What Linux distrobution is your favourite and why?

Question

I have CentOs 5.4 on one desktop system, 2 CentOS servers- 1 running asterisk and 1 running the SQL and Apache for the dialer. I have 3 Ubuntu 9.10 desktops, 1 Fedora 12 Desktop and my laptop has Ubuntu 9.10 x64.... only because I couldnt get my ATI card to work right with Fedora's KDE for some reason. Even in Ubuntu, I have to use Gnome for the dual monitor display to work correctly.

What is your favorite distro and why?

Answer 1

Ubuntu



Reasons

1) It just works. I haven't had to fiddle around to get hardware to work since Intrepid, except when testing alpha versions. The installer is easy and slick. Everything has worked right out of the box on both new installs as well as dist-upgrades, including sound, 3D graphics, printers, wifi, bluetooth, and webcams. In fact I still can't get Bluetooth to work on XP/Vista and my HP MFD won't work(the scanner part anyway) since I lost the driver CD; both of these have worked out of the box with Ubuntu since Gutsy. I didn't even run into any of the Intel graphics issues that so many were talking about in Jaunty.



2) Excellent seamless upgrade process, and a regular release schedule for new versions. The update manager is excellent and easy to use. Plus the advantages of APT and Synaptic coupled with the deb format, thanks to Ubuntu's Debian roots.



3) The best feature- great documentation, and exceptional community support at ubuntuforums.

Answer 2

I always fall back on a mix of Ubuntu and Linux Mint myself. I really don't like messing around with my computer more then I have to, and I find that Ubuntu just works. That being said I would always use Fedora on PPC computers. I try to stay with Debian based distros for my PDA as they tend to have more packages for ARM architecture (Maemo being my main OS on my PDA). If the hardware can handle it I usually use 64bit over 32bit as I'm a bleeding edge type of person and I always want to use the latest and greatest tech so that I'm not having to play catchup later.

Answer 3

I have no favorite: all distros are basically useless for the average person. For servers, enterprise versions of Linux, those which are purchased and come with service agreements, can do some jobs fairly well, but NetWare (RIP) and Windows do the job just as well. Linux is basically for those disenchanted with other operating systems and who are willing to overlook Linux's deficiencies (selective observation).

Answer 4

PClinuxOS KDE version. Simply easy to use and easy to set up. Give you root access Installs proprietary drivers. Uses .rpm files. Looks and feels like Windows, which makes it a comfortable Linux for a new person. The system I am running on my HP Slimline desktop with 4GB ram and 4GHZ processor, 500GB Hard drive. You can install the drivers while in the LiveCD mode, then install it to the hard drive. I would not recommend on install to allow it to remove any drivers. Give it a test run.

Answer 5

Gentoo, due to the ability to optimize and customize every aspect of the operating system during installation, almost literally building a Linux distribution from the ground up. Keeps me busy on Saturdays, too. XD

Answer 6

Without question Linux Mint as it offers the complete package without being tied down to endless agreements and offers complete freedom to do with as you wish. Additionally Linux Mint benefits from sourcing software packages from the massive amount of Ubuntu repositories which contain an endless amount of useful software



I currently have 3 Linux Mint releases either installed or on custom LiveDVD created using Remastersys http://www.geekconnection.org/remastersys/remastersystool.html



Those releases being Linux Mint 6 Linux Mint 7 and Linux Mint 8



Linux Mint 6 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 6 (Felicia)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia



Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 7 (Gloria)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-7-gloria



Linux Mint 8 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=44



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 8 (Helena)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-8-helena



All of these have been heavily customized in one form or another and offering features that are not included on the standard release



LUg.