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Linux Distros for a Windows Software Developer?
Omega1045 asks: "I am a software developer, writing client/GUI software in C# (.NET) on Windows and server software in a UNIX environment. I have used Linux in the past as a firewall, server and more but have never used it seriously as a desktop. What Linux distro and tools should I look to for a switch? I definitely still need to run Win2k (in a VM would be preferable) for testing and other purposes, but want to live as much of my monitor facing life as I can in Linux. I also need the best laptop and Wireless PC Card support (D-Link in my case) from the distro I choose. Have any Slashdot readers gone this route? What are your recommendations?"
Not so. Use mono and develop on and for both platforms. Clearly a win win. And if you happen to like Linux better then you haven't lost anything.
Many people here recommend Debian, mostly because it is a doodle to administer.
Many othere recommend Mandrake or SuSe, mainly for the eye candy.
Well, get the best of both worlds and use Xandros. It is Debian under the hoods (you can actually point it to read the standard Debian software repositories) and it looks professional and polished.
You cn integrate things like CrossOver or StarOffice (Sun's port of OpenOffice.org) with a couple of clicks of the mouse.
My wireless card worked immediately after initial configuration (stick to supported hardware, Wireless support is far from stellar in Linux) and USB devices work as they should (I am using a 7 in 1 reader, again stick to supported devices, a graphic tablet and aprinter, all with no issues).
IANAL but write like a drunk one.