need recommendations for a Unix/Linux distribution

[xane]

I'm going to have a go at Unix/Linux at home and I need some recommendations for good distributions.

Basically, I've been programming for nearly 20 years now, and I know my way around older Unix and newer Solaris, my priority is good libraries and extensive compiler functions, not fancy graphics, so emphasis on the "geek" element please.

I'd be happy with a command line even, a GUI is not required, I'd probably end up running some sort of X-Server from the Windows machine onto it anyway.

TIA

 

[Will]

Hmnnn, geeky distros...

Gentoo
Debian
FreeBSD

Then I guess you can't really ignore Slackware either. TdC would be saying it if he could.

 

[Testin da Cable]

thank you

 

[Will]

Someone had to say it.

 

[Testin da Cable]

once you've had slack you can never go back. it's like a disease

 

[Will]

Hmnnn, you are selling a distro as contagious?

*edges towards the door*

 

[Testin da Cable]

don't breathe too deeply...

 

[Will]

*** Kernel panic : could not init console ***

I think I've caught it...heeeelllpp mmeeee

 

[Testin da Cable]

Warning: loading /lib/modules/2.4.19/kernel/drivers/video/NVdriver will taint the kernel: non-GPL license - NVIDIA

 

[Will]

Source...closing...can't...breath...

 

[xane]

I'm starting with FreeBSD, but as that is not actually "Linux" I need another choice ...

 

[Testin da Cable]

openBSD?


*runs*


err. gentoo seems nice enough. I don't really like debian. Slackware p0wns j00 biatch!!

 

[Will]

Originally posted by Itcheh
Hmnnn, geeky distros...

Gentoo
Debian
FreeBSD

Then I guess you can't really ignore Slackware either. TdC would be saying it if he could.

Gentoo and Debian are very nice. Distrowatch should help you decide also.