Linux
As you might know, I'm a satisfied linux user. I'll describe some configuration hints and technics I used for
my own systems.
I've also made a list of Linux distributions which I personally like or I think you might be interested in. In
addition I put a list of common operating systems compared to Linux.
Technics To Come soon
Linux Distributions
Slackware
Slackware, created in 1992, is the oldest Linux distribution. It does not have any kernel or other modifications.
Slackware is one of the fastest and most reliable Linux distributions although it is not recommend to the average user. Slackware makes
a good server distribution, but can also be used on workstations and desktops.
+ Very Stable and Secure, transparent configuration.
- Text based installation, limited hardware detection.
Slackware Website
Gentoo
Gentoo is a source based Linux distribution which means you have to compile the software first. Gentoo's autobuild system called portage
was inspired by the NetBSD port system. Gentoo therefore is the fastest amongst all distributions. It does not have graphical installers,
but is still easy to use. Gentoo is not made for mission critical systems, such as servers.
+ Easy to install, highly up-to-date software
- Tedious compile times, occassionally instable software
Gentoo Website
Redhat
Redhat Linux is propably the most widespread distribution which is used for servers, workstation and desktops. It has a graphical
installer and configuration tools and the hardware autodetection is quite good. The non-commercial version of Redhat Linux is now known
as project Fedora.
+ Very good community support, lots of innovation
- Poor multimedia support, concerns over the Redhat to Fedora transitions.
Redhat Website
Mandrake
Mandrake is a very common desktop distribution for home- and endusers. It has a very good hardware detection and easy to use graphical
install and configuration programms. Mandrake is recommended for Linux beginners.
+ User friendly, graphical configuration tools, excellent community support
- Some buggy releases
Mandrake Website
Suse
Suse is an easy to install Linux desktop distribution with a very good documentation. Suse's configuration tool, Yast, has been given
positive reviews. Suse has made itself a name in Europe and North America although Suse does not have free downloadable Image files. Suse
was aquired by Novell in 2003.
+ Easy to install and use distribution.
- Commercial software included in the distribution, no free download.
Suse Website
Debian
Debian is completely a non-commercial project. There are three branches of debian releases, stable, unstable and testing (sid). Only
after a long time a package is taken into stable branch, therefore debian stable is a very secure, but not very up-to-date release mainly
for servers and mission critical systems. Most debian users are running unstable or sid releases on their desktops.
+ Very good community support, well-tested, easy software installation with apt-get.
- Archaic system installer, limited hardware detection.
Debian Website
Knoppix
Knoppix is one of the most amazing distributions of the last years. It runs directly from cd, has an excellent hardware autodetection
and comes with lots of software any kind. Knoppix is used as rescue disk, demonstration tool, testing system and even as desktop system.
+ Boots from CD, very up-to-date, can be used as recue disk.
- Slow if run directly from CD.
Knoppix Website