[oclug] Linux on the desktop??

[David F. Skoll]

> I am in the process of rolling out Linux on the desktop where I work. We are
> currently working with Slackware 7.1 which works, and just happens to be my
> favorite but we have come to the conclusion that this may not be the best
> distribution for the desktop. Any recommendations???

I like Red Hat, but many people prefer Debian.  Debian probably has superior
package management and a much wider range of precompiled software.  Red
Hat is better-known, and I'm more familiar with it.

Plan your rollout carefully.  I created a kickstart server and a bunch of
shell scripts to update machines using SSH.  When a new workstation comes
in, I just pop in a boot floppy and let it boot.  20 minutes later, it's
ready for use, complete with Red Hat, Helix GNOME, all the latest updates,
and all the site-local software installed and configured.

Whichever distro you choose, take the time to learn the kickstart-like
tools.

Oh, and stay away from Red Hat 7.0.  Stick with 6.2+updates for now.

--
David.