Re: A debian-based distro for the New
On Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:44:45 -0500
msgrantmatt@netscape.net wrote:
> I got a few friends who are interested in (trying)linux. For TRYING
> purposes I want them to use a debian based Linux. I love using debian
> 2.2
> and I am pretty new my-self(1.5 year). I think it might be a little to
> overwelming for them. I beleive there are three to chose from Corel,
> Storm
> and Libranet.
>
> I have tried the first two but Libranet I have not tried yet. Anyone
> tried Libranet? Are there any reasons not to use the others? I wouldn't
> want the users to try Linux and despise it.
I am not happy about Libranet at all. There appears to be no upgrade path
at all using apt-get, there is nothing worthy of mention on the Libranet
ftp site. The only way to upgrade a Libranet distribution is to add Debian
sources to sources.list - the Libranet-specific apps do not seem to be
available at all. If this is so it would seem pointless to bother with
Libranet unless you are happy purchasing further CDs in the future to keep
the Libranet apps current. This goes completely against the Debian
philosophy of easy upgardability over the 'net using apt.
Libranet also does not allow downloading of its distribution - to use it
you have to buy a CD. Even Corel provides a freely-downloadable iso image.
I emailed Libranet about these points and they stated that they merely
create a Debian build at a particular moment in time. They feel that using
Debian sources is entirely reasonable. I feel this compares very badly
with the sterling efforts Stormix Technologies put into their
distribution. Libranet seems to be doing very little indeed in comparison.
I would be interested to know what they are giving back to the Debian
community.
No, the rising star in the Debian fold, apart from Debian itself, of
course, appears to be Progeny Debian. Beta 3 is available for free
download and is actually very usable indeed - maybe even for the new user.
The install is certainly very straightforward.
--
Phillip Deackes
Using Progeny Debian Linux
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