looking for linux distro.

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guitarlvr
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looking for linux distro.

Post by guitarlvr »

I'm looking for a linux distro to play around and get familiar (for personal curiosity). I would like it to support apache/mysql/php as I am developing php applications. I have looked at OpenSUSE and Ubunto but not sure about the differences between the two and which would be right for me. If you would, please put in your comments on the different distros so i can get an idea of which one i'd like to install.

Thanks!

Wayne
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aaronhall
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Post by aaronhall »

If you're just starting with linux, Ubuntu is a good way to go -- The distro is targeted at users moving from Windows and trying Linux for the first time. You can download the "Live CD" and run Ubuntu off of the CD to try it out without having to repartition and install to hard disk.
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guitarlvr
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Post by guitarlvr »

Does it matter if i get the desktop vs. server version for php/apache/mysql?

Wayne
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evilmonkey
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Post by evilmonkey »

Server version is command-line only, no desktop. You can of course always install it...through the command line. ;) If you don't know how to use the *nix command-line, get the desktop version. :)
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CoderGoblin
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Post by CoderGoblin »

At work we used to always go with OpenSUSE but found configuration problems. We then moved to Debian but I believe new machines are loaded with Ubuntu.
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guitarlvr
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Post by guitarlvr »

The command line in linux is something that i'm interested in learning how to use. I'm going to assume that the desktop version comes with the command line like the server? If it does, i'll go with that if not, i will probably do the server.

Wayne
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evilmonkey
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Post by evilmonkey »

Of course it does. You can switch to command at any time, or you can just launch the terminal (same as how you launch command prompt in windows). The linux command-line can be intimidating if you know nothing about it, but play around and you'll see that its not so bad. :)
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guitarlvr
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Post by guitarlvr »

I will do that. Is there a big difference between Ubuntu, kubuntu, and xubuntu? I have already downloaded Ubuntu but if there is one version better than another i have no problem downloading that version.

Wayne
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themurph
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Post by themurph »

I will do that. Is there a big difference between Ubuntu, kubuntu, and xubuntu? I have already downloaded Ubuntu but if there is one version better than another i have no problem downloading that version.
The essential difference is which "desktop enviroment" you prefer.

Ubuntu defaults to Gnome

Kbuntu uses KDE

Xbuntu uses Xfce, a lightweight, less intensive desktop enviroment, commonly chosen when using older hardware

Try em all if you're curious (you can instlal them all and switch between them at the login scren if you like). I personally prefer gnome, but many swear by KDE.
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evilmonkey
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Post by evilmonkey »

My recommendation is Kubuntu, but keep in mind, it's not THE Ubuntu. That means that there are some things in kubuntu that are less than perfect (i.e. I ran into quite a few things that require command-line, whereas they have GUI for it in gnome). However, I'm a big proponent of KDE, so I can live with it.
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evilmonkey
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Post by evilmonkey »

themurph wrote: I personally prefer gnome, but many swear by KDE.
Well there you go. :) It's a mtter of personal of personal choice. *swears by his KDE*

Incidentally, if you already downloaded one, you don't have to download another one. Install it fully, then open terminal and type in "sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop". Before you know it, your ubuntu becomes Kubuntu. And as has been mentioned, you switch between KDE and Gnome on startup.

Also (I don't mean to overwhelm you, so just ignore me if this is too much :P ), I would look into Beryl. Its sooooo cool. It basically all the eye candy Windows Vista wishes it had. :D
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guitarlvr
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Post by guitarlvr »

evilmonkey wrote:
themurph wrote: I would look into Beryl. Its sooooo cool. It basically all the eye candy Windows Vista wishes it had. :D
that is the funniest thing iv heard all day. (granted it is 6:00 in the morning) I will have to check it out.

Thanks,

Wayne
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CoderGoblin
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Post by CoderGoblin »

If you are wanting to learn Linux and if you do go for an Ubuntu or it's like e.g Kubuntu, one of the first things I tend to do is create a new known root password rather than using "sudo" all the time. It is normal in linux to log in as root to do maintenance tasks.
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kbrown3074
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Post by kbrown3074 »

I definitely would go with Ubuntu myself. I am currently using Kubuntu Dapper...yea I know, a couple ditros behind. It was fairly easy for myself to learn it..still got a long way to be a 'master' of it.
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