Filed under: Technology | Tags: best, distro, Dreamlinux, DSL, Linux, Microsoft, PCLinuxOS, Puppy Linux, Slax, Ubuntu
Despite my recent nightmare with Ubuntu (ho hum…), it’s still the best distro available for Linux. In fact that nightmare happened with ALL of the distros I attempted to install, except Slackware based distributions. I am not sure why, but there were some compatibility issues with the hardware on my new PC. It was only a replacement for another and I really did not spend a lot on it, since I was looking for basic Internet access (should have made sure that cheap motherboard was compatible). Generally I never have problems installing Linux. I personally have been using Linux for over 10 years now, of and on. I have not totally removed Microsoft from my existence, but it is coming soon, since most of my work is done on the web now. None, so far, has been as good as Ubuntu. It is not perfect, however overall I still give it a passing grade. I’ve used numerous other distributions of Linux, all with different feelings towards the overall experience. In truth, I fell in love with Ubuntu, Dreamlinux, PCLinuxOS and my favorite little mini-OS Slax. In my opinion, Ubuntu averaged out best for my current situation. I listed my own pros and cons; however this is only from my perspective. I still feel that more work is needed, overall. Linux support is getting better!
PROS: Overall the best distribution, in a polished and ready to use form. Lots of applications come installed and available for download using a simple and easy to use download/update system. Plug-and-play, for me, worked surprisingly well (almost too good – I kept trying to make it not work). Security updates are easy to install and all of my hardware worked without a hitch.
CONS: Problems with codec support for MP3’s and DVD’s. I am not sure why, yet, but my experience with media was terrible, on the onset. I did try other media players and Amarok was not bad, but in my opinion Rhythmbox was better. Could not get movie DVD’s to play properly at all, however it was not that important to me.
PROS: Overall the experience was almost the same as Ubuntu. It was a polished, out of the box, distribution of Linux. A substantial amount of installed applications and hardware support was pretty good.
CONS: Plug-and-play was almost non existent in my situation. Also, I had issues with video support, not that it did not work. However, I had to tweak the video a bit to get the resolution I wanted, while others worked out of the box. Lastly, I hate the name “PCLinuxOS”. For some reason it irritates me!
NOTE: I will have to follow up with a review of PCLinuxOS 2007; however it did not bode well for me. I could not even get the LiveCD to work, while the older versions worked fine (not sure why).
PROS: By far the best looking distribution of Linux, giving you a Mac style and feel. A good set of applications installed, however it was geared towards the media crowd. I never had any problems with ANY type of media (DVD, MP3, CD’s, etc…). Everything worked perfectly. Maybe it’s due to the fact that it is Debian based? But if you are looking to turn an old PC into a media and internet box, definitely try this distro.
CONS: Endless amount of problems with the Synaptic updater, and in most situations it did not work. Installed was an older version of Firefox; however the new distribution probably has since fixed this problem.
PROS: Quick, fast (once booted) and fits on a USB key. It is also great for technicians, if you need to troubleshoot a badly damaged system. If your system is USB bootable, definitely great for old PCs, turning them into Internet PCs. Also, a good set of applications come installed, with an easy option to download modules (additional applications via .MO files), in a simple manner.
CONS: Hard to install permanently on an old PC.
NOTE: You may want to also consider Puppy Linux or DSL (probably the fastest distro available).
At the end of the day, based on the numbers, Ubuntu has won the hearts and mids of common users. Based on my experience, with some non-Linux users, it is the first Linux distro that I feel comfortable giving to a newbie. However, what the future holds for Ubuntu is unknown. They may want to work more closely with Dell, Acer and others to make sure that the experience with Ubuntu is positive. The future looks bright, as long as the Canonical team continues to release stable desktop distros.
I welcome discussion of any other versions of Linux that you believe should be listed!
By: Torontomatic
Torontomatic 