On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 07:25:32 -0400, HarryKrause wrote:


Red Hat is one of the more commercial distributions. That isn't a bad
thing, but there are many other distributions that may more closely fit
your needs. Check some of them out at:

http://distrowatch.com/

I've been using Linux for close to ten years now, and I've never looked
back. When forced to use Windows, I break out in hives. ;-)
Distributions can be a quite personal decision, but I have found Debian
to be about perfect for my needs. Apt is the easiest way to keep a OS
current, bar none.

http://www.debian.org/distrib/

If you need any help/advice, drop me a line. If I don't have the
answer, I should be able to find it. Be careful, Harry, your Windows
days may be numbered.


I've saved your post so I can reread it once I know what it means. Right
now, I'm reading Linux for Dummies. That would be me.

OK, I'll translate as best I can. Something you don't need to know right
now, "Linux" technically is just the kernel, the software core, if you
will. Something you do need to know right now, distributions are the
entire operating system. There are similarities and differences amongst
the distributions.

Red Hat, I believe, is now primarily for business applications, with a
subscription fee. Fedora is Red Hat for the masses (free). I would
suggest going with Fedora, Suse, or Debian. They are all full blown
Linuxes, with easy installs.

Apt is a Debian, and other distribution, program to install additional
programs and to keep your distribution current with bug fixes and security
updates.