Linux

[PublicEnemy]

I am about to make a multi boot win xp/win 9x/Linux
I'd like to hear from you what is the best linux version;is it Mandrake? Novell?
Or another one?
The best version would be a stable OS,no security hole,polyvalent,some compatibility windows/Linux
What are the advantages of Linux over Windows?

[{KOW}Spazed]

I am about to make a multi boot win xp/win 9x/Linux
I'd like to hear from you what is the best linux version;is it Mandrake? Novell?
Or another one?
The best version would be a stable OS,no security hole,polyvalent,some compatibility windows/Linux
What are the advantages of Linux over Windows?

Advantages: More stable most of the time, open source programs, very few if any virii(depending on distro), large support base, customizable, and pretty simple to use once you get down to it.

Disadvantages: Not compatible with all programs.


You can run the less intensive stuff through WINE(such as *crowbar swings*)


I prefer SlackWare myself, but if you are looking for easier stuff go with Mandrake.

[Cygnus434]

I run fedora core 2 (redhat's current "beta") as it is on my laptop. No problems there. I think Spazed pretty much sums it up, but I'd like to clarify.

It's not that it's not compatible with windows apps, its just that it's not compatible with popular windows apps. You can usually find an opensource project devoted to creating a similar clone to popular windows apps for linux distros. Even porting some of them over to windows (OpenOffice rules...i love it).

[jmervyn]

I am about to make a multi boot win xp/win 9x/Linux
I'd like to hear from you what is the best linux version;is it Mandrake? Novell?
Or another one?

I've run Mandrake, and am planning to use the new Novell SuSE on a high-speed rig I'm fixing up. However, I'm still running Red Hat 9 on my home PC. I didn't like Mandrake ( French ), but I understand that it would be attractive as a simplistic Linux for those unfamiliar with it.

The best version would be a stable OS,no security hole,polyvalent,some compatibility windows/Linux

Then you definitely want a mainstream distro, probably with commercial support. If you REALLY want spoon-feeding, at the cost of a little vulnerability and cost, you might try Linspire (previously Lindows) - I've heard the latest brand is pretty Mac-like.

What are the advantages of Linux over Windows?

A far easier question would be, what advantages does Windows have?
1. M$FT has a pervasive vendor influence, so that new equipment needs to be Windows-compliant first & foremost. Linux often doesn't get direct vendor support, particularly for oddball products.
2. Ditto for software. Windows OS are like opinions, in that everyone has one, no matter how wrong they are. If you have a significant investment in complex Windows functionality, you may see it crumble if you start using Linux for your dominant platform. M$FT doesn't play nice with other OS.
3. User conditioning. You have been indoctrinated (assimilated is interchangable) by M$FT to expect poor performance from your machine, and to expect to perform tasks in a very specific way. Much the same as B.F.Skinner conditioning pidgeons to peck at a button. To see what your experience will more closely resemble, check out an OS X machine at an Apple store, but realize that you will be dealing much more frequently with stuff that seems like shareware, rather than pouring out cash for commercial products.

(Oddly enough, I've found my support is often better on Linux software than I have on Windows - it is because the information is public domain rather than proprietary/closed).

[PublicEnemy]

Thanks for the replies.

I prefer SlackWare myself, but if you are looking for easier stuff go with Mandrake

I am not reluctant to learn the hard stuff of Linux;as Mandrake is for beginners,I'll choose Novell SuSE or fedora core 2. :drink:
Is SlackWare a better choice than Novell SuSE or fedora core 2 ?

Then you definitely want a mainstream distro, probably with commercial support. If you REALLY want spoon-feeding, at the cost of a little vulnerability and cost, you might try Linspire (previously Lindows) - I've heard the latest brand is pretty Mac-like

I'll try Novell or fedora first;if it is well secured,I'll keep it.
Lindows would be a possible choice when I master Linux or if I find that it is not well secured.

[{KOW}Spazed]

Slackware is really meant to be as stable as possible. Not a big frills thing. Most wouldn't use it for a main desktop, but I only use Linux for a select few things.


I have heard good things about Fedora2 so I would check that out.

[GiasEmbrace]

Both SuSe and Mandrake are pretty easy to use, not like Fedora (I found that one to be a bit harder) I prefer SuSe my self, but its a personal thing I may get a new Mandrake and change over