Linux And All The Choices - Information To Help

DasFox · Mar 30, 2007, 09:44 AM

If you're new to Linux familiarize yourself with all the different versions, aka "Distros", which you can find at Distrowatch

If you consider yourself the average, or below average computer user, looking for the simplest path to Linux, you'll want one of the Top Five Distros on Distrowatch.

You can't always get away from learning, even with the simplest of Linux distros there's still a learning curve. You're going to run across problems because software isn't perfect, and you'll need some knowledge.

If you're not sure about your hardware, and the software support you need with the ease of use, again pick one of the top five distros listed on Distrowatch. They are the top picks simply because they support the widest range of hardware and software no matter what your needs are.

If you don't read on, you're going to miss out on some cool stuff to help you make life easier in Linux!

To begin, I'm not here to tell you one is better then the other, because the truth is there are many great distros. Linux is about making choices for yourself, rather than someone else telling you which one is the best.

In all Linux distros there are many different desktops out there to choose from, but Gnome, KDE, and Xfce are the most popular.

Gnome
KDE
Xfce

Next we have Window Managers. This means something that "Manages Windows". Gnome, KDE, and other desktops have their own, but these can be replaced by other managers to give a new look, feel, and functionality. Many window managers can also be run by themselves as a "Stand Alone" desktop.

What does all this mean regarding desktops, and window managers? It's called productivity, the ways in which you want to handle your tasks. These choices will help you to bring out, find your best efficiency.

Here is some Information on Wikipedia about X Window Managers.

There are several window managers out there. These are only a few of the more popular ones.

AfterStep
Blackbox
Enlightenment
Fluxbox
FVWM
Openbox
Window Maker

Windows management in Linux has never looked better since OpenGL acceleration came along. This provides different ways, and looks in managing these windows with new enhancements, and visual effects. Beryl, Compiz, and XGL provide Linux this new direction in window management. Here you can watch Videos of Beryl, Compiz, & XGL in action.

Xwinman is the most complete list of desktops, and window managers for Linux.

Moving on to packages, distros all incorporate their own ways of managing them. Besides the basic functions of installs, updates, and removal, these programs also handle other tasks dealing with packages. Some of these programs are more varied then others depending on the developers intentions, flexibility, and the ease of use intended. These programs are called "Package Managers".

These are a few of the common types of extensions you'll find with the different versions for package management, along with various spin offs from these.

.rpm (originally Redhat Package Management) .deb (Debian GNU/Linux package manager) .tgz .tar .tar.gz (Tarball Files).

Here are some popular package managers:

Apt-Get
KPackage
Portage
Rpmdrake and URPMI
Synaptic Package Manager
YaST
YaST2
Yum
Yumex (Yum Extender)

Package management in each distro allows you flexibility to work with the packages to a degree, and some more then others. How flexible you want to be is up to you, the system you choose, and what your needs are. Just because a certain distro comes with it's own default manager doesn't mean you can't install another one to meet your needs better, but this isn't typically done. Some distros actually incorporate a few package managers to work with, or their default manager will run from either a GUI (Graphical User Interface), or a command terminal, where you can type commands, both allowing you different levels of flexibility, by the choices you need.

So what does all of this package management mean, and how is it really going to help? Simply put, it means, "Management", the way in which you'll be able to manage them. What you really have to ask yourself here is, what kind of management would you really like to have?

Here's a look at the common command terminals:

Konsole
Gnome Terminal
Xterm

Moving on to another subject, Linux like Windows during the start up, and shutdown goes through what are known as runlevels. Different functions of the startup, or shutdown processes are accessed, known in Windows as, Normal, Safe-mode and Command prompt only, etc. In Linux these are known as the User Modes, different ways in which to access the system. Besides the different modes in Linux, Services, and Daemons also come into play in these runlevels, basically in the same way as Windows does. The advantage Linux runlevels have over Windows’ boot modes is that Linux runlevels can be changed on the fly.

Here is some information on runlevels, services, and daemons:

Daemons
Linux Services, Devices, and Daemons

The runlevels most distros make use of are either the, "System V" init style, or the "BSD" init style, or a slight variation of them.

Runlevel Init Information:

Init Runlevels

What this runlevel system means to you is the flexibility to change the way in which a part of Linux behaves, and how you manage certain parts of it. No matter what you use Linux for, this is an important aspect of system administration, helping you to manage, and customize Linux to your needs.

Runlevel information:

Run levels on Wikipedia
Run levels on Linux.com

With everything that has been mentioned, basically what separates most Linux distros is package management, runlevel operations, and various tools for system management.

