What distro to move to?

[Valok]

Hi everyone!

I've been using ubuntu now for about a year on and off. I think I've gotten a decent handle on using it, but I want to be able to do more and learn more about linux. So I'm thinking of testing out a couple other distros, but I'm not sure which would be a good move for me to head to. I've been leaning towards Arch, but to be fair I haven't really looked at any other distros.

So what distro do you suggest I check out to learn more about Linux?

(I mainly use my computer for gaming, but WINE works just fine)

[wolfen69]

how about Inx (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=859914)?

[Hallvor]

Hi everyone!

I've been using ubuntu now for about a year on and off. I think I've gotten a decent handle on using it, but I want to be able to do more and learn more about linux. So I'm thinking of testing out a couple other distros, but I'm not sure which would be a good move for me to head to. I've been leaning towards Arch, but to be fair I haven't really looked at any other distros.

So what distro do you suggest I check out to learn more about Linux?

(I mainly use my computer for gaming, but WINE works just fine)

If you really want to learn linux, then try Slackware.

[meho_r]

Agree, Slackware and Gentoo are definitely go to you :D

[Valok]

Thanks for the tips guys! After looking at a few distros Slackware and Arch both look like I could learn a lot from them. But from what I can tell (please correct me if I'm wrong) Arch looks like its a little bit easier to use, so I'll probably start there and branch out once I know more about linux in general.

[C!oud]

IMO Arch is easier than Slackware but really you will definetly learn a ton with Slackware and it's a fantastic OS. Arch is definitely great for learning stuff too but the great pacman spoils ya :). Either way you will definitely learn a great deal with both of them, others you might want to try are Gentoo or if you're up for it Linux From Scratch.

[cardinals_fan]

IMO Arch is easier than Slackware but really you will definetly learn a ton with Slackware and it's a fantastic OS. Arch is definitely great for learning stuff too but the great pacman spoils ya :). Either way you will definitely learn a great deal with both of them, others you might want to try are Gentoo or if you're up for it Linux From Scratch.
+1

Arch is a good combination of learning and ease of use. However, you can't beat Slackware for a learning experience.

[smartboyathome]

+1

Arch is a good combination of learning and ease of use. However, you can't beat Slackware for a learning experience.

Not even Linux from Scratch can? :(

[cardinals_fan]

Not even Linux from Scratch can? :(
It depends on what you want to learn. LFS is certainly the deepest you can go with Linux. However, Slackware teaches many of the same concepts.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Actually your next one should be debian, as ubuntu is based on Debian so you will have both familiarity but also have the ability to learn more about linux.
I learned a lot by using debian.

[kaldor]

Gentoo and Slackware are the hardest to use so I hear. This is due to the fact that you need to actually compile and learn how the system works in order to use them.

Before going into complicated things, start simple. If you are not too good with Linux yet, use Debian or Fedora. Both are much like Ubuntu. After you get good at using those, THEN move on to the hard stuff.

Good luck mate!

[cardinals_fan]

Gentoo and Slackware are the hardest to use so I hear. This is due to the fact that you need to actually compile and learn how the system works in order to use them.

You don't need to compile everything to use Slackware. However, it is fabulous for learning about the system.

[Sorivenul]

In general I would suggest Debian, Arch, and Slackware. All three offer different learning experiences. I would agree that Debian may be a logical next step as it is not as "automagic" as Ubuntu, and follows the "baby steps" theory. Arch is easier to use than Slackware, IMO, and would be great after some time with a pure Debian system. The Arch Beginner's Guide is fantastic, community support is good, and there are a lot of ways to expand your knowledge with Arch. Slackware is a breed unto itself, and if you're going to learn it, don't use "respins" or "remixes" like SLAX or Zenwalk - use the real thing. I've used all three, and currently only Slackware remains on one of my boxes. Just my two cents. Good luck!