What flavor of Linux do you use?

[freebird73717]

I have been using Ubuntu and really like it. My system is a dual boot Ubuntu/Win XP although about 95% of the time I'm booted into linux anymore. I can do pretty much anything I want using a combination of native linux apps and Wine for a few windows apps.

I'm curious what others are using. I know of Mint which is just a mediacentric version of ubuntu but what others do the rest of the forum members use. I would just like to see if there is anything out there that I might like better than Ubuntu.

[disturbed1]

All our PCs are Ubuntu. My 2 work PCs, small file server, girlfriend dual boots XP/Ubuntu and 2000/Ubuntu. Also got 2 PCs setup for friends/family to have World of Padman frag fests, and the niece's and nephew's to do school work when they visit. At one time we had a PC connected to the TV for music/video playback, but it ended it's life a few months back. Been meaning to build another, it's gets old burning DVD-RWs when our entire movie collection is already on the file server. Thankfully the other PCs in different parts of the house are equipped with decent speakers.



Everything's wired with cat5e no gigabit switches yet . The server runs just basic NFS/SAMBA. Windows machines all have RDP enabled, all Linux machines have XDMCP/SSH/VNC enabled. Any machine can be controlled from anywhere. Even our Linksys router runs a hacked Linux firmware.

Been using Linux since ~2000 (registered Linux user #196692). Used Mandrake, then Slackware until Patrick dropped Gnome support, which just happened to be the same time Warty came out. Played with Slackware/Gropline Gnome, and debian for awhile. Decided that Warty was the bee's knee. It was a long hard road forcing myself to use only Linux. Now, I'm barely able to function in Windows. I can crash my Girlfriend's XP in no less than 2 minutes

If your a GNOME-Head like myself, there really isn't a better distro than Ubuntu, Arch is nice as well. If you like KDE, WindowsXP might be the best choice Seriously though, Mandrake(Mandriva) has always had a nice KDE, if your after stable, speed, and rock solid, there isn't anything that compares to Slackware.

[freebird73717]

Yes I like gnome and I had a feeling that I would hear that Ubuntu was probably the best. I was just wanting to see if there was anything better.

Not only am I a convert but wife is as well (which is funny because she is very resistant to change). She actually gets mad at me if she wants to use the computer and I'm booted into windows (mainly for developing with borland c++).

[disturbed1]

You could always grab Virtual Box (http://www.virtualbox.org/) and go on a ISO download fest Check out http://www.foresightlinux.com/ on your journey.


The only reason the GirlFriend still uses windows is because of The Sims, and her Karaoke fetish.

[SLK001]

Slackware 12.

[GMaq]

Hi,
Don't have a bad word to say about Ubuntu, I have used MEPIS, Ubuntu Feisty, Gutsy, Linux Mint 3,4 OpenSUSE 10.2 (Jacklab) 10.3. Right now I am back at MEPIS 7 and it's slim version AntiX. They are based on debian, very stable but what I really like is they have the most friendly and helpful forum I have ever seen (other than Videohelp OF COURSE). I still virtualize and dual-boot XP for the real heavy duty restoration stuff, I actually prefer mplayer in Linux for DVD backup. Linux continues to blow me away!

[tgm4883]

Ubuntu (or Ubuntu variation like Mythbuntu). I use to have windows in a VM, but have since deleted it. I usually install the dev version around the 4th release (this thursday ).

Where's the poll?

[freebird73717]

Where's the poll?

Good idea!

I just added one!

[mats.hogberg]

Ubuntu 7.10 for me too. Running XP in a VM when in a pinch, and some Windows software using Wine. From time to time, I've been having a Linux period, but this time, I really think I'm going to stay with it. I'm not missing anything from Windows.

/Mats

[dphirschler]

Ubuntu here. Started with Feisty 7.04. Currently in the process of upgrading to Gusty 7.10. I consider myself a Linux newb, but I am learning. I got MAME setup, which was a victory for me. Still working on perfecting ZSNES (sound issues). After upgrading to 7.10, I plan to set up the Samba file/print server and then move all my photos, mp3s, my software repository, and then movies/TV shows. I also want to move my printer over to the linux box and share through linux (rather than connected to a Windows XP machine and shared).

I was immediately impressed with Ubuntu and especially the Gnome GUI. And it continues to impress me every day as I learn something else that Linux can do right out of the box!

