What version of linux should I learn?
 

I just recently installed RedHat 9.0 on my computer, and unfortunately it doesn't support a whole tank load of devices on my computer (ethernet card, sound card, my printer, etc...). Anyways, that being said, it was only nine dollars and I had an extra ethernet card lying around so I installed it on here just to get started. That being said, as a home/small business user, what's a good up to date version of linux out there? Should I pick up a book on Mandrake or go to Fedora 4 etc?

Anyways, I'm looking to go to the book store tomorrow when it opens (barnes and nobles) to pick up something and any help in making my decision would be appreciated.

Thanks again,

Nick

Suse is one of the top-rated distros out and has good harware support. You can download it from novell for free, or (if you're planning on buying a book) get the full version for (I think) $80 and get the manuals and support.

I am somewhat a newbie and installed Suse 10.0 on my notebook and it works great. On my desktop I installed PCLinuxOS .92 and between the 2, I like the feel of PCLinuxOS a little better.

Either one you can't go wrong.

I'd say Fedora Core 4, nice and easy to get started on and it has some nice books on it. Also there are loads of fc4 rpm repos out there on the web. Fedora has great gui tools, a nice up to date set of packages and a nice regular set of bug fix and security upgrades :).

Here is a link to some books http://fedoranews.org/mediawiki/inde...a_Core_4_Books

I am always telling people to get Slackware :) but you can also try to build your own custom, home-made, super kernel which is most probably going to work with your ethernet and sound card. (I am not so sure about the printer).

PS: I forgot to tell you about the Slackbook which can be downloaded for free (PDF) and has a lot of things you can learn.

Thank you everyone :) I'm going to go with Fedora 4 unleashed and then when I have a better understanding of the operating system, and how to make kernel's I'll look into making my own. Thanks again :)