Which version of Linux should I try?

Question

I'm toying with at least messing around with Linux again. Honestly, Microsoft and their so-called 'product activation' has me so mad it's pushing me towards either Apple or messing with Linux (they have 'activation' on GAMES now!!) Anyway, I figured I'd start messing around with Linux, but wasn't sure what version to try. I want something that's easy to use/upgrade, and that's popular (so it has support and security fixes). I know RedHat used to be the big thing. I guess that was spun off into Fedora Core as the free one, but I'm not sure if that's as popular now. I keep hearing about Ubuntu (sp?), but I'm a bit worried about it's security... I guess it's just based on Debian, so maybe I should just try out Debian? Does anything have the ability to repartition an existing drive with Windows on it? Or better still, to run from an NTFS partition so I don't have to repartition just to try it out?

PETER345 · Answer

If you really just want to try it out, start with the Live Linux CD/DVDs. Knoppix is really good. The DVD has all of the software and it requires no HD install. It does take a bit longer when starting apps (because it is reading the CD/DVD instead of the HD). CentOS (the free Redhat Enterprise clone) also has a live version.

If nothing else, these are great for recovery and testing when a system is having problems.

I don't know of any distributions that run from NTFS or even from a Windows partition (most don't like to write NTFS) like you used to be able to get.

It was very convenient when you could just create a file on the HD that contained the Linux file system. If you didn't like it, just delete the file and you are done.

Boot loaders are another issue. I have been sticking with the Windows boot loader and not letting GRUB rewrite the MBR. That way, I can dump/change Linux without affecting my Windows. Also, return from Windows hibernation is cleaner with the Windows boot loader.

Peter

Message Edited by PETER345 on 04-12-2007 07:47 AM

PETER345 · Answer

On my laptop, I reused the backup partition to create my Linux partitions. Worked pretty nicely without destroying Windows.

I would start with Knoppix. It does a really good job of hardware detection and it very complete. The DVD takes a while to download but has everything!

Good luck.

Peter

tigerwolf7 · Answer

Thanks for the info! Yeah, I wish I could just have Linux use a file on my current drive :) Wouldn't be a big deal to set everything up again later if I really started using it, but it's a lot of work just to try stuff out.

I suppose I should give those Live CDs a shot.

phaedrus44 · Answer

i have installed ubuntu 7.04 and linuxmint (6.10) everything works from the first boot on!! oh i have the 1210 didnt even boot windows one time...deleted and slapped linux in it.....

djhumster · Answer

i use Mandriva Linux 2007 and some times Solaris 10

MaD_MaX034 · Answer

try ubuntu.   this os is really easy to use and you don't need to go messing in the console everytime you want to install something.  For the security I don't think there might be a problem if you keep your system up to date, by the way the updates are similar to windows update.   For your problem of partitions, you will need to create an exclusive partition for linux, so you will have to repartition anyway.  I don't think the NTFS format is supported (when installing).   Also, the basic commands are well documented on the wiki so that you don't loose an hour looking up for the command.

candtalan · Answer

@mad_MaX034 wrote: try ubuntu. [...] For your problem of partitions, you will need to create an exclusive partition for linux, so you will have to repartition anyway. I don't think the NTFS format is supported (when installing). Also, the basic commands are well documented on the wiki so that you don't loose an hour looking up for the command. I believe the live (desktop) CD (7.04) will offer to install - you should see options which will include to take over the whole disk erasing windows, or resize windows automatically to an agreed size creating a dual boot option system, and some manual edit options (not recommended for beginners). Anyway, be sure to have a tested good backup of your existing data first! Scandisk well and defrag at least once. I have done all this a number of times (XP) with no problems. For information - linux usually needs at least two partitions, one for a dedicated swap and one for the system. Optionally there are advantages of using data and other partitions also, but if you are starting out, keep it simple!

phaedrus44 · Answer

This is what Michael Dell reportedly uses. http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS5149877302.html

Burnspot · Answer

Ubuntu Feisty Fawn (7.04) would be a great choice for you to try. You can use the LiveCD to try it out without hurting anything, although you have to accept that things will be a touch slower when running from the CD. When you feel like you're ready to give it a real go, simply hit the 'Install' icon on the desktop and you'll be walked through the installation. Install only takes about 20 minutes to a half hour and then you reboot. Interestingly enough, 7.04 will offer to import your Windows stuff (new thing); never used that feature, but I suppose it'll draw all your documents over. As for security, Ubuntu's probably about the same as any other distro... Ubuntu's support community is extremely active and you can find answers for just about anything over there if not here.

Rodeca · Answer

What about vmware virtual machines? Such way, your partition is 'almost' a file. There are ready to use distribution (Fedora,...)   RØ

MaD_MaX034 · Answer

I tried to install vmware, but it didn't work.  there is a very well documented page on the official ubuntu wiki : http://doc.ubuntu-fr.org/vmware_server.    Have fun :smileywink:

tigerwolf7 · Answer

@Rodeca wrote:

What about vmware virtual machines? Such way, your partition is "almost" a file. There are ready to use distribution (Fedora,...)

RØ

OOOOH! Good thought! I bet this would work in Virtual PC, which is free! Not quite the same thing, but still, it would let me play with it.

Rodeca · Answer

VMWare server is free too. And, although I'm not a VM expert at all, I think there are more free downloads for it than there are for MS VirtualXX: search for "vmware virtual appliances". Besides, if you are entering Linux world yo must display a certain hate to MS :smileytongue:

But... Disclaimer: I am not a Linux skilled guy. Only tried a pair of VMs i my (long) life.

RØ

Message Edited by Rodeca on 05-07-2007 10:30 AM

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