Linux Community Magazine

All Linux distros are not built the identical. Although most Linux distros attempt to be as hardware friendly as probable, you might find that some operate much better with your hardware than others. So the finest way to determine which distro would be right for you is to consider out a handful of the most common distros and see for your self as to which of them function the most effective on your hardware. You will explore that some distros will detect all your hardware and operate flawlessly, though many others may possibly not even boot on your Personal computer or laptop.The future factor you really should think about is codec availability. Some well-liked distros like Ubuntu and Fedora do not ship with any kind of codecs to play widespread files like your mp3s or substantial-definition video clips. There are distros based mostly on these incredibly distros that are additional usable and ship with help for all of your audio and video clip files. Linux Mint, primarily b ased on Ubuntu, is 1 these kinds of distro.Ubuntu is in all probability the most favorite and broadly used Linux running procedure that there is. It is based mostly on Debian, one more huge distribution with a extremely loyal lover adhering to. Ubuntu also has one particular of the biggest communities out there and you are a lot more probable to discover help on something linked to Ubuntu than any other distro. This is one particular of the great positive aspects of making use of Ubuntu or anything at all primarily based on it, like as Linux mint. You will locate it quick to glimpse for support on the internet must you get caught with something.Fedora, sponsored by the Linux large red hat, is also pretty common amid Linux customers. Like Ubuntu, it cannot arrive with any codecs pre-put in due to patent troubles. Not all software organizations permit Linux distributions to pre-install their proprietary software package. For illustration, Microsoft license does not let Linux d istributions to include systems like online explorer or windows media player codecs. Similarly, popular Linux distros like Fedora, Opensuse and Ubuntu are not able to ship flash, java, and other such proprietary software. If this is a concern for you, then download distros like Linux mint or PcLinuxOS, which come with all these required packages pre-installed.So if you have really made the decision to move on to Linux, just consider the plunge and set up Linux on your Personal computer. You will not regret the freedom and liberty that Linux arrives with.Which Linux distribution is suitable for you? There is no 1 correct answer due to the fact it is dependent on your practical experience and precise requires. Outlined beneath are the top rated seven Linux operating techniques for 2011. Every single method was ranked centered on ease of set up, user-friendliness, and volume of support available.Ubuntu is a single of the most preferred Linux distributions for desktops. New vers ions are launched about just about every six months. The assortment is effortless as lengthy as the clients know what they require just after they have carried out the analysis to guide them.For individuals seeking for variations that are consumer helpful, trustworthy and adaptable Ubuntu Linux, Red Hat, Fedora, SuSE and Mandriva Linux are a superior alternative.

Mandriva, Debian GNU/Linux, and openSUSE are the ideal programs if you are willing to trade some sophisticated options for stability and continuing support.Also known as Linux distribution, Linux edition is readily available in many techniques and the users require to pick out the ones that are ideal for their requirements. The choice is quick as lengthy as the clientele know what they will need right after they have carried out the exploration to guide them.For those looking for versions that are consumer helpful, efficient and versatile Ubuntu Linux, Red Hat, Fedora, SuSE and Mandriva Linux are a superior decision. Many first timers appear for the distributions that are usually straightforward and uncomplicated to use. Some of them incorporate the Lycoris, Xandros and Linspire. Slackware distribution is a excellent pick for those who want an OS that is straightforward, purely natural and stable the only difficulty is that they will require to give up a minimal bit of con venience. For people who want to sample Linux but do not want to set up a new OS, the CD based distributions are the excellent alternative. Some of this includes Knoppix even however most of the distributions such as Ubuntu present people this edition.There are a selection of resources that one can use in locating out which type of Linux edition is great for them. One particular of them is the Linux chooser which will demand them to reply some queries and from the effects, they will offer a checklist of advised distributions. This is a very good starting position for individuals consumers who do not know anything about the OS. It is also appropriate for people who want to be served in narrowing down the listing of opportunities.For those who know what they are searching for, checking out the Linux community will do them some great. They will interact with many types of customers who will have an notion of what distribution will work for them. These communities are available in different kinds of forums where consumers interact with each other and give a variety of kinds of information that may possibly be helpful to them. They are also a great spot to go to when the consumers are getting a issue with their distributions as it is one of the fastest and most reputable avenues for facts. The other quick way of locating the most effective sort of distribution is by seeking them out. Numerous of them come with a reside CD choices and users want to check generate some of them in buy to come across the an individual to set up completely.Really a handful of people today have a tendency to dabble in Linux. This suggests that from time to time, they could possibly download a distribution, burn up it to a Live CD, and check out it out on their laptop devoid of in fact installing it to their machine. If you are a Windows person who is carrying out this, you will need to check out Linux Mint.Linux Mint is primarily based on Ubuntu which is the most common d istribution. This is a fairly big deal seeing that Ubuntu which is primarily based on Debian have thousands of packages of computer software previously accessible from a very simple stage and click interface. If you have a need to have for application, Mint will enable you to very easily set up it.

