Linux distro...

[fatboyjim]

First off I have to apologise for even submitting this thread cos I know there are millions about this already (yes I did do a search )

But

I'm looking to go into Linux now i've got buckets of free time (exams finished) and was wondering which distro to use

Before you shout, I read through lots of posts today about Distros and could find no "Best distro" answer because I guess one doesn't exist, anywhere, so I'm looking for a "Best Linux for Jim" thread here

I want to have:
Apache with PHP
File server for my MP3s
Ability to PLAY MP3s through 5.1 Speakers and Sub (SBLive!Player 5.1)
Print server (there's an HP printer connected to the box via USB)
Some programming tools for C++


OK, that's that, I want to start downloading ASAP so, gentlemen start your engines...

Cheers

Jim

[Karnevil9]

I don't know which Linux Flavor gives you the programming tools for C++, but I think I remember Mnadrake having that option. Besides that, it sounds as if you need good hardware recognition, so I would definately say to look at SuSE or Mandrake.

[fatboyjim]

Well it doesn't have to be embedded into the Distro only available for later download

How about Slackware? I read some good things about it on the forums...

Slackware/Mandy/RedHat/SuSE atm?! :S

Jim

[Karnevil9]

Slackware is an excellent system but requires some work to get it running. They just released Slackware 10. This is why there is no "right" distro for linux, it is what the person wants in a distro. It sounded as though you wanted something to run right from the box. That being the case you would want a Distro like SuSE or Mandrake, Or Redhat/Fedora. If you want something more hands on that will take some time to set up and get running, but will teach you about the inner workings of Linux, Then you may want, Slackware, Debian, Gentoo, or even FreeBSD (Unix not Linux). These have a real learning curve though so be prepared to have some references to read and some patience. They are worth it in the long run because the systems have mostly what you put on it, and they are more stable. Slackware has a Live eval version I believe that is called Slax. You may want to try that and see if you like it.

[fatboyjim]

I'm downloading Gentoo after a recommendation from another forum/IRC Chan...

Thanks for the comments, expect to see me back once it's installed!
Jim

[LocoCoyote]

You probably should have started with SuSE...but I tell that to everyone@

[fatboyjim]

Tis alright mate, I'll download that tonight

Jim

[aym]

I'm a Gentoo user myself, however, I don't think Gentoo is the best distro to start with, the installation process requires some experience with Linux.

Everyone usually recommends Mandrake, SuSE, or Fedora for Linux newcomers.

As for your requirements:

Apache/PHP and C++ tools: Available for all Linux distros.

SB Live! & 5.1: My Audigy and 5.1 setup work great with SuSE and Gentoo, I'm pretty sure any other modern distro supports them too.

File/print server: You can do it using Samba, again, can run on all those distros.

Good luck

[fatboyjim]

Well, I have used Linux before, but only very briefly before getting sick of the "Dependencies" thing... hence why i've nuked about 3 Linux partitions in the past

Thanks for the post tho, exactly what I was looking for

I'll give Gentoo a shot... but be downloading SuSE at the same time.

Thanks again, I'll be back

Jim

[LocoCoyote]

Always cover all the bases..I like your style!

[aym]

Well, if you are sick of dependencies hell, then Gentoo is the right choice for you!

Portage (Gentoo's package management system) automatically manages dependencies, and makes it very easy for the user to install, remove, and manage packages.

The installation processing is very well documented here:
http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/handbook/

[fatboyjim]

LOL... well let's just say Gentoo wasn't exactly for me

I couldn't really get it to install, even with reading the handbook

:|

So I'm downloading SUSE now...

[pcbuilder14]

Originally posted by fatboyjim LOL... well let's just say Gentoo wasn't exactly for me I couldn't really get it to install, even with reading the handbook :| So I'm downloading SUSE now...

Let me know how it goes, I am going to try linux as well.

Also, does MandrakeMove take a while to uncompress the kernel?

[Karnevil9]

If the SuSE version is the live eval, you will only be able to see how it works, but there is no method of actually installing it to the hard drive to the best of my knowledge. If you want to get a feel for Slackware or Debian without the hassles of the regular install, you can try Knoppix or Morphix, or Libranet for Debian, and Vector or Slax for Slackware.

[Dswissmiss]

I've been playing with linux for 2 years before finally deciding on Gentoo, the reason I abandoned it so many times was also dependency hell. I think Suse is a rpm based distro too, but I'm sure they've gotten a lot better since 2 years ago. If you still have problems I would recommend a Debian based distro. I used Libranet for a few months and it taught me alot, plus the apt-get feature is about as easy as it can get. The free version is 2.7 (they're up to 2.8.1 I think) so if you do go that route, you'll have to update a lot for the first few days. Other Debian based distros are MEPIS and Knoppix, but you can check distrowatch.com for more.

good luck

[LocoCoyote]

I am a huge SuSE fan. Very newcomer friendly. I have been playiing with Slack lately.......more "pure" linux with less distro specific kinks.

[fatboyjim]

Well I downloaded SuSE but was persuaded to give Gentoo another go

I'm half way through installing it, reading the manual properly this time It's going well

I'll keep you posted of coutse ...

Thanks
Jim

[Dswissmiss]

btw, make sure you have freetype as one of your use variables in make.conf. Your fonts will look ugly if you dont.

[fatboyjim]

Do I have to do this at any particular time? I haven't done it yet and I'm just installing Grub (a fair way through the install process) ...

Jim

[aym]

freetype is there by default in /etc/make.profile/make.defaults.

If not, add it to /etc/make.conf, something like:

USE="freetype"

When to do it: Before emerging X (not sure about the DE).

[piasabird]

I dont know if SUSE has Apache or not. However, it probably comes with the full version. I downloaded the 700 Meg .ISO file for Suse 9.1 personal edition. I had an older PIII Celeron 1.2G Tulatin system, with XP with NTFS I wanted to put it on. So I just stuck the CDR I made and stuck it in the CD and turned it on. The Automated process resized my existing partitions and installed the multi boot so slick that I did not know it was going on (Well almost). It uses its own multiboot tool. It set up the networking and I was surfing over the Internet without having to edit text configuration files. I was really Impressed with the Installation process. It was easier than windows. I am not a real hardcore Linux guy, but I was still able to get it to install.

I had 2 NIC Cards, because my son is getting ready to take a course in linux and I wanted him to be able to build a server. One NIC card was a 3Com card and the other was a linksys card. The Linksys NIC had no problems but the 3Com presented a problem. Just thought I would tell you that.

3Com NIC bad.
Linksys NIC good.

[Karnevil9]

SuSE has a fully installable free version now that can downloaded to CD? The last time I looked it only had an evaluation version. Is it available at LinuxISO?