C-bro

Before posting this, I read all the guides on "which distribution should I pick" and that kind of stuff. I'm still sort of foggy though. It seems that everywhere I turn, I find a new Linux distribution that seems interesting, but vastly different from the others. My original impressions of Linux were different distro just meant a different desktop environment. However, after doing alot of reading and browsing, I've come to understand that desktop environments and window managers can be interchanged with almost any distribution.

That being said, I ask myself again "what's different about this distro, and is it better?" I know they're all quite different, but at a low level that I'll never see and most likely never understand. From what I've read, these are the main distinguishing characteristcs:

- package management (rpm, deb, etc.)
- file system structure
- included applications

Is there a whole lot more that differentiates most major Linux builds? I'd like to, if possible, pick a build and stick with it, but it just seems like there's so much choice and variety. Some say it's a good thing, but I find it very overwhelming for a new Linux user. I'd like to begin learning about the OS, but it seems that as soon as I start to learn commands and practices, as soon as I try out a different distro, I have to re-learn everything again. I'm not sure if I'm lazy or just a Windows-drone, but it seems to be more effort than it's worth.

Can anyone give me a solid reason to go with one distribution over another, or is it mostly a preference thing? (I'm leaning towards Debian when I get a bit more experience, since some of my knowledge will cross over from Xubuntu). I still have yet to try out Fedora Core 5, which seems to get praise from everywhere. Of course, I'd have to learn to "yum" first...

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jigglylizard

Mandriva is easy upkeep and install from my experiences.

I had also realized that there seems to be few differences for noobs like us across distros. Maybe someone with more experience can enlighten us.

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dangerousHobo

Bingo, its mainly a preference thing. The commands for the most part you'll find will be the same, except when working with package managers.
Try out a few different distros and then stick with the one you like best.
You'll find a few changes in the kernel when you go from distro to distro, but you'll eventually get to the point where you'll want to learn how to customize and streamline your kernel. I still say Gentoo is at the top of my list right now with distros. Its easy to always keep it up to date (though the process takes a while) and its very customizable. Debian is looked at very highly too. Both have a large fan base too.
There is not mush difference between each distro, besides the kernel, package manager, and customized desktop environment. Also since Linux is so highly customizable you can change anything about it. Using SuSe but like Yum, you can add Yum then to SuSe.
Best suggesting is to just try around and see what works for you.

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C-bro

I was really interested in Gentoo for a while, but I think it's still a bit above my head. I was also confused by the USE flags and that sort of stuff. I'm working on getting a fully customized Fluxbox/idesk environment right now. I'm writing all my menus and shortcuts by hand to get a feel for executable paths, and directory structure. That way if I mess something up, I still have my Xubuntu stuff to fall back on. I tried Debian, but I only downloaded the netinst version (the other is HUGE), and I was stuck with nothing but a terminal and puzzled look my face. Needless to say I had to install Xubuntu back on there. I've got Fedora Core 5 downloading right now, so hopefully it'll be alright.

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theRemix

yes it is all about personal preference, and choice. that's the point.

and the differences you mentioned are correct.

but once you learn one, you don't have to spend so much time learning another.

another big difference is the people and how many there are actively maintaining the project. if it's dead, don't expect many updates.

then theres the community, check out a distro's community, it's important cause nothing 'goes perfect the first time', be prepared to ask the community for assistance, then contribute however you can back.

whatever you choose, remember there's no "better, or worse", there's only favorites, and advantages. have fun! :P

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Melcar

That's basically it. All Linux distros are the same except for the differences you mentioned. One of the major factors that should influence your decision is, as said earlier, the community support. I started with Ubuntu/Kubuntu a while back and still find myself going back to those distros, mostly because of the community. I already tried FC5 and found it easy to use, but I have an easier time dealing with the Ubuntu community. Downloading Gentoo right now so I can find out what all the fuzz is about .

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