Re: Which Linux distros would be best for me?

On Fri, 31 Mar 2006 09:38:02 -0500, Walterius wrote:
When I ask which distros would be best, I mean ease of learning, community
support and newsgroups, and availability of good, simple books.

Sounds like Mandriva will get you up and running pretty quick.

See if you understand the install screen shots here
http://doc.mandrivalinux.com/MandrakeLinux/101/en/Starter.html/drakx-intro.html

You can get the free 3 cd download or dvd from a mirror.
http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/en/downloads/mirrors/2006iso

Or get the 4 cd set with docs on cd from
http://shop.cheapbytes.com/cgi-bin/cart/os2.html?var_distribution=Mandriva&id=9eeXqnmK

0070011255 Mandriva Linux 2006 "free" x86 CD Set $8.99 +Shipping
0070011256 Mandriva Linux 2006 "free" x86 DVD $8.99



I use BellSouth DSL. I don't know if they support Linux, but I don't think
so. A search of their Help site turned up no reference to Linux. I sent them
email asking for clarification. If they don't support it, I will eventually
switch to another ISP.

You will find most of the ISP _do not support linux_.
It does not mean linux will not work. The helpdesk troubleshooting docs
only support a few window OS releses.

With 200+ linux distributions, they would never get it right.

My greatest fear is learning a bunch of semi-meaningless Linux commands a la
DOS or Unix. Best for me would be something that closely resembles
Plug-n-Pray.

Mandriva will get you there.

I also have a non-standard mobo that uses a special drivers CD. I tremble at
the thought of not being able to use my various peripherals.


Other people's Free advice:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

and do bookmark this very large, Frequently Asked Questions (faq) search engine
http://groups.google.com/advanced_group_search
key words(s) in the first box
*linux* in Newsgroup box. You need to use the two
asterisks around linux, pick English

.

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