Linux means not only choices, it's also about personal tastes, yes your own personal tastes, and that is another great quality of Linux, the ability to make it your own. That is why it's generally never wise to decide based on someone's own belief. After all we all have our own likes, and dislikes, and that is what makes Linux so attractive, customization to satisfy the needs of everyone.

I touched on a few of the differences, but there are even more. There are many cool things each one has to offer, but when it gets right down to it, no matter what all the differences are, "Linux is Linux", and you just have to decide what works for you.

Now if you're really saying here at this point in time that this is for you, and you consider yourself to be a power user, or quite an enthusiast, then the sky's the limit, but go slow, or you might frustrate yourself with some of the more hands on distros that require more user intervention, setting up, tuning, and tweaking.

For the power user, or enthusiast that wants to jump right in, start in this order, then go from there based off the Distrowatch Ranking list.

Debian
Slackware
Gentoo

Linux is a Unix based operating system, and if want to start out using the purest form of this, then start out with Slackware.

If you find yourself, after trying any of these distros falling flat on your face in disgust, then don't worry, we've all been there. Go back to the "Top Five" picks, and get comfortable with one of them for awhile. Once you've gotten comfortable, and somewhat use to this new world, then try your luck again. Don't give up, because if you think Linux is your thing, then go for it, and have fun, but if the learning is going to be in frustration, then the journey is going to be even more painful. Just remember a good attitude learns more.

Once you've made a go of it with Debian, Slackware, and Gentoo, then after Gentoo just have at. Go where you want to go next, and have fun, but remember go slow. Linux has a lot to offer, but there is also a lot to learn.

For the hardcore that wants to learn it all, and do it all, and really take the leap off the deep end, this is the direction for you. Linux From Scratch (LFS)

For those that would like to read a comparison of Linux, and Windows, Wikipedia provides some excellent information.

Comparison of Windows and Linux

Here is a comparison of Windows programs with their equal counterparts for Linux to help you with your transition.

Alternatives to Windows software
Equivalent Windows applications
Linux software equivalent to Windows software

Programs to help you run Windows applications and games in Linux.

CodeWeavers CrossOver Linux
Transgaming
TransGaming.Org Games Database
Wine HQ

Here are a few Linux sites with a wealth of information to help point you on your new way.

GNU.org
JustLinux
Kernel.org
Learning Linux.com
Linux.com
Linux Online
Linux Format
Linuxhelp
Linux HQ
Linux Journal Magazine
Linux on Laptops
Linux Magazine
Linux Planet
Linux for Playstation 2
LinuxPrinting
LinuxQuestions.org
LinuxSecurity.com
Linux Slashdot
Linux Today
Linux USB
LinuxWorld
LWN
Newsforge
The Linux Documentation Project
Xbox Linux

Down the road awhile, and after all the reading, and brain absorbing, you still find you need help, and trust me you will, then the absolute best way to get support is live, in real time one on one with someone, or phone support, but when you can't find someone, or afford someone, then nothing beats the free help you can find on IRC (Internet Relay Chat). You'll want to join Freenode. On freenode's site is a list for the servers to join, but the most commonly used one in North America is, irc.freenode.net.

With no disrespect for forums such as Guru3D, they do have their place, and are quite popular when you can't find, or afford someone, or make the time for IRC, but when you can, nothing beats the help, and experience to be found on IRC to ease you through the learning curve of Linux, which can get steep at times.

Freenode is the largest OpenSource IRC server in the world. Here you will find the help you seek.

Xchat is the tool of choice for IRC, and the most popular GUI (Graphical User Interface), IRC client that you can use. Most Linux distros either come with Xchat installed, or available to install.

There are 100 distros on Distrowatch. Not all are listed here, so use Distrowatch as your guide, first starting at the top, and then going from there as I have outlined in this post.

Here's what you've learned. You're going to pick a distro, it will have it's choice of desktops, window managers, package managers, runlevels, and other various tools, and overall a look, feel, and functionality that you'll either love, or hate. You'll find what you're comfortable with and that is what you're going to stick to. The key here is, YOU, what you find that suits your needs, no one else's. Through trial and error you'll find the best Linux distro, the one you like. Everyone will have their own idea of what's best, and you need to figure out yours, it's a personal choice.

Learn what the name Linux really means. Linux is the kernel, not the complete system as some believe.

Now go have fun!

~~DudeBoyz~~ · Mar 30, 2007, 04:55 PM

Wow - good info.

I still think OpenSUSE 10.x is the best distro for non-n00bs, but even with it, knowing all the ins and outs can get pretty harrowing.

XORG.CONF = pain...

