Trying new operating systems out

[pr0t3g3]

I've decided to try out other operating systems.. something that installs just as easily as ubuntu.. and still maintains most if not all the great functionality. I'm going to list the ones I have so far:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SliTaz_GNU/Linux

I know pitiful huh? I blew through a bunch of other lists of os's and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

Any Idea's as to what I can use? I'm not used to the 'configuration commands' , this: sudo apt-get blah blah.. that type of thing and although I've learned quite a bit, I'd prefer a(n) linux/unix based operating system that boots and installs as easily as ubuntu. Another words: please don't refer me to gentoo or another type of os that needs complicated configuration to install.

[Ozymandias_117]

I would suggest sticking with Debian or debian based distros that have the Repositories. That way it's easy to install new programs.

[finlost]

Why?

I am confused to your parameters for a different OS. Do you have an older machine? Are you limited on HDD space?

[Elfy]

moved to the cafe

Use a virtual machine - you can try as many different ones as you you choose.

[pr0t3g3]

moved to the cafe

Use a virtual machine - you can try as many different ones as you you choose.

How do I set up a virtual machine on ubuntu. I'd better do some research :-k

[NightwishFan]

Click here to install virtualbox (on ubuntu)
apt://virtualbox-ose

This program is easy to set up a virtual machine. Just make the .iso image the target for the virtualbox cd drive.

[Elfy]

I use virtualbox - I also use the one from their site rather than the repo's version.

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads

You can add their repo if you want to get updates for it.

There's a manual here http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/3.2.0/UserManual.pdf

[pr0t3g3]

Why?

I am confused to your parameters for a different OS. Do you have an older machine? Are you limited on HDD space?I'm using a dell inspiron 8600 with nearly 500 mbs of ram and 1.5 gigs of swap ;D .. as for hdd... I don't know what you mean ^_^. Since my pc is a bit old, I'm going to need a light os.

Since my laptop's specs aren't that high is running a virtual box a good idea?? Will I have lag?

[NightwishFan]

You need more than 500mb of RAM to run a virtual machine I think. As for a fast OS, try Debian. Once you get it set up it is great. Mine runs comfortably in 256mb of ram.

[pr0t3g3]

You need more than 500mb of RAM to run a virtual machine I think. As for a fast OS, try Debian. Once you get it set up it is great. Mine runs comfortably in 256mb of ram.
oh ok.. will I get to keep all my files, or should I save them to flash-drive, when I install it?

[chessnerd]

oh ok.. will I get to keep all my files, or should I save them to flash-drive, when I install it?

You'll need to save your files to a flash drive, most likely. The exception would be if you set up a /home partition. Even then, you should back up your files in case the install goes wrong or you mess up the partitioning (it happens even to the best of us).

[NightwishFan]

No, unless you have your files on a separate partition, you will have to move them.

[ssj6akshat]

You should try Puppy 5.0 "Lucid Puppy"(aka LuPu),it is based on ubuntu 10.04

[pr0t3g3]

You should try Puppy 5.0 "Lucid Puppy"(aka LuPu),it is based on ubuntu 10.04
That was one of the os's that caught my eye... however since I go out alot and use my laptop for college I can't have something that run's in root equiv all day.. other than the fact that someone else can screw my system up, I might make a mistake and mess up the system...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_Linux

If you can't understand what I meant read that and you'll see.

[pr0t3g3]

I'd like to hear an alternative to debian if there is one. Maybe one like Gentuu but installs easily like ubuntu

[NightwishFan]

Most of the major distributions are very easy to install. What kind of system are you looking for?

Fedora - Very up to date and innovative, promotes free software.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedora_OS

OpenSUSE - Excellent configuration and documentation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opensuse

Debian - Flexible and fast. (It has a graphical installer)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian

Sidux - Debian Sid with KDE, simple to install and use.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidux

Linux Mint: Ubuntu variant with preinstalled codecs/flash etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_mint

[pr0t3g3]

Most of the major distributions are very easy to install. What kind of system are you looking for?

