I turn to you, Lunixmonster

[rad4Christ]

I'm looking for good distros of Linux to immerse myself in it. I'm looking for two specific things, and if one distro can do that, great, but if I can do in more than one distro, let me know.

1: I'm looking for a good Windows replacement linux distro that has a functional GUI that could be used for internet/word processing/games/etc. It doesn't have to be completely newb friendly. I may be new to Linux, but not computers, so I want to find a distro that would run some windows apps and games the BEST.

2: I need to learn network permissions, even the possibility or domain management, but most importantly folder shares and user based permissions.


Now some linuxnub pre questions. Is there a GUI much like Windows to manage permissions, or is it command line based? Can I manage multiple Linux machines from one box (other than VNC or such). Can I install multiple NIC's into this box and use it as a firewall/router?

My plan is to learn Linux for my workplace, and to use a machine at home as a firewall/router and storage server. I need to see what linux is capable of as a server and as a workstation. I am well aware of software such as open office, but I'm not so up to date on how windows programs are run on Linux and with what success.

Thanks to all who help!

[devicenull]

As far as firewall based stuff goes, I've heard really good things about m0n0wall: http://www.m0n0.ch/wall/ .. basically a livecd that configures your system as a firewall.. for this application, a livecd is probably a bit better then an actual distro installed to a HD.  This way, if by some chance you think the firewall got comprimised, all you need to do is reboot.

Managing multiple computers from one box is probably possible.  I only run linux on a few computers, all of which have unique configuarations, so I can't answer that.  However, rather the VNC, all you need to do is probably done at the shell, so SSH would be easier, because it would seem that you are actually sitting at the computer there.. its text only though.

OpenOffice is a good choice for office stuff.. past that, anything that does not have a linux port is probably supported under WINE (actually its called some really weird name now, but I don't know what it is).  Games will work, yes.. but the best preformance would still be under the native OS (Windows).

Running a firewall + server together may be a good choice, but combineing all 3 may not be the best idea.  On the plus side, m0n0wall is targeted at embedded applcations, so it doesn't require anything close to a good computer.

[rad4Christ]

Well, right now I'm looking to dual boot my existing machine once my new sweetness gets here.

however, I've toyed with the idea of resurrecting my old frankenputer just as a storage PC and router/firewall.

in short, my existing PC would dual boot XP/Linux and be a gaming/PC platform, frankenputer would be dedicated storage/firewall.

That's why I'm up to trying two different releases. I'm also interested in the differences between, Debian, KDE, and other cores/whatevers I'm hearing about?

[confused!]

monowall is indeed sweet. I'm running it on a  Soekris box as my router intalled to a 64meg cf card.

as you your windows replacement stuff i find that either gnome or kde both are very fucntional. while some command line bludgeoning may be required  they both come with rather good administration tools.

As to file sharing NFS IS AWESOME. couple it with things like ssh and ftp acces and you have a very functional server admin package.
for those of you who need more than a command line: http://fedoranews.org/mediawiki/index.php/..._Remote_Desktop

i suggest fedora 4. its rather shiny.

Gaming is another story. supposedly cedega actually works and allow reasonalbe gaming experineces it is also a pay to play service. however, this does mean that is updated with great frequency.

as to debian versus KDE. its apples and oranges.KDE s a window manager meaking that it does all teh desktop stuff you expect from winodws. while debian is the acutal OS.

also try: http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/index.html

[Niteowl]

From what I can remember messing around with desktop linux, Mandrake is a mind boggingly easy install to a window-esque environment.

And confused, j00 r a Firefly fan! I SEE YOU!!