I am still trying to figure out remote desktop/VNC. I set it up, but it isn't working yet. Once I get that working, I might be able to "make the switch" so to speak. Oh, I forgot, I need to get a good torrent client working. I installed uTorrent under Wine, but it's not working perfectly yet. Interested in Deluge, and just read about Transmission, so I may try one of those.


Darryl

[freebird73717]

Oh, I forgot, I need to get a good torrent client working. I installed uTorrent under Wine, but it's not working perfectly yet.

If you like utorrent you might download ktorrent. It is pretty much a utorrent clone for native linux. You can get it through your synaptic package manager.

[tekkieman]

Since I am a Windows developer by trade, all my systems are dual boot with XP. My laptop runs Mepis 7.0, my desktop system runs PCLOS 2008 MiniMe, and my work rig runs PCLOS 2007, Mepis 7.0, Mint 4.0, and gOS 2.0 beta in VirtualBox.

All my machines have VirtualBox so I can always get to either Linux or Windows from whatever OS I'm in without having to reboot.

[träskmannen]

My main OS is still XP but one of my machines is a dual boot XP / Ubuntu. I am definitely a Linux newbie but I am trying to learn. I like it but I am not ready to take the step to Linux only yet, not by far.

[GMaq]

Since I am a Windows developer by trade, all my systems are dual boot with XP. My laptop runs Mepis 7.0, my desktop system runs PCLOS 2008 MiniMe, and my work rig runs PCLOS 2007, Mepis 7.0, Mint 4.0, and gOS 2.0 beta in VirtualBox.

All my machines have VirtualBox so I can always get to either Linux or Windows from whatever OS I'm in without having to reboot.

Tekkieman!!!!

Buddy where have you been? Half of videohelp is using Linux now because of your staunch arguments in the famous 12 page "Switching to Linux" thread of last year. We didn't get Lordsmurf yet, he's been seen in the Mac forums though!?! But there are a lot of new faces in the Linux forum over the last 6 months which I think is terrific, also some developers like our OP are already porting stuff over. Anyway as you were, I couldn't let this rare tekkieman sighting go by!

[tekkieman]

Since I am a Windows developer by trade, all my systems are dual boot with XP. My laptop runs Mepis 7.0, my desktop system runs PCLOS 2008 MiniMe, and my work rig runs PCLOS 2007, Mepis 7.0, Mint 4.0, and gOS 2.0 beta in VirtualBox.

All my machines have VirtualBox so I can always get to either Linux or Windows from whatever OS I'm in without having to reboot.

Tekkieman!!!!

Buddy where have you been? Half of videohelp is using Linux now because of your staunch arguments in the famous 12 page "Switching to Linux" thread of last year. We didn't get Lordsmurf yet, he's been seen in the Mac forums though!?! But there are a lot of new faces in the Linux forum over the last 6 months which I think is terrific, also some developers like our OP are already porting stuff over. Anyway as you were, I couldn't let this rare tekkieman sighting go by!

Hey! Just been really busy. NAB is around the corner (or at least code freeze is), and there just aren't enough hours in the day.

I can't take any credit (or blame) for anyone at VH using linux. I think there are just people who are looking for something different. In all honesty, I love XP for the most part, but it showing signs of age. Vista is a non-issue to me (other than work), and linux is just something different to get to know. I think it does what most people want it to do, and it gets better all the time. There is always something new being done with it. The model is just great for rapid change.

I've noticed the new faces in the linux forum, and I've noticed you in there helping them out and moving video related offerings forward (WinFF). The long thread was fun, but I really enjoy seeing that some have ignored the negative press, tried it for themselves, and judged it on its own merits. It's not for everyone, and there are those who have no need for it at all, but it is nice to see it working for many within this group since video was a real shortcoming in linux for a long time.

Take care, and keep up the good work.

[freebird73717]

To be honest that 12 page thread was what peaked my curiousity in the first place. It just took me until a month or so ago to finally take the plunge so to speak. Very happy so far.

[Supreme2k]

I have DSL on an old 500Mhz (maybe even 400) PC, and it runs like any of my 2-3Ghz rigs. I run XP on one audio/video processing machine, and the other is a G5 mac.

Our remaining 3 are Ubuntu. I tricked my wife into the switch on our notebook by skinning it like Vista. She mostly uses it for the web (with Firefox), so it was over 3 weeks before she knew it was linux (after I told her).

Heck, even my Sansa and iPod are Linux (through Rockbox).

