"OTHER OS" Suggestion Thread:

[msimon1960]

Sorry that this information has come too late, but most Linux users these days run Samba, even if all their machines are Linux/Unix.

I had a Samba file server going within a very short space of time - might I suggest you try it?

I use Samba for Windows/Linux communication but I've read in the Community posting that it is considerably slower than NFS -- as much as 10 times slower. A lot of the files I use are quite large so transfer speed is an important consideration for me.

However, I don't have any concrete info on the relative transfer rates between the two protocols. Samba is definately easier to use and appears to be more flexible (it was way simpler to setup too).

Matt.

[oneup]

I've also been considering openSUSE. It looks like it might also be pretty friendly towards my lappy.

Storm guy,try xandros 4 and use belkin wireless card as recomended by free software foundation on their website,it works out of the box in ubuntu 6.06 and xandros 4 !

[oneup]

Storm guy,try xandros 4 and use belkin wireless card as recomended by free software foundation on their website,it works out of the box in ubuntu 6.06 and xandros 4 !

you can get a free trial download of xandros 4 from their web site to try for 30 days ,free of charge !

[pissedoffdude]

how about you try the new version of linux mint, I hear that it has better wireless support

[pelle.k]

linux mint
Yeah, i was gonna suggest that, but it was that tiny issue with alsa not compiling cleanly. until then, i don't know what.
Maybe i'll take a stab at alsa 1.12 instead of 1.13.

[StormGuy]

Thank you for all the responses.

It looks like a lot of people are having trouble with this card...and it's the same "it's detected but won't make sound" problem.

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=314564

It's definitely strange.

[trailboss]

hi,
I first used Mepis lite and it was sweet and still is even tho it has not been updated in awhile, and their full OS is great as well. and debian base. I now test Dreamlinux and it's even sweeter.
Trailboss

[patrick295767]

Ubuntu is just too difficult.

Just trying to set up a simple, simple, simple file server has taken weeks and it's still not working.

Is there a version of Linux that actually does stuff without a month of reading and several weeks of experimentation? At this point I'm willing to pay for an OS that can share a printer, a couple of files in my small home network.

I guess I went into this believing that one of Linux's strengths was networking -- apparently not!

Matt.](*,)

Try suse, that s certainly more easy to use than ubuntu for this
but i am not sure ...

or ask a friend that can setup your machine & teach you

[punkybouy]

I suppose if all you want to do is share some files and a printer and definitely don't want to learn a new OS you could buy a device for storing files on a network. I think Linksys or Netgear makes one. You put a hard drive in it and connect it to your network and it pretty much just allows you to share files. Then you could install a print server (wireless or not) to just share a printer.
Most of us enjoy hacking around with another OS but if that is not your "cup of tea" then look into the devices I mentioned above.

[richbarna]

here's my advice:

Download Debian stable (currently sarge) net install iso
Install base system without any extras
go to http://www.ebox-platform.com/ and install via their repositories
use e-box web interface ... uber simple
just a thought, its still debian so you aren't leaving the world of ubuntu because ubuntu is in fact debian modified for the desktop.

/me

I was going to suggest the same thing but you got there first. As an extra, The Debian Etch release worked better than the Sarge stable for me.

[montgoej]

I got an 80 gigabyte hard drive for Christmas and I'm looking for some other Linux distro's to try. I'll be keeping Ubuntu + my Home partition on my main 80 gig drive, but I'm looking for 2 other Linux distros to play around with. I don't want anything like Debian that requires a load of CDs, but something like Fedora core with 5 or 6 is fine. I'm currently considering Fedora because it's RPM based and I've never messed with an installed version of it, Slackware because it seems like something interesting to check out and Gentoo because it looks like it would be cool to have one compiled for my system and all, but I'm torn in the decision!
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
Jordan Montgomery

[cilynx]

Gentoo is fun for about a week, but if you really want to learn how the system works, look into LFS.

My best advise would be to look into SuSe. They are the largest commercially "nicest" 'nix out there right now. And they're in bed with Microsoft. It makes it an interesting product to check out. The package / preference management is entirely different than Debian.

