Monday, July 31, 2006

The Debian/Kubuntu Experiment

Ever since deciding to take the Gentoo Linux plunge when building a server for work, I realized there is life after RPMs. And that life was a far more superior packaging system Portage. After spending 3 weeks getting my Gentoo Linux server rock solid, I determined that a source distribution is probably not exactly what I need to run a desktop PC. So I moved onto the next best packaging system, APT for Debian. Since Kubuntu is about a 15 minute (full desktop) install and based on Debian I tried this distro to get my feet wet in APT. After being impressed by the package management, I decided to give Debian a run on my home desktop. After downloading the Network Install CD and blowing away Mandrake Linux 10.1, I had a base Debian system installed in 15 minutes. From there I installed KDE then began installing all my fav applications and configuring my hardware. (Thanks to guys at #debian on FreeNode for the help)

After a week of configuration (because Linux is more fun to setup then Windows), I had a Desktop running without a hitch. I don't think I will ever be able to go back to an RPM distro, but APT & Portage definately have my vote.

For the new comers Kubuntu is definately an easy way to get started with Linux, having solid UI design and superior package management. But for me there was not enough control over what I wanted and I ended removing a lot of the Kubuntu base install packages and reconfiguring, so it was easier to install Debian and install only the packages I needed, instead of working backwards.

Well that is all, and I give these distros Two Thumbs Up ;-)

Later.