What is a good Linux OS for a build-it-yourself PC?

[jpass101]

I am looking for a Linux OS for a PC I may plan to build in the future. Any suggestions? I have experience with Debian and Fedora, but I plan go more technical, not Gentoo, because I want to install it without manually doing everything. And besides, setting up Gentoo is REALLY hard!

[jpass101]

I was thinking of Debian GNU/Linux, but what version of Debian should I use for the latest stable version of the Linux kernel, GNOME, Xorg, etc. I don't want out of date stuff, just the latest stable versions of software. This PC will have 8GB of ram.

[jdeb]

I prefer Suse or Slackware personally. openSuse (gnome) has Yast and it is a nice blend for the power user and easy enough if your not but it is not really a favorite distro in the circles, smaller following. Slackware is nice because you can really tailor it towards your exact needs (simple and clean) but a little more difficult to install, I bought the cd set with book from slackware years ago and to me is the best of all the distributions, although openSuse is great too. If you program, I think Slackware is a great choice.

I install Ubuntu on builds because new users find it easier to use but I do not care for the bloated desktop.

[jpass101]

I don't want openSUSE or Ubuntu!

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by jpass101 I don't want openSUSE or Ubuntu!

I figured as much, funny how people prefer different things.

Linux Online - List of distributions

[kilgoretrout]

Take a look at Arch:

Arch Linux

It will certainly satisfy your "more technical" requirement and it has excellent documentation. However, unlike Gentoo you won't have to spend days compiling everything from source. Arch is also a rolling release so you won't have to reinstall every six months but along with that comes less stability that is a trade off with all rolling releases. Arch is currently fairly popular with those looking for a more technical/geeky distro.

[jdeb]

Salix is a good choice if you want the stability of Slackware without all the kernel building and configuration.

http://www.salixos.org/wiki/index.php/Home

I personally like installing slackware because you have total control of the installation. It is also great on older hardware.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by kilgoretrout Take a look at Arch: Arch Linux It will certainly satisfy your "more technical" requirement and it has excellent documentation. However, unlike Gentoo you won't have to spend days compiling everything from source. Arch is also a rolling release so you won't have to reinstall every six months but along with that comes less stability that is a trade off with all rolling releases. Arch is currently fairly popular with those looking for a more technical/geeky distro.

Yeah, Arch is very impressive and has a strong following.

[jpass101]

Is PLD Linux or Gentoo any good? What about Frugalware Linux?

[jdeb]

Based on your original post, I would consider Slackware or Salix. Salix is kind of the best of both worlds, gives you the stability of Slack and easier installation, not that Slackware is really that hard.

YouTube - ‪Slackware 13.1 Installation‬‏


http://www.salixos.org/wiki/index.php/Home

Slackware, Gentoo and Arch really let your hands get dirty and force you to learn Linux. They also give you the greatest control in terms of installation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4xJD9rlvVA Gentoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjdZjK5IN7o Frugalware

PLD does not have a package manager as far as I know. IT is all text based which is fine if you are good within the shell. I use PLD as a bootable disk for problem computers in the field, usually network issues.


If you are still not sure, maybe list a little more detail on what you expect out of your OS and what you are going to be using it for.