Best distro based on system to learn?
 

Hello everyone,

I dabbled in Linux a few years ago, but never really got past trying to compile a new kernel due to memory in the system.

I am dabbling again with the purpose of completely migrating my systems to Linux, and I am wondering what is the best disto for learning on the following system:

AMD Athlon64 3000+
2GB Memory
200gb hard drive
Nvidia FX 5200 AGP card

I did install Ubuntu (latest on it) but it felt _really_ sluggish, but that could have been due to drivers? Opening FireFox took literally forever and I just dumped it after that thinking there was something wrong with the system, but it checks out fine.

Thanks,

WinllingtoLearn

Well, are you going for ease of use? If you don't mind a distro that has a little more involved install process I like Slackware. There is not single best distribution. It really depends on what you like and what you're going for. You said for learning purposes. What exactly are you wanting to learn?

What I mean by learning is a good starting point to learn Linux and then more to something more advanced when I get the gist of things.

The system I am installing Linux on will be a dedicated system to learn on before moving everything over to my main systems. (1 8 Core system (Nahalem based), 4 Quad core systems, 2 Dual Core Systems)

Eventually, I would prefer to ditch Microsoft applications entirely.

Seriously: i don't think it matters which distro you choose. Make sure to do as much as possible from the command-line (one step after the other, of course). A good forum (where you find links and that) is good too.

I did learn a lot by installing Debian without desktop-environment and then X, a window-manager and the applications on my own.
Setting up an easy virtualization like VirtualBox might be a good idea too (so you might play and test without the worry to bork your system, do installations just for fun, etc). You might also learn a bit about ssh, sshfs and such stuff without the need to run two PCs at the same time.

I would agree with what j1alu said. Understanding the command line is essential to fully understanding Linux. You may find it beneficial to install Linux without using a nice graphical installer (like what ubuntu provides for example). At least if your installing through the command line you will be exposed to some of the commands. Depending how many commands depends on the distro. On that takes a lot of different commands to install is Gentoo. I will warn you though, Gentoo is a very involved Linux distro that is geared more towards people that know what they are doing, so it may be best to start with a slightly easier distro. In the end it's entirely up to you though. No one can tell you what the best is as that is all a matter of personal preference. When I first got started in Linux I learned a lot by forcing myself to do stuff through the command line rather than through the GUI.

If you want to learn, j1alu is correct about the command line. One can be a Linux user without learning the command line, but one cannot become proficient (not that I am) without it.

I think that Slackware is the way to go.

I started with Slackware quite by accident and I'm glad I did. What I learned from using Slack has made every other distro I've tried easier to use.

Slack is still my first choice.

The Slack forum here is excellent, and the newsgroup, alt.os.linux.slackware, is also full of helpful folks (and a couple of chronic trolls who are happy only when making trouble, but you will figure out who they are very quickly).

If by latest you mean 10.4, I had a problem with it running slowly. I did have 9.04 installed and it ran great. If you think it may be a hardware issue you can try Xubuntu. Im sure it has been said but there are many distributions that may suit your needs.

Have a look also, which documentation and helpfully communities are available for the distro you want to learn. I think this is essential for a success.

Of this point of view I would recommend you

slackware ("easiest")
arch ("advanced")
gentoo ("heavy metal")

;)

gentoo was fun though i never got my x to work properly.......

I suggest a book
 

:) Hello,
I would like to suggest a book:study:. "Ubuntu for Non-Geeks" by Rickford Grant. The 3:th edition or the 4:th (the 4:th is coming out the last of July). I have tried it and it gives you the basic for learning Ubuntu and a bit about Linux in general. As a complement, use forums for Linux, like ours, LinuxQustions.org.

Good luck!

//Leopold

Maybe try Fedora??

Which ever distro you go you must download this book and use it as your mate as you get along with linux. It is a well written book by a professional.

Good luck.

I've been using Fedora 11 for a couple of years and find it's simple and very reliable. I've recently moved to Fedora 13 and it's great. It's a good way to just use your computer, with the option to solve problems etc and learn that way.

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

So you've shown us your need! What's your deed(s)? Installation is one thing but find out why the system seems sluggish. Giving up is not learning.

We will aid you when you help yourself to a solution. Provide us with what you have attempted and then maybe someone will be able to assist with the troubleshooting or ways to accomplish such.

'How to Ask Questions the Smart Way' would be one link you should look at to help us to help you in the future.

Just a few more links to aid you in the endeavor;

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Bash Reference Manual
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking
Virtualiation- Top 10

:hattip:
The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

Thanks all for the input and the pdf's to read. They were very helpful.

I have decided to go with Fedora 13, as I used Red Hat previously; so it should be a nice refresher.

As we speak I am formatting my USB drive to install Fedora 13 and should be up and running with in the hour :)