP malfunction on my main PC, I turned to Ubuntu (not a big gamer)... 9.04 and 9.10 do all I want and more _ I have it on a 1Gb memory stick (9.10) and it was a breeze to install - now running the 64bit version... I have tried it on all of my netbooks, ranging from an Eeepc900 upwards and it works flawlessly 'out of the box'.. The biggest bugbear of ALL distros has been Wifi support, followed by sound.. (God help you if your laptop has a broadcomm adaptor)... Ubuntu is by far the best for this, sound and webcams....
I have experimented with Puppy, which is very fast, but wifi connectivity lets it down...
SUSE not bad, Wifi....poor...
Chrome OS works well though, still messing with that one...
Moblin - very very good, if you have an ATOM based netbook and want a quick boot and shutdown... Make sure your Wifi card is intel (I got it going on a Dell Mini9 with a push - Broadcomm wifi card again)...
gOS - very pleasingly odd - looks more like a MAC setup with the object dock and is aimed at 'cloud' computing... Wifi ok, but very buggy....
Messed with Mandrive in the past, good, but not tried it recently (always had poor support for PCMCIA cards)...

So, if you are a lazy M$ user and want to try Linux out use Ubuntu in my view....

Also if you have a netbook, Linux is faster and more suited for it esp if it is an Atom CPU or one of the Celeron 900's... The Via C7's work, but need a bit of fiddling with to sort out the CPU scaling.. Have found with the M$ bundled netbooks, XP is OK, win7 and Vista, so slllllooooowwww, plus they benefit with 2gb of RAM, which you don't need to do if you are running Linux...

(On a side note my Toshiba Satellite U200 runs all linux distros with no issues, yet to fathom that out.. Used it as a test bed for live cds and USB sticks...)....
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