Could you recommend me a Linux Distribution?

Question

I have used Ubuntu (from 7.04 to 8.04), OpenSUSE 10.0, Fedora 9, ArchLinux (running on it, but I just broke the X and really don't feel like fixing it). I am very good with command line and am not uncomfortable with things like Arch, Gentoo, or Debian; but at the same time, I am not meticulous and do not like spending countless hours perfecting my desktop.

Ultimately, it would be great if the distro had ext4 compiled into the kernel (at least in 8.04.1 I had to compile my own kernel) and the newest version of e2fsprogs (which supports ext4) available. And I'm not a fan of KDE 4.x right now because it is so unstable.

I am leaning toward trying out Ubuntu 8.10; Just ripping out all the stuff I don't want; but I would love suggestions.

Answer 1

To begin with it drives me mad how everyone recommends Ubuntu, which these days is becoming distinctly average. Ubuntu 8.10 is truly dreadful. If you want a classic Ubuntu then go for 7.10 http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10/ or 7.04 http://old-releases.ubuntu.com/releases/feisty/ 7.04 is no longer supported but still possibly the best release.

If you want to get a bit inventive take a look at Debian GNOME http://pkg-gnome.alioth.debian.org/

Also take a look at Sabayon Linux http://www.sabayonlinux.org/ which is Gentoo based.



LUg.

Answer 2

Just the other day I tried out openSUSE 11 and Mandriva 2009 and several other distros. I have tried openSUSE in the past and didn't care for it much but the newest version with the Gnome desktop looks like a keeper. I have Mandriva Spring 2008 installed on a machine dual booting Ubuntu 8.04 and like it OK. The Mandriva 2009 with KDE4 is quite interesting though and I may install that on a spare machine. I usually run Ubuntu but have been doing some distro hopping lately. Tried out quite a few but openSUSE and Mandriva are the two I would seriously consider running on a regular basis.



Of course Puppy Linux goes on all my older under powered machines. I can't say enough just how cool Puppy Linux is!

Answer 3

Being an advid linux guy or woman for thirteen years, by ability of no ability touching living house abode windows or os x i might desire to declare Ubuntu is sweet Linux mint is larger perfect and long island OS is the superb. And in case you chosen long island or have an activity in it shop on with long island OS on facebook!

Answer 4

I would recommend Ubuntu 8.10, i actually deleted win XPPRO, and installed Ubuntu and i haven't ever though of going back, it is great...Very user friendly, easy to navigate around...It is obviously not compatible with much software, you have to right commands but, i like the system, and my laptop has done a good job with it on,very stable os. :) i would recommend it to anyone...

Answer 5

Ubuntu is the way to go if you want to get up and running quickly with little fuss.

Answer 6

I wanted to recommend Ubuntu from the moment I started reading your question, so glad we came to the same conclusion ;-) It works for me, and from what you describe, we're about the same type of users...