Linux is one of the most popular operating systems out there after the Windows family. What sets Linux distinctly apart from others is the fact that you can download it for free. Unlike Windows operating systems which come with a hefty price tag, Linux does not cost absolutely anything and Linux setup is quite easy. Even you dont need to use any virus remover as there is very little or no chance of virus infection.

For beginners, it can be quite daunting to decide which distribution would be best for them. This is because there is a plethora of Linux distributions out there from which you can choose from - Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, Mandriva, Opensuse, and so on. Each distribution, or distro, has its own strengths and features unique to it.

The first and foremost concern that you should consider is your hardware. All Linux distros are not built the same. Although most Linux distros try to be as hardware friendly as possible, you might discover that some work better with your hardware than others. So the best way to decide which distro would be right for you is to try out a handful of the most popular distros and see for yourself as to which of them work the best on your hardware. You will discover that some distros will detect all your hardware and work flawlessly, while others may not even boot on your PC or laptop.

The next thing you should consider is codec availability. Some popular distros like Ubuntu and Fedora do not ship with any kind of codecs to play common files like your mp3s or high-definition videos. There are distros based on these very distros that are more usable and ship with support for all of your audio and video files. Linux Mint, based on Ubuntu, is one such distro.

Ubuntu is probably the most popular and widely used Linux operating system that there is. It is based on Debian, another huge distribution with a very loyal fan following. Ubuntu also has one of the largest communities out there and you are more likely to find help on anything related to Ubuntu than any other distro. This is one of the great advantages of using Ubuntu or anything based on it, such as Linux mint. You will find it easy to look for help online should you get stuck with anything.

Fedora, sponsored by the Linux giant red hat, is also quite popular among Linux users. Like Ubuntu, it cannot come with any codecs pre-installed due to patent issues. Not all software companies allow Linux distributions to pre-install their proprietary software. For example, Microsoft license does not allow Linux distributions to contain programs like internet explorer or windows media player codecs. Similarly, popular Linux distros like Fedora, Opensuse and Ubuntu cannot ship flash, java, and other such proprietary software. If this is a concern for you, then download distros like Linux mint or PcLinuxOS, which come with all these necessary programs pre-installed.

So if you have really decided to move on to Linux, just take the plunge and set up Linux on your PC. You will not regret the freedom and liberty that Linux comes with.

There are over three hundred Linux distributions that you can choose from. The choices can be overwhelming. There is no agreement as to what is the best linux distro. We know that Linux Ubuntu is the most popular on the desktop and Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the most popular in enterprise settings. But popularity does not equal best fit.

1. For newbies: If you are new to Linux, I suggest you use Linux Mint or PCLinux. These are the most user friendly distributions.

2. Everyday Linux If you are looking for a distribution that is going to be around a while and is relatively easy to use, then I suggest Fedora or Ubuntu. Fedora is based by Red Hat and Ubuntu is backed by Canonical. Some would also suggest OpenSUSE, which is based by Novell. I don't recommend OpenSUSE because I don't like Novell and their close dealings with Microsoft

3. Light and fast If you have an older system Puppy Linux is the choice for you. It is an amazing distribution for older machine. Puppy Linux enables you to save money while doing more work, even allowing you to do magic by recovering data from destroyed PCs or by removing malware from Windows

4. Server CentOS is simply an unbranded and free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Debian is also an excellent choice, being well known for its stability

5. Music Production Ubuntu Studio is the most popular music and recording solution out there.Ubuntu Studio is aimed at the GNU/Linux audio, video and graphic enthusiast as well as professional.

