slackware or mandrake?

[pinehead]

I am not a newbie to linux on the server, but i am a newbie to linux on the desktop. I just got a laptop and i want to dual boot between winxp and linux.

I want to run mysql, php, and apache on the linux machine, but i also want to use the desktop big time.

Which do you suggest, the new linux mandrake or the new slackware?

thanks
PiNeHeAd

[TaeShadow]

As always, I would suggest Debian for every purpose and for every skill level.

[stryder144]

While I am most definitely a Slackware fan, I would probably have to say that the latest release of Mandrake might be easier to use on your laptop. If you feel comfortable with setting everything up yourself, give Slackware a try by all means. As for TaeShadows suggestion, that one might have some real merit to it. It might just be easier to apt-get whatever you need once you get a basic install completed. I don't know, it it up to you. Just make sure that you check out your hardware's compatibility.

Mandrake gets the Lovechild seal of approval - Just ordered the Powerpack 8.2

Otherwise, Ralinx tells me that Slackware is sorta like LFS, which gets the seal++

Oh the dilemma... but to be honest, I want my desktop box to work, no questions asked... therefore I would go with Mandrake if I wasn't such a total wacko....

8) LFS 8)

[TaeShadow]

Just to elaborate a little on my previous post:

I haven't tried Mandrake since 7.2 (I think), so I don't know if it's changed much since then.

The only real positive thing I can say about it is that it has lots and lots of software preinstalled. It's great if you want a system quickly and easily.

However, all the stuff that it installs can get damn annoying at times. I would not recommend trying to use Mandrake for any length of time.

You're better off just using a distro like Slackware or Debian. This may sound hard to believe, but they are easier than Mandrake to use (maybe not install, though).

Between Slack and Debian, I would recommend Debian, as it has apt-get and the Social Contract.

[civ1492]

you could also try SuSE .. its fast and has a good installer ..

[Compunuts]

If only I may suggest ;DRed Hat ;D.

I'm a Debian fun as well. I would prefer Debian any day than Red Hat ( in most regular instances ) for any system but then again Red Hat had come a long way.

But for the desktop, Red Hat seems to be so much easier. Which distro comes with SSH and Firewall preinstalled? If you liked the package approach, I would say go with Red Hat. If you like minimalist approach, go with Debian. Built a minimal OS and built it UP. No need to de-install anything you don't like. But this point in time with ever changing Linux development area, Slack is far too behind and not actively developed ( as much as I can tell besides a few guys ). So changes are, it will be pretty out of date ( for a desktop ). I would definitely recommend it for a server though ....

[cga]

Just to elaborate a little on my previous post:

I haven't tried Mandrake since 7.2 (I think), so I don't know if it's changed much since then.

The only real positive thing I can say about it is that it has lots and lots of software preinstalled. It's great if you want a system quickly and easily.

However, all the stuff that it installs can get damn annoying at times. I would not recommend trying to use Mandrake for any length of time.

You're better off just using a distro like Slackware or Debian. This may sound hard to believe, but they are easier than Mandrake to use (maybe not install, though).

Between Slack and Debian, I would recommend Debian, as it has apt-get and the Social Contract.

Well, this is just rubbish. Mandrake can be installed in a lean configuration and you can tweak just about anything you want if you don't like something. I find most of the default settings to work quite well.

I've been using Mandrake exclusively for well over a year and have no interest in using anything else.

[stryder144]

If only I may suggest ;DRed Hat ;D.

Ahem...no you may not! j/k

Built a minimal OS and built it UP. No need to de-install anything you don't like.

That is my favorite approach. I hate trying to find all the crap that I don't want installed on my system, and then trying to uninstall them all. Just too painful.

But this point in time with ever changing Linux development area, Slack is far too behind and not actively developed ( as much as I can tell besides a few guys ). So changes are, it will be pretty out of date ( for a desktop ). I would definitely recommend it for a server though ....

I agree with you for the most part. Slackware is not for everyone. But, if you want to take the time and update everything, then Slackware isn't all that bad. Of course, it's kinda like LFS, but without the chest thumping and back-slapping! ;D

[Compunuts]

But, if you want to take the time and update everything, then Slackware isn't all that bad.

Agree .... Like I said, if you like to compile stuff by yourself ( like compiling your own kernel and X for 4 hours ), then it's good. I just don't think that would be feasible with many desktops ( which is why I like Red Hat on desktop ). Red Hat's approach for modulation is also great as well. I have my kernel compiled with Athlon from Red Hat ( which distro vendor can provide that?? ).

But I dislike it for server for simple reasons. It will install craps to your system ( which unless you have high-end system and lots of space ) or you take a few hours customizing your install ( which is just pain the the butt to do ). In that sense, I'd love Debian ( or Slack ).