Re: [SLUG] Distributions

[Jim Hague <jim.hague@nospam.acm.org>]

On 20-Jun-2000 Jon Biddell wrote:
> For example, I'm using SuSE for both server and desktop at the moment, but 
> am thinking of converting one to Redhat 6.2 - just to see what it has to 
> offer aver and above SuSE....

As a consequence of picking up a load of CDs at the last OxLUG meeting, I now
have Debian potato-test-1, RedHat 6.2, Mandrake 7.0 and SuSe 6.4 on my work PC.
For general server work there's probably not a lot to separate them, though I
understand (not got that far with it yet) that Debian can automatically seek
and apply security updates.

In the basis of an install and quick play, Mandrake looked the best from the
desktop POV. OK, so I'm probably biased, in that their WindowMaker config was
nicely tailored, but it looked like they'd gone to a lot of trouble to get
everything working smoothly.

Mandrake and SuSE also score for (a) offering a English (UK) option on install
and (b) from that auto-selecting Europe/London timezone and a UK keyboard
layout. All of which is completely irrelevant to you... 

> How the heck do you keep up with the distributions ?

Do what everybody else does - pick one, then slag off all the others :-) 

Seriously, I don't know how anybody keeps up and gets anything else done.
Andin my limited experience, it's a continual game of leapfrog between the
major commercial distros anyway. You know - SuSE sprouts green YES/red NO
confirms on starting daemons, next thing you know RedHat have copied it.But
while the differences are there (chiefly in configuration software -
YAST/Drak???/Linuxconf...), they all run the same application software. My
personal guide right now:

o Debian. For the hardcore Linux user. I must get to know it better.
o Mandrake. Nice desktop.
o RedHat. Installed base.
o SuSE. Does ISDN proper. Install doesn't ask about NIS. All the rest do.
  I needed to set up NIS.

Not reviewed: Slackware, Corel, Storm, etc. etc. etc.
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