I'm having trouble deciding on a distro.

I want to use my computer to run as a web server, LAMP, DNS, SMPT, everything. I also want to still be able to use my computer to use wine to play Counter Strike and Kristal to record stuff among other things.

Is there a distro that makes installing stuff a breeze, no compiling all that stuff. I'm looking for something like Ubuntu Server 6.10 that I know will setup all the server utilities fast and secure but also be like Ubuntu Desktop where installing other applications is also easy.

Any Suggestions?

Just pick one.

You just answered your own question. Ubuntu 6.10 seems to be the easiest for me to install apps. And it just works altogether. I'd have to say the most attractive feature is the network-based distro upgrade feature.

Kubuntu
http://www.kubuntu.org/

Uses KDE desktop, one CD install works both as a live and Install CD. Be wary it is a bit bloated.

Mandriva
http://frontal2.mandriva.com/en/downloads/mirrors

This is what PCLinuxOS is based on it is a BIG distrobution with all you will ever need


PCLinuxOS .92
http://ftp.nluug.nl/pub/metalab/dist...glish/preview/
ftp://ftp.nluug.nl/pub/metalab/distr...glish/preview/

This is the distro I use and recommend, Why because it works right out of the box. No need to configure Everything, everything just works. It also comes as a 1 CD install that is a live CD that you can install later if you wish.

BeatrIX
http://www.watsky.net/download.html

This Distro is small fast and effective, the ultimite Workers CD

Blag
http://www.blagblagblag.org/download/

is A one CD install of Fedora Core

OPENSUSE
http://www.opensuse.org/Download


Mephis
http://www.mepis.org/

Everything you will ever need on 1 CD. Hardware detection is exelent, as is the feel and look of the distro

If you are still unsure of the distro, try these Linux distro choosers

http://eedok.voidofmind.com/linux/chooser.html
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

Thanks for the help. I'm thinking of going with Mandriva since thats what both distro choosers said fits me the best.

I don't know much at all about servers, but I recommend MEPIS. Its installation is ridiculously fast and easy.

Mandriva 07, might be the worst distro I've ever tried. Slow, constantly freezing up, random software crashes, etc.

Proceed with caution... I'd strongly recommend Ubuntu, its as easy as it gets.

IGF

For me, Slackware was the easiest to set up for wine and server apps. I just don't use both on the same computer.

just one word 'gentoo'!

Gentoo? Isn't Gentoo one of the distros that offers maximum control but is more difficult to use? He indicated he was interested in ease of installation or use.

Gentoo is not for the faint hearted. PCLinuxOS has .93a out it's been pretty stable. I prefer it.

You know, I've decided that the best thing (for anyone) to do is to just pick one, and stick with it. Every distro has a pros and cons, and you'll never be good at everything. Rather, you can be a master at one distry if you just stick with it.

For me, I've run on Slackware for many years. Recently I've tried many distros (like Fedora, Mandriva, etc...), but I got frustrated because the system was different. I pretty much know generally what to do in case I run into problems under Slackware but wouldn't have a clue on other distros (as simple as installing/uninstall programs).

Hear, hear, Kcirick. I support your method.

I agree 100%. I use Slackware and when I try something different I get frustrated and reinstall slack.

Had the same experience with Mandriva...100% agree

For a begginer I would recomend Ubuntu or even debian Etch...still, some things in Slackware are much easier to do.