Now that Aidan's developed a Computer Acquisition Strategy, he'd like some advice on distributions. He writes:
Hello Linux people, I am using Ubuntu now (on an old eMac, but I'm switching to an x86 machine), but I am wondering if there is anything closer to my idea of a perfect (as perfect as is possible outside of Utopia) Linux distribution. I want something fast (and I mean FAST, not just efficient for what it does, like GNOME or KDE), without any fancy foo foo, like window "effects". I've heard Xfce is a fast, efficient desktop environment. I also don't want to have to get the source for ALL the software I want to add on, which is why I like Ubuntu. (Although, I do realise that's from Debian, and that non-Debian based distributions have packages.) I mostly use the command-line, and Emacs, so I don't need a nice file browser, but I still like GUIs for complicated tasks, such as managing packages, and networking. And as for free software philosophy, I have a somewhat pragmatic view on what proprietary I use. I want to be able to easily install closed drivers, but not have Adobe Acrobat Reader as part of the default installation. I've heard of some distributions that have setups like that. Stability is definitely a must. I would rather have a slightly outdated system, than an unstable, yet on the edge, system. I also find the release cycle of Ubuntu mildly irritating. It's not that big a deal, but it's just a LITTLE too often for my liking. So if anyone can recommend a distribution like this, that would be great. And thanks for all your advice on computer shopping. I decided to get a working a machine off TradeMe, and improve it as I need to. Of course I'll open it up to look at EXACTLY what I've got, when I get it, too. So, here's your chance to (politely) evangelise your favourite distro, and perhaps win a convert (or two) in the bargain. Have at it! --Mike ********************************************************************** This electronic message together with any attachments is confidential. If you receive it in error: (i) you must not use, disclose, copy or retain it; (ii) please contact the sender immediately by reply email and then delete the emails. Views expressed in this email may not be those of the Airways Corporation of New Zealand Limited **********************************************************************
