On Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:39:47 +1200 Jeff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Fast at what? Display redraw, database access, compilation, floating point computation ( where's that 80387 when you need it??? ) - you can have some or you can have many if you're lucky.
I use debian for my servers ( and they do get a pounding, believe me! ), and build my own kernels where it is useful ( like changing the scheduler for my database server for example ). I'm also writing from a debian desktop. However, those servers don't have any gui as all, so probably not a lot of use, and I'd probably have built this up with Feisty if it had been around at the time. The only way to get the most out of your hardware is to build from scratch ( and choose it wisely - see nVidia vs. ATI at a google near you ). However, you improve things with a bit of choice. For example, SuSE compiles to 686 code, whereas most others build to 386. You'd probably only notice back-to-back, but... Gentoo ( never my favourite, but ymmv ) is the easiest way to get a lot out of your hardware. Even better, linuxfromscratch. But, tbh, what's wrong with ubuntu? I think if you want a bit more performance, one of the *BSD variants would be worth a try - certainly a play with. They have a reputation for simpler, faster implementations. I ( personally again ) wouldn't try slackware - it's just different because it can be. Finally, if you haven't bought anything yet, I'd look at getting a 64bit amd based machine. Certainly the best power for your money, even if you run a 32 bit kernel on it. Just a thought or two, Steve
