What is the difference between Mepis and Ubuntu and Kubuntu? I know Mepis is using the Ubuntu core???

Mike

It's not "The Ubuntu core" per se. Linux uses a system of Distributions where there is a core Kernal, some flavor of X, usually some flavor of a graphical desktop, a system for adding or updating packages (pools or repositories), plus other enhancements that make it unique. The developers pick and choose from among all of these items and it becomes a unique distro with its unique features. Mepis, (K)Ubuntu and other distros use Debian as its base. Each individual distro among these is unique even though the base or starting point is Debian because it's the added on stuff or which desktop is used or whatever that makes it so different.

Now, Mepis can use any or all these pools of packages. Most of the packages in all these pools will work because everything is based on Debian. Because Warren wanted to obtain a specific goal, he chose the Ubuntu pools. These are still Debian packages, just in another pool. The things that make Mepis uniquely Mepis are still there. THe packages you want to add or update are still there. It's like reaching into your Guinness filled refrigerator and pulling out a beer. You can choose this bottle or that, but the brand is the same.

If u want a distribution which is almost complete with all the packages that a regular user would like without downloading/adding any more packages from the internet, go for SimplyMEPIS.
If u want a distribution which has a very large support and u are okay with downloading/adding packages from the internet, go for K/Ubuntu.

Ubuntu comes with GNOME as default GDM, Kubuntu comes with KDE (so is the name prefixed with K, the base install as same in both).
SimplyMEPIS comes with KDE as default GDM with a slightly better eye-candy than K/Ubuntu.
All of them are based on Debian.
Ubuntu doesn't use Debian repositories. It has it's own set of them, although some packages created for Debian can be installed on it
SimplyMEPIS uses Debian repositories.

From what little I know, this is how I would sum it up:

1) MEPIS: Since it comes with KDE and several non-free things included (flash, etc) it would probably look / feel more familiar to a Windows user (MEPIS 3.43 is what I am using now)

2) Ubuntu: Never tried it, but it uses Gnome and probably has a much larger user base / repositories to choose from. Ubuntu would be a good choice for someone who actually wants to "learn" how Linux works, without the hassel of other such "learner" distros as SLAX, Red Hat, etc. I'm too lazy to "learn" Linux, so MEPIS is fine for me! LOL

I think both are great distros though. . .if I were not using MEPIS 3.43, then I would probably use one of the following: PClos, KNOPPIX, Ubuntu. . .and maybe Mandriva.



BTW. . .bluesman. . .I like your quote...LOL

This is true upto Mepis 3.4.3. Mepis 6 uses the Ubuntu repos.

I've used both Mepis and Ubuntu for extended periods. Mepis has a good reputation for recognising hardware and therefore little else to do to get your system running (like windows). I stuck with Mepis because it recognised my internal modem at the time when other distros didn't. Since then I've moved from Fedora to Unbuntu.

Unbuntu is regarded highly by many. I prefer Fedora but I am still with Ubuntu and have grown to live with it. Ubuntu has an very active support base.

In short both are good. I'm thinking of going back to Mepis because I like the latest version.

The big noticable difference to first timers is that Ubuntu uses Gnome for its desktop (i.e. the range of programs and appearance) while Mepis uses KDE (which is a different but similar set of programs and visually different to gnome). Some argue that Gnome is more suited to the windows user (I'm sitting on the fence here).

A good thing that Mepis developed was the so called Live CD that lets you try the program without installoing on your HDD. Mepis took this a step further by allowing an install from the live CD; which was a great idea which others are now copying.

Why not get a couple of live CD's and see what you think for yourself.

Regards
John