Which Linux Fits Your Needs?

Filed in archive Finding The Right Linux For You on August 28, 2006

Part 1

We will be looking at which Linux system is best for you. I picked these four systems because they are easier to install. They should have support and hardware detection and easy to update and install new software. Also help from the internet was considered.

The four systems that were picked were:
1. Xandros Open Circulation Edition Version 3
2. SuSE 10.1
3. Mandrake 10.1 Official
4. Fedora Core 5
5. Ubuntu

1. Xandros OCE version 3: In the past year and a half, Xandros has become a very good distribution for people moving from Windows to Linux, or even people using a computer for the first time. It has a very clean interface and configuration and administration is effortless. OCE version 3 has the following new features (from the website):

- New! Speedy, stable, standards-compliant browsing with the Firefox Web Browser
- New! Automatically filter out spam in an easy-to-use Thunderbird Mail reader
- Turn off annoying pop-up ads and banners
- Surf multiple Web sites in one tabbed window
- New! Make phone calls over the Internet with Skype Internet Calling
- Chat with others on MSN, Yahoo, AOL, ICQ, and IRC in a single instant messenger

OCE is completely free. Xandros also has commercial versions, which comes with some commercial software and more support.

2. SuSE 9.2 is a distribution with a long history behind it. It has been around for years, and the latest version is typical of SuSE. Loads of software, impressive administration tools, easy to use, and a clean interface. SuSE does not offer a free ISO download of the full version, though it is possible to do an FTP install for free.

3. Mandrakesoft is a company that has been around for a while, like SuSE. Mandrake has always been known for making distributions that provide a good mix of features and ease of use. The latest version carries on the Mandrake tradition with the deliverable free ISO downloads.

4. Fedora Core 3: Fedora is a Red Hat sponsored and community-supported open-source project. It is also a proving ground for new technology that may eventually make its way into Red Hat products. It is not a supported product of Red Hat, Inc. This statement from the website belies the power and popularity of Fedora. Since it is extremely similar to Red Hat, and there are many Red Hat resources available, Fedora is used a lot. It does have some drawbacks, but then again, nothing is perfect. Fedora is also completely free

5. Ubuntu-The latest craze. Offering an operating system predominantly targeted at desktop computers. Based on Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu concentrates on usability, freedom from restriction of use, regular releases, and ease of installation. Ubuntu is sponsored by Canonical Ltd., a private company founded and funded by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth.