> I don't know if it's me, but I just trashed my Red Hat 5.2 distribution
> and will be going with Slackware.
I'd recommend taking a deep breath and looking at all the various
distributions. Examine, for example, SuSE, Stampede, and the other distros.
Then I'd recommend running Debian GNU/Linux. Debian has a package
management system that makes it mindlessly easy to install/uninstall,
upgrade/downgrade hundreds of various software packages. In case Debian's
~2000 software packages aren't enough (it features more packages than any
other Linux distribution), it also will handle RPMs, TGZs, and other package
formats. It handles dependencies in a way that Red Hat only dreams of -- for
example, multiple layers of dependencies: requires, recommends, suggests, etc.
-- and will auto-resolve dependency issues for you if you want.
But best of all, Debian is integrated and has quality control. If a
package doesn't meet certain Debian standards and follow its standard formats,
it doesn't get included into Debian. Or take an example of integration. With
*any* Debian package all config files go under /etc -- period. No wondering
where the config files are! This seamless thoughtful layout permeates Debian.
For another example, when you go to remove a software package from a Debian
system there's two ways to do it. You can just remove it. That would delete
the libraries and executable files while *leaving* your perhaps-customized
config files. Or you can purge the software package. That deletes
everything, including the config files. Of course, when installing Debian
packages you'd expect the same thoughtful handling, right? Sure. When
installing Debian packages if they detect that you customized a config file
you'll get a prompt asking if you want to install the new config file or keep
your old one. Of course, whatever you do you get backup copies made just in
case. :-)
Debian is a nice "middle ground" between Slackware's "to the metal"
approach and Red Hat's "I wanna hold your hand" mindset. But whatever you
decide, take a look at all the Linux distributions. If you're switching you
can't go wrong by educating yourself about the alternatives.
--
Regards, | Debian GNU/Linux - http://www.debian.org - More software than
. | *any* distribution, rock solid reliability, quality control,
Randy | seamless upgrades via ftp or CD-ROM, strict filesystem layout
| and adherence to standards, and militantly 100% FREE Linux!
