I have, on a number of occasions, stressed to new Linux users how crucial the right distribution is. Choosing the distribution that suits your needs is the single most important key to success when attempting to migrate from another operating system. But how do you know which one to choose out of the hundreds of variations? Believe it or not, there are some key questions to ask yourself when making this decision. It has been my goal for more than a decade to help prospective Linux users make the plunge with ease and success. Let’s see if I can do the same for you with these five tips.
1: Decide what you need Linux to do
This is essential to your initial success. There are Linux distributions geared for specific needs. Do you need Linux to act as a server OS? A desktop OS? A router? A firewall? Once you have answered the question of what you need Linux to do, you’re more than halfway home. But if you don’t ask this question, you might very well install a distribution (such as CentOS) geared for a server environment and wonder why it makes a lousy desktop environment. Choosing the Ubuntu Desktop distribution and using it as a server will find you in the same state — constantly frustrated.
2: Choose between stable and cutting edge
This should be a black-and-white area and all new users should pay close attention to it. New-to-Linux users who choose a distribution like Fedora will be frustrated. No matter how polished and stable Fedora might seem, it is geared toward the bleeding edge. Fedora is used as a test bed distribution for its bigger brother Red Hat Enterprise Linux, so it’s constantly updating to the latest releases. This leads to users having to fix problems. Even out of the box, you might find Fedora broken in one respect or another.
3: Consider your desktop preferences
Although this issue is about to be tipped on its head (when distributions start migrating to GNOME 3 or Unity), it is still a big factor in the success of a new Linux user.
Read more: TechRepublic
1: Decide what you need Linux to do
This is essential to your initial success. There are Linux distributions geared for specific needs. Do you need Linux to act as a server OS? A desktop OS? A router? A firewall? Once you have answered the question of what you need Linux to do, you’re more than halfway home. But if you don’t ask this question, you might very well install a distribution (such as CentOS) geared for a server environment and wonder why it makes a lousy desktop environment. Choosing the Ubuntu Desktop distribution and using it as a server will find you in the same state — constantly frustrated.
2: Choose between stable and cutting edge
This should be a black-and-white area and all new users should pay close attention to it. New-to-Linux users who choose a distribution like Fedora will be frustrated. No matter how polished and stable Fedora might seem, it is geared toward the bleeding edge. Fedora is used as a test bed distribution for its bigger brother Red Hat Enterprise Linux, so it’s constantly updating to the latest releases. This leads to users having to fix problems. Even out of the box, you might find Fedora broken in one respect or another.
3: Consider your desktop preferences
Although this issue is about to be tipped on its head (when distributions start migrating to GNOME 3 or Unity), it is still a big factor in the success of a new Linux user.
Read more: TechRepublic