Linux Distro -> Ubuntu

[iVictor]

Hello All,

I am looking at Ubuntu to install as dual-boot with M$ XP.

I have used Debian, Fedora earlier. Now, for certain project I had to choose between Ubuntu and Gentoo and looking at the poll here, there were no second thoughts.

I need your opinion on which Ubuntu to use. I believe there are several variants out there. I will be dual-booting it with Windows XP on my box.

I will be installing only a specific set of apps on this. So I require one which is stable, easy-to-use and doesn't give (many/any) issues.

Best Regards,
Victor

[Kieren]

Ubuntu and Kubuntu are the two big ones. I would say for stability go for Ubuntu as KDE 4 is still a bit buggy. You can always install Ubuntu as a base distribution and install the other flavours after and choose which one you want to use at the log in screen

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

I'd recommend starting with Ubuntu and if you find that it doesn't suit your tastes, move to Kubuntu, Xubuntu, or even Fluxbuntu if you really want something that is buntu-ish, so to speak.

The best way to find out what you like is to give it some time and experiment with them yourself.

Let us know how it goes...

[teenytinylinuxgrl]

My Ubuntu is speedy and simple. It's a minimal Ununtu installation (command-line only) with LXDE as the desktop environment. It's speedy and super simple!

Welcome to the forums!

Amy

[techieMoe]

I will be installing only a specific set of apps on this. So I require one which is stable, easy-to-use and doesn't give (many/any) issues.

Best Regards,
Victor

You really need to give us more information to go on than that. All versions of Ubuntu available currently could be considered stable and easy-to-use (though that's entirely a personal thing; what's easy to me might not be easy to you).

What "specific set of apps" are you looking to install, and why does that matter which Ubuntu you choose? You can of course just install basic Ubuntu (which comes with the very stable Gnome desktop) and add on whatever you want after the fact.

There aren't really different types of Ubuntu, just different collections of default software. You can take regular Ubuntu and turn it into any of the other types by adding on the software they include.

[iVictor]

Thanks guys. I installed ubuntu v9.4 yesterday. Been playing with it a bit. Kinda started to like it.

techMoe: I will be setting up certain custom application package. It's a security package comprising of specific toolset(s).

Just when I had begun to get a feel of buntu 9.4, I came to know v8.10 is required to ensure compatibility with the package. /dunno

Is there a way I can install 8.10 while keeping 9.4?
Or I must format the partition and setup fresh again?

Best Regards.

[Kieren]

You can do a dual boot. There are many tutorials on the internet so just do a Google search for Ubuntu dual boot and find one you like. A dual boot will ask which version you want to boot into when you turn your computer on

[aperla]

I have been using Xubuntu for a few weeks now. It is very stable and fast.....I just love using it.

[iVictor]

Ok Kieren, I also looked into Gentoo and it seems to demand considerable time and efforts to set up and configure the necessary stuff.

Am thinking of setting up ubuntu 8.10 for now - with or without 9.4. Just one concern - v8.10 stable enough? How's the setting up and configuration of apps in 8.10? Any issues w.r.t dependencies etc.

Basically, I need to decide from gentoo / ubuntu. Hoping that 8.10 doesn't crash or throw errors or issues after setup. So, getting a little finicky about this.

Best Regards.

[Kieren]

8.10 is a good choice as it's got long term support (LTS) from Ubuntu meaning they will continue to support it even though there are newer versions available. I can’t remember off the top of my head how long they support LTS releases for but I seem to think it’s 4 years

There is very little to no difference in installing applications between the later versions and apart from appearance I don't think you will notice any major differences between 8.10 and 9.04

I've never used Gentoo but I have heard that it can be a bit fiddly