[CALUG] Linux choices

[Rick Radzville]

>> Russ <rmain at polaris.umuc.edu> writes:
> >
> >> Hello,
> >>
> >> I want to install and dual boot a another version of linux at
> >> home.  I'd
> >> like to backup data, share files between Windows and Linux,
> >> practice web
> >> development, web deployment, scripting, have a stable, dependable
> >> system,
> >> and learn more about Linux. I am a recent CS graduate.   I'm
> >> looking for
> >> pros/cons on wheteher to use RHEL vs. Fedora.  Are there big
> >> disadvantages/limitations in using RHEL and not paying for
> >> support?  Do I have
> >> access to the same package updates/resources that a paying
> >> customer has?
> >

I am also a relatively new Linux user. My recommendation would be
Ubuntu 7.10, it has the ability to read and write to NTFS drives. It
also has relatively easy to use update manager that is free, and will
never prompt you to install an Ubuntu Genuine Advantage package. It is
easy to install, and performs auto-detection of many devices,
including wireless NICs. Ubuntu and Knoppix both make great live CDs
that enable you to use Linux without installing on your HD. My
13-year-old budding programmer loved OpenSUSE 10.0 when I installed it
on his 8-year-old desktop, but that's because it included a penguin
version of a Mario Brothers game. Never underestimate a kid's ability
to find the games! Another reason to avoid the Windows distro is that
it doesn't include a native SSH server or client - can you imagine?
v/r,
Rick Radzville
CCNA, MCP, BBB (Blah Blah Blah)