Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ideal Linux System for Newbies?

Posted by Cliff on from the gotta-start-somewhere dept.

spiffyman asks: "In the next year, I'll begin advanced work in mathematics, and I'll also be upgrading my desktop box. In light of the advantages of Linux and FOSS in the area of science and mathematics, I want to convert from a Windows system to a dual-boot one with Linux. Primary tasks aside from math/logic activities will include learning intermediate programming, web maintenance, some computational linguistics (in Python), and LOTS of LaTeX work for my publishing activities. What do Slashdot readers recommend in terms of hardware, OS, software, and perhaps reading for a quasi-power Windows user (with no previous Linux experience) to convert to an all-Linux system?"

3 of 486 comments (clear)

  1. No Experience? by pkcs11 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Most people (myself included) will suggest ubuntu, since it's a great Out Of The Box solution.
    But Fedora might be a good fit as well.
    Try out 3-4 distros and use what is most comfortable for you.

    --
    "I have an odd craving to whisper about those few frightful hours in that ill-rumored and evilly shadowed seaport of dea
  2. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 5, Informative

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  3. Maybe try the Live CDs first by bl8n8r · · Score: 5, Informative

    A nice way to test-drive a distro before installing it. Check out distrowatch.com. Since your inclined to torment yourself with Advanced Math, you might be interested in Scientific Linux.

    1) Debian == Knoppix, Ubuntu
    2) Redhat == CentOS, Fedora, Mandriva, Scientific Linux
    3) Slackware == Slax, Vector Linux
    4) SuSE == Microsoft (see: techp.org )

    --
    boycott slashdot February 10th - 17th check out: altSlashdot.org