Fresh Install Debian 31r2 / 2.4 or 2.6??
 

Hey all! I'm looking to try out Debian. I know the default install uses the 2.4 kernel, and 2.6 can be specified at boot time by saying linux26 at boot prompt.

I'm currently using RHEL4, and I've built a Gentoo system complete with SMB/NFS server and NAT routing. RHEL4 uses 2.6, and I built Gentoo with 2.6

Question is, are there really any benefits of using 2.4 over 2.6? I've got newer hardware, but also have some old Pentium 1 and 2's (with components of that time period) I'd like to get some use out of.

Thanks!!

as far as i know kernel 2.4 is better for more security.from my experience, i suggest that you use a newer kernel(such as 2.6.15 i use from backports with no broblems).it has better performance and hardware detection.

I would recommend going with Etch, testing, rather than Sarge. You'll get kernel 2.6.15, and better hardware recognition on your newer machines. Etch is generally very stable compared to new releases of other distros.

The link is to an Etch netinstal .iso. About 100 MB, you'll need a broadband connection to complete the installation(s).

I think I'll give Etch a shot. Sarge didn't detect my old RTL8019 NIC, though DSL did. The testing branch of Debian has got to be better than FC4 was!! Not to mention, I'm sick of dependency hell RPM's have given me.

Thanks for the info!

Please please please don't use the 2.6.8 kernel in sarge. If you do, hardware detection problems will eagerly await. You should upgrade to etch. I think it's ideal for a desktop setup.