im looking for a free Linux distro i can install and i would like onc that i can just install the os and package manger that i can choose what program i would like to have installed on the os so i don't have any unneeded programs

Hi...

You might want to give Ubuntu a try. It was my primary OS for about 5 months before I went back to XP. It installs with a very small set of applications (OpenOffice, four or five multimedia programs and some other odds and ends.) You can use the Synaptic Package Manager to add what you want later. Just be sure to add the additional repositories, or you won't see much.

If you use dial-up for your internet connection, I would use version 6.06 LTS. The current version (Feisty Fawn) seems to have dropped the modem query function in the network configuration window.

Ubuntu also has an extensive online support forum that is pretty helpful and knowledgeable overall and has moderators who keep the elitism to a dull roar for the beginners.

Hope this helps...

Best Regards...

Another great distro that you can try is PCLinux2007 This distro has grown quickly in popularity in the last few months and alongside ubuntu is the favorite distro of many joining the linux market. This like Ubuntu (and other distros) comes with a synaptics manager for managing software. You can boot this distro as a live disk first too before installation.

One of the main diferences between PCLinux and Ubuntu (as mentioned above) is that PCLinux is a KDE based distro whilst Ubuntu is a gnome based distro. If you have the bandwith download them both for comparison (as unbuntu is also a live disk), that way you can get an insight as to how they will look and feel once installed. PCLinux also has a great support forum should you need specific help on any problems.

Hello,

You can have almost any distro with any desktop.

Ubuntu also comes as Kubuntu and Xubuntu, with KDE and Xfce, respectively.

Besides, most modern new Linux distros are all great. They almost all come with live CD installer, 3D desktop manager, automatic installation of drivers, a full package of programs, and more.

Ubuntu would probably the best overall choice, but so are many others including SUSE, Mandriva, PCLinuxOS, LinuxMint, SimplyMepis, and others.

Mrk

I would now recommend PCLinuxOS.
It has been rock solid for me in a work environment for about three months now, and I do a LOT of "office stuff" including Impress for lectures.
The only thing it won't do and no distro will do it, except for the possiblity of a couple hopping into bed with Microsith is run the latest flash in a VERY Linux Friendly site that runs our "virtual laboratories"(biology stuff)...
I run music, make Impress slides and have done it on a 58 inch Sony LCD HD t.v. as a monitor, a regular monitor a Viewsonic "big" monitor and now a Viewsonic wide HD lad with 1680 x 1050 resolution.
Whereas I would have had to install a bunch of drivers with Microsith, PCLinuxOS "just found it" and it is gorgeous, the "other distro" that I used to recommend, found the monitor but displayed it in a "hardware" configuration of one half of the monitor(it is intended for working with two full sheets of paper, which I do in teaching my online classes). The other distro had to run at a "step down" resolutiion and it left something to be desired.

Synaptic is a MUCH better version of a download manager for applications, the only quibble I have is that with "the other distro" 'many" not all, of the applications had be grouped into things like "games" or word prcoessors" etc. whereas with Synaptic you have to search the list, which is alphabetical.

But a simple way around that is to search on the net with things like "linux games" and you will get plenty of lists... and then just click the ones you want.

I smoothly moved from "the other distro" in about a half hour, so I have nothing but compliments for PCLinuxOS...
woodsmoke

DGMurdockIII,

Gentoo linux is the way to go. A base install doesn't even install a GUI. However, it does include what I believe to be the best package manager, known as 'portage'. Gentoo also has the best support community I've ever experienced. If you are afraid of building your GUI from a CLI go with Ubuntu or go back to winblows.

http://www.klikit.org/

the Beta...."just works"...'nuff said..

woodsmoke

woodsmoke,

Yeah but klikit is in BETA... nuff said. That project has only been around for about four months. As I said before, "If you are afraid of building your GUI from a CLI go with Ubuntu or go back to winblows". There are lots and lots of distros out there that "just work", but that doesn't mean that I would recommend them to a linux n00b. Slackware, for instance, has nice menu driven terminal install that is nearly idiot proof and it is one of the most stable distros out there, but I wouldn't recommend Slackware to a n00b because it has no real package management.


DGMurdockIII,

If CLI scares you yet you feel that you must have linux, go with Ubuntu or Kubuntu. Both have been around for quite some time, they each have a GUI install that works great and is "idiot proof", and the package manger is very GUI and very user friendly.

Hi Ice,

long time no exchange phosphors... good to see ya!

yep, I would have said so mysef a year or so ago...

But I have tried REAL HARD TO BORK this thing....and no go...

I've installed it on some really crappy stuff and also on some really cutting edge machines, wide screen monitors, a 52 inch LCD t.v. Nvidia 8600 cards ATI cards, and it just doesn't even hesitate. Plays videos, music, installs really new stuff like one I did today, FreeMind, it isn't even in Synaptic yet... and not a peep.

I can get into the virtual lab where I teach online and formerly had to use a Vista machine.... I was "almost" Windblows free before, but now the Vista Machine is in a special cubby on a shelf...I have a little fluffy penguin sitting on it!

Klikit is based on Kubuntu... and has a BUNCH of really exprienced Linux people giving it their best shot... this one is going to be one to watch.

but, you're right...Beta? With others...yep, wouldn't touch 'em, and before I went to Klikit, I TRIED ALL the live cds... most of them wouldn't even turn up an HP printer... sheesh... or do wireless....

Klikit.... does wireless...

As to package management, it has a smooth as silk implementation of Synaptic that is seamless. and if it isn't in Synaptic and is a .deb the Gdebi does the job..

However, I have NOT YET been able to get it to mount my coffee cup holder....I have to do that manually!

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SIL-CIGCUP-BAY

woodsmoke