Also fun and sentimental is Slackware. I advise starting with Slackware 3.0 and seeing if you can upgrade to a modern system without breaking it. =)

FC is pretty good as well, just not my thing. It's worth having played with.

Have you thought about playing with any of the BSD's or OpenSolaris?

I can tell you from experience that Solaris is a bitch, but interesting.
BSD is good if you're into security over desktop candy

[meng]

Debian doesn't require a load of CDs. Get the netinstall disk.

[montgoej]

Well, I tried FreeBSD but I couldn't get it to do anything graphical, and I was stuck at a fullscreen terminal for 2 weeks. I did re-installs and everything, but still stuck at the terminal. OpenSuSE sounds cool though, and once I get where I feel good with that, I'll probably try Slackware.
Thanks for the advice and Merry Christmas,
Jordan Montgomery

[JLB]

if you plan on keeping ubuntu and just want the other drive to "play" with, why not LEARN some of the in-and-outs of Linux. Try out LFS.(Linux From Scratch. Once you have that installed, add on to it with BLFS (Beyond Linux From Scratch) and complete your desktop. It is much more fun and you learn a lot more than with Gentoo.

If you are hell bent on a RPM based distribution, Try PC Linux OS (also called PCLOS), SuSE 10.2 or BLAG (Fedora based distro on a single CD).

While you are at it, make a primary partition available and install one of the BSD variants such as Desktop BSD, PCBSD or full blown FreeBSD.

Enjoy!

[montgoej]

Well, now that I'm reading about LFS...it looks awesome, and I'll definately be installing it, but probably with openSUSE too, just to play around with.
Thanks,
Jordan Montgomery

[NeoLithium]

SUSE 10.2 is pretty nice, I did try it for a while; but came back to Ubuntu; nothing's wrong with it by any means; it's just not my personal preference anymore.

I'd also suggest Sabayon, it's pretty fun to play around with, and it's a Gentoo-derived distro; just without the massive headaches that a normal install can be for the actual Gentoo Distro ;)

[cilynx]

Oh yeah...it's Debian based, but if your interested in an entirely different desktop theory, check out SymphonyOS. It's interesting.

[montgoej]

Well, now that I've read all of this, I've decided to go with a combination of openSUSE 10.2 and LFS. Maybe later I'll try out a BSD system, but I'm gonna stick with these two for now.
Thanks,
Jordan Montgomery

[meng]

Good luck with LFS, man. If you complete the full installation, my hat off to you.

[mips]

Try Sabayon, which is Gentoo, just easier to get into. Also try freebsd, I would recommend you print the installation manual and keep it hand for installing stuff like X & a desktop env.

[cilynx]

Good luck with LFS. I ran all the way through it a couple years back and kept that as my main machine for some time. I eventually slated it and did my very first Ubuntu install when I needed to upgrade OpenOffice for some feature that I actually needed and I couldn't get it to compile clean. I figured at that point that managability and function were more important than "fun" on my main machine.

[RAV TUX]

I got an 80 gigabyte hard drive for Christmas and I'm looking for some other Linux distro's to try. I'll be keeping Ubuntu + my Home partition on my main 80 gig drive, but I'm looking for 2 other Linux distros to play around with. I don't want anything like Debian that requires a load of CDs, but something like Fedora core with 5 or 6 is fine. I'm currently considering Fedora because it's RPM based and I've never messed with an installed version of it, Slackware because it seems like something interesting to check out and Gentoo because it looks like it would be cool to have one compiled for my system and all, but I'm torn in the decision!
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
Jordan Montgomery


rpath (http://www.rpath.com/rbuilder/project/rpath/releases)


rPath Linux

From rPath Wiki


rPath Linux (http://www.rpath.com/project/rpath/) is designed to be a stable, high-quality, relatively "vanilla" distribution that closely tracks upstream stable packages and is easy to make a derivative distribution from, using Conary and rBuilder Online (http://www.rpath.com/). You can download installable ISO images from ftp://download.rpath.com/linux/
rPath Linux update advisories, both for security and maintenance updates, are published on mailing lists:
To receive only security updates but not maintenance updates, subscribe to security-announce@lists.rpath.com (http://lists.rpath.com/mailman/listinfo/security-announce).
To receive both security and maintenance updates, subscribe to update-announce@lists.rpath.com (http://lists.rpath.com/mailman/listinfo/update-announce). Release History