Fedora - Very up to date and innovative, promotes free software.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedora_OS

OpenSUSE - Excellent configuration and documentation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opensuse

Debian - Flexible and fast. (It has a graphical installer)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian

Sidux - Debian Sid with KDE, simple to install and use.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidux

Linux Mint: Ubuntu variant with preinstalled codecs/flash etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_mint
One that can handle what limited 'old' game consoles I have installed: playstation 1 and nintendo 64... so far playstation failed miserably on here... I'd like to also be able to view pdf files and load documents from microsoft office 7+ without too much trouble.. I've converted a few documents to be readable here on ubuntu but nothing too troublesome.... and something that can install and remove programs pretty easily; I also don't want to have to hunt it down ....

[NightwishFan]

Similar software will perform the same between operating systems. Emulating a console or gaming will rely on your hardware.

Viewing PDF files is easy and should be common to all of them. OpenOffice.org and Abiword can open Word documents, they are both easily available on most GNU/Linux based OS. I am not sure how well they open newer Word documents though.

Any system that uses Debian Packages (Debian, Ubuntu, Sidux, Mint) or RPM packages (Fedora, Red Hat, CentOS, OpenSUSE) all have a lot of software available for easy installation.

There is not much difference between similar tasks on other operating systems. The differences usually lie elsewhere, such as default options, installation methods, release schedules..

Ubuntu or any of these really should be similar for you. I would recommend any.

[pr0t3g3]

Similar software will perform the same between operating systems. Emulating a console or gaming will rely on your hardware.

Viewing PDF files is easy and should be common to all of them. OpenOffice.org and Abiword can open Word documents, they are both easily available on most GNU/Linux based OS. I am not sure how well they open newer Word documents though.

Any system that uses Debian Packages (Debian, Ubuntu, Sidux, Mint) or RPM packages (Fedora, Red Hat, CentOS, OpenSUSE) all have a lot of software available for easy installation.

There is not much difference between similar tasks on other operating systems. The differences usually lie elsewhere, such as default options, installation methods, release schedules..

Ubuntu or any of these really should be similar for you. I would recommend any.
So there is no such thing as one of them running more smoothly, or with extra features?

If that's the case then oh well... but I really like the look and the reports I've seen about Gentoo.. The only thing keeping me from trying it out is the installation process... not that I mind such a lengthy process but:
1. I'm far from familiar with the command line
2. the longer I work on a 'project' like that the more prone to errors I'll be.

If there is an operating system similar to the look, feel, and use of gentoo, minus the lengthy insallation then please list it/them here.

[NightwishFan]

My point is the differences between gnu/linux operating systems is generally not in the majority of end user software on them. I guess I am not making sense, so good luck. I hope you find something you like.

[cchhrriiss121212]

Sounds like you have no real reason to switch to gentoo, unless you just want to learn a bit more about it. With your system I would recommend Crunchbang, which is Debian plus Openbox/Xfce. It's main goal is minimalism which means it is light on resources and very stable.

[pr0t3g3]

Sounds like you have no real reason to switch to gentoo, unless you just want to learn a bit more about it. With your system I would recommend Crunchbang, which is Debian plus Openbox/Xfce. It's main goal is minimalism which means it is light on resources and very stable.
I thought you might think that; No I'd like to experiment with different os's ..

I want to check out newer ones, as I might run into new problems (small or large) that I can learn how to fix... but I don't want an unstable system.

As I've said multiple times: Gentoo caught my eye... however it requires too much heavy maintenance..

If there's an operating system similar but with all or most of the configuration set, then I'd like to try it out and experiment.

[ssj6akshat]

You should stick to a debian/ubuntu derivative due to the amount of software available in the repositories.

[pr0t3g3]

You should stick to a debian/ubuntu derivative due to the amount of software available in the repositories.thats all well and good but, I would still like to try something new... I never said i was leaving ubuntu behind.. note that I have more than one pc ;D

[pr0t3g3]

What are the top 5 most powerful operating systems linux or otherwise.... also what are the top 10 most popular?

[cariboo]

Check Distrowatch (http://distrowatch.com/) for the most often downloaded distributions.

[Timmer1240]

Try wattOS its based on Karmic 9.10 and lightweight http://www.planetwatt.com/index.php or linux mint http://www.linuxmint.com/

[Cardale]

This OS is good, but don't go on IRC they are power mongers and find any reason they can to exercise the little power they have.

[handy]

Many consider Fedora to be the easiest & most complete distro available these days. It seems to have won the crown from Ubuntu a while back.

