There are a large number of Linux distributions available today.With the open source developmnet,now there are lot of Linux distributions all over the world.So,it is difficult to choose the right one and especially when it comes to test Linux for a beginner it should be more easy to install and configure.And moreover most of the people end up with bad experiences when they try to install big giants like RedHat,Mandrake,Caldera etc.
So,I'm here to help you by sharing my views on different distributions I tried since February 2001.And these all distributions (iso images)are availble for download on my computer at hostel LAN in JIIT
Address:
//finalyear/naveen/vnklinux/ Time:12AM-9AM on all Saturdays and Sundays.
Alternatively you can directly approach me(Room No:415,H3)to get the CDs but I prefer that you burn your own CDs from the LAN.
* BLAG Linux
Very good distribution and perfect for you if you just want to try Linux and it's inerface.It ships with GNOME desktop (no KDE).So, you can be sure about system's stability (it is quite common to see desktop hangs in KDE) and almost all basic utilities are there for you.
AbiWord, a Text Processor and a spreadsheet program from GNOME and some editors.
I strongly recommend this distribution for beginners.
* Cladera Open Linux Workstation
This is a distribution released around the end of 2001 and You can install it if you like.(I don't recommend for beginners)
* Demudi Live CD
Especially if you are inclined towards Multimedia tools in Linux.
It has a huge collection of Audio tools including audio recording, editing and playing. No need to install on HDD. Live from CD.
Recommended for music lovers with a taste of Linux.
* Free BSD
Just in case you want to try something different.
* Mandrake Linux 8.2
Very good, even though I have only CD-1.It's low on HDD space.
Hardware detection is very good.
* Mandrake Linux 10.
It includes latest versions of many programs and I have only two CDS.
Recommended for beginners or intermediate users.
* Mepis Linux
Lots of Applications included. If you really want to do a lot of text processing and tools, I recommend this distribution. Includes Open Office and KDEOffice. And multimedia programs. Ships only with KDE and I'm sure this is the more stuff that you can get from a single CD distribution.
I recommend you for beginners, if your system is fast enough (RAM 256MB or higher)
* PCQ Linux 7.1
There is no reason for keeping it here except that it is lighter than it's 2004 version.
Recommended for intermediate users.
* PCQ Linux 2004 (Based on Red Hat Linux)
This is what I offer for those who want MORE and EVERYTHING. Install full and you may have stuff of around more than 5 or 6GB.
Includes all libraries for scientific applications like Network Simulator and also ships with many scientific tools.
Recommended for experienced Linux users.
* RedHat Linux Publishers Edition 6.1
Well,what's the need to put that much old....
This is the first Linux distribution I tried (Feb 2001) and it is very small(400MB full installed) and it's installation is a snap for today's high speed machines. The only drawback I'm afraid is it may not have, graphic driver support for today's mother boards.
You can download the drivers from the internet for your board (normally the TGZ files and install them).I did this for my SIS630 and it worked well.
Very fast!.(Even on my 32MB RAM with Celeron600 system in those days.)
No recommendation!? Just your will!
* Slackware Linux 9.1
So,here is the available bug-free distribution (I'm not saying; test it!) and for those guys who want everything in "systematic order" and
want to stick to 'Do Everything? themselves!
Includes all packages in TGZ form.
The only dark end is it has to be configured properly about your hardware and For me, it made me to edit the "XF86config" file to make my Video card work.
So, use it if you like something (Do and Get!) and the advantage is it includes all classic distributions such as "fdutils" and so on which are discontinued in latest other distributions.
Recommended for advanced users.
All the above distributions are available at:
//finalyear/naveen/vnklinux/
The above connection can be accessed from any computer in hostel (H3 or H4)between 12AM - 9AM on all saturdays and sundays.The time restriction is due to the fact that my machine isn't that much powerful that I can work at the same time.
So, friends, I hope you make use of these resources and let me know your experiences and you can mail me or to lug_jiit. And if anybody has new versions or other distributions, let me know.
Your suggestions are welcome.
Regards
V.Naveen Kumar
A1 011019 ECE
(Hostel Room No:415)
You can visit my Linux website at www.vnklinux.itgo.com
