Not Another Linux Thread!

[Jack Squat]

Ok all you Linux fanboys, I require your assistance.

I've finally decided to mess around with an old (bought about 5-6 years ago) computer that's just been sitting around, and have decided to stick Linux on there for the fun of it. The problem is that I don't know which one to go with. It's uses will basically be surfing the 'net, playing music, and some programming (C++ for now).

I'd prefer not to have Ubuntu, as it didn't really like me using the command screen when I used it some on my friend's computer. So unless I can be convinced that my friend just screwed his up somehow (likely), any other choice is free game, just state why you think it'd be the best choice.

[valadil]

Honestly I think Ubuntu is the best choice. I've tried every major distro since 2001 and apt is by far the best package manager. I opt for Ubuntu over debian because it does stuff better out of the box and you spend less time setting things up. RPM based distros seem decent for office workstations, but it's such a pain to upgrade or install any new applications that you often end up stuck with whatever came with the original CD.

What didn't ubuntu like about you using the command screen? I'm not sure of much terminal stuff that would be that different between different linuxes. Some might come with a different shell by default, but that's easily changed. Certain system files live in different locations, but if you're not already tied down to any one distro you're probably not used any one distro's choice in file locations.

[Rawhide]

You could try CentOS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CentOS). It is a completely free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which I so far have found to be the most stable and usable Linux distribution. Official site (http://www.centos.org/).

[Jack Squat]

like about you using the command screen? I'm not sure of much terminal stuff that would be that different between different linuxes. Some might come with a different shell by default, but that's easily changed. Certain system files live in different locations, but if you're not already tied down to any one distro you're probably not used any one distro's choice in file locations.

It just generally seemed to have a problem with me using it...couldn't scroll back through anything, returns didn't work half the time, and it didn't seem to like to proccess commands. Again, I think my friend probably inadvertantly screwed it up and that's not how it's supposed to be, but my experiance was enough to want to consider something else.


You could try CentOS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CentOS). It is a completely free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which I so far have found to be the most stable and usable Linux distribution. Official site (http://www.centos.org/).

I'll give it a go next time I get some free time. Thanks.

[Last_resort_33]

I have CentOS installed on our all our web and email at work (we sell webspace/email services among other things) and it's great, but not that usable as a day to day machine.

I use Ubuntu on all my workstations (and I will hopefully be putting some in one of our customer's offices if we get the contract)

I would recommend Ubuntu. I don't see any problems with the command line... it's virtually the same as any Gnome based terminal.

So yeah, CentOS for Servers, Ubuntu otherwise.