[lbo-talk] something completely different: New Linux Distros

[tfast]

There are several new Linux distributions out.  I have been using 
Simplymepis (a Debian distro) which is a live cd which can be installed 