What's the best distro for a newbie?

[Zordani]

What would you guys say the best distro for a Linux newbie would be? I've heard only good things about Ubuntu, but I don't want to rush into something without knowing all there is to know first. Thanks a lot!

[princee18]

A newbie may have different purposes to switch to linux but generally i think the best distro for a newbie should be ubuntu as it is fast and easy to use.

[whcdavid]

Ubuntu is good for desktop, never used as server. Most of the enterprise linux servers are REDHAT, but hosting companies use CENTOS as their distribution. REHHAT is offering cluster solution and which is very cool.

[Zordani]

Well I'll be using mine as a desktop, and not as a server. I'll install it tommorow and be right back with info on my experience. Is RedHat harder to install and manage?

[princee18]

I agree that ubuntu is not the perfect choice for servers. For servers, i would personally recommend Red Hat 9.0. I have no idea about how difficult it is to install it.

[bob83b]

Very nice resource - thank you. ------ Bob Richman (nike shoes).

[tongyun]

As a newbie, what do you want to do with Linux? Once you establish your needs, then you can narrow down your choices for servers or workstations. You can always download the create Linux programs that will run on a cd so you can test it out before you fully commit to a specific Linux version.

[taki]

As a newbie, what do you want to do with Linux? Once you establish your needs, then you can narrow down your choices for servers or workstations. You can always download the create Linux programs that will run on a cd so you can test it out before you fully commit to a specific Linux version.

What are you talking about Tongyun? The create Linux programs that will run on CD....what is that all about? And where do I get it?

[tongyun]

Hi Taki. Let's say you decided to test Ubuntu. What you do is download the ISO and then burn it to a disc. Place it into your cd-rom and start your computer. If your computer is set up to boot from a disc, it will look for a boot file on your computer. If I remember right, Ubuntu will bring up a screen asking if you want to boot from the cd or proceed with a full installation. Select boot from cd and then you can test our your cd.

Now...here is my disclaminer. If you follow these instructions and your computer gets messed up, you will not hold me responsible for any damages nor will you flame me in this forum. Ok?

For more info, try this link:

http://distrowatch.com/

[tomandrew]

I have tried Knoppix and found it very good. I tried Ubuntu/Kubuntu which I found appalingly, horribly slow, and I tried Mepis which I found decent (but that was quite a while ago). My vote goes to Kanotix which is like a super-Knoppix, but with bleeding edge software and the ability to update straight from the live-CD. It is pretty darn fast, and comes bundled with very good software.