Hello guys,

I am currently studying a computer science degree (Artificial Intelligence) and I would like to install linux onto my computer so as to be able to gain experience using it, it is also the preferred OS of my university. I will mostly be using it to write software (Java) and for university work, typing up reports and the like. The distribution used by my university is one written by the staff and this is really the only version I have used. what would you guys recommend that I install?

Dave

P.S I am installing on a laptop aswell, if this makes any difference

This is asked quite often, really, it is. Try searching the Distribution forum and seeing what others think, maybe contributing to the existing threads we have dedicated to this same question; "What distribution should I install or use?"

Good luck in finding/choosing the distro of your choice...

http://www.linux-laptop.net/

See what others have put on your model laptop and go from there...

thanks for the speedy replies, i tried linux-laptop.net but the company who make my laptop (Time) aren't listed

www.distrowatch.com

might give you a clue...

after a bit of looking on there and the laptop forum, i think i'll give red hat and mandrake a try, i'm gonna download them now (i love this university speed internet) i'll let you know how i get on