I second that, debian is definitely the best distro out there, (sorry for 
adding to the holy war). 

But I will admit, for learning, get redhat, has the best support out there. I 
paid the 30 bucks for it, and used the 90 days of free support many times. I 
also hear lots of good things about mandrake 8, which is also redhat based, 
so I might have to try that. But for just getting started, get redhat, since 
there are more avenues of support for beginners.

But debian is by far the best. :-)
-Todd


On Monday 30 April 2001 12:59, you wrote:
> Am 30. Apr, 2001 schwäzte AZ_Pete so:
> > I need recommendations on which Linux Distro to use.
>
> The only flame topic worse than which editor or which MUA :).
>
> > He is well versed with all flavors of Windows and quite compentent around
> > computers (building, configuring, installing, etc).
> > He has never used Linux, but is interested in trying it.  I've been using
> > Redhat, TurboLinux, as well as Solaris.
>
> debian, of course, is the best distro :), but I would suggest RedHat
> because that's what you know. If you're more familiar or happier with
> TurboLinux, then go that way.
>
> If he goes for RedHat convince him to sport the $50 for the 7.1 boxed set
> that includes the power tools. 7.1 now has some firewalling and other
> stuff available, so it might work well for him.
>
> Another tack would be for both of you to install Mandrake or debian and
> you can learn with him. As long as both of you continue to have
> functioning email, that works :).
>
> > While these OSes are user friendly to me, I feel they may be a bit
> > complex for a Linux newbie to install and would scare them away from
> > Linux.
>
> Default RedHat install is easy. Leaves too many security holes open,
> though. 7.1 is supposed to be much better.
>
> > What would you guys recommend for a Linux Distro that is easy to install
> > and uses KDE or GNOME by default, and has a good variety of apps (email,
> > browser, Word Proc, spreadsheet, etc).  Ease of Installation and Ease of
> > Use are most important, since I will only be able to provide phone
> > support (he lives in IN and I live in AZ).
>
> There are LUGs in .in.us, but mostly just in the cities, I think. He could
> check local colleges and unis as well.
>
> ciao,
>
> der.hans