techTuesday, June 01, 2004
getting linux
Here are some of the linux distributions I've used and would recommend.
slackwareInstall from CD - pretty easy to install and use.
gentoo linuxCD or Internet install. More advanced installation allows you to compile and optimize all software for your specific hardware. Tons of packages to install just about any open source application (not all available on the CDs). Easily updated. This is what I've been using.
Fedora linuxThis is what's become of Redhat's desktop linux. I've never used fedora itself, but I've used older versions of redhat... it's not too bad, but driven by corporate schedules like microsoft. The sometimes release their own versions of certain programs that cause compatability problems.
LinspireThis is supposed to be an easy one. Used to be Lindows, untill MS complained about it. As far as I can tell, you can't download it for free... it costs like $60 plus a subscription fee to keep it updated and junk.
Lycoris Desktop/LXThis is another easy to use one... I couldn't find a free download for this one either, but they should have it somewhere... probably just hidden very well.
DebianThis is one of the more advanced ones. It's what a lot of the real linux geeks use.
slackwareInstall from CD - pretty easy to install and use.
gentoo linuxCD or Internet install. More advanced installation allows you to compile and optimize all software for your specific hardware. Tons of packages to install just about any open source application (not all available on the CDs). Easily updated. This is what I've been using.
Fedora linuxThis is what's become of Redhat's desktop linux. I've never used fedora itself, but I've used older versions of redhat... it's not too bad, but driven by corporate schedules like microsoft. The sometimes release their own versions of certain programs that cause compatability problems.
LinspireThis is supposed to be an easy one. Used to be Lindows, untill MS complained about it. As far as I can tell, you can't download it for free... it costs like $60 plus a subscription fee to keep it updated and junk.
Lycoris Desktop/LXThis is another easy to use one... I couldn't find a free download for this one either, but they should have it somewhere... probably just hidden very well.
DebianThis is one of the more advanced ones. It's what a lot of the real linux geeks use.