rPath Linux:r Path Linux 2 (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:r_Path_Linux_2) is under development
rPath Linux:r Path Linux 1 (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:r_Path_Linux_1) is production software, maintained and supported by rPath.
rPath Linux:r Path Linux Linux 1 Beta (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:r_Path_Linux_Linux_1_Beta) information is available for historical interest. rPath Linux Development

rPath Linux is an Open Source project, developed by rPath and other contributors. To follow the development progress, you can subscribe to distro-commits@lists.rpath.com (http://lists.rpath.com/mailman/listinfo/distro-commits).
rPath Linux Development and Release Management Process (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:rPath_Linux_Release_Management)
rPath Linux Development Rules (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:rPath_Linux_Development_Rules) Teamwork

Desktop Integration Team (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:Desktop_Integration_Team)
Java Stack for rPath Linux (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:Java_Build) Distribution Reference Information

Information on initscripts (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/Conary:Initscripts) Licenses

rPath Linux Licenses (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPathLinux:Licenses) Related Resources

Learn how to configure a Xen Dom0 based on rPath Linux (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux:Xen_Dom0_on_rPL_HOWTO)

[3rdalbum]

Why not try something non *nix? Syllable and Haiku are promising operating-system projects, which at least deserve some temporary partition space.

[M_the_C]

Hi,
Could some of you please list a few interesting distros. I'll explain what I mean.

I use Ubuntu for my main desktop Distro, but I also like experimenting with new distro ideas.

I have tried:
Linux from Scratch (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/) (I didn't get anywhere with it but it was interesting.)
Puppy Linux (http://www.puppylinux.com/) (Uses the clever idea of writing your session information back to the same CD or other media.)
Movix (http://sourceforge.net/projects/movix/) (Basically a media player.)

I'm looking for something different to the norm., something that offers a new idea. Not just another Desktop distro.

Thanks.

[Biggus]

Mmmm, these might not be what you are after, as they are all live-cd's (and the only ones I have on my computer desk right now) but I've had a little mess around with

dyne:bolic (http://www.dynebolic.org/)

(The site appears to be down just now though)

BackTrack (http://www.remote-exploit.org/index.php/BackTrack)

and

phlak (http://www.phlak.org/modules/news/)

[kazuya]

try
zenwalk / vector linux / wolvix - slack-based derivatives. very fun to use and makes you learn linux at an easy pace
knoppix 5.0.1 - essentially Debian.
Sabayon 6.26 - bleeding edge distro of beauty - gentoo-based
pclinuxos - cool rpm-based distro
mepis - another great ubuntu-based distro.

arch - never used it, but hear things about it.

[RAV TUX]

GoblinX (http://www.goblinx.com.br/en/)
dyne:bolic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyne:bolic)
GoboLinux (http://www.gobolinux.org/)
SabayonLinux (http://www.sabayonlinux.org/)
Wolvix Hunter (http://wolvix.org/node/379)
rPath Linux (http://wiki.rpath.com/wiki/rPath_Linux)
Helix (http://www.e-fense.com/helix/)
aquamorph (http://aquariusoft.org/page/linux/)
Quantian (http://dirk.eddelbuettel.com/quantian.html)
xplora (http://www.xplora.org/ww/en/pub/xplora/library/software/xplora___dvd_knoppix__make_sci.htm)
Sorcerer (http://sorcerer.aakin.net/)


2 that were really interesting but don't seem to be available anymore are:
kinneret
(Kinneret Linux screenshot)
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3324/kinneretzw3.th.png (http://img186.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kinneretzw3.png)
&
DeadCD
(DeadCD Screenshot)
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8166/deadcddk4.th.png (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadcddk4.png)

[celsofaf]

GoboLinux is specialy interesting because it completly changes the default directory structure of the system, whilst mantaining the "old" one using a clever system of links. And because it's brazilian. :)

[M_the_C]

Firstly, thanks all for the suggestions so far.
Mmmm, these might not be what you are after, as they are all live-cd's I would like LiveCDs (although it doesn't matter if not) as I can try them out without disrupting my system.

phlak (http://www.phlak.org/modules/news/) This one looks interesting although I think it is no longer continued. I don't know much about security but this seems to be a very complete testing system.

