[GLLUG] your favorite softwares, and distros

[Yarden Katz]

Yao-Ying Chien <chieny@pilot.msu.edu> writes:

> Hi,
>
> My 1st Linux was Redhat 4.0 (1993?), then I haven't done much since
> then. Lately, I wish to refresh the programing languages I learned
> (C++, Java, Perls, MIPS, FROTRAN), and learn some new ones as well
> (Python, tcl, CGI, parallel computing, mySQL, <opened to
> suggestions>). Things have changed so much since RH 4.0. What are
> your favorite softwares? Could you guys please share with me, so
> that I know where to start and enjoy?
>
> Your opinions on distributions (Rehhat, Mandrake, etc.)? Which one
> to start? And which one is more tolerant as I have difficulties in
> installing RH 7.3 on a Compaq computer: Presario, P-III 450MHz,
> desktop, made in 1998 (?).
>
> Pointers are great.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Yao

Hi Yao,

  I'm no expert, but in my opinion, there will not be much difference
  between the popular Linux distributions for the type of software
  development that you suggested.  MySQL will run on anything, and all
  the compilers/interpreters for the languages that you mentioned are
  readily available for all the distributions.  With this in mind, I
  think you should pick the distribution that will be easiest for you
  to use, configure and install software on.  My suggestion is
  Debian.

  I have never installed Debian myself from scratch--my friend did it
  for me when I was just starting out--so I cannot speak about the
  installation process.  However, I can tell you that upgrading and
  installing software on Debian could not be easier.  Debian's package
  management system, apt, is almost infallible and it's great to work
  with.  Installing complex software with many dependencies is a
  breeze, whereas with Red Hat (I used Red Hat when it was 6.0) it was
  hell.  Upgrading Debian itself from the old potato to woody took
  less than an hour and the process was error-free.  This is a huge
  advantage and that a lot of other distributions don't have.  

  In addition, and this is very important, Debian is being developed
  by a group of extremely dedicated and intelligent programmers that
  are very quick to fix all sorts of bugs in the system.  Debian's
  users are also very dedicated and this shows in the
  well-put-together apt packages that are produced for almost every
  popular and significant piece of software.

  In any case, when you make your selection of what distribution to
  get, don't let the installation process influence your choice.
  Sure, it is a minor consideration, but if you're having that much
  difficulty installing a distro you can always get help from a user group,
  or online.  I never heard of anyone who wanted to install some 
  Linux distro and couldn't (not including hardware incompatibility
  cases.)

  As far as programming languages go, learn Lisp. 
-- 
Yarden Katz <katz@underlevel.net>  |  Mind the gap