Best Linux for LEARNING Linux

Post by **CronoTriggerfan** » Sat May 24, 2008 4:04 pm

I'm really interested in learning Linux. Not dabbling in it and never seeing the command prompt, but actually learning it. With the upcoming release of Pandora and me getting ready to start testing for a ton of computer certification tests, it'll be nice to start learning over the summer when I'll have a bit more free time. The only Linux distro I've ever really used is Ubuntu, but the whole thing just seemed too... easy, like I wasn't getting the full Linux experience. So for you Linux vets, what do you recommend?

Post by **bicostp** » Sat May 24, 2008 4:26 pm

Ubuntu doesn't really teach you anything. For that, you want Fedora or Slackware.

But really, why bother? It's not like you're ever going to use it in the real world unless you become a web server admin.

Post by **Sparkfist** » Sun May 25, 2008 5:15 am

bicostp wrote:Ubuntu doesn't really teach you anything. For that, you want Fedora or Slackware.

But really, why bother? It's not like you're ever going to use it in the real world unless you become a web server admin.

Or you don't programming, system builds, privet networks, what to secure a network via a custom router, FTP, ect. Bic there are many many things that Linux can be tailored for, web servers just turn out to be an easy one.

As per the original question, yes, Fedora is considered the best for learning on, and also the worst for general use. I say that as one it uses RPM packages, custom Redhat only commands (mkbootdisk an the like), and oh yeah it requires at minimum 3+ gigabytes of hard drive space.

If you want it easy go Ubuntu, but you might find yourself using the GUI more then the command-line. The only way to fight that is to go to the forums at Ubuntu.com and learn how to configure your system via the command-line. There are people willing to help you in any way.

I say you need to learn the command-line as all distributions can be run, setup, or maintained that way. Just don't make the same mistake with Fedora, it too has a lot of GUI configuration tools, and if you use them as a crutch, you'll regret it.

Hope you enjoy your experience with Linux.