I was a little worried when I first went to the page:
Professional Hackers Linux Assault Kit. I thought it might be something illegal. :mrgreen:

DeadCD
(DeadCD Screenshot)
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8166/deadcddk4.th.png (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadcddk4.png)
Don't know if it helps but I searched for it on Distrowatch and it gave me something called Olive (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=olive).

Gobolinux looks good as well, I always thought the Linux File system was a little too complicated, although I am getting used to it now.

I'll also probably have a look into dyne:bolic if the website ever comes back.

[picpak]

2 that were really interesting but don't seem to be available anymore are:
kinneret
(Kinneret Linux screenshot)
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3324/kinneretzw3.th.png (http://img186.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kinneretzw3.png)

Heh, where can I get that wallpaper?

[Extreme Coder]

As the topic title says, Ubuntu is just too reliable and suitable as a useful work machine I can't have lots of fun anymore :P
So anyway, what I did is that I divided my H.D.D to 4 partitions:
15 GB for Ubuntu
750 MB of Swap
55 GB for my Home partition( done with Aysiu's excellent guide at http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/separatehome )
10 GB for my experimental OS

So now I'm on a roll of trying out Linux distros on my experimental partition. So I was wondering which OS could you suggest? I was thinking of trying out Arch, but I want to know what is your opinion first ;)

Extreme Coder

[Sef]

So now I'm on a roll of trying out Linux distros on my experimental partition. So I was wondering which OS could you suggest? I was thinking of trying out Arch, but I want to know what is your opinion first

Slackware.

[play0r]

as far as linux goes i like arch & gentoo as an alternative to debian/ubuntu.
but if you wanna try something slightly different, play around with freebsd.

ez,
play0r

[manmower]

I think Arch is not a bad idea at all, in fact it is my main OS. So maybe you'll find it too reliable after a while, but you will have fun figuring things out at first. ;)

[Extreme Coder]

I think I should've cleared up what distros did I try out before. I tried DreamLinux( If Xubuntu just looked the same...), ZenWalk( it's Slackware based, right?), and DesktopBSD(which is FreeBSD candycoated).
I don't know why, but I'm very opposed to source-based distros (Gentoo, Sabayon, SourceMage). But you can prove me wrong on them if you want :P

[mips]

I don't know why, but I'm very opposed to source-based distros (Gentoo, Sabayon, SourceMage). But you can prove me wrong on them if you want :P

Try Sabayon, I love it. It's source based but makes very little difference to me.

[kazuya]

extremecoder, what did you think of those distros and BSD? were they all great.?

[Extreme Coder]

Yeah, I think they're ok:
DreamLinux: Best LiveCD I ever saw so far. And pretty OK when installed(Even though I think this distro was made TO BE a LiveCD). Xubuntu art team needs to talk some lessons from DreamLinux :P But it natively supports the installation of some commercial software like Skype, Picasa, and Google-Earth.
ZenWalk: I haven't seen all its aspects(still exploring), but apparently it's a very good distro. They have Gslapt which is very similar to Synaptic(and it handles dependencies very well). Its only weak point is when upgrading to any version. It's definitely not a flawless experience when upgrading. Its hardware detection is ok(as long as you're using opensource drivers), but it uses LILO (for some reason LILO messes up my Ubuntu, no sound or network :( )
DesktopBSD: Gave me a good impression about the BSD family :D Its hardware detection is pretty good(detected my Radeon card well, and worked fine on my laptop), and it has a very good package manager built on Ports. Upgrading or updating on this one is very much easier than a Slackware based system.(Note that I haven't yet tried PC-BSD, which is very similar to this one)

[RChickenMan]

I figure I'm not the only one here who feels that installing another operating system is a legitimate way to pass the time. Any suggestions? I've started downloading FreeBSD, but now I'm thinking that might be too similar to Linux to be worth the time. Which open source, obscure, very "different feeling" (maybe not even UNIX-like?) OS should I try? I'm just doing this in a virtual machine, so no need to worry about messing anything up!

