There are so many different Linux operating systems I have read about but which one is the best ? Mandriva Linux??

 

What are you using it for and how much Linux experience do you have?

There are as many correct answers to this question as there are Linux devotees.

 

I have used Mandrake in the past, but I'm not a Linux gru. I just want a Linux OS that is easy to install and use. I will be using it on a Dell Inspiron 9300 Laptop, just tired of all the XP virus.

 

I really like OpenSuSE:

http://www.opensuse.org

I've also been wanting to try Kubuntu:

http://www.kubuntu.org/

 

In the past, I have loaded Mandrake (mandirva now), Fedora and Debian (all on a desktop system).
Mandrake and Fedora are fairly much set and forget as to the loading and pretty well worked straight out of the box, with a few exceptions.
However, of the 3, I prefer Debian. There is something to be said for a package that is totally untainted by any corporate interest, and Debian is just that. No matter what you load, it is in reality based on the Debian kernels, but with each backers own personalizations. And that is what narrows your options as to available packages, repositories, dependancies, and quirqks of operation/maintenance.
Laptops seem to be the most difficult of all systems to get right due to the many varities of internal hardware, and special devices they employ (such as touchpads). As a first step, I would advise you study the options, narrow the field down to 1-2 choices, and download, print, and read everything you can get your hands on first. Second, take a complete hardware inventory of the internals as you will need that for the linux setup in case the auto-setup routines cannot handle it all.

I have had a very frustrating time getting my test system set up, but knowing what I do now, I doubt I will ever go back to windows.

Dialtone

 

I have a book on my computer called "Running Linux, 5th Edition" I got it because I will probably be using Linux next time i upgrade my computer. I find it is quite knowledgable, and if anyone wants it, PM me and I will email a copy to you.

 

I would go and download the Ubuntu distribution of Linux. That is the easiest to use for a Windows user. It is based off Debian and has a fairly large support base through their forums.

 

As you were asking about Mandrake, (now Mandriva) I would also consider looking at Pclinuxos. One of the big contributers to Mandrake, did it, and it can be ran from the disk, to be played with, before installing it to the hard drive.
On laptops, I would use that, or Knoppix, some bootable cd/dvd to check component compatibilty.

 

I'm not much of a Linux person, but I have used Solaris, FreeBSD, NetBSD, HP-UX, and SCO. I prefer Unix based OS's to Windows any day of the week. I'm a Sun person by trade as well though.

 

Whew... I tried PCBSD, and it was awful. I'm sorry, I'm not a programmer. I like to be able to put a device in and the driver is either on a disc, available on the internet, or the operating system has a generic one that will make it work.

Ryan

 

OK I tried the Mandrivia 2006, and some things did not work, like backup Seagate HD, wireless connection, multiple hangups, would not print without a freeze. So I am back to Windows. Just not for me. Maybe it works better on a desktop.

 

you tried it on a laptop, AND it booted? That's pretty good.

Desktops offer a huge range of compatibility compared to laptops.

Ryan

 

Both wireless networking (thanks broadcom) and modems (winmodems) give a lot of problems on a laptop. Backup hard drive? Was it usb, or does it swap out with another drive (another issue). You find Linux on a few laptops, but you won't see more, till it's more widely adopted.

 

I like what I have seen so far from my Mandrake install. Sure, I have to use the XP side of things to get on the net (dual boot = running great), since my ISP doesn't really support Linux OS's as of yet, but not having Office XP and the 600 freaking MB's that thing takes up and having to buy it as well...Open Office is great for the schoolwork side of things. Though, with a 200 GB hard drive, that wouldn't be any sweat....but put that room to games, instead!

I know nothing about Linux, mind you, but I will learn up now that I got my dial-up internet working finally.

 

There is a recent thread here on Ubuntu which is another distribution.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=468492