New Linux Distro?

I've used ubuntu for a while off and on. Recently got an hp Dm1z with hp fusion APU.

Considering switching distro's and wondering about what my options are.

I'm a comp sci major so my windows partition isn't going anywhere. My biggest concern is stability and possible future utility.

I am not really bias towards any OS (cept osx maybe?).

The one recurring problem I have trying to stick with linux is I find I can usually do whatever it is I'm trying to do in windows just as easy.. so it makes it a bit harder to use linux.

Any really impressive distro's out there? While I don't have a lot of needs at the moment I am looking for some new features and something to really give me reason to get into linux.

 

Try Fedora 15 with Gnome 3, You will have to set it up to be productive with it, and for media/codec use, but you'll appreciate gnome-shell's simplicity and functionality if you're using if for basic tasks (and a beautiful gui).

Linux is more customizable and usable imo, but it needs to be setup properly which can be quite time-consuming. I suggest making a list of what you're gonna be using it for and figuring out what you really want your computer to do.

I use Linux Mint 11, and it's out of the box experience is excellent. Might have to configure the themes and stuff a bit to your liking, but it pretty much does anything entertainment/office/internet wise and it's software manager is quite decent. The only gripe I have is that It doesn't have gnome-shell out of the box (might be the only one who prefers gnome-shell here).

 

Your not the only one

 

I may try mint linux.

I have found generally speaking in the past that linux suited my productivity/media needs but, lacked in features over other os's.

 

Why not try Arch? You can build Arch up from a minimal install so that it's lean, fast and customized to your liking. If nothing else, it's an interesting way to learn more about Linux.

 

Ummm.....Arch is fairly daunting compared to Ubuntu. Great documentation. Actually, I read the documentation and decided that Arch would be a project that I'd do in another 6 months and that was 6 months ago. I'm up to doing a command line install of Ubuntu, but I'm still not an Arch linux user. And yes, you can do a very minimal Ubuntu install. That's not unique to Arch.

 

And why not Gnome 2.32 on Ubuntu?

Linux Mint 11 redirects your Google searches. That's creepy. Yes, that's how the Mint project supports itself, but it's just plain creepy to redirect Google to a green Mint themed webpage for the sake of advertising revenue. It's invasive, heavy handed and just plain wrong.

As far as the interface, Linux Mint 11 is overrated. You can configure Ubuntu to have the Gnome 2.32 desktop in less than 1 minute. Check my sig. Codecs? Not a problem. Install the restricted extras package. No big deal.

The big deal is when Mint redirects your Google search page.

 

PCLinuxOS is what I recommend. There is a reason people call it "The distro hopper stopper".

Here is a link to the standard release:

http://na.mirror.garr.it/mirrors/pclinuxos/live-cd/pclinuxos-kde-2011.6.iso

Or if you prefer a torrent:

Torrent details: pclinuxos-kde-2011.6.iso.torrent

For a peek look here:

‪PCLinuxOS 2011 Review - Linux Distro Reviews‬‏ - YouTube

 

Just found another toy to play with, thanks !

 

You're a CS major, man up and try Slackware.


As the saying goes, once you go Slack you never go back.

 

Trying Slackware was a nice and amazing experience actually, I was able to get a basic KDE desktop working except for the Wifi - since it was unable to do the WPA2 authentication - I searched around for ways to fix this but finally gave up.

Recently I started on CLFS - cross linux from scratch in a x86 and x86_64 multilib environment. I got a initial system working and was a neat little experience trying to get it to work

 

If you're considering Slackware, why not also consider going Debian and building your suit from the ground-up, much like Arch and Slack.

Debian -- The Universal Operating System

 

Did you try editing wpa_supplicant.conf? Arguably, wifi is the hardest thing about setting up Slack...

 

rm2 thanks for the video. Good review from that guy. It looks like the developer/developers thought really good how to make PCLOS a really nice experience for various users. Unfortunately I read somewhere that PCLOS forums are not that friendly for newbs.

Also watched another video from that guy about Fedora 15, but it was more of a review on Gnome 3. My hands were itchin' to install it, but after I saw the review I don't want to do so anymore. Gnome 3 is not for me I guess, although I liked Unity.

 

On the contrary, I think their forums are extremely helpful and friendly. However, they are very strict about their rules. Even I was banned for a little while for breaking them.

I have been banned. An alien’s viewpoint

But really, why go by what other people say? Go check it out for yourself. They have very helpful sections for helping newbies with hardware and software issues.

The Software Discussion area is my favorite place of the forum. People discuss new developments, trends, and new products all the time.

If you really like to waste your time online chatting you'll find plenty of support and company in the Sandbox.

Now, if you are a very advanced user and want to discuss things at a higher level, maybe the Advanced User section is for you.

And finally, if you do decide to try PCLinuxOS for a while, you will eventually need a place to express your appreciation for this excellent distro. You will be able to find relief in the Testimonials section.

If you are respectful of the rules and of other people's feelings and time you should have no problems on the PCLinuxOS forums. I think you will come to enjoy them quite a bit actually.

I stopped being a Gnome guy a long time ago, so I better not say any thing about it.

 

lol i just had a look at that, how ridiculous.
" there is no official need for us to justify our kicks, and we have no official requirement to even let you on the channel in the first place.".
That's a great way to run a support channel, start with an elitist attitude telling noobs they don't even have a right to be there.

 

There are benefits and drawbacks for having moderators that like to closely oversee what goes on in public forums and channels. Some people prefer a more loose environment. However, some people really dislike the consequences of that as well. I am one of those. I prefer the strict oversight that PCLOS forums and channels have. I think it is a luxury to have those volunteer mods keeping things clean and safe for family and work. Of course, that is not everyone's cup of tea. Good thing there are choices.

 

Debian. 'nuff said