Hello, Ive been using all types of distros of linux, including Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, and Ubuntu.

Ive been straying away from the Microsoft Windows scene for a while and I would really like to learn Linux.

I also want to program on Linux (but I believe all distros can do that), and even run a small home-server.

The problem is I do not know which linux distro is best for someone like me, wanting to learn linux/program/run small home server.

I used to be a hardcore ubuntu fan, but I always felt like I could not learn from it, because it was so much like windows to me (sorry to all the ubuntu fans here, but this is just my opinion )

If anyone can help me out, I'd be grateful...

(PS. Another important thing for me is internationalization.)

Observations:
You can learn on any version of Linux.
You can program on any version of Linux.
There are varieties of Linux that will FORCE you to learn things. Only you can decide if what you are forced to learn is worthwhile. These "back to basics" distros include Slackware and Arch.

Hi,

I would recommend Slackware!

Do a search on LQ Slackware forum and you will find loads of queries for this very question that you submitted.

"run a home-server" might help a bit with that decision, however you haven't really said what kind of server tho. I would really advise against any form of web/internet server tho, home connections have terrible upload limits (for example a 4mbps connection will likely actually be about 4mpbs download but only 256kpbs upload or even only 128kpbs in some cases), this is because people at home generally download a heck of alot more then they upload.

For a server, generally upload is more important then download...

If you are looking into a server distro, I would advise against ubuntu... I have seen people use it before and I just don't see the point of it to be honest, many distros are better server platforms, I like CentOS myself but it's not built for GUI on the other hand. Fedora would be nice if you need a GUI and wanting to learn how to manage a server.

Ive decided to go with Slackware, in all honestly, besides Ubuntu of course, was the only linux distro that installed with no problems (except for a minor one that can be fixed easily I believe)

And it seems to be the distro for what I am looking for, Thank you very much =)