Re: Ubuntu vs. Debian (was Re: Introduction)
>
> tom arnall wrote:
> > I booted from the Ubuntu CD the other day and was very impressed. It got
> > my wireless card right off. Back 6 months ago when I did a Debian install
> > from the minimal cd, I had to recompile the kernel etc to get my card to
> > work. Does anyone know if this has changed?
> >
> > I am thinking seriously of recommending Ubuntu as a starting point for
> > new users. Comments on the advantages/disadvantages of this idea are
> > encouraged.
> >
> > What is involved for a user to switch from Ubuntu to Debian?
--
On Saturday 10 February 2007 12:27, Joe Hart wrote:
> Tom,
>
> It all depends on which version of Ubuntu and Debian that you're
> referring to. Much stride has been taken in this area of late. It also
> makes a difference which brand the wireless device uses. Some work
> well, while others still require the use of ndiswrapper and the windows
> drivers.
>
> I guess that it's Ubuntu Edgy (6.10) that you're referring to, and yes,
> it is a good distro for a new user of GNU/Linux. The reason I switched
> to Debian is personal, and by no means does that say that it's bad for
> everyone. It just wasn't what I was looking for.
>
> As far as switching from Ubuntu to Debian, if /home is on a separate
> partition, it is quite simple, but keep in mind that the version of
> programs may be different, so there COULD be incompatibilities in the
> configuration files of some programs (the hidden files in your home
> directory).
>
> Personally, I had no difficulties at all even though I was running KDE
> 3.5.6 on Kubuntu and 3.5.5 on Debian, the configuration works fine. I
> did loose a few programs that I had installed not using apt, but they
> are easily replaced thanks to the net.
>
> One thing to remember about Ubuntu is that they pull packages from
> Unstable and Experimental as well as Testing. They sometimes send
> updates that will break your system (one trashed X, another the kernel)
>
> If anyone asks me where they should start, I look at the person and what
> sort of technical ability they have. If they are the type that likes to
> tweak their system all the time, then I would recommend Gentoo. It
> really all depends on who is asking. For some people Linspire or Ubuntu
> would be a good start, others it might be Mepis or PCLinuxOS. Someone
> who wants stability, Debian.
>
> Joe
what about Dapper? is using stuff other than stable? if Debian (stable of
course) is more stable, i don't think there's any question about where the
beginner should start.
tom arnall
Reply to: