I am just getting started with linux.I am confused on the issue of which one to install.

I have used both Fedora and Debian as my main OS. Both are excellent distributions. I would recommend that you chose based on your install method.

If you have high speed Internet access then I suggest that you use Debian's Internet install. Go to:

http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst#smallcd

Download and burn the Debian install ISO CD. Then boot the Debian install CD and it will do part of the install from the CD and most of the install from the Debian repository on the Debian web site. That was the easiest install that I have ever done.

If you have a DVD drive then I recommend you get hold of the Fedora DVD installer and use that to install Fedora.

If you have to use a CD install then I recommend Fedora IF you can find a CD set of the Fedora installer. Actually if I had to install from CD I probably would probably use kubuntu.

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Steve Stites

hello
i think debian is a good choice than fedora because debian contain 13000 softwares in its package so one need go for searching softwares.

The major difference is how they manage their files. I can only speak from a Debian prospective, but there is a command called "apt" which you will use to install/deinstall programs, upgrade your entire computer and more.
In Debian, everything is controlled in configuration files, of which the folder /etc will be your favorite place to go.

Both can be pretty challenging for a new user. You could look up Ubuntu of Kununtu (both essentially the same but Kubuntu is more like Windows, and Ubuntu is kind of like Mac)

Both of these are based off of Debian, but they have a more rapid release cycle. I use Debian on my servers, and Kubuntu on my desktop and laptop.

research will be the key to your decision. Visit distrowatch for more info: www.distrowatch.com


also, google fedora for RedHat and Debian or Kubuntu...many sites will have screen shots and good documentation.

One last thought:
when you partition your computer, make a separate /home partition for your personal documents. Then you can format/install over the rest of your computer without touching the important stuff. This can help you experiment with different Distros.

I hope that is enough for now

Try both yourself and make your own decisions. Usually when you ask such questions on a forum, its highly likely that you will get biased responses.

my basic guideline is always to choose the distro the guru closest to you knows best

Try out both debian and Fedora and decide for yourself. That is the best way. Try Live_CDs. In this way u can experience linux without installing any thing to your harddisk. Both Fedora and *buntu have live cds.

Why limit yourself to just those two? Try as many distros as you can, 'til you get bored with distrohopping. Then settle for the one that suits you, not other people.

I would not suggest either fedora or debian as a first distribution. Try ones that have all of the common "non-free" applications and codecs installed by default, and among these choose ones which allow you to boot in a live-evaluation mode with an easy hard drive installation if you like what you see. In my experience, two good choices would be

PClinuxOS
SimplyMepis