[mtripoli]

Hello,

I'm about to embark into the world of Linux. I've read a bit about the various versions out there. I'd like to get recommendations from people acutally using Linux on a day to day basis. This is more for hardware/software development than a Windows alternative. There is a "test" one can take at www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php that helps make the decision. It suggested for me:

Freespire
Linspire
Ubuntu
Mandriva
OpenSuSE
Kubuntu

Thanks...

[Leonardo]

i have tried Ubuntu and I really like it

Unfortunately, without autocad, I'm dependent of windows

[-Adrian]

I've had good experiences with Ubuntu (latest kernels don't run on my MB unfortunately). Kubuntu is imo easier if you're transitioning from Windows, but i also found KDE to be quite slow.

Note that if you want to develop for Linux, that rpm-based distros are still more popular for software distribution. Maxwell comes as rpm afaik.

Torrent yourself a LiveCD/DVD and see how that works out.

[mtripoli]

Thanks very much guys. I'm downloading a few of the versions and looking at them via the "LiveCD".

To be more specific, I'll be working with these small embedded systems like this: http://beagleboard.org/. I usually use embedded microcontrollers for projects and program them in assembly. These larger systems favor Linux. I'm taking your suggestion Adrian and looking at the RPM systems as well

[ludi]

Buy a Mandriva USB Key, you wont regret that!!
You have Accces to your Windows NTFS Drives

[mtripoli]

Thanks for the suggestion. I loaded Ubuntu on a drive and have been giving that a go. I installs perfectly, however when I try and update the driver to a Nvidia Quadro it messes up.

I tried loading Linspire but it hung. I then tried Mandriva but it kept asking for a login and password, neither of which I had set or know...