A basic Linux Question

[James Hill]

Im Wanting to start using linux because im starting programming in college, I have read there alot of different versions on linux some with GUI's Some just command line. Im wondering what is the best version to start with and where can i go about downloading it?

[gore]

Well, there really isnt a "best" version of it. Its more of a philosophy than an answer. If your starting college and want to use it, Id recommend SuSE Linux 8.2 (the best distro in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) you should buy this one because its worth it, specially since your a newbie. The books and documentation that come with it will help you immensly. So basically, SuSE Linux is not only my favorite but also you can grow with it. Its easy enough for a beginner to use and also has advanced things for when you are comfortable. Also mandrake Linux 9.1 is good. you should check out :

http://www.linuxiso.org

http://www.suse.com

http://www.linux.org

Go there and check these out and you should be fine. Dont let someone trick you into using redhat or gentoo (had to guys sorry) Also Free BSD is very good. But Id say wait for that untill your comfortable with Linux. When you are:

http://www.freebsd.org

Also http://www.debian.org
thats another good one. But id say wait for that one too. For this being your first time id say go for SuSE.

Have fun in college and with Linux.

[James Hill]

Thanks alot i will check into it, Yah i learned enough about redhat just from reading the threads on this site . I was just wondering cause there is so much info on here i didnt even know where to start!

[whizkid2300]

James you might want to just get a Shell Somewhere, it would make it easier for you to start out. Instead just jumping into Linux.

Whizkid2300

[cheyenne1212]

Personally I like Mandrake Linux http://www.mandrake-linux.com
and Red Hat Linux http://www.redhat.com.

So don't let anyone trick you into using Suse

Actually I've never tried Suse linux, but from what I've heard about it, it is the most friendly distro for a newbie. Like Gore said, Suse would probably be your best choice if your just getting into linux.

[r3fus3d]

whizkid2300 has a good point there, why not test the waters before you jump in. Right now I'm thinking a little diffrent, I just jumped in, Right now I have no whare to run and no whare to hide. If theres something that needs to be done then I have to do it myself. Installing mplayer was my lastest feat, thats one topic made me learn about 10 other things, and now has lead to other venus of learning. Well if this does this then does that do this? sorry for the babble the only point I'm trying to make, is try it with no pretection. The first install or 2 will teach you something, then once you get it up, you probibly wont look back to windows. hope this helps some, good luck.

[IKnowNot]

This isn't quite on topic and I don't know if this will help, but you might find some useful info in this:

WinXP and RedHat 9.0 duel boot

I wrote this a while back originally to be my first tutorial, but it got unruly.

Anyway, I hope you get something out of it.

[mark_boyle2002]

I have all the BSD distros and keep these on DVD's which I post to people from this site who ask this question.

I do this for the good of the community and not for profit.

I charge £10 for the 3 distro's Also note that the DVD now has redhat(shrike) and college linus on it.

see http://itdepartment.0catch.com for more details.

P.S this site is on a free host and someone told me its now riddled with popup adds and stuff.

[Networker]

James Hill: This topic had been discussed many, many times...

Do a quick search on site like "Linux distros", I'm sure u'll find everyth u need! Even answers to question u never thought before!

I'm getting bored with "what linux distro do u use?", "what best firewall?", ....

It's about 6 month I around on site, and I learn many things... but the quality of average threads is getting very poor (feel depressed).

James Hill, I'm not saying that u r a pain in the ass; u r just a brand new newbie & I can understand ur thread.
But the think I don't understand is every one is replying "I use this", "I like this one...".
Can't u just say "read the FAQ newbie..."

Men if u don't participate in getting newbies educated, will be submerged under a strom of crapy thread. (maybe it's already too late)

[whizkid2300]

Hey Net we were simply answering the guys question. But, I do understand the thing about checking the post. B

but you might just want to give the guy a chance some people just are curios I was on my first post.

Whizkid2300