Choosing a Linux Distribution

So something obviously happened wrong in your life as a computer nerd to find yourself at this point. Whether its an broken PC that can seem to run Windows anymore or a just a general longing for that "better" OS (i.e. not Windows) that just stands out from the crowd. You probably went to the Mac store first, too. It's okay if you got weirded out too, because that store is literatally a perpetual Fellini Film. I also trust that you looked at the price tag on one of those shiny Apple Computers and decided that no amount of eye candy is going to pretty that pig. And in that, you are right. If you have a tight wallet, Apple just isnt worth the dough.

So basically you have one choice left: Linux. But unfortunately, you can't go to the local electronics store and pick up a copy of Linux from the shelf. There is good news, however. Linux is free; you can download or torrent it from any number of websites for no cost and have it on your computer in no time. There is also bad news, though. There are literally hundreds of different distributions that you can choose from, all of which have their own unique features and drawbacks. The task of choosing which distribution is a little tough, but luckily enough you have me, and I'm here to help.

Firstly, there are some big distributions by actual corporations that you should know about. They do offer versions of their product that you can purchase, but under the GNU Public License, they have to release a free version along with it. Usually, all you get in the versions you purchase are services like automatic aid installing and maintaining the system, because most of the programs they write for Linux have to be released in the free version anyway.

There are three things you should consider when choosing a Linux Distribution- three questions that you should constantly ask yourself to make sure you end up with what you want.

First, find out exactly what you do with your computer. If you are the kind of person that only uses the computer for word documents and email you shouldn't choose the same distribution as someone who, say, wants to program.
Some basic friendly distros:

• Ubuntu: Probably the most geared toward the average person, Ubuntu is easy to use at a shallow level. However, it uses a simple desktop manager called GNOME and doesnt really have any depth for the true Linux Hacker, so people with more expertise in computers should choose something else.
  
• SUSE: This is actually a company owned distribution, so you can expect more organzation for support, in case anything goes wrong. This is a little more power than Ubuntu, but is still easier to use. NOTE: SUSE does not support alot of wireless cards, so its not likely that you will be able to access the internet wirelessly without some serious issues (I have never gotten ndiswrapper to actually work).
• Knoppix: This is probably the most dynamic, creative use of Linux i have seen thus far. Because it runs entirely from one CD, you can just use a thumb drive and disk to store all of your personal files. Just carry the two back and forth, and you can access basically your same computer as you own at home anywhere. It truly is the mobile distribution.

Second, realize how pretty you want to OS to be. I mean it. Go to your local library and take a trip down memory lane with one of those Windows 95 behemoths they have mistakenly called computers. About five minutes surfing the web on those dinosaurs and you feel like someone has taken a needle to your eyes. If you have, say, a widescreen system, not alot of Linux Distros have an easy, bug-free way to make the resolution fit your screen. Usually, they just stretch the picture out so that it becomes murderous after prolonged use. Something you need to know about the Linux Graphical User Interface (GUI) is that there are two feuding desktops that you can choose from:

• KDE:  KDE is generally considered the more sophisticated desktop. You can't really beat KDE in terms of control. Though it still retains a kind of Windows 98 loook, KDE is powerful and deep, with plenty of extra programs just for programmers and other users. Also, the look of the system can be changed with only moderate difficulty using the site www.kde-look.com. You may have to install programs like QtCurve and Crystal window decorations in order to fully enhance the look of your UI. This will be explained in depth later, since it can get a little complicated.
  
• GNOME: Some people don't need a whole lot of complication in their lives. GNOME is the simpler altenative to KDE. Lighter, more Iconic, serious programmers might find that the environment lacks depth, but if all you are going to do is check mail and maybe play music everyonce in a while, GNOME is probably the best choice for you. Also, keep in mind that most professional Linux Distributions will offer either GNOME or KDE as their default desktop for their distro. The choice is your's.

Third, if you have a wireless computer you must be very careful. Most distributions do not have the special package designed to run the wireless cards, called NdisWrapper. Something to note, if a distribution asks you while you install to set up wireless, it most likely does not have ndiswrapper installed. I have tried at least five systems: OpenSUSE, Fedora, Mandriva, Ubuntu, and Mepis and out of all five, only Mepis has reliably found and identified a wireless card and run it well. And trust me, a linux computer without internet is basically non-functional.

• Basically, if a Distro runs ndiswrapper, it should run your wireless card. I know for certain that Mepis and Knoppix both run the class, and I have heard that Slackware and Gentoo might, thoight I don't know that for certain.

The reason why there are so many distributions out there is because each distro is tailor to specific individual needs. At the end of the day, if the distribution you have chosen fulfills the basic questions you have asked yourself about what you want out of your computer, then it probably is the right distro for you. Just remember to be confident and don't be scared to have to reformat your entire hard drive just to put a new OS on your computer.