Tempted to try Linux for web developpement

Care to help a wannabee linux user?

[Macguru]

I use both Mac and Windows for Web developpement and SEO.

Both boxes have a roomy spare partition, good performance and lots of RAM. I am willing to try Linux for web developpement.

Wich box to use?
Wich distro or package to pick?
Here do I get started?
How much will it cost?

And how does the average Mac user boot a floppy under Linux? ;)

[danny]

I'd go with the Intel box - PPC Linux is fine, but not nearly as widespread. For a similar reason, I'd recommend Debian or Red Hat as a distribution - they have the biggest user bases (unless perhaps you're in Germany or Brazil or suchlike) and so it's easiest for a beginner to get help.

Once you've learnt a bit, then you can pick a distro to actually use.

Danny.

[Macguru]

Thanks for your input danny.

I will get the latest Red Hat version in a box later this week. I was always curious about this OS.

[4eyes]

MacGuru

I am trying the same thing (but on a PC naturally:))

I am using Mandrake 8.2 - very easy installation.

I have found all the web design tools I need to survive, but will still need to use my Windows box for thos 'nice to have' tools that aren't available on Linux yet.

So far, I am very impressed - much nicer to use than M$.

[Nick_W]

Mandrake is definately good for begginers, I had it briefly.

RedHat would be the way to go though I think as your Host probably runs it and it's nice to try stuff on the exact same environment you will upload to.

Nick

[SmallTime]

Mandrake has passed Redhat in retail sales. It and Redhat are pretty similar, Suse popular in Europe. A full pack of Mandrake is about $70. To start, set cd to boot in bios, insert cd and follow directions, half an hour to 45 min later you should be ready to boot into either operating system.

[littleman]

>Which distro or package to pick?
I think Mandrake is a very good place to start -- I'd recommend it over Redhat.

>Which box to use?
Use the PC.

>Here do I get started?
desktops:
Start with KDE, then try Gnome. Then play with everything else.
Apps:
I could write a book on this subject, but it would be out of date before it was ever printed.

>How much will it cost?
Depends on how cheap you want to be. You could burn a cd from a download, or you could go to a place like cheapbytes and get a copy of Mandrake or Redhat for under $10. Mandrake is actually encouraging people to download the OS and make a donation.