At work I often get asked what UNIX/Linux I use. Truth of the matter is I am an OS harlot :) I run NeXTStep and Rhapsody for fun. When I buy systems I force myself to use them for at least 3 days online to learn them better. Anyways, below is the questionnaire on how I pick a distro/OS
- Do you want to use learn Linux for work?
- CentOS or RHEL
- Do you want to actually learn the innards of Linux?
- Gentoo or Arch
- Do you want to use Linux for day-to-day usage?
- Ubuntu, Debian, or OpenSuSE
- Do you want to use UNIX for day-to-day usage?
- Buy a Mac and install macports
- Do you want to use linux for development of bleeding edge packages?
- Fedora or Foresight
- Do you want to learn UNIX, but hear a lot about Linux?
- FreeBSD is a better SysV learning platform
- Are you a paranoid security type?
- OpenBSD
- Did you buy a lot of old equipment on eBay or Craigslist and can’t stand the vendor OS?
- NetBSD
- Are the type of person that has flashing lights and fans on your computer? Do you want matching bling in software?
- Linux Mint RC
- Are you building a server for home?
- Debian Stable
- Are you building a file server to run NetApp out of town?
- OpenSolaris ZFS builds
- Are you building that same file server but Solaris packages make you want to poke your eyes out?
- Nexenta
- Are you doing embedded systems for a special project?
- NetBSD
- Building a wireless mesh network with captive portals?
- OpenBSD
- Or in the end you are as geeky as Nick and change OS like you change clothes
- Build a Vmware/Xen server and run them all
