On Fri, 19 Mar 1999, Tim Moore wrote:
> I've only been running Linux for a week on RH4.2. I notice that there
> are loads of different Linux versions. What do they all do? Should I
> upgrade to Linux RH5.2 asap or what!
>
> Tim (confused)
--
And more loads coming!
All of the different linux versions are 95% the same in terms of linux-itself.
Same kernels, GNU tools, basic apps, etc. If you can wait just a bit, you'll
start to see distributions come out with the newer 2.2 kernel, but you could
get your distro know and download it anyway.
In any case, here's the difference I see in the "major" distributions. Just
keep in mind that there are fantastic "minor" distros out there too. But peer
support is slightly better if you use a major one. The following are just my
personal opinions, they aren't meant to start flamewars or offend anyone...
Debian - calls itself GNU/Linux instead of just plain Linux, in homage to the
incredible work the GNU project did to lay the foundation for a free OS. Many
people consider Debian to be the "one-true-linux" (just as some people consider
KJV to be the one-true-bible). Redhat users don't care if you use SuSE or
Debian, but there are a few Debian users who do care if you use Redhat or SuSE.
The best part of Debian is that they take their time. They won't release a new
version until it's done. Because of this, they tend to be a bit behind other
distros, but for the same reason, they have the stablest version.
RedHat - a very general purpose linux, very stable, with easy to use
installation and configuration tools. Some people are concerned that they are
too commercial. Since the majority of the newer users use RedHat, you get great
peer support. Redhat doesn't come with as many packages as Debian or SuSE, but
you get enough to do most things.
SuSE - loads of packages. The installation is very easy, but it gives you many
more options than Debian or RedHat do. Since they do a lot of X driver
development, they've got a lot of new video drivers. Oh, did I mention loads of
packages? They've got a good management tool called YaST which I
personally hate, but still knocks the socks off of RedHat (I hate linuxconf
more!).
My two cents,
Arandir...
