Which Linux is right for me?
 

I am going to try and learn Linux on my own time, but I don't know what version to use. I really don't know why I want to learn Linux, but I do. Any information here would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

oh man, you dont know WHY you want to learn it?
i'd stick to mandrake then..
at least it's got a more windows OS type feel to it (without all teh crashing and assuming you want certain software installed)

Easiest way to start might be to download Knoppix at http://www.knoppix.net. It is a bootable CD with a ton of software included, and it all runs from the CD. No changed required to the machine.

Otherwise, if you want to actually install a distro on your PC, I'd recommend Mandrake like Ganguro or maybe RedHat.

Mandrake and Knoppix are good to start on. Personally when if I were to start over with no knowledge, I would want to use RedHat even know it is bloatware. Everything you would ever want is rpm'ed making it easy to install. Then once you get compfy, start compiling your own software.

Personally, I use gentoo linux as of late. Unfortunitly, I still have to rely on windows for work and side work, but I use linux wherever I can. Perfect example, my cable isp blocked windows sharing, for good reason, but it made impossible for me to do some work. Use linux to build a ssh tunnel to my linux box at work, forwarded some ports, and I was workig again.

God loves teh linux!

Mandrake
Suse
RedHat

are all good for beginners. It really comes down to personal preference which is best for you. You can't really go wrong with them...

Debian
Gentoo
Slackware

are more for experienced users. If you really get the hang of linux you'll see why they are preferred amongst power-users. For learning they are a bit too tough though. (side note: Debian has a very large following, so If you have lots of time to spare and a spare PC debian can be your choice)

This only applys if you want to run software that is 6 months old unless you want to run the "unstable" packages :)

Point taken. I'm not a Debian follower (I've never run debian in my life) but it was the impression I got.

Is it seriously 6 months? how about security updates?

FreeBSD.

Oh, wait... :)

Thanks a ton, again. As many tips as possible is great.

I do have an extra machine that doesn't currently have an OS installed. :)

Lots of good advice here. I'd recommend Knoppix, but if you have a spare comp you may want to try out Mandrake on there instead. Both are good options. Personally, I think Mandrake is better for newbies (and in general) than Red Hat.

Some highly suggested reading:

http://tfproject.org/tfp/showthread....ighlight=linux
http://tfproject.org/tfp/showthread....ighlight=linux
http://tfproject.org/tfp/showthread....ighlight=linux
http://tfproject.org/tfp/showthread....ighlight=linux

Ok, nobody kill me or send me to the wolves...but I just have to do a quick de-rail.

SecretMethod70: I've seen a lot of avatars, and I just have to take a moment to say, "Nice!"

Jdoe

I think distributions like mandrake, suse, and redhat include enough documentatoin and utilities for a new user to survive. Knoppix is a handy distro, but unless you install it to the hard drive your configuration and server options are somewhat limited. It's great to just get a taste though.

You can in fact get bootable CD versions of other linux distro's also, I recommend trying Suse that way.

The first thing you have to remember is that EVERY problem or question you ever have with linux has already occured... search with simply your question and your likely to get an answer, if you want to know how to do something simply type in "Howto xyz"

Just avoid more difficult distributions like slackware or debian (both excellent for their intended audiences)

You people are the greatest! I am going to give some of these a try.

Uh FreeBSD isn't linux but better than linux if you already know linux

have tried HR 6/7/8 and MD 7/8/9 and am currently on Knoppix 3.2 (HD install, first thing I did with that) with my spare *nix box. Defintely prefer the Debian based distros and Knoppix appeals to me much more than anything else I have tried so far.
Did install FreeBSD 4.7 awhile back but was to stupid/lazy to troubleshoot why StartX gave me an error when trying to run that after installation.

I'm tired of people bitching about Debian's release cycle, it works fine, and unstable packages are just 'current' packages that are packaged but need to be tested. Everything in stable works and is tested, so you can rest assure that you won't have many problems.

Generally: Use stable on servers and such, unstable on your desktop or systems where you need the newest apps all the time.

Once you use it, you won't go back, believe me. It's like Gentoo with precompiled binaries ;)