[NightwishFan]

What is this proverbial crown that you speak of? Though I do like Fedora as well. Anyone try the SUSE 11.3 beta, I plan on it tonight.

[pr0t3g3]

i merely wanted to see if anyone could tell me what the top 5 most advanced operating systems... so advanced and versatile they make other distros look primitive.. and don't tell me they don't exist... I know that there is at least one or two unpublished operating systems like that... Their names escape me however...

[NightwishFan]

Fedora is configured by default with the latest technologies. It was the tip of the spear in the past for utilities such as Pulseaudio, Networkmanager, SELinux, etc. SELinux is added security for a Linux OS, originally created by the NSA. It adds an extra layer of protection and notification about local and remote security threats. Fedora includes it by default.

Haiku is a open source OS that is a successor to BeOS. It is not Linux, but is a very innovative software platform designed for the desktop end user and a multimedia platform. It is a permanent addition to my flash drive. :) I suggest you give this one a try.

Possibly also something like Gentoo or Sorcerer, which allow you to essentially build your own system. I am sure you know this already.

[pr0t3g3]

Fedora is configured by default with the latest technologies. It was the tip of the spear in the past for utilities such as Pulseaudio, Networkmanager, SELinux, etc. SELinux is added security for a Linux OS, originally created by the NSA. It adds an extra layer of protection and notification about local and remote security threats. Fedora includes it by default.

Haiku is a open source OS that is a successor to BeOS. It is not Linux, but is a very innovative software platform designed for the desktop end user and a multimedia platform. It is a permanent addition to my flash drive. :) I suggest you give this one a try.

Possibly also something like Gentoo or Sorcerer, which allow you to essentially build your own system. I am sure you know this already.
Yes. Sadly those aren't the operating systems I was thinking of. The names don't jog my memory.. but I do vividly remember that they are EXTREMELY powerful.. My only guess as to why they aren't being advertised or used for sales/profit is that they are simply os's created solely for powerful and precise experience (not for the everyday user)... I'm not sure if they were scientific.. but rest assured they were customized for internet browsing and other functions that aren't pure computing... I can't find them if I don't have a name... otherwise I'd just use google or other sources.

[NightwishFan]

I am not sure what you mean. I think you are misinformed. If they are Linux I really doubt they are different from many other distros. It is all the same software.

The one I mentioned (Haiku) is a whole different OS, there are other ones such as BSD, Solaris, etc.

[pr0t3g3]

I am not sure what you mean. I think you are misinformed. If they are Linux I really doubt they are different from many other distros. It is all the same software.

The one I mentioned (Haiku) is a whole different OS, there are other ones such as BSD, Solaris, etc.
Nah .. it wasn't linux.. I think it was a unique type of operating system.. forgive my ignorance on such a thing however I posted what I knew... I had the site with the info bookmarked... I can't remember what the names of the os's are... only that they are instated on equally powerful platforms.

[NightwishFan]

Here is a list of Operating Systems. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_operating_systems

[handy]

What is this proverbial crown that you speak of? Though I do like Fedora as well. Anyone try the SUSE 11.3 beta, I plan on it tonight.

Self explanatory I thought?

The OP has already been told to have a look at DistroWatch.com , if that doesn't solve his problem then he just wants to talk & not do any research.

[NightwishFan]

Sorry my friend, should have been more clear. I was wondering about your opinion on Fedora.

[pr0t3g3]

Sorry my friend, should have been more clear. I was wondering about your opinion on Fedora.
Hmmm... I'm not sure, but I'll test it out. I'm still burning with curiosity about those precious few homebrew operating systems that are unique.

[NightwishFan]

Check the list I posted, it may have what you seek. Also, I was referring to the comment of a Mr. Handy above, but feel free to try Fedora if you want.

[23dornot23d]

Here is another list ,,, LIST (http://www.freeos.com/download.php)

The only one that I know of that is relatively unknown and was really fast was QNX

But it could be anything nowadays there are so many popping up .....