[Frak]

OpenSuSe Sabayon Debian(if your REALLY bored) Fedora(Again REALLY bored) ArchLinux... PCLinuxOS MEPIS SimplyMEPIS Gentoo Slackware(If your a hardcore user) XandrosFreeEdition... The list goes on.

[_simon_]

Have you just been using Ubuntu with Gnome?

If so, install the kde-desktop, that will keep you busy fiddling for a while.

[daynah]

...my -friend- installed ubuntu on one of the public school computers. A -friend-. He were going to install DSL but for some reason it didn't work... he didn't persue the matter after he realized he had a gig thumb drive.

Him not me.

[RChickenMan]

I was thinking something a bit more "exotic" than just another distro.

[mips]

Maybe have a look at this thread,

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=344425

Maybe try Haiku. Or even FreeVMS but it might be a struggle.

[John.Michael.Kane]

Linux:
LFS (http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/)
Hurd (http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/hurd.html)
Gentoo (http://www.gentoo.org/)
Arch (http://www.archlinux.org/)

Unix Based:
PC-BSD (http://www.pcbsd.org/)
FreeBSD (http://www.freebsd.org/)
OpenBSD (http://www.openbsd.org/)

[laxmanb]

Try OSX86... it'll put you on the wrong side of the law tho...

[Frak]

Or if your really up to it, use PearPC to emulate a PPC processor to run the PPC version of OSX (x86 version would be easier though, its not 10/100 the speed)

EDIT: I'm not telling you to do that though, this was made as a pun, that would break the license agreement...

[banjobacon]

Try out ReactOS.

ReactOS® is an advanced free open source operating system providing a ground-up implementation of a Microsoft Windows® XP compatible operating system. ReactOS aims to achieve complete binary compatibility with both applications and device drivers meant for NT and XP operating systems, by using a similar architecture and providing a complete and equivalent public interface.

[RChickenMan]

FreeBSD is almost done downloading, so I'm gonna give that a shot. However, next time I find mysef with the "new OS itch," I think I'm gonna go for ReactOS.

[mips]

Or if your really up to it, use PearPC to emulate a PPC processor to run the PPC version of OSX (x86 version would be easier though, its not 10/100 the speed)

EDIT: I'm not telling you to do that though, this was made as a pun, that would break the license agreement...

Wonder if you will be able to run any of the Amiga OS version on PearPC ???

(I'm talking about the later PPC versions and not the 680x0 versions)

[codypumper]

You should look into Syllable OS. Its completely different, and maybe you could help contribute to it.

[Frak]

Just my opinion, ReactOS is VERY unstable, and crashes every 5 seconds for me.

[matthew]

Nexenta (http://www.gnusolaris.org/gswiki) really interests me...GNU tools with the OpenSolaris (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSolaris) kernel.

I haven't had time to give it a shot, though.

[Frak]

Nexenta (http://www.gnusolaris.org/gswiki) really interests me...GNU tools with the OpenSolaris (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSolaris) kernel.

I haven't had time to give it a shot, though.
I'm not very interested in the OpenSolaris Kernel myself, their licensing is so off the wall, there's no reason to bother, the GPL makes much more sense than the CDDL does.

[Blofeld]

Windows 1.0 ... for old times' sake.

[Frak]

Windows 1.0 ... for old times' sake.
Wow, with that on such a modern computer, you'd have super computer, with as little power it needs.

[RAV TUX]

I figure I'm not the only one here who feels that installing another operating system is a legitimate way to pass the time. Any suggestions? I've started downloading FreeBSD, but now I'm thinking that might be too similar to Linux to be worth the time. Which open source, obscure, very "different feeling" (maybe not even UNIX-like?) OS should I try? I'm just doing this in a virtual machine, so no need to worry about messing anything up!

moving to the "Other OS" forum

[RAV TUX]

BSD based:
PC-BSD (http://www.pcbsd.org/)

BeOS based:
Haiku (http://haiku-os.org/)

Linux based:

Gentoo based:
Sabayon Linux (http://www.sabayonlinux.org/)

RedHat based:
rpath (http://www.rpath.com/corp/products-rpath-linux.html)

Slackware based:
Wolvix Hunter (http://wolvix.org/node/379)

[G Morgan]

You should look into Syllable OS. Its completely different, and maybe you could help contribute to it.

