[NCLUG] Anecdotal Research Question

[Chad Perrin]

On Sun, Jul 03, 2011 at 06:44:02AM -0600, Jason Mealler wrote:
> 
> I'm putting together a document that provides a general guide for 
> computer users wishing to make a transition to FOSS. In addition to 
> recommending FOSS alternatives to popular applications and an example of 
> how to install a Linux distribution, I intend to include a section that 
> provides pros and cons (for a new convert) of popular distributions of 
> Linux and possibly other OS options as well.
> 
> So what I would like to hear from you are your opinions on this matter. 
> What distribution(s) would you recommend to a prospective Linux user and 
> why? Also welcome are opinions on what to avoid, hardware gotchas, 
> things to consider, etc.

* Arch Linux                    - simple management, minimalist setup
* Bodhi Linux                   - slimmer, Enlightened spin-off of Ubuntu
* CentOS                        - "enterprise" for free
* Debian GNU/Linux              - "universal operating system"
* Fedora Core Linux             - "Freedom.  Friends.  Features.  First."
* FreeBSD                       - BSD Unix for general use
* Gentoo Linux                  - compile everything
* KNOPPIX                       - LiveCD archetype
* Kubuntu Linux                 - Ubuntu with KDE
* Linux Mint                    - "elegant" Ubuntu spin-off
* Mandriva Linux                - tries to be everything to everyone
* MEPIS                         - user friendly Debian Stable desktop
* NetBSD                        - BSD Unix for plain ol' correctness
* OpenBSD                       - secure, open, "correct" BSD Unix
* openSUSE                      - Novell-influenced community Linux
* Puppy Linux                   - "easy and fast", lightweight Linux
* PC-BSD                        - "friendly" BSD Unix desktop
* PCLinuxOS                     - "Dude!  Sweeet!": "easy to use"
* Red Hat Enterprise Linux      - "enterprise" for lots of money
* Sabayon Linux                 - "easy" and "fast": "Users' OS"
* Slackware Linux               - stable, flexible, steep learning curve
* Ubuntu Linux                  - commercially supported "friendly" Linux
* Xandros Desktop               - commercial, narrow-purpose Linux
* Xubuntu Linux                 - Ubuntu with XFCE

These are *probably* the "important" options to describe in any notable
detail for someone new to open source OSes in general, in alphabetical
order.  I *think* I got the official forms of all the names right.

That's obviously just a broad overview.


> 
> I realize this is a very broad topic, so I thank you in advance for your 
> help, and will appreciate any input you can provide. In the interest of 
> full disclosure, I might be quoting responses to this query in my paper. 
> If, for any reason, you wish to remain anonymous, let me know. 
> Otherwise, let me know how you would like to be credited.

My name is fine, though I'm pretty sure I haven't said anything that
requires much credit, so far.

-- 
Chad Perrin [ original content licensed OWL: http://owl.apotheon.org ]
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