[PLUG] "Gender" issues

[patrick.t.finnegan.1]

On Thu, 27 Sep 2001, Charles Allen wrote:

>     I was wondering if you guys could inform me of the strengths and
> weaknesses of the major distributions.  I am sinserely curious about
> them.  I curretnly use RH7.1 and I wonder if there's a distro out there
> more suited to my ability level and needs.  Is there a site that takes a
> third party view at the different distros?

Here's a short run-down of the Distro's I've used or generally are
familiar with:

RedHat - by far the most popular in the commercial world, but not
generally known for its security/stability of the included software
(mostly due to it including the VERY newest and sometimes PRE-releases of
different software packages.)  - It's OK and used heavily by ECN at
Purdue.  Uses a pretty-good package management system called "RPM".
http://www.redhat.com

SuSE - A RedHat look-alike that uses the same package manager as Redhat.
When I tried it last a few years ago, I couldn't get the installer to work
correctly, but I'm sure it's "YaSTly" better now.  Very popular in Europe.
http://www.suse.com

Debian - A distro that until recently _EXCLUSIVELY_ came with Free
Software packages (no commercially licensed stuff).  It has what is
reputed to be the 'BEST' package managment system available.  Personally
I've had problems getting it to work correctly, but many people on campus
decide to use this.  NOT recommended as a noobie distro.
http://www.debian.org

Mandrake - Generally the biggest "noobie" distro.  Has much similarity to
RedHat (including package system), but is more stable.  Easy to install
and get started with.
http://www.mandrake.com

Slackware - My personal favorite.  It doesn't have much of a package
management system, but generally ships with more stable/secure packages
than other distros.  Best way to install stuff is to download updates from
their ftp site (mirrored on ftp.cerias.purdue.edu).  I started with this
along with a friend of mine -- once you get hooked, you can't stop. :) If
you are not a computer nerd already, I don't recommend it as a starting
platform.
http://www.slackware.com


As always, GET A GOOD BOOK WHEN YOU GET YOUR DISTRO-- especially for new
Linux users.  Slackware is available from their website with a book for
learning it.  Other books are available for other distros through Barnes
and Noble (at the Tippecanoe Mall), Amazon.com, Linuxmall.com, or your
other favorite dot-com store that has not yet dot-BOMBED.

-- Pat

Plug publicity committee
http://plug.purdue.org

Slackware Linux   --   http://slackware.com

"People are like onions -- you cut them up, and they make you cry."
  -- fortune(5)
"You ever smoke a lot of pot, watch hollywood squares, and get it?"
  -- Dave Attell