When 'Free' Isn't. Help me choose a distro!

Ubuntu!

 

 

Oh, wait, reasoning first. I've been a long time linux user and advocate, and have been through many of the distros I'm sure you've used, ranging from Redhatv..something (god...4?) to Fedora Core2, Debian, SuSE, blackhat, slackware...I'm sure I'm forgetting some. I also used to be a pretty hardcore FreeBSD guy, but that's another story. ;)

 

 

When it came time for me to build my last Linux system to date (a desktop, mind you) I went out and did some research. I wanted something that was simple to install, worked well out of the box but was customizable, was relatively secure, very reliable, good package management and a strong community.

 

 

After researching online and talking to many friends who are also similarly involved *nix geeks, I settled on giving Ubuntu a whirl. Boy am I glad I did!

 

 

I've been using it for over two years now, and I've never looked back. I can confidently say I've never used another Linux distribution that is as well put together in all of the above regards as Ubuntu is.

 

 

It's based off of debian, so it uses the wonderful apt-get package management system, it has a huge, thriving community that is a huge plus, and meets or exceeds all of my other requirements, listed above or otherwise.

 

 

They have since come out with a server edition that I've heard great things about, but haven't personally used. If it's anything like the desktop version (which let's face it, they're probably 90% the same with different packages installed by default and a few kernel options) then I wouldn't think twice about recommending it to anyone.

 

 

I am currently in the process of putting together a 1U webserver for personal use, to replace the decrepit one I have now. There is no doubt in my mind what OS is being installed when it comes time. :)

 

 

Anwyay...there's your first comment, now let's see what everyone else has to say.

 

 

123-OSwargogogo!!!

 

 

Colin