Beginner's Guide to Linux Distros

Martin writes "TipMonkies has a nice overview of various Linux distros for those of you with little time to research each distro yourself. The article also discusses some of the advantages/disadvantages of each distro." From the article: "SUSE- The 'U' is hard and the 'E' is soft. Almost like the word sue with an S on the end. SUSE is the other big commercial distro. It was when it was still it's own company in Germany, and now even bigger since being purchased by Novell."

Re:Slackware

[Anonymous Coward]

"Learn to do things without pretty GUIs."

In Linux using pretty GUIs isn't just a bad idea, it's impossible.

Re:Slackware

[Anonymous Coward]

Learn to do things without pretty keyboards and monitors: use punch cards. That's the best way to learn. Learn how your system works. LFS is good, but overkill, IMNSHO.

Another distro guide

[Anonymous Coward]

Well, I just found another overview of several Linux distros [dyndns.org] that may add some information to TFA.

Re:SuSE != 'sue with an S on the end'

[AFairlyNormalPerson]

SuSE is phonetically pronounced soo-suh.

No, zoo-zuh. Prevocalic S makes the /z/ sound in German.

Yes. I agree, but you both miss the finer point of the german language: you must yell it... loudly.

Allowable post types:

[stevobi]

1) Downside X of my distro is actually an advantage, but only if you a) are hardcore, b) need optimization.

2) Downside X of my distro isn't a problem, you just...

3) You left out that my distro does...

4) My distro has apt/emerge, therefore...

and the only reasonable response...

5) Good. We need a simple guide to the pros/cons of the various distributions and of their intended userbase.

He should, however, add that Ubuntu gives a linux user the best of both worlds - ease of use and power. My distro is the best.

Re:Slackware

[0racle]

Too many.

Welcome to the Linux car dealership....

[warped23]

Hi folks, you say you want a new Linux car? Step right into our training room where we will go through our special course "How to buy and configure your new Linux car 101", and we will have you out and ready to actually select and buy your new car in just a matter of hours! What? You think you want to purchase that Dodge Caravan at the dealer down the street? Hell no! You don't want that!! Why, don't you realize that our Linux vans can be configured with no less than 23 different kinds of seats? We will even give you a map to show you the way to the 23 different aftermarket Linux car parts shops that sell them! OK, enough talk of other inferior cars! Come on in, take a seat, get comfortable. Let's go through the overview of what we will cover in the course..let's see..frames..yep, we will go through the 12 different kinds of frames and what associated parts and components you can actually buy in install on each. Engines.. great module .. we go over the 9 different engines you can buy, and also the many differrent carberator, cooling, and air conditioning systems available for each engine option, just terrific stuff.. what? yes, questions? Oh, you say you've really no mechanic experience? Well, don't worry! We provide a full set of Snap-On tools (of course, you could also choose Craftsman or one of our other 3 brands) and even let you borrow a car lift to make installation a breeze! Does that answer your question? Great! Now on to the next module, Suspension and Tire options...we'd better hurry if we are going to make it to the interior seating module by the end of day...can I get you folks some coffee?...hey! Where are you going?!? Come back! Don't buy that Dodge, they only have 3 models..come on, they don't give you the 38 differrent kinds of headlights that you can put into OUR babys! THEY EVEN FORCE YOU TO TAKE DELIVERY WITH THE STEREO SYSTEM ALREADY INSTALLED!! HEY, COME BACK!!!......