6. Multimedia If you are interested in turning your computer into a multimedia station, Mythbuntu is the distro for you. Mythbuntu is focused upon setting up a standalone MythTV based PVR system. It can be used to prepare a standalone system or for integration with an existing MythTV network. The learning curve is a little high, but worth it.

7. Power User: If you really want to learn Linux, then Gentoo or Slackware is the way to go. Slackware just happens to be the oldest Linux distribution still in active development

8. Netbooks If you are think of using Linux on a netbook, EasyPeasy or Jolicloud are both good choices

9. KDE Desktop For those who like the KDE desktop enviroment OpenSUSE or Kubuntu are probably the best.

So what is the best linux distro? It depends on your needs and what you are looking for.

Full article: Best Linux Distro for You

As the holidays approach and we wind down to the end of the year, we all tend to look back on our accomplishments. This year, I am reminded that I am approaching the one-year anniversary of my move to a Linux desktop. For those of you who really want to learn Linux, I hope my experiences will help you take the plunge in 2010!

What prompted my move: I needed a more powerful laptop. I had my personal laptop configured as a dual-boot machine ever since Novell bought SUSE. Dual-boot is fine, but in my haste to get things done, I would inevitably drop back to Windows... and that just wasn't working out well. Time to dig in, work through the issues, and find new, powerful applications that ran on Linux.

The hardware: Last year's holiday season yielded some great deals. While I could have bought a new system with Linux installed so that driver availability would be guaranteed, I decided to take a gamble and buy a Dell Studio 15 off the shelf at Staples and work through any driver issues I might encounter. This unit has a 64 bit processor, a 320G hard drive, and 4G of RAM.

Driver issues: While SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 SP 2 ships with a great many drivers (including loads of printer drivers), I had two problematic pieces off hardware: the ATI graphics card and the Broadcom wireless card. After lots of searching, I finally found the best answers for my issues at If you go the Ubuntu route as many people do, the Ubuntu forums will be your best resources.

* For information on how to install Broadcom wireless drivers on SUSE please see: /SDB:Broadcom_(BCM4306)_WLAN_Installation_under_SUSE.

* For information on dealing with ATI's graphics cards, please see: /Ati.

* For a list of models and hardware compatible with SUSE, please see: /HCL or /.

Software replacement: One of the main reasons people avoid moving to Linux is that many pieces of commercially-available software are written only for Windows. There has been more movement to write for the Mac, but Linux support can lag behind. Enter the open source community. I found some great replacements for software I use regularly... and some of it actually works better than the Windows versions I had been using! Here are just a few of the applications I am currently running:

* Office Productivity Suite: If you have not looked at OpenOffice recently, you should definitely take some time to explore! The 3.0 version is greatly improved. I have been able to do most of what I need with OpenOffice, and actually like the Calc program better than Excel. SUSE also comes with Acrobat Reader and Planner (a project management program) already installed.

* Photo Editing: Gimp is included with SLED and does everything I would have used Paint for, and more.

* Diagrams: For the more advanced Visio functions, check out Dia. If you just need to do a flowchart or some other simple diagrams, I recommend using Draw in OpenOffice.

* Multifunction Printer Software: HP has some great tools included with their Officejet All-in-One printer/scanner/copier/fax machines. While I found the printer drivers for my unit (a 7410) included with SLED, I really wanted some of the more advanced functions (for example, scan to PDF) that I had on Windows. Enter the HP Toolbox found at /hplip-web/index.html. When this program installs, it uses xsane for scanning documents to image files for PDF. I got all of the functions I needed... plus, I no longer get those annoying update messages from Windows!

* Broadband Wireless: OK, I know this is actually hardware, but when I migrated I could not find a version of Verizon's VZAccess Manager to connect the card. After a bit of digging, I found that I could configure the card as a modem (which it is) and use Kinternet as my dialer. Quick and simple and no need to install more software. A quick search at /linux should get you the answers you need for your card. If not, instead of putting in the card name, try searching on "EVDO card."

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I have been working with this laptop since last December and absolutely love it. The only way to truly learn Linux is to work with it every day. If you are bored over your Christmas break and want to play, give Linux a try. I will never go back!

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