[Steve Stepoway]

I'm running the Planet CCRMA low-latency kernel from Stanford University, and it's based on Fedora, so that's where I start. Video editing system mostly runs XP, as Linux NLEs aren't quite there yet, but dual boots to Fedora/CCRMA. My PVR runs MythDora, so again Fedora-based.

I've looked at Ubuntu -- seems great. Good friend of mine loves it. But it doesn't look enough better to make it worth my time to switch.

Steve

[SingSing]

Lab uses red-hat linux. I am suprised it is not listed as an option in this poll.

[GMaq]

OK,
Forgive me for getting philosophical but I really believe there is more behind the recent interest in Linux than just the improvements in the OS itself. On some level to people who have more than a casual interest in computers, like those who congregate on forums like these, Microsoft Vista has drawn a line in the sand.

I don't know anything about Vista as an OS, the closest I've gotten is to install "Vistamizer" on my HTPC for fun. But whether Vista is a great or terrible OS, Microsoft has very flagrantly put their own Corporate interests above the actual needs of their customers. In my opinion Linux has become even more enticing to people because it's highest priority is it's respective Communities. I personally find this Community versus Corporation ethos, an interesting study in human nature.

Even within the "Windows" environment , look at this site, a very modest percentage of the tools here are commercial in nature. The most enthusiasm is generated by the open-source programs and the developers (like our esteemed OP) who don't just create them in the first place but continue to improve them at the request of the end-user, some of them for years already.

Anyway, just my opinion of course, it just kinda struck me that way today.

[Timoleon]

Fedora 8 here. Been dual booting Windows with Red Hat and its variants since version 4.0.

[simonsonjh]

Ubuntu Hardy Heron

[DKruskie]

Ubuntu ultimate 1.7 running with dual boot xp

[888888]

PCLinuxOS 2007

[dphirschler]

OK,
Forgive me for getting philosophical but I really believe there is more behind the recent interest in Linux than just the improvements in the OS itself. On some level to people who have more than a casual interest in computers, like those who congregate on forums like these, Microsoft Vista has drawn a line in the sand.

I don't know anything about Vista as an OS, the closest I've gotten is to install "Vistamizer" on my HTPC for fun. But whether Vista is a great or terrible OS, Microsoft has very flagrantly put their own Corporate interests above the actual needs of their customers. In my opinion Linux has become even more enticing to people because it's highest priority is it's respective Communities. I personally find this Community versus Corporation ethos, an interesting study in human nature.

Even within the "Windows" environment , look at this site, a very modest percentage of the tools here are commercial in nature. The most enthusiasm is generated by the open-source programs and the developers (like our esteemed OP) who don't just create them in the first place but continue to improve them at the request of the end-user, some of them for years already.

Anyway, just my opinion of course, it just kinda struck me that way today.

It's websites like this and the free software community that I've come to love, that's drawn me towards Linux. It's like the natural progression. You start with a small freeware utility, then move into more complicated freeware applications. Before you know it, you are regularly using the free software more than the commercial applications. One by one the freeware apps replace their commercial counterparts, eventually leading to complete OS replacement.

At least that's how it's happened for me. I still have Windows software that I cannot live without, but I've begun the switch. In time I believe I'll be Windows-free, but not just because I get used to doing things in Linux, but because more and more software will have a Linux port.


Darryl

[888888]

Microsoft Vista has drawn a line in the sand.

Very true. Before Vista, I used Linux out of curiosity more than anything else. Now, that the anti-consumer excesses of Microsoft, as evidenced by the DRM, validation, draconian activation, etc are firmly in place, it's more a matter of keeping control of MY computer (no pun intended). With Linux, I feel my PC is still my own. If the various industries that are pushing for the kinds of changes that Microsoft is implementing have their way, it will literally feel like I am renting my PC from them. Hopefully more and more people will make the switch and more game developers will start serving the Linux market. When that happens, Windows as an "enthusiast" platform will be all but dead... ok wishful thinking I guess. Anyway, sorry about the rant.

[jpconard]

Freespire 2.0.8, based on Ubuntu (Kubuntu?) 7.04. Linux newbie (2 weeks). So far I really like this OS. I've added many apps from CNR.com, apt-get (& Synaptic), debian (Gdebi), and some shell scripts. A lot was already included with this distro.

