debian or gentoo!

[jasonlambert]

LinuxForums.org runs on a server powered by Debian... so choose Debian

[d38dm8nw81k1ng]

no offence to debian users, but debian was terrible on my machine. it may have been something to do with XFree86 + a 2.4 kernel, which isn't as good as a 2.6 kernel for USB hardware detection. XF86 just added to the graphic woes, with the display giving me a headache. my first experience with gentoo wasn't so good, but after i got the appropriate hardware (ethernet modem), i installed it from stage 1, and it runs like a dream, save a couple of minor sound issues.
the debian is more stable arguement doesn't hold water IMO, since gentoo is completely customised for your computer as long as you stay away from genkernel. if you want to use a 2.4 kernel, you can. as well as XF86 if you really want to. plus, since portage compiles the source code for your machine, instead of downloading precompiled binaries, you get programs that are customised to run on your specific hardware, which can only help stability.

just my two cents

[jens]

Go with gentoo...if you follow the handbook the isntallation is not that difficult, and I personally prefer portage over apt...if you have halfway decent specs then it may take awhile on some compiles, but its more than worth it...I keep trying different distros; however, gentoo is always the one I come back to.

Well... I never ran Gentoo on a fast CPU, but all it's compiling is the reason why I don't use it anymore. It simply wasn't productive enough for me, speed was horrible since I always had something compiling on the background. I probably should give it an other try on a faster system though.


PS: IMO, Debian and Slackware are all you need(These are the only two systems that never failed for me)

[Nihilanth]

I'd say Gentoo.

My only experience with Debian was the installation, which was two days of package selection, followed by a lack of an X Server.

Gentoo, on the other hand, was a 4-day installation, after which I had X, KDE, OpenOffice, and a fully-working system.

While the latter is longer, it is VERY straightforward, and, in my mind, easier than Debian.

That said, my Debian install was Woody, so it may have been quite antiquated.


But yeah...as has been said, try them both! Only YOU can tell your favorite distro.

I despise the package selection during the woody install. Though, if your up for it, you should try sarge, it's a lot better. (installation wise, at least)