[lug] linux distro for a beginner

[Chuck Morrison]

There are some nice Debian based distributions that I'd even recommend for 
beginnners. Ubuntu has done pretty well on most hardware I've tried it on 
(laptops mostly) and has some nice tools that even beginners can like. 
There's Kubuntu, which I haven't installed yet for using kde instead of 
gnome. IMHO Knoppix has done the best job of detecting and using hardware, 
but the installs I've done from it are just base debian and so the good 
knoppix-ness doesn't carry over. It's a good way to see how folks like it 
before going to the trouble of installing though.

CentOS is a nice way to get into a cheaper RedHat EL distro. I prefer it to 
Fedora, but that's just my personal opinion. I prefer a slower release cycle 
and I kind of think a beginning user might as well.

I think the jury's still out on SuSE. I know people who work there and wish 
them well. I know they're working hard on the linux desktop, but I haven't 
been all that impressed yet.

On Thursday 16 June 2005 11:47, Hugh Brown wrote:
> On Thu, 16 Jun 2005, David Morris wrote:
> > On Thu, Jun 16, 2005 at 10:13:38AM -0600, Tom Tromey wrote:
> > > >>>>> "Hugh" == Hugh Brown <hugh at math.byu.edu> writes:
> > >
> > > Hugh> Which distribution would you recommend for someone that thinks
> > > Hugh> MS is vile, doesn't want to support them, but doesn't want to
> > > Hugh> become a techie?
> >
> > I recommend Debian (http://www.debian.org).  The setup
> > (revamped for the Debian 3.1 released June 6) is simple and
> > easy for the most part.  I prefer debian for its absolute
> > stability, sane default configurations, and easy/safe
> > upgrade process.  Debian also does not do hand-holding as
> > Windows does, which I like though I know some others do not.
> > If you want your hand held through everything you do go with
> > Mandrake or SUSE.
>
> I don't think Debian is good for folks that don't want to be techies (i.e.
> they like holding hands, they just don't like MS's hand (it's kind of
> slimy and holding it makes you feel all sick inside :))
>
> If on the other hand you don't want your hand held, Debian is fine.
>
> What do people think of SuSEs long term prospects?
>
> Hugh
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