Choosing a GNU / Linux is far from clear! Especially when you start on the ice ;-)
This does not pretend to promote a distribution to the detriment of others. It is rather a list of solutions classified by approach. Certain distributions must first be installed before it can be used. Others are Lives CD / DVD can be tested without risk to the system installed (binaries are stored in RAM only) and can also often be installed.
1 - Distributions to install
1.1 - Distributions to install easy to use
These include a configuration (such as the Windows Control Panel).
> FoXLinux
FoXLinux (F lexible O perating System - Based on Fedora Core Linu X) is based, as indicated by the name of this distribution lying on the distribution Fedora Core. This distribution favors KDE, is compiled for processors i686 and integrates codecs multimedia. The FoX Control Center is very successful.
> Mandriva
Several versions are available free for download and others for Club members including bonus. There is also the Mandriva One who is a Live CD installable. This distribution has a strong community.
> OpenSuSE
OpenSuSE version is freely accessible to everyone of SuSE. The OpenSuSE simply does not include binaries owners.
> Xandros
Based on Debian, there are 3 versions of the standard which is restrained in its functions! Better perhaps to turn to other alternatives except (maybe) to buy a version with CodeWeaver for use during the reign of Penguin programs Windows world.
> Ubuntu and its derivatives
Ubuntu (based Debian) gave birth to variations differentiated by the manager of environment and some software:
- Ubuntu: Gnome
- Kubuntu: KDE desktop
- Xubuntu: office XFCE (lighter)
- Fluxbuntu: office FluxBox (ultra light)
Note also EasyUbuntu and EasyKubuntu whose aim is to assist in the installation of codecs and drivers owners.
It has been simplified to target users who want a system immediately operational. Therefore, and unlike other distributions:
- It does not pass through the administrator to perform the tasks of government, but we demand the rights to enter his password.
- The command "su" is replaced by "sudo".
On the other hand, the plant now passes by the Live CD.
This distribution has a strong community (communities (K / X) Ubuntu and Debian).
- http://www.ubuntu.com/
- http://www.kubuntu.org/
- http://www.xubuntu.org/
- http://fluxbuntu.org/ Note that Fluxbuntu is still at the experimental.
1.2 - Distributions to install but a little less practical
For these distributions, look for no GUI bringing together everything that can be set.
1.2.1 - The best-known
> Fedora
This is Red Hat for individuals. Formerly named as Fedora Core, it does not natively include binaries owners (to comply with U.S. legislation). This distribution has a strong community.
- http://fedoraproject.org/: Fedora Project
- http://www.fedora.org.uk/
1.2.2 - Less known:
> CentOS
It is derived directly (excluding logo) sources of Red Hat by recompilation. A Red Hat hiding that you probably prefer Fedora ;-)
> Freespire and Linspire
Freespire is the free version of Linspire (based on Debian). This distribution means to compete with Windows (until the appearance of offices near-identical)! And so the system is easier for start, there are departures from the philosophy GNU / Linux: the creation of a password root (administrator) is no longer required!
> KateOS
Based on Slackware, this distribution (unfamiliar) uses XFCE lighter than KDE.
www.kateos.org/
> VLOS (Vidalinux Desktop OS)
VLOS is a Gentoo stage 3 in french with the Anaconda installer from Red Hat. Many seem to find VLOS buggued! Lack of youth?
Distributions for advanced users
> ArchLinux
ArchLinux is constantly evolving and version numbers reflect only the status of the distribution at a given moment and in no way any degree of maturity.
Archlinux always uses the latest versions of software and can install them quickly after their release, the responsiveness of developers and speed of the system make it an ideal system for anyone wanting a Linux always up to date.
> Debian
A community distribution which is the source of many other distributions. It is very stable because the binaries are extensively tested. Accordingly, there not looking for the latest versions of binaries.
Indeed, there are 3 versions
- Stable: frozen version where the only updates are security patches,
- Testing: stable future where only the packages sufficiently mature can be integrated,
- Unstable: ersion active and volatile, where new packages are constantly added or updated (nicknamed Sid).
This distribution has a very strong community.
- www.debian.org
- www.debianworld.org/
- www.debianaddict.org/
- http://forums.debian.net/
- http://planet.debian.net/
Please note that Debian also offers a version officially Live CD:
- Page Wiki : http://wiki.debian.org/DebianLive/
- Downloads: http://live.debian.net/
> Gentoo
The Gentoo is a special case. She moved from the start compiling (3 modes installation called "stage"). But since version 2006.0, to reflect the fact that many dropped out because Gentoo too long and difficult to install, there is a Live CD that can install more simply. Look carefully at the documentation before installing anyway ;-)
> Slackware
Although its old-fashioned (installation of windows graphics), installation is simple, effective, direct while the packages are native to the essentials (no duplicate applications). Note that the default desktop is KDE. The kernel is a 2.6.
Small configurations are perfect for slackware (minimum 486 processor, 16 MB RAM, 500 megabytes of hard disk, a floppy drive and a CD-ROM).
- www.slackware.com/
- http://store.slackware.com/
- http://www.slackbasics.org/
- http://www.slackbook.org/html/index.html
> Source Mage
This young distribution is totally based on sources. The humour in the premium Harry Potter! All actions are seen as fate lay ;-)
> Zenwalk
Based on Slackware, Zenwalk aims multimedia, development and office with a single application per task. The minimum configuration is not very demanding: i486 with 36 MB RAM (console), 96 MB RAM (Fluxbox) and 144 MB RAM (KDE).
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