I'm running on an older Dell Inspiron 1000 notebook, and everything was detected. Issues I have, I researched as typical, if you have a solution I'd like to know. -

1) Hibernate mode doesn't work (suspend to disk), suspend to ram works fine. Do I need another partition (just have swap and root)?
2) Hidden SSID requires re-entering config (in Knetworkmanager), however does work if not using Knetworkmanager. This is known bug, so I un-hid my SSID and it works great. Not ideal solution but only working one.
3) No OpenGL support on the integrated SIS video. Known issues with SIS video. Can live with on this notebook, but when/if I attempt Linux media center on main PC will require better video support.

Things I'm working to achieve -
1) Printing to Windows shared Lexmark (DONE, after converting RPM to Deb install package).
2) Easy, quality DVIX or XVID encoding. Still working on this. DVD::RIP offered fairly easy XVID encoding but many settings to select and quality wasn't as good as I've been getting from DIVX 6 in windows. I did install xvid4conf to tweak settings. Guess I'll have to learn all those settings.

I did install the DIVX 6 for Linux, but I've yet to find a front-end that will use it. Anybody have ideas on this? If I could find a front end as easy as DR. Divx with this codec I'd be happy.

3) DVD rip GUI (currently using DVD::RIP), it is OK, probably can't handle newer DVD protections. Looking for others. May try Wine with DVDFabHD Decoder.

4) Media Center app, thought about LinuxMCE, but too complex, will try MythTV eventually, possibly Sage to Linux.

Eventually I want to gradually move my main TV watching PC (XPMCE 2005) to Linux (probably Myth) and hopefully the new Hauppauge HD DVR (Component HD) card will be supported.

And the comments earlier about Vista are correct. I have it on a new dual-core HP notebook and let's just say Microsoft is doing it to themselves. It popped up a crash report the other day, and number 1 bad application was Internet Explorer 7. What does that tell you?

[GMaq]

Hi,
To comment on only a couple of your issues, As far as open GL your choices are Nvidia,ATI and Intel (810+). Intel is the only one that seems to work out of the box and most distros have Linux drivers and install utilities available for Nvidia and ATI. SIS and other onboard stuff is only supported in a general way with no 3D/OpenGL support. I have had great luck with compiz etc with a GeForce FX5500 which is pretty low-end for Nvidia.

As for Myth TV for a Media machine, it's probably wise to start out with a distro built on MythTV like KnoppMyth or MythTVOS based on PCLinuxOS.
If you want to record TV Linux is REALLY picky about capture cards, You are almost forced to use Hauppage PVR 250 if you want things to go "smoothly". There are other cards that will pass with a big push, but IMO this is a definite "need to grow" area in Linux.

For DivX it is commercial and Windows-centric therefore not well supported or even welcome in Linux. XviD is the only real alternative and there are some good apps Avidemux, WinFF, KMenc, OGMRip, K9Copy to name only a few. Many (not all, but many) recent ArCCos protected movies can be backed up with Mplayer and VLC as well, some of the very latest are posing a problem.

[FulciLives]

I use Linux Mint 4.0

It uses Ubuntu 7.10 as a base although they are toying around with the idea of creating new/alternative versions using other Linux distros. I know Fedora was mentioned and an alpha based on Debian Etch was released.

All that might be on hold as I understand Mint 5 is being worked on right now.

I do like Linux Mint 4.0 but I have tried other distros and I really liked Fedora 8 and openSUSE 10.3

Fedora 8 is a beautiful implementation of GNOME whereas openSUSE 10.3 is a really nice implementation of KDE ... the GNOME version of openSUSE 10.3 left me cold.

I also tried Sabayon which I really liked BUT I absolutely hated the package manager (it is based on gentoo). Such a shame as it got so much "right" but damn gentoo's package manager sucks donkey balls.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[jpconard]

Thanks GM, I understand the reluctance of Divx, but they do have an open-source version 6 codec. And according to them it has full "Pro" support without it costing anything. I really wish I could get a "Dr. Divx" type front-end (allows batching, easy parameter setting, watch lists, etc.)

DVD::RIP isn't bad, but I didn't get far with WinFF.

Another question, why are there so many distributions? I can understand to some extent, but it seems people keep re-starting rather than migrating what they have to add the features they want. I've added package managers and many other apps to Freespire 2, and plan to upgrade to Ubuntu 7.10 (if it is worth it) without re-installing. I may not get far but to me it makes more sense to take this approach than re-starting. It seems like so many of these Ubuntu distros are for the most part the same. Am I wrong here?