[pr0t3g3]

Here is another list ,,, LIST (http://www.freeos.com/download.php)

The only one that I know of that is relatively unknown and was really fast was QNX

But it could be anything nowadays there are so many popping up .....
Note, that early on I said it wasn't released to the general public... as in up for download ;D. just throwing that out there..
My guess as to why is, that it was a personally created operating system, and what's more even if it were released... NO machine could handle it. ^_^; so you see? I'm merely curious as to the name... I gave you a general description.. If it rings any bells and you remember the name please tell me, as the site I found it on couldn't be looked up on google, the name of which I also forgot =_=.... see my other thread:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1502691

[handy]

Sorry my friend, should have been more clear. I was wondering about your opinion on Fedora.

Fedora's fine, but it is not my style, I prefer to have more control over my system than the likes of Fedora/Ubuntu & the others that try to be all things to all people. So I use Arch & build the system just how I want it to be. :)

[pr0t3g3]

Fedora's fine, but it is not my style, I prefer to have more control over my system than the likes of Fedora/Ubuntu & the others that try to be all things to all people. So I use Arch & build the system just how I want it to be. :) just how powerful is, your system and platform though? Powerful enough for you? Call me a power-freak or whatever you want I wouldn't be able to handle such a setup.... however I am curious as to what hardware was used and software that was created for it, as well as, any updates to it.

Note: I am still searching in vain for the name of the os...

[handy]

just how powerful is, your system and platform though? Powerful enough for you? Call me a power-freak or whatever you want I wouldn't be able to handle such a setup.... however I am curious as to what hardware was used and software that was created for it, as well as, any updates to it.

Note: I am still searching in vain for the name of the os...

I run Arch64 on a 2007 model 24" iMac (technical specifications here (http://support.apple.com/kb/SP16)) & on an old Athlon64 3500+, single core with 2GB RAM & AGP 7950GT GPU.

Arch/Openbox/xfce4-panel, is light & fast on both systems & it is set up just how I want it also, with no extra crud that someone else thinks I may need.

Arch uses the rolling release system. Which means you can upgrade the entire system whenever you want. I upgrade mine usually once a day. The system on the iMac was installed in March 2008.

There are many thousands of packages available for Arch, in both the official repos (binary) & AUR - the Arch User Repos (source).

[pr0t3g3]

I run Arch64 on a 2007 model 24" iMac (technical specifications here (http://support.apple.com/kb/SP16)) & on an old Athlon64 3500+, single core with 2GB RAM & AGP 7950GT GPU.

Arch/Openbox/xfce4-panel, is light & fast on both systems & it is set up just how I want it also, with no extra crud that someone else thinks I may need.

Arch uses the rolling release system. Which means you can upgrade the entire system whenever you want. I upgrade mine usually once a day. The system on the iMac was installed in March 2008.

There are many thousands of packages available for Arch, in both the official repos (binary) & AUR - the Arch User Repos (source).
I was speaking of the 'super advanced' platform, but that is good too! People have forsaken the main topic which is what you just revived. Keep it up!

[Timmer1240]

Arch sounds awesome if only I had the knowledge!maybe in a few years!

[pr0t3g3]

Arch sounds awesome if only I had the knowledge!maybe in a few years!
I hear good things about Gentoo as well.. i've found a few like those but gentoo seems to be pretty good. What do you think?

[NightwishFan]

I like your avatar, classic. Good times.

On topic: A good friend of mine recommends Gentoo, so it must be good. I have actually never tried it myself though. I may in a virtual machine sometime.

[pr0t3g3]

I like your avatar, classic. Good times.

On topic: A good friend of mine recommends Gentoo, so it must be good. I have actually never tried it myself though. I may in a virtual machine sometime.
Warning: If your not serious or experienced enough to configure an entire operating system then you might not want to try gentoo.

Trust me it will save you alot of pain.... this warning is especially for people new to the technical aspects of a os.

[Babbage]

I've moved to the fully free Trisquel, check it out its great: http://trisquel.info/en

[NightwishFan]

I am quite experienced in low level system tasks and theory, as well as unix-like system administration. :) Gentoo should be up my alley, but I am not much of a tweaker oddly. Ubuntu or Debian is more than I need in customization. (Yes both of them are very customizable).

[jerenept]

DreamLinux. See sig.

[handy]

Arch sounds awesome if only I had the knowledge!maybe in a few years!

