Posted 11/05/09 at 08:18:07 AM by Paul Lilly

Already feeling bored with Ubuntu and thnk you're ready to start experimenting with other Linux distros? You may want to consider Mandriva Linux 2010.0, which was just released on Wednesday.

Mandriva 2010.0, or "Adelie" if you prefer to use its codename, promises to be snappier than previous versions, including faster boot times. It's built around the Linux 2.6.31 kernel, which means improved hardware support as well, and the feature-list unrolls from there. Just a sampling of these include improved parental controls, easier WiFi setup, easier partitioning with Ext4 now being used as the default file system, a new security framework, better virtualization, and more.

Some helpful links:

Release Notes
Features
Download

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Posted 05/07/09 at 11:30:00 AM by Will Kraft

Yes, there is more to Linux than Ubuntu. As you are probably aware, there are many different types of Linux to choose from, even though not all get the attention they deserve. These are organized into separate distributions, (distros) and each one is different. If you've read our previous Beginner's Guide to Linux, you are already familiar with the advice we gave about choosing the right distro for your needs. This guide will shed more light on some of the more common distributions in use today and will cover the distinct advantages or disadvantages of each.  

For the purpose of comparison, we personally tested each distro and critiqued it based on several distinct areas: appearance, ease of use, system administration, software/package management, security, and the level of support available for the distro. We graded each factor on a scale of zero to five: 0 –   Abysmal or non-existent;  1– Very bad;  2 – Needs improvement; 3 – Average; 4 – Good; and 5 – Excellent. We hope that this guide will give you a better understanding of the current state of Linux, so you can make an informed decision about choosing the right Distro without just defaulting to Ubuntu (which we've included in this roundup)

Read on to get started!

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Posted 03/04/09 at 11:30:00 AM by Will Kraft

In part one of our guide, we walked you through the process of finding a distro that is right for you. By now, you hopefully have become more familiar with the distros that are out there and have at least one that you would like to try. This chapter is going to walk you through downloading and burning a CD image of your chosen distro(s), the traditional way of partitioning and setting up a dual-boot system, and another way to dual-boot without repartitioning. Instead of providing a step-by-step tutorial for a specific installation process, our goal is to educate you on the underlying concepts in a more generalized way that you will be able to apply towards many different Linux distros. You should also read our previous guide to installing Ubuntu for further instructions. 

Read on to get started!

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Posted 02/24/09 at 02:30:00 PM by Will Kraft

We are certain that many of you want to try Linux to see what it is like, but have no idea where to start or how to get into it. This article is the first installment in a four-part guide that will gradually introduce you to the Linux environment and how to adjust to it if you are a new user.

One of the hardest things to do while starting out is finding a distro that is right for you. Many users try several before settling on one of two that they really like. Once they find a distro that feels right, they are often reluctant to switch unless the distro becomes unsuitable for their needs for whatever reason.

In most instances, choosing a distro ultimately comes down to several factors: Your skill level, the purpose of the system, and package management.

Read on to get started!

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Posted 11/09/07 at 09:34:31 PM by Mark Soper

"Like CDs through a disk drive, so go the operating systems of our lives." Join us for the continuing saga of Microsoft vs Mandriva for the desktops of Nigerian schoolchildren.

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