[wellylug] Quote please for new system install.

[Brent Wood]

--- Jamie Baddeley <wellylug at vpc.co.nz> wrote:

> On Sun, 2006-01-29 at 15:25 +1300, Persian wrote:
> > Hi Everyone,
> > 
> > I am looking for a total revamp of my system with the installation of a new
> OS, currently RH9. 
> > I do not wish to do any of this myself, but would like to observe it all. I
> would like suggestions 
> > of an OS 
> 
> Debian Sarge. Or Ubuntu. Depends on how puritanical you're feeling.

Hmm.. sounds like you should use Debian if you are very puritanical, or a
Debian derivative like Ubuntu or Kubuntu if you are only a bit.

And if you are not feeling at all puritanical you have a wide range of perhaps
more suitable options, such as Fedora 4, SuSE, and Mandriva. 

I find some Debian purists tend to frown at these because they include non Open
Source packages, such as proprietary Nvidia drivers, Acrobat reader, Flash
media player, etc, to make things easier for the user rather than follow a
strict open source philosophy.

A classic illustration was an exclamation from a Debian user watching their
first SUSE (v9.3) install at the last Wellylug installfest:

  "My mother could use that!".  


Have a look at www.distrowatch.com for some info on a wide range of Linux
distros, with some pointers/suggestions which may be useful in helping you
choose which fits your preferences best.

All of the ones mentioned above (including Debian) are used & supported by
different members, and you'll get help & support for them all.


After you look around, if you think SUSE 9.3 would suit you, I have a copy with
a "SUSE 9.3 for Dummies" book which I bought because I found it a good
reference for most of the applications, not just Linux. I can lend you the book
& DVD if you like. You'll learn a lot more working through this than simply
watching an install.

Cheers,

  Brent