I know this isn't exactly a securit query however with UnSpawn's recommendation on my security query, how is CentOS different from Red Hat. I know it is a rebuild but what does that mean? Why should I choose CentOS? I apologise if I posted this in the wrong forum.

how is CentOS different from Red Hat.
CentOS is different in that it is a rebuild of RHEL, stripping out (almost) all signs of the RedHat branding. CentOS is RHEL except the support, RHN and all that. If you want more info, please visit http://www.caosity.org.


I know it is a rebuild but what does that mean?
Please see: http://www2.uibk.ac.at/zid/software/...el-rebuild.htm


Why should I choose CentOS?
Because you're a (seasoned) admin that can handle stuff w/o calling support (CentOS has mailinglist and IRC support and you're more than welcome to ask questions there), because you like RHEL and what it stands for, because you like the benefits of running a stable, enterprise-oriented distribution w/o the branding and because CentOS is used, maintained and supported by a community.


I apologise if I posted this in the wrong forum.
NP, I'll move it over to the cAos forums, makers of CentOS.

Thank You UnSpawn. How is Debian different from CentOS? The reason for my questions is that I wish to stick to one distribution for a while rather than jump camps all the time. I know using linux has to do with one's preference however there must be a reason why users choose say Red Hat over Debian, etc. As a newbie wanting to learn the ins and outs of Linux, which distribution do I choose? I also guess how well supported is that distribution in terms of patches, etc?

How is Debian different from CentOS?
Best you check out the Debian forum , check out the vendors' site. If you're asking for stuff, try to ask for cold hard facts, not opinions. Opinions only gets you the usual asinine attitude "X is leet" platitudes you can't do nuttin with (except wonder if they're brainless groupies rather than Linux users).


I know using linux has to do with one's preference however there must be a reason why users choose say Red Hat over Debian, etc.
Well, there's reasons and reasons. One one hand there's cold hard factual stuff like RH's additional code, actual market penetration, vendor commitment (backing RHEL releases for a five year period like SuSE does), certified ISV support and vendor support. On the other hand there's RH's additional code, Debian's cornucopia of apps, the fact they have a "social contract", the fact they release on a different timescale, support and on and on.


As a newbie wanting to learn the ins and outs of Linux, which distribution do I choose? I also guess how well supported is that distribution in terms of patches, etc?
You can learn the ins and outs of Linux with EVERY LINUX DISTRO. It'll only be slackwhores telling you otherwise (and usually skip giving you good reasons). Any major distro is supported in terms of patches, security patches, updates etc etc.

The most important thing is to recognise the fact you'll be capping your first Linux install (cuz of fsck ups) sooner or later: don't expect everything to work onehundred percent the first time. Take your time to fsck up and learn, set your goals accordingly. If you're a fast learner, got a knack for overview, structure and troubleshooting you'll be taking a different path than someone who adores Clippy. It's your choice, and you can't go wrong there cuz there is no "wrong" choice. And even if you found you did make one, you can change. All that you lost will be time. The knowledge you gained stays.