I also vote Syllable OS though unless you are interested in contributing it will probably be transparent within 30 minutes. Wonderfully simple OS, might have some trouble with hardware support.

[deanlinkous]

Hurd!!!!!

[Frak]

Hurd!!!!!
OK? What is Hurd!!!!!

[3rdalbum]

Also, Syllable's memory protection reminds me of Windows 95's - remember how Netscape could crash Win 95 by freezing up everything except the taskbar, and then finally even the taskbar would crash? When I tried mounting my Ubuntu partition in Syllable, I got that sort of instability, with parts of the OS freezing up and other parts only working partially.

But then, the ReactOS Live CD wouldn't even boot on my computer, so I can't really complain :-) When Syllable becomes more stable, and when/if ABrowse becomes better, and there are more programs for it, I'd seriously recommend it as salvage for old computers.

[deanlinkous]

http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/hurd.html

http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/

[SoloSalsa]

I've tried three versions of ReactOS on three computers. I have not had it work AT ALL so far.

[Frak]

http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/hurd.html

http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/
Thanks, I just thought you were just posting a random post...

[happy-and-lost]

Go for a Debian Etch netinst and feel the power and control

[chestnut1969]

Give Darwin a spin!

http://www.opensource.apple.com/projects/darwin/6.0/release.html

[RAV TUX]

Damn Vulnerable Linux(DVL) (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=357828)

[deanlinkous]

Go for a Debian Etch netinst and feel the power and control

debian etch is boring....
great installer
everything works by default
yummmmmmy :D

[Frak]

Try something that takes no configuring or maintenence at all --Freespire, or a Linspire LiveCD, both free. Plus it has better hardware support than Ubuntu!

I will wait for Deanlinkous to make his response.

[deanlinkous]

Let me think about the configuring/maintenance required for debian..........cant think of any - thanks! :D
(didnt want to disappoint ya)

[Rhubarb]

Why not try out Plan 9?

http://plan9.bell-labs.com/plan9/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plan_9_from_Bell_Labs

"Each Plan 9 program views all available resources, including networking and the user-interface resources (like the window it is running in), as part of a hierarchical file system, rather than specialized interfaces."

There's a live CD there to download too (78.1MB).

[deanlinkous]

Now THAT is freaking interesting....
I had seen others mention plan9 but figured it was a restrictive license...at least it is FREE software!
Thanks for that - too cool.

[Frak]

Let me think about the configuring/maintenance required for debian..........cant think of any - thanks! :D
(didnt want to disappoint ya)
Hmm... Lets see

Does Debian come with Codecs Preinstalled... No
Does Debian come with Flash Preinstalled... No
Does Debian come with Proprietary Drivers Preinstalled, the Drivers provided from the Manufacturer... No
Does Debian come with Commercial Software available from your desktop for installation... No
Does Debian have simple point and click for any peice of software available, with graphic descriptions and user ratings, to be downloaded immediately... No, and Synaptic doesn't have what I described
Does Debian come with all regular, usual preinstalled apps., modified for more ease of use by the End User... No
Is Debian User Friendly enough for the average New User... No

I want these things in my OS when I get it, so Freespire/Linspire are the perfect choice, then Xandros, then Ubuntu, then MEPIS, and I don't count MintOS because I don't think its completely legal.

And I'm not an Open Source zealot, I'm all for it, but when it doesn't get the job done, its time to break out the Proprietary. Sorry.