H3X4D3C1M4L · Apr 8, 2007, 07:11 PM

Actually for people that want to learn it all themselves, OpenBSD has probably the best documentation ever. There are very VERY few circumstances where reading the man page or the FAQ will not solve a problem for you

Malus · Apr 9, 2007, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

Actually for people that want to learn it all themselves, OpenBSD has probably the best documentation ever. There are very VERY few circumstances where reading the man page or the FAQ will not solve a problem for you

The same can be said for FreeBSD and NetBSD. All BSD's tend to have excellent documentation.

Mar 30, 2007, 09:44 AM	#1
DasFox DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Linux And All The Choices - Information To Help If you're new to Linux familiarize yourself with all the different versions, aka "Distros", which you can find at Distrowatch If you consider yourself the average, or below average computer user, looking for the simplest path to Linux, you'll want one of the Top Five Distros on Distrowatch. You can't always get away from learning, even with the simplest of Linux distros there's still a learning curve. You're going to run across problems because software isn't perfect, and you'll need some knowledge. If you're not sure about your hardware, and the software support you need with the ease of use, again pick one of the top five distros listed on Distrowatch. They are the top picks simply because they support the widest range of hardware and software no matter what your needs are. If you don't read on, you're going to miss out on some cool stuff to help you make life easier in Linux! To begin, I'm not here to tell you one is better then the other, because the truth is there are many great distros. Linux is about making choices for yourself, rather than someone else telling you which one is the best. In all Linux distros there are many different desktops out there to choose from, but Gnome, KDE, and Xfce are the most popular. Gnome KDE Xfce Next we have Window Managers. This means something that "Manages Windows". Gnome, KDE, and other desktops have their own, but these can be replaced by other managers to give a new look, feel, and functionality. Many window managers can also be run by themselves as a "Stand Alone" desktop. What does all this mean regarding desktops, and window managers? It's called productivity, the ways in which you want to handle your tasks. These choices will help you to bring out, find your best efficiency. Here is some Information on Wikipedia about X Window Managers. There are several window managers out there. These are only a few of the more popular ones. AfterStep Blackbox Enlightenment Fluxbox FVWM Openbox Window Maker Windows management in Linux has never looked better since OpenGL acceleration came along. This provides different ways, and looks in managing these windows with new enhancements, and visual effects. Beryl, Compiz, and XGL provide Linux this new direction in window management. Here you can watch Videos of Beryl, Compiz, & XGL in action. Xwinman is the most complete list of desktops, and window managers for Linux. Moving on to packages, distros all incorporate their own ways of managing them. Besides the basic functions of installs, updates, and removal, these programs also handle other tasks dealing with packages. Some of these programs are more varied then others depending on the developers intentions, flexibility, and the ease of use intended. These programs are called "Package Managers". These are a few of the common types of extensions you'll find with the different versions for package management, along with various spin offs from these. .rpm (originally Redhat Package Management) .deb (Debian GNU/Linux package manager) .tgz .tar .tar.gz (Tarball Files). Here are some popular package managers: Apt-Get KPackage Portage Rpmdrake and URPMI Synaptic Package Manager YaST YaST2 Yum Yumex (Yum Extender) Package management in each distro allows you flexibility to work with the packages to a degree, and some more then others. How flexible you want to be is up to you, the system you choose, and what your needs are. Just because a certain distro comes with it's own default manager doesn't mean you can't install another one to meet your needs better, but this isn't typically done. Some distros actually incorporate a few package managers to work with, or their default manager will run from either a GUI (Graphical User Interface), or a command terminal, where you can type commands, both allowing you different levels of flexibility, by the choices you need. So what does all of this package management mean, and how is it really going to help? Simply put, it means, "Management", the way in which you'll be able to manage them. What you really have to ask yourself here is, what kind of management would you really like to have? Here's a look at the common command terminals: Konsole Gnome Terminal Xterm Moving on to another subject, Linux like Windows during the start up, and shutdown goes through what are known as runlevels. Different functions of the startup, or shutdown processes are accessed, known in Windows as, Normal, Safe-mode and Command prompt only, etc. In Linux these are known as the User Modes, different ways in which to access the system. Besides the different modes in Linux, Services, and Daemons also come into play in these runlevels, basically in the same way as Windows does. The advantage Linux runlevels have over Windows’ boot modes is that Linux runlevels can be changed on the fly. Here is some information on runlevels, services, and daemons: Daemons Linux Services, Devices, and Daemons The runlevels most distros make use of are either the, "System V" init style, or the "BSD" init style, or a slight variation of them. Runlevel Init Information: Init Runlevels What this runlevel system means to you is the flexibility to change the way in which a part of Linux behaves, and how you manage certain parts of it. No matter what you use Linux for, this is an important