[NTLUG:Discuss] Need Distro Recommendation, Please

[Terry]

Pretty much the only things that are unique to each distro are the
package managers and install programs.  Sure the individual programs
are sometimes configured differently, to look a little different or
have a few different options, less secure or more secure,  looser or
tighter,  filesystems differ  as well as kernel configurations and
modules may be better suited for one purpose or another.  All these
things are negotiable afterwards, but I suppose what we're really
looking for when  we choose a "distro", is the one that comes "out of
the box" or initially set up as close as possible to what we want -
with the right array of software tools, arranged in a manor or order
that we can best find them.  All these variables depend totally on
what we intend to use the computer for.

So, how many distros are there now,  about a hundred or so?    This
one's too hot, this one's too cold, ... this one's just right!  Surely
_one_ is just right? Yea, it's a tough decision!  And who has time to
try out all  1## or so, (however many there are....?)?

I can give you a few recommendations:  Mandrake, FC1, Slackware, ...
etc.  (basically, all that I've tried - I liked 'em all - I was able
to make them all do what I wanted).
I'm leaning toward Slackware now - security is good, prolly good for
server use, just fine for desktop use as well, installer works well,
package management is good and logical, etc. etc.
But, .... it's probably just yet another infatuation.  :)