[deanlinkous]

(removed post)
ignore - off topic

[tokens]

i'm interested in getting a nix distro to be working on some computers. I had tried ubuntu, damn small and puppy before. what i'm looking out for is more fun :guitar: installing nixes.

anyway my priority for an OS is:
1. speed! it must response INSTANTANEOUSLY. :twisted:
2. plug and play (e.g. usb products. what i know from older ver of nixes are their low support for plug and play)
3. fat-free (i.e. no bloat)
4. package up-to-dateness
5. ease of installability
6. ease of maintenance/admin tasks (i can do with command lines, just prefer unambiguous inputs)
7. ease of upgrade to newer OS

i was thinking of arch, zenwalk, vector. what's their status like on my priority list? hope some gurus can enlighten me. thanks!

[pay]

1) Gentoo, Fluxbuntu, Damn Small
2) Fedora, Ubuntu
3) Gentoo, Ubuntu
4) Ubuntu
5) Fedora, Ubuntu

Sorry that my list is kinda limited to 5 distros but I haven't tried EVERY distro out there. Those are just my experiences. Others may differ :)

[tokens]

thanks for the informationm, though i think i'm going to give Gentoo a miss. it sounds too scary :D (and time-consuming)

[tubasoldier]

Arch is awesome. Give that a try before you spend a week installing Gentoo.

[pay]

I've always wanted to try Arch but I've already go my Gentoo installation the way that I like it and I don't want to throw that away just yet.

[aysiu]

Use Ubuntu with IcewM or Fluxbox.

[maxamillion]

Xubuntu .... I think you will find it to be a nice balance of all your requirements.

[.aku]

i'm interested in getting a nix distro to be working on some computers. I had tried ubuntu, damn small and puppy before. what i'm looking out for is more fun :guitar: installing nixes.

anyway my priority for an OS is:
1. speed! it must response INSTANTANEOUSLY. :twisted:
2. plug and play (e.g. usb products. what i know from older ver of nixes are their low support for plug and play)
3. fat-free (i.e. no bloat)
4. package up-to-dateness
5. ease of installability
6. ease of maintenance/admin tasks (i can do with command lines, just prefer unambiguous inputs)
7. ease of upgrade to newer OS

i was thinking of arch, zenwalk, vector. what's their status like on my priority list? hope some gurus can enlighten me. thanks!

I truly recommend Arch and Zenwalk..! ( Arch if you're a control freak minimalist who wants to know every little thing which is running inside your OS, like me. Zenwalk, if you're not. )

I was using Vector but it couldn't handle automounting my usb card reader, the vl-hot system which Vector is using wouldn't just work with me.

So I'm sticking with Arch, it's the best I've seen so far.

[r4ik]

Try DreamLinux,

http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/english/saiba-screen.html

Good luck !

[.aku]

Try DreamLinux,
http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/english/saiba-screen.html
Good luck !

With Zenwalk, you won't need luck! ;)

[antenna]

Sounds a lot like my requirements for a distro. I find Arch meets them very well, with #2 maybe needing a little work.

[doobit]

This should probably be merged with the other "recommend a distro" thread.

[RAV TUX]

i'm interested in getting a nix distro to be working on some computers. I had tried ubuntu, damn small and puppy before. what i'm looking out for is more fun :guitar: installing nixes.

anyway my priority for an OS is:
1. speed! it must response INSTANTANEOUSLY. :twisted:
2. plug and play (e.g. usb products. what i know from older ver of nixes are their low support for plug and play)
3. fat-free (i.e. no bloat)
4. package up-to-dateness
5. ease of installability
6. ease of maintenance/admin tasks (i can do with command lines, just prefer unambiguous inputs)
7. ease of upgrade to newer OS

i was thinking of arch, zenwalk, vector. what's their status like on my priority list? hope some gurus can enlighten me. thanks!

Wolvix Hunter

[RAV TUX]

This should probably be merged with the other "recommend a distro" thread.http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=362728
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347500 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347500&page=8)
merged here.

[doobit]

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=362728
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347500 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347500&page=8)
merged here.

When you merge a thread, I can't seem go to the links you provide. I get an error that says I'm not authorized to view this page.

[RAV TUX]

When you merge a thread, I can't seem go to the links you provide. I get an error that says I'm not authorized to view this page.
exactly because those threads have been merged here.

Those links are simply historical reference only...they don't exist any more because the threads have been merged here.