What Linux Distribution should I switch to?

Question

I've been running Ubuntu for almost 8 months now and I am fairly certain that I want to switch distos.
I am very comfortable (and actually enjoy) using the terminal, but I feel that I never have any opportunities to do so with Ubuntu.
I want a linux distribution that will allow me to gain a better understanding and feel of some of the lower elements and workings of the operating system.
Eventually I want to use Gentoo, but I am not sure what type of experience and knowledge that it requires.

Could I go straight to Gentoo (I always enjoy a challenge)? I hear the documentation is pretty helpful and straightforward.
Or maybe Sabayon? I hear it is slightly easier than Gentoo.
Or should I make a smaller jump to Fedora or OpenSuse?

My computer is an IBM Thinkpad T42 if that helps at all.
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I agree with what Xificurk says.

In my opinion Fedora and Opensuse are very similar to ubuntu and would hardly be a "jump".

You are right that sabayon is based on and very similar to gentoo and easier to install and run, and takes less initial time due to not compiling the packages.

I would say it depends on your level of handling frustration. If you do not get frustrated and give up quickly when you cannot get something to work (like wireless) then you should give gentoo a try. There is a lot of very good documentation and their forum is very active and good. Of course if you having a friend who can talk you through problems is the best.

Another option would be to try (for the sake of using the terminal) the first link below. It explain how to build a text based workstation.

Another option would be to try linux from scratch. You start with an empty partition and compile and assemble the whole system from scratch. It is VERY hard. I was not able to complete it and found some of the instructions confusing. It may be better now, but you will learn exactly how linux is put together and has the most complete customization around.

You should keep ubuntu as a dual boot until you are comfortable with any new distro.

Have fun

Answer 2

If you _really_ want to learn how the stuff works and have enough time to learn it, Gentoo is ideal. I speak from my own experience - a few years ago, I was experimenting with various distros (trying to switch from windows), then stayed for a half year or so on SUSE to get familiar with linux, and then switched straight to Gentoo. Although the documentation is pretty good, it is a big advantage to have a more experienced friend using Gentoo that can help you with some basic setbacks.

Another good choice for you could be Debian, from which Ubuntu originates. It is also considered the distribution for more experienced users. In contrast with Gentoo it is a binary distribution, thus no long compilation times, which is a good thing if you want to use it on notebook.

Personally, I think the most important thing is to have someone capable to help you in the beginning - I would have probably never switched to Gentoo not having so many friends using it.

Answer 3

If you want to get to better understand an intermediate layer of the system configuration you should try with Arch Linux. The standard installation gives you only the core system without any graphical interface. From there you will be able to assemble and configure the rest of the OS according to your taste; it seems tricky but their wiki provides you very detailed instructions about how to proceed. Really, really challenging; it gives you great satisfaction at the end of the day!

http://www.archlinux.org/

Answer 4

I thoroughly recommend Fedora 13 for being a fine intermediate distro.



Fedora 13 Download

http://fedoraproject.org/get-fedora



Fedora 13 Installation Guide

http://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/Fedora/13/html/Installation_Guide/



Fedora 13 User Guide

http://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/Fedora/13/html/User_Guide/



You download the ISO. image of Fedora 13 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Fedora 13 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive



Also worth considering :



Fedora Remix (Fedora with elements of Linux Mint)

http://fusionlinux.org/2010/05/25/lucky-13/

http://iso.linux.hr/community-fedora-remix/



Again Fedora Remix can be run direct from the LiveDVD without touching your Hard Drive



Also you can try out as many different Linux distros. as you like on LiveCD until you find the one thats right for you DISTROWATCH.COM gives full listings (second lists the major distributions)

http://distrowatch.com/



Major Linux Distributions

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major







LUg.