Linux MANDRAKE or SLACKWARE ?

[Thor_Sevan]

Hello !
Here is the first situation !

I have an old 166 with 64 EDO ram and a 1.2 GB HD that I would like to use like a firewall and internet connection sharing (ADSL) server.
I would like to know wich distribution could run better on this old system.

Here is the second !
I would also like to have linux also installed again on my new system (dual boot) that would be an intel P4-B 2.26 Ghz (full system with the new R300). Wich linux distribution could be best on this one ?

I just want to know before downloading the good version. Specific reasons could be interresting !

Thanks a lot !

Thor

 

[n0cmonkey]

Slack for the first, Mandrake for the second.

 

[Buddha Bart]

the whole "which distro is better for what machine" thing is pretty much bogus. 99% of the question comes down to "are you running X or not".

If you're new, pick one distro so you can learn what your doing without being confused.

bart

 

[Jinny]

for your slow computer use coyotelinux

i use my p166 as a router too

 

[Sunner]

For a server, I'd go with Debian if you dont mind getting your hands a little dirty.
If you want something that's a bit easier, and more "standard", go RedHat, as it's still alot more geared towards servers than Mandrake.

For a desktop, it's all up to you, Im using Gentoo, RedHat, SuSE and Mandrake are definately alot easier to setup, and Debian is pretty nice as well, but they're pathetically slow when it comes to getting new stuff into their tree, well some of the stuff anyways.

 

[civad]

99% of the question comes down to "are you running X or not"
If you're new, pick one distro so you can learn what your doing without being confused

Amen

 

[Thor_Sevan]

Thanks.
For a powerfull computer, is Gnome or KDE better ? I always used KDE without asking questions but some like gnome a lot !

Thanks ! I'll try that little coyoteLinux for my 166.

Thor

 

[AntiAMD]

Thor; I would have to agree, Cyote would make for a good firewall/router. But, I will add one more OS you might want to think about or check out, OpenBSD.
Here's a link I think will be helpful for you if you choose to try OpenBSD: http://www.homenethelp.com/openbsd/bsd-firewall.asp

 

[drag]

I personally would go for Slackware, however it depends on your level of comfortablity with Linux. I you are sure of yourself then I would say Openbsd for old and Slackware for new.

I would choose slack for a new computer (i am using slackware 8.1 right now) over mandrake to avoid the bloat and I prefer not to have to depend on X windows for anything important (it's good, but If you can't use command line for most everything you will probably get lost somewhere down the line). However If you are not comfortable with the bash shell I'd stick with Mandrake, because it's much easier to setup and is a good product in itself.

Slack would work well on the older computer, but You may want to get a OS that dedicated the firewall/router use. It's not that a Linux distro can't be turned into a viable firewall, it can, but it just easier to use someone esle's expertise in this matter. You can learn alot by studying a modifing and a firewall distro.

 

[Thor_Sevan]

I just realised that mandrake 8.2 comes with the old KDE 2.2.2 while slackware comes with KDE 3.0.1
Slackware is only one CD, what kind of software is included in it compared to the 3 CD'S mandrake ?

THanks !
THor

 

[civad]

I just realised that mandrake 8.2 comes with the old KDE 2.2.2 while slackware comes with KDE 3.0.1
Slackware is only one CD, what kind of software is included in it compared to the 3 CD'S mandrake ?

THanks !
THor

You basically need just one cd for either distro. Mandrake's other 2 cds basically provide you the option of installing a few more web browesers, around half a dozen email clients, not to mention 4 or 5 more desktop envs. ...If you have broadband and want to p*ss your ISP (or sys. admn, in case you are in school) , you can gladly download allt he 3 cds, and burn them...

As far as KDE 2.2.2 vs KDE 3.0.1 is concerned, you can simply install Mandrake 8.2 and upgrade to KDE 3.1 later!