aspect of system administration, helping you to manage, and customize Linux to your needs. Runlevel information: Run levels on Wikipedia Run levels on Linux.com With everything that has been mentioned, basically what separates most Linux distros is package management, runlevel operations, and various tools for system management. Linux means not only choices, it's also about personal tastes, yes your own personal tastes, and that is another great quality of Linux, the ability to make it your own. That is why it's generally never wise to decide based on someone's own belief. After all we all have our own likes, and dislikes, and that is what makes Linux so attractive, customization to satisfy the needs of everyone. I touched on a few of the differences, but there are even more. There are many cool things each one has to offer, but when it gets right down to it, no matter what all the differences are, "Linux is Linux", and you just have to decide what works for you. Now if you're really saying here at this point in time that this is for you, and you consider yourself to be a power user, or quite an enthusiast, then the sky's the limit, but go slow, or you might frustrate yourself with some of the more hands on distros that require more user intervention, setting up, tuning, and tweaking. For the power user, or enthusiast that wants to jump right in, start in this order, then go from there based off the Distrowatch Ranking list. Debian Slackware Gentoo Linux is a Unix based operating system, and if want to start out using the purest form of this, then start out with Slackware. If you find yourself, after trying any of these distros falling flat on your face in disgust, then don't worry, we've all been there. Go back to the "Top Five" picks, and get comfortable with one of them for awhile. Once you've gotten comfortable, and somewhat use to this new world, then try your luck again. Don't give up, because if you think Linux is your thing, then go for it, and have fun, but if the learning is going to be in frustration, then the journey is going to be even more painful. Just remember a good attitude learns more. Once you've made a go of it with Debian, Slackware, and Gentoo, then after Gentoo just have at. Go where you want to go next, and have fun, but remember go slow. Linux has a lot to offer, but there is also a lot to learn. For the hardcore that wants to learn it all, and do it all, and really take the leap off the deep end, this is the direction for you. Linux From Scratch (LFS) For those that would like to read a comparison of Linux, and Windows, Wikipedia provides some excellent information. Comparison of Windows and Linux Here is a comparison of Windows programs with their equal counterparts for Linux to help you with your transition. Alternatives to Windows software Equivalent Windows applications Linux software equivalent to Windows software Programs to help you run Windows applications and games in Linux. CodeWeavers CrossOver Linux Transgaming TransGaming.Org Games Database Wine HQ Here are a few Linux sites with a wealth of information to help point you on your new way. GNU.org JustLinux Kernel.org Learning Linux.com Linux.com Linux Online Linux Format Linuxhelp Linux HQ Linux Journal Magazine Linux on Laptops Linux Magazine Linux Planet Linux for Playstation 2 LinuxPrinting LinuxQuestions.org LinuxSecurity.com Linux Slashdot Linux Today Linux USB LinuxWorld LWN Newsforge The Linux Documentation Project Xbox Linux Down the road awhile, and after all the reading, and brain absorbing, you still find you need help, and trust me you will, then the absolute best way to get support is live, in real time one on one with someone, or phone support, but when you can't find someone, or afford someone, then nothing beats the free help you can find on IRC (Internet Relay Chat). You'll want to join Freenode. On freenode's site is a list for the servers to join, but the most commonly used one in North America is, irc.freenode.net. With no disrespect for forums such as Guru3D, they do have their place, and are quite popular when you can't find, or afford someone, or make the time for IRC, but when you can, nothing beats the help, and experience to be found on IRC to ease you through the learning curve of Linux, which can get steep at times. Freenode is the largest OpenSource IRC server in the world. Here you will find the help you seek. Xchat is the tool of choice for IRC, and the most popular GUI (Graphical User Interface), IRC client that you can use. Most Linux distros either come with Xchat installed, or available to install. There are 100 distros on Distrowatch. Not all are listed here, so use Distrowatch as your guide, first starting at the top, and then going from there as I have outlined in this post. Here's what you've learned. You're going to pick a distro, it will have it's choice of desktops, window managers, package managers, runlevels, and other various tools, and overall a look, feel, and functionality that you'll either love, or hate. You'll find what you're comfortable with and that is what you're going to stick to. The key here is, YOU, what you find that suits your needs, no one else's. Through trial and error you'll find the best Linux distro, the one you like. Everyone will have their own idea of what's best, and you need to figure out yours, it's a personal choice. Learn what the name Linux really means. Linux is the kernel, not the complete system as some believe. Now go have fun!

Mar 30, 2007, 04:55 PM	#2
~~DudeBoyz~~ banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,677 Rep Power: 0	Wow - good info. I still think OpenSUSE 10.x is the best distro for non-n00bs, but even with it, knowing all the ins and outs can get pretty harrowing. XORG.CONF = pain...

Apr 8, 2007, 07:11 PM	#3
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Actually for people that want to learn it all themselves, OpenBSD has probably the best documentation ever. There are very VERY few circumstances where reading the man page or the FAQ will not solve a problem for you