Have been using RH haphazardly for a while now going from RH 6 to 7, skipping 8, and going 9. While RH? Apparently the "brand name", easy to install, apparent widespread support, etc.

Actually paid for box sets of RH 7 and 9 - both to support the cause and to have a support channel if needed.

Now RH has decided to "discontinue" RH9 and has forked between Fedora and Enterprise solutions. I think, but don't know for certain, it is time for me to look at other distributions.

What I liked about RH9 (and would like in other distributions):

1) Was able to install and use with a minimum amount of Linux knowledge.

2) Automatic updating of different components (appears that the functionality isn't available with Fedora)

3) Ability to install different components for different needs (workstation, server, etc.)

4) Direct support if needed (never did but nice to fall back on).

5) Stable.

Are there any distinguishing facets between Fedora, SUSE, and Mandrake?

Yes, I am planning to buy another box set to support the cause. :=|

Thans for most, if not all, comments.

~Tom

SuSE 9.0 can do all the things u listed. The main difference between SuSE and mandrake that I would point out is YaST and the ability to resize an NTFS partition (if you need this). But YaST is a gui control center for everything in the entire OS...you don't need the command line unless you want to need it. It is even better than the control panel in windoze.