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which distro

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 3:59 pm
by Burrito
ok, I just set a weekend project for myself to d/l and install linux on an old machine I have.

I have a version of FC 4, but heard that's sort of 'child's play' (whatever that means). I want something that has a little more beef than 'child's play' but not something that's going to break my back and infuriate me to make it work (ease of installation ease of configuration etc).

what do you all recommend for a distro for me?

I see a lot of gentoo avatars and have read that some of you like ubuntu, but I am completely clueless as to what the differences are and why I should pick one over another.

// yes I have asked this question before but it's been eons ago and I'm sure things have changed significantly since then....

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:04 pm
by feyd
Honestly, if you're wondering.. start installing distro after distro.. play with it for a week or so and move to another one. You'll eventually find a set you like then narrow it down.. kinda like buying a car (or overly priced SUV) without all the dollars floating away, per se. You gotta test drive several before you can really make a decision. ;)

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:25 pm
by Burrito
well what is it that sets them apart from each other? The only thing I've been told is that some are harder to set up and configure than others.

They can all do the same things no?

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:29 pm
by Charles256
I like ubuntu myself. I'm using it right now, after me being retarded for a bit I got it purring. Lemme ,know if you run into problems if you try it out. It's probably a lto easier to fix thank ya think :-D

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:41 pm
by Burrito
ok answer me this:

why is ubuntu only one cd and fc 4 was 4?

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:42 pm
by feyd
bloat. :P

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:48 pm
by Charles256
yeah. Ubuntu has all the extra applications that you most likely won't need available via download. SO if you need them you open up your app installer, search for the updates, then install them as you need them. That simple :-D Ubuntu does come with a respectable set up,for the record.

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:53 pm
by Burrito
sorry to sound like a total newb...but I am :)

what are those applications to which you're referring? (just asking for a sample of one or two).

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 5:17 pm
by Charles256
javascript run time environment (that thing that I.E. damn near installs without mentioning it to you), macromedia flash plugin, a bunch of random games. it comes with like a office suite (word, excel,etc. or their equivalents at least) plus tools you need to get on the internet..etc..

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 5:29 pm
by Burrito
cool thanks man!

I think I'll give ubuntu a go.

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 2:42 am
by matthijs
Hi Burrito,
you might want to check out the experiences of Khaled at brokencode.com
http://www.brokenkode.com/index.php?tag=linux
He's switched to linux and describes the process/problems. Also some good comments on his posts.

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 2:50 am
by Charles256
quite note..
on how to install programs not in the default repository..

download your program, open up the "konsole", type in "sudo /path/to/setup/file/setup", it'll then ask for password, enter password of your default users password and it should start the set up process in most cases. that's the biggest tip I can give you. :-D

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 10:14 am
by Burrito
awesome, thanks guys.

although my project has been postponed. :( I'm headed to Lake Havasu for the weekend :)

I did get Ubuntu d/led and burned last night though so as soon as I get back I'll start tackling it.

I'll def be posting here and on their forums with any issues I run into.

thanks again!

Burr