On Aug 26, 2009, at 10:38 AM, MitchAlsup wrote: > > I have an old retired computer (1/2 GB main memory) and I want to > install a linux system so that I can write some C-code and build a > simulator (make, gdb). In particular, it does not need anythinig more > than rudimentory window-dressings, keyboard, and mouse. I have another > MS system for my day-to-day networking and internet stuff. > > With this minimalistic set of constraints, and some searching, I have > basically come to the conclusion that any of the distributions would > satisfy my requirements. > > So, do any of the distributions actually come with the C-compiler > already bundled in and ready to make? OR is this just a simple "go > download it, install it, and it all works just fine" kind of problem?
Most binary distribution distributions of Linux do not have a compiler included by default. You need to install it separately using their package management system (eg. yum install gcc or apt-get install gcc or autoyast something something or emerge gcc or whatever... though in Gentoo it'd already be there so nevermind). Most distributions have a "build-essential" or similar kind of meta- package which installs the compiler, GNU Make, GNU Autoconf, and a few other useful tools as well. I love Debian and Gentoo, and am considering moving to FreeBSD or NetBSD 'cause I'm a crazy Californian and the GPL is too restrictive for me ;-) Though I hear that Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS, etc. do work. I have not been able to verify that they're good, but in all honesty it's a matter of personal opinion. OpenSuSE is an interesting system, though through personal experience I would not recommend it. Some form of Ubuntu (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu prime, etc.) would probably serve you just fine. If you want to go with a Red Hat based distribution, I have found Fedora to be the best of those, but that is according to someone who thinks that Debian itself is the best aside from Gentoo. IOW, I'm weird, but my weirdness mostly reflects common conclusions. Ubuntu is great, Debian is better if you know what you're doing all the time, and Fedora is good too. Registered Linux Addict #431495 For Faith and Family! | John 3:16! http://www.fsdev.net/ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Linux Users Group. To post a message, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit our group at http://groups.google.com/group/linuxusersgroup -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
