I have Suse 8.0 Personal for the last few months and have some basic problems that i am looking for answers too.

Mainly one: Every single time i do anything there is a SuSe file somewhere i must find and configure. In other words I am having a hard time learning the structure and logic in configuring my Linux system. Recently Apache has been a problem. First i had to install it as it was not included. secondly is gives me constant line errors for suse modules (i commented these out to get it working)

which brings me to second documentation:

For suse there is none. I got 2 crappy panthlets for my kid to cut up. i got some redhat books from the library, but suse always has some weird files in places.
They have a good list though, but the lack of docs on something like setting up a web server is ridiculous. I guess you have to chuck out a grand for their web products.

My question.
Ive got redhat 7.3 but haven't tryed it. I don't like there update system and also don't care for gnome. they do have online books and docs like Mandrake though.
Thinking of Slackware, but do they have good documentation on something like a web server?
Should I go for redhat or slackware to try a web server?

Thanks

never mind ,im sick of gui that dont work and am gonna try the slack.

I had the same problem when I started using Linux. One day I went to Barnes & Noble and bought a book. I belive that the names of it was Running Red Hat 6.2 or something like that. I sat done that weekend and the rest of the week and read the book and tried the examples on a PC. Once I did that everything started falling in place. I do agree that the manuals that come with them suck. The only manual that I got with an OS that was worth anything was when I bought FreeBDS. Trust me, spend the $50 ( it comes with the CD's) and by a book. Linux works the same, just that some distro's put config files in different spots. Don't do Slack if you are a newbie. I would go with Mandrake or Red Hat. Once you get familiar with Linux then go to the distros that as not user friendly.

Hi Thom, I am a Linux newbie too and I really know what you mean. But... I've been using Linux for a few months now and I have to admit that the biggest mistake that we - the newbies - make is to just dive in without reading first. You mentioned Apache and that sure is a packet worth reading a while before trying to install and use it. First time I tried to use it I got beaten by numerous error messages... It was really frustrating ! However, when I started reading about my goals to acchieve with Apache I found some very usefull tips and tricks. You know like modules to include, file and directory permissions, what user to use and so on.

Thus, my newbie advise - as far as you can call it advise - is to start reading and surf the internet about the packet you're about to install. Look for pitfalls and stuff...

Good luck and happy hacking

Well, sometimes i bitch and moan but i always come back to SuSE.
SuSe is still the best in hardware detection and the fastest to get my system up and running.
Expecially when i need a spread sheet and a word processor.

Most especially is the 3d graphic card problem in Linux. SuSe has never failed me in getting my card up fast : now a Geforce 4.
I like all the pretty screen savers to watch in gnome thats all.

I don't want a book that's redhat based. So what im doing is printing out things from the internet and compiling them in my own notebook.
So far i got sections on Emacs and vi, Xf86 configuration, and Emails from lists here, on Suse, and from google groups. I think this is the best way to go. And its an entertaning read also, a hodge-podge, but for my system only.

thanks

Every version of SUse I have bought includes tons of detailed documentation.

I have had 6.1 6.4 7.2 pro and 8.0 pro

7.2 had over 2000 pages of printed documentat a quick start guide an application guide, detailed network guide and yonks more.
In comparison I think 8's is a little less but not by much.

What version did you get?

I have version 8.0 Personal.
I suppose i should have got the professional version.
It comes with 2 newbie booklets, that are completely useless and only for Windows users.

I do have an older 6.3 book that is still handy and it covers bash, vi, network admin, and other stuff. SuSe is coming out in (maybe)October with 8.1 and this time i will be sure to get the pro-version because i want a big fat book.

I need one Linux reference manual, but something that's not Red Hat based. Any recommendations?

thanks

Running Linux by O'reilly is a excellent Linux general book,
Linux in a Nutshell by O'reilly is a very good reference with chapters on Emacs and Vi.
The C programming language second Ed - The only book you need for C programming
Slackware Linux Essentials - a mediocre book about Slack
Google.com/linux - Best book for all your Linux needs
Hope that helps

-NSKL

P.S. - the books mentioned here are rated by me, so dont blame me if you buy them and it's not what you thought it was