Switching to Linux- Which Distro?
 

Hi, I am switching form Mac to Linux. I am saving up for a computer that I would prbably be able to get sometime in early January, but I have one major question on my mind. Which distro should I go with? I have messed around with Red Hat dn Fedora Core before, but I really didn't like the distros. The distros that I am considering are Ubuntu and Gentoo.

If you are a beginner with Linux, I suggest Ubuntu.

Ok. I have tried Ubuntu's LiveCD, and I liked it. I think I should re-state my question in very different words. I have used some Red Hat and have messed with FreeBSD, but overall I still don't know much about Linux. But is Gentoo too hard for me or not?

Why are you asking people you know nothing about you except the brief post about linux distros you have tried to tell you, or even make an educated guess as to whether Gentoo is too hard for you? You know your abilities better than anyone. Visit Gentoos web site, read up on installing gentoo. Then determine if its something you want to try. If it is, give it a shot.

Ok... OK...

Just one more question for anyone still out there. Does Gentoo Linux support any wireless cards, because that will also affect my decision (I don't fell like drilling a hole from my basement)?

Hi lossless -

this is a great resource for distro news and comparisons:

http://distrowatch.com/

Another Vote for Distrowatch.com

Check out the major distributions link on the top right of the page and see which one would suit you best. And you can get your wireless card to work under any distro practically. It might involve some work if you're unlucky, but the support here should help you get it to work.

-A

Also....

If your buying a new computer, make sure that you get hardware that is likely to work with Linux. Some hardware will not, particulay stuff thats labelled "designed for Windows".

Reason being is that the firmware for those "Win" devices relies heavily on Windows... and thats just another thing to slow windows down ...(not that it needs any extra help in slowing down!).

As example, you might do better with Nvidea based video cards rather than ATI !

Well, I am not going anywhere near a Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc... I am most likely either going to get the Lini PC from OpenSense solutions, or get a custom one.

That's not necessarily true. The laptop I'm using says "Designed for Windows XP", but so far everything but the modem works.

I recommend a centrino machine if you're getting a laptop. The wireless will work. Mine uses the ipw2200 card, works fine. There are also drivers for ipw2100 and ipw2915 Intel wireless cards. I think broadcom wireless cards have linux drivers available as well. Distro shouldn't matter, because the wireless drivers are kernel modules.

If you're going for a desktop, I read something about some n series computers from Dell that come with no OS. http://www1.us.dell.com/content/prod...=04&l=en&s=bsd. I can only assume these are intended for linux, but Dell wanted to avoid the wrath of microsoft.

Yup,

good luck getting the modem to work, its likely its a Winmodem which is why your notebook computer has a sticker on it "designed for Windows....".

I have Debian Linux working fine on a DELL Dimension 4100 (which is an older model now). It doesn't have built in Video, Network or sound on the motherboard, all of those items are PCI cards.

My modem is external serial but I hardly ever use it, though it works when I tested it.

Basically there is nothing in this machine that relies on half of its firmware being inside Windows. This of course is quite common in Printers, some USB devices and Modems, not very common with other devices.


I also know some guys who have got Linux working perfect on some late model DELL optiplex models too.


One other thing to be aware of though, is that DELL power supplies are not standard, you cannot throw a generic ATX power supply into the case and expect it to work. The wires are in a different order. This is also tells us that the motherboard in this area is also non standard. It is possible for someone who really know what they are doing to rebuild the connector on a generic power supply to suit the DELL motherboard.

DELL also have some Small Form Factor casings which accomodate unusal power supplies that are also probably only available through DELL.

There's a great section here at Linuxquestions.org, the Hardware Compatibility List. Maybe you would like to read a little bit in it before deciding on custom computer parts.
http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php