I have basic linux skills command prompt skills, can write shell scripts etc, but know nothing about setting up and operating on a business type linux machine. Lots of jobs require Linux skills so I need to learn a bit. My question is, what flavor of Linux should I purchase? What's hot? Redhat? Linspire? SUSE?

Any usefull Net resources?? I tried this previously in Mandrake Linux but didnt get very far; couldn't even get the network card running.

 

I had the same issue with trying to get my network card running on Mandrake....most people I know that use Linux as a business platform use the RedHat flavor....

....FYI....it looks as if Google will be entering the O/S market with their own flavor of Linux.....

 

RedHat for biznaz. Only guys with thier support programs together and a solid business model. Plus a big following and plenty of 3rd party support doesn't hurt, either.

 

which kinda of kills the free open source idea of Linux. Redhats support isnt cheap.

I've toyed with it but manage to corrupt the OS pretty quickly...one day I'll give it the time it is due....my favorite OS to date was MS-DOS so I should love Linux

 

*High-Five*

 

No it doesn't. It brings an otherwise unusable O/S to the Enterprise. No business in thier right mind would implement ANY product without proper support or accountability of the product.

 

I wouldnt classify Linux as unusable without Redhat. I've never been one that was sold on support contracts. If I have to have a support contract to reliably run an OS than I'll hold off on implementing it. Yes MS is a pain, yes it can be a security nightmare but I can buy it off the shelf and build an entire secure network with full support for my users and services without support contracts.

Linux isnt there yet. I love the idea of Linux and I'm toying with setting up a file server or web server to test with but all my main systems run MS OSs. If I'm going to spend the time and money to deploy and support Linux I'll just stick with what I know works and minimize the risks.

 

So should I get a basic Redhat desktop version or one of these Enterprise software packages? I obviously dont run an enterprise but I want to learn something useful. There's some good prices on Redhat Enterprise AS on ebay but I dont even know if something of that level will run on my home cpu.

 

I said Enterprise not small or mid-sized... In order for Linux to go forward with mission-critical apps and services in enterprise environments someone must take accountability for it and have the experts ready for whatever. You don't get that with open source, period. It goes against the very nature of open source. Its the very reason why Novell ruled in the 80s/early 90s and why MS rules now. Percieved to be better platforms with great marketing and support.

 

Here is a Red Hat sponsored open source project. A pretty sweet product.. http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/ it's free. Download it, do IT NOW!!

 

been there....installed that..........******* never gave me a T-shirt.........

 

crap....something else for my list...off to check it ou

 

I run fedore core 4. It's just redhat 9+. Its free and installs nicely. It found all my hardware (minus LCD) and runs ok. If you install all the options make sure you have a fast computer and tons of memory.

Of course, its linux so you can tweak it to run on just about anything.

Contrary to some of the above statements, OS vendors cannot be held accountable for anything their OS does or does not do. There is no implied warranty or guarantee.

 

We just set up a linux box. Went with the SUSE. Had trouble with the Fedora core stuff. Could download the image files, burn the cds, and boot from them but for some reason they always failed the media check that it does before installing. I would love to hear any feedback anyone has on that.


The SUSE installation I believe was put together by some european group. There is also another installation, can't remember the name but was put together by a japanese group. It is supposed to be pretty good.

WV

 

Wow, what business world do you guys live in?! You blow hundreds of thousands/millions of dollars on a brand new enterprise software/hardware solution from someone you bet your **** they are held accountable and will warranty/guarantee said solution. You have issues, you get personal support, programmers/developers, consultants... whatever it takes until your issue is resolved and your solution works as promised per the statement of work in your contract.

Now if your a little fish then your right, nothing is guaranteed and you get the crappy support and a nice "yeah... that won't work sir". What part about the word "Enterprise" don't you people get?!