I have been a Linux on-the-desktop user for over Five years now, and I have tried many different distributions to find the fit I like. It is impossible to find a distribution which provides everything a user might want but if you are willing to compromise, there are close fits. For example, bleeding edge technology and stability do not go hand in hand. In this case I have to ask myself how up to date do I need to be, and how stable do I want to be. Truth is there are only a few applications I care to stay updated on. Another factor is the kind of mood am I in. Sometimes, I have a lot of free time, and I want to tinker with my system. Other times I am in a hurry and I need a running linux machine quick. Another factor is circumstance. For a working production system where I do most my writing, school work, and entertainment, I want a stable system. If I need to test something on a computer not running Linux I can use a live disc or USB based distribution, or what kind of hardware do I have. With this said their are five Linux distributions I find myself bouncing from the most frequently, and always eager to try out their new relieses to see what is new. The fallowing list is not provided in any particular order.

Debian GNU/Linux

This is one of the most versatile and flexible distributions out there. It has been around almost as long as Slackware and out lasted many promising distributions. The amount of Debian based distributions is staggering. One of the first Debian based distributions to make a splash in the realm of Linux on-the-desktop was Knoppix. Arguably, the current king of the Linux Desktop is Ubuntu, which freezes the testing branch of Debian every month, and re-builds their own package repository and implements newer more cutting edge desktop out of the box experience.  There are a couple reasons I like Debian on the desktop. It can be installed with a minimal command line interface, allowing me to build exactly what I want and need into my desktop. The apt-get package management system is second to none and easy to use both in the command line and teh GTK application Synaptic. Stability is a top priority of the Debian team. The downside is not all packages are as up to date as I would like them – such as Firefox/Iceweasel and XFCE and Compiz Fusion. The good news is there are many third-party repositories out there who backport specific applications for use with the stable stream of Debian. It is true that Debian does not have a reputation for being user friendly like Ubuntu, but I prefer to have a simple base to build from. With some patiance, I have configured Debian into an impressive desktop wich can rivel any out-of-the-box desktop distrobution, and has been thoroughly documented on this blog.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is just fun, that is you like to tinker and figure out the guts of how Linux works. The year I used Arch Linux I learned more about Linux, and how it operates, then the Four years of Linux experience prior to that. Arch Linux is a distribution for the hobbyist and enthusiast.  It takes the simple design concepts of Debian to another level. It has its own in house package manager called PacMan which is fast and easy to use (once you figure out the syntax). I rather enjoy using PacMan and almost prefer it over Apt-Get. Where Debian does a lot of auto configuration when you install a distribution, Arch Linux only installs the files for the program. With a lot of programs addition configuration is required through editing text files. Fortunately Arch Linux has one of the best Wiki’s and Support Forums I have found. I still refer to the Arch Linux Wiki to figure out how to do something in other distributions. The other gem of Arch Linux is the BSD style init script located in /etc/rc.conf which allows you to control the boot processes from a single file. Arch Linux also has the AUR (Arch User Repositories) which consists of unsupported build scripts contributed from the community. The script is installed and then compiles the program for you. However, sometimes AUR packages do not always given attention and can get out of date and brake your system. Arch Linux is not a system for stable production, but is a wonderful educational experience to install and configure with the aid of their wiki and forums.

Zenwalk Linux

When it comes to out-of-the-box functional desktop distribution I almost always reach for Zenwalk Linux. This distribution was once known as Minislack, and as suggested it is based on Slackware. It is lightweight, but feature rich, working well on older hardware. It features a well configured XFCE desktop and comes with most of my preferred applications as the default installation. In most cases it does not take long to install Zenwalk with a ncursers based install script and have it configured to handle Java,  Flash, and multimedia. It allows you to configure your system through a Graphical User Interface. The package management system, netpkg, takes some getting used to, and I have found most programs I need are included in their repositories. They provide a desktop install, a Live CD and a Core install disc allowing you flexibility in what you need out of Zenwalk Linux.

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux does an incredible job of providing a full featured desktop via IceWM in as little space as possible, making it ideal for old computers and limited hardware. It is designed as a Live CD but can be installed on a regular hard drive or on to a USB. As a USB installation it works really well as a Linux distro on the go when you want to get something done but don’t wish to be stuck working on someone’s Windows machine. Many of the applications are developed in house such as the CD burning tool which works great. The impressive thing about Puppy Linux is that the operating system is loaded entirely into RAM. This allows you to eject the Live CD while operating. Puppy is also expandable with an application to remaster your own Puppy Linux. In fact, there is an entire repository of community submitted custom versions of Puppy called Puplets. If you need something on the go, that will work on most hardware old or new, then try Puppy Linux.

Sabayon Linux

Named after a delicious Italian desert, this Gentoo based distribution is ideal for showing off what Linux can do. Sabayon is a live DVD which is packed with many kinds of applications and a variety of desktop environments and windows managers. The development team’s attention to detail is remarkable; there is even a song which plays as you wait for it to boot from the DVD. I like to use Sabayon as a presentational tool to give people an Idea of the versatility of Linux. You can login to Gnome, KDE, XFCE, and a few others from one disk. Once inside of a Desktop Manager, all bells and whistles are equipped including a tweaked Compiz-Fusion. On top of the usual Linux applications there are several open source games loaded including detailed 3d first person shooters like Saouerbraten.  It is best to have a fairly updated system to run Sabayon. My Athlon X2 5000+ with nVidia GeForce 9500 takes it in stride. It can be installed onto a hard drive, however being a Gentoo based system, the emerge package manger is designed for compiling build scripts, and I find it cumbersome to deal with on a regular basis, but as a Live disk it excels at what it does.

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