Problems with Fedora? Use Mandriva (Mandrake)

From: MrBiggles (mrbiggles909_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 09/22/05 

Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 10:36:10 -0700

Just a note to any who might be in a similar situation:

I wanted a web server, so I installed Fedora Core 4. Well after a week
of configuration/installation nightmares I decided to wipe the install
and do a fresh one. I also decided that I should investigate other
distros while I was at it.

So I downloaded Mandriva LE 2005. My first choice was SUSE, because I
read so many rave reviews. But their install method is ridiculous. You
must download all the install files AS THE INSTALL IS TAKING PLACE. This
is insane because if something goes wrong you have to start all over
again. The download can take up to 3 days... yes days (if on a modem).

So I went with Mandriva. I can report that within 3 hours of the
installation I had my web server up and running with Apache2, PHP, and
MySQL, and all properly integrated and communicating with each other.

I also had my extra hard drive mounted and running within minutes.
Mandriva has a Control Center that makes configuration a complete breeze.

I can not recommend enough that if you're new user, DO NOT INSTALL
FEDORA CORE 4. Install Mandriva and make your first experience with
linux a fond memory.

This brings up another point... for new users, first exposure to linux
should be gentle, otherwise the OS risks the instant alienation of
potential new users. I never gave up out of necessity, but others just
messing around will surely give up if Fedora is their first experience
(and things don't go well).

Just my words of advice to new linux users... go with Mandriva.
BTW, my problems with Fedora Core 4 were not user error, I had
everything installed as it should have been. It just didn't work, and in
multiple areas... ftp, php-mysql plug-in, yum, GNOME. Even the initial
install hung multiple times. Mandriva had no problem installing on the
same exact hardware - all detected perfectly.

Relevant Pages