It's not hard to install or maintain, provided you can comprehend & apply the very well written installation instructions The Beginners' Guide (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Beginners_Guide), & whatever else you need to know about in the Arch wiki. (The Beginners Guide is huge, but you don't have to use all of that, it skips you through to where you need to go very effectively. :))

Here are a few how-tos that I wrote, the info' in them is critically important for an Arch user, & is great to know before you start. I had to find this stuff out as I went along. They have [Arch] starting their title:

http://spiralinear.org/index.php?board=9.0

I've used both Gentoo & Arch, & Arch is much easier to both install & maintain. The Arch way is about sticking to the KISS principal, which has gone a long way to making it very likely the most simple distro in existence to maintain.

Also due to it using its rolling release upgrade system, you find that as the months turn into years & your knowledge of the system gradually increases, your aging initial install is apart from being upgraded as often as you want (daily in my case), it is also continually being improved/optimised & becomes the most comfortable computer system you have ever used, as it is set up just the way you want it, using your choice of the many thousands of packages available.

I find it great to not have to be doing a clean installs of my system every 6 months or so. Or risking breakage from a major system upgrade at those same intervals. Doing an upgrade often in Arch, is the best way imho, as you are having smaller & quicker upgrades with a much less likely chance of breakage. I've had 3 or 4 breakages in the approx' 2 years & 3 months I've been using Arch. Knowing how to downgrade out of trouble, makes it a very quick & easy situation to escape from. (See my how-to linked to above?)

So whether you like KDE, Gnome, Xfce, Openbox, LXDE or whatever other WM, or just plain X, it is your choice. You make the choice & then install it. Same goes for any other packages, you choose it from the supported repos (binary) or from the Arch User Repos, (source) & it is automatically installed on your system.

I love it. :)

[Timmer1240]

It's not hard to install or maintain, provided you can comprehend & apply the very well written installation instructions The Beginners' Guide (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Beginners_Guide), & whatever else you need to know about in the Arch wiki. (The Beginners Guide is huge, but you don't have to use all of that, it skips you through to where you need to go very effectively. :))

Here are a few how-tos that I wrote, the info' in them is critically important for an Arch user, & is great to know before you start. I had to find this stuff out as I went along. They have [Arch] starting their title:

http://spiralinear.org/index.php?board=9.0

I've used both Gentoo & Arch, & Arch is much easier to both install & maintain. The Arch way is about sticking to the KISS principal, which has gone a long way to making it very likely the most simple distro in existence to maintain.

Also due to it using its rolling release upgrade system, you find that as the months turn into years & your knowledge of the system gradually increases, your aging initial install is apart from being upgraded as often as you want (daily in my case), it is also continually being improved/optimised & becomes the most comfortable computer system you have ever used, as it is set up just the way you want it, using your choice of the many thousands of packages available.

I find it great to not have to be doing a clean installs of my system every 6 months or so. Or risking breakage from a major system upgrade at those same intervals. Doing an upgrade often in Arch, is the best way imho, as you are having smaller & quicker upgrades with a much less likely chance of breakage. I've had 3 or 4 breakages in the approx' 2 years & 3 months I've been using Arch. Knowing how to downgrade out of trouble, makes it a very quick & easy situation to escape from. (See my how-to linked to above?)

So whether you like KDE, Gnome, Xfce, Openbox, LXDE or whatever other WM, or just plain X, it is your choice. You make the choice & then install it. Same goes for any other packages, you choose it from the supported repos (binary) or from the Arch User Repos, (source) & it is automatically installed on your system.

I love it. :)
Sure would like to try this Ill have to do some reading and studying to get more familiar and try it in a virtual machine first sounds like a good clean and lightweight way to go!One cannot learn if you never try and experiment right!

[handy]

Sure would like to try this Ill have to do some reading and studying to get more familiar and try it in a virtual machine first sounds like a good clean and lightweight way to go!One cannot learn if you never try and experiment right!

Quite a few people test Arch out in a VM. I think that is a good idea.

The installation via The Beginners' Guide, is a brilliant introduction into the fundamentals of just how Arch works. There are a few config files that you need to become familiar with, that are extremely powerful & also short & simple. rc.conf being the crux of the biscuit (as Frank Zappa used to say ;)).

Using any of the more automatic installation methods, is really not recommended for a first install, as you miss out on the education.

Many (I know I did) find the initial Arch installation quite an enjoyable adventure. Have fun with it? :)