Pre configured Linux Distros?

[Fetchez la vache]

Hi All,
I'm a windows head that wants a play with Linux over Christmas

Are there any distros that come pre-configured with the LAMP bits and bobs? I'm looking at installing some development stuff on top, & since my Linux knowledge is zero I though I'd try and save myself some time if I can.

...so no harm in asking I thought

[NickFRP]

debian and ubuntu

[Timsta]

NickFRP said:

debian and ubuntu

Yep, If it's your first time I would suggest Ubuntu. Up and running in less time then it takes to install Windows. (all things being equal)

[JamieBeeston]

But doesn't pre-configured mean you're not actually learning anything?

I'd say CentOS, simply as it's just a repackaged version of the most commonly used Linux in industry these days, RedHat Enterprise.

J

[ashes]

knoppix - download, cut a cd and boot off it. No changes made to your PC at all - a great way for a safe play

Ken

[Smifffy]

Timsta said:

NickFRP said:

debian and ubuntu

Yep, If it's your first time I would suggest Ubuntu. Up and running in less time then it takes to install Windows. (all things being equal)

I've personally found Ubuntu to a little rough around the edges. Things like multiple monitor handling, desktop handling etc I've found to be buggy. All things that you take for granted coming from Windows.

[NickFRP]

Smifffy said:

Timsta said:

NickFRP said:

debian and ubuntu

Yep, If it's your first time I would suggest Ubuntu. Up and running in less time then it takes to install Windows. (all things being equal)

I've personally found Ubuntu to a little rough around the edges. Things like multiple monitor handling, desktop handling etc I've found to be buggy. All things that you take for granted coming from Windows.

is that from the latest version 7.10 gusty? they have ironed out alot on this release and have built in GUI's to set up dual monitors and other small things which were missing form 7.04

[mystomachehurts]

JamieBeeston said:

But doesn't pre-configured mean you're not actually learning anything?

I'd say CentOS, simply as it's just a repackaged version of the most commonly used Linux in industry these days, RedHat Enterprise.

J

Must admit I'm with Jamie on this one, takes about 20 minutes to build a CentOS system from CD.

However, I'm not sure that you won't learn anthing from having a CentOS install.

There's all those loverly new commands to learn like ls, chmod, chown, ps, grep, then there's the /etc directory to while away these long cold winter evenings.

Then you can enter into debates about which desk top to use and how to setup your x-windows config.

And let's not forget IP-Chains/Tables for our firewall!

Then once you've got your head around GNU-C and it's assorted libraries you can while away hours as to whether your Application should go into /usr/local or /usr/sbin/ !

Ahh the joys of Linux, now, Jamie, about that job - is there a relocation package available?

[JamieBeeston]

mystomachehurts said:

Ahh the joys of Linux, now, Jamie, about that job - is there a relocation package available?

Sure, relocate and enjoy Docklands

I'm afraid that's about all the position can warrant

[Smifffy]

NickFRP said:

Smifffy said:

Timsta said:

NickFRP said:

debian and ubuntu

Yep, If it's your first time I would suggest Ubuntu. Up and running in less time then it takes to install Windows. (all things being equal)

I've personally found Ubuntu to a little rough around the edges. Things like multiple monitor handling, desktop handling etc I've found to be buggy. All things that you take for granted coming from Windows.

is that from the latest version 7.10 gusty? they have ironed out alot on this release and have built in GUI's to set up dual monitors and other small things which were missing form 7.04

Yep - It doesn't like using NVidea drivers which you need for some of the desktop managers etc and gets its pants in a bit of a twist.

[Tunku]

I've been fiddling with Mepis on an old Thinkpad T21 which doesn't like Ubuntu. Had to do a manual install with Mepis but it's up and running now. Just need to get Gnome on it now.

[Rich H]

I've just put Ubuntu onto an old PC to act as a file server. It was an easy install and seems to work well - I tried Debian at first, but it just didn't seem to want to be as co-operative so swapped distros.

[mcflurry]

You can run Umbongo straight off the cd, so can "try before you buy"

7.10 does work with 2 monitors, and picks up my SE K810i phone, memory cards, etc with no problems. If it needs a codec or filter, it gives a choice of downloads and away you go. There are also less virii, spyware things etc to kill it or slow it down @)

I now have it installed on a memory key, with a dual boot into windows option
The only downside was it needed about 100 software updates to bring it up to date..