New used computer

[RACKnRAIL]

Hey folks,

I need some Linux advise. I just got hold of an older computer to use. I have been learning about Linux, using a Knoppix 3.3 CD. Now I have a machine, I want to load another version, but since they're now charging for Redhat, I would like an alternative. Please don't recommend Mandrake or Lindows, as they are too limited. Has anyone tried loading Knoppix to boot from a HD? And please forgive my newbish-like questions, but ya gotta start to unwindows yourself somewhere.

[zab]

Originally Posted by RACKnRAIL

but since they're now charging for Redhat, I would like an alternative.

They're not charging for redhat, they just change the name to Fedora. Its at fedora.redhat.com, and is really good if you want to learn about linux at a reasonable pace. Also the newest things end up there, such as nptl. The next version will come out in April and will contain kernel 2.6 (released today!), SE Linux, possibly kde 3.2.3 and gnome 2.6. No other binary distro gets the new stuff that fast.

Of course if you're looking for thrills and a steeper learning curve try slackware or debian. And if you're looking for the very extreme try gentoo.

Personally I used fedora cause I like having nptl and fresh kernel without bothering too much, and since I do lots of java development their distro is the best - the next version will come with gcj-compiled eclipse! :)))

I tried installing knoppix from cd few days ago, and it ran fine until I tried to do apt-get upgrade which totally borked it, and besides, most of the stuff out there is available in .rpm format (esp. the *Mule). So I'm going back to fedora.

[RACKnRAIL]

Originally Posted by zab

They're not charging for redhat, they just change the name to Fedora. Its at fedora.redhat.com, and is really good if you want to learn about linux at a reasonable pace. Also the newest things end up there, such as nptl. The next version will come out in April and will contain kernel 2.6 (released today!), SE Linux, possibly kde 3.2.3 and gnome 2.6. No other binary distro gets the new stuff that fast.

Of course if you're looking for thrills and a steeper learning curve try slackware or debian. And if you're looking for the very extreme try gentoo.

Personally I used fedora cause I like having nptl and fresh kernel without bothering too much, and since I do lots of java development their distro is the best - the next version will come with gcj-compiled eclipse! :)))

I tried installing knoppix from cd few days ago, and it ran fine until I tried to do apt-get upgrade which totally borked it, and besides, most of the stuff out there is available in .rpm format (esp. the *Mule). So I'm going back to fedora.

Hey thanks! I will probably give it a try.

[evilmegaman]

I HIGHLY reccomend checking out distrowatch.com . If you want me to reccomend you a good linux to try I reccomend Debian Also if you want a TRULY frustrating but Far beyond great learning experience, try Gentoo Also if you want you can try Slackware which I hear is pretty good which is a good learning experience too.

[isus]

fedora is one of the nicest distro's i have seen.

[RACKnRAIL]

Originally Posted by isus

fedora is one of the nicest distro's i have seen.

Yes, Fedora is what I will try.

I am a complete newbie with Linux, but I am fascinated by it. I don't think I'm ready for the frustrations of Gentoo though. I do however, appreciate everyone's help, as I'm sure, I am going to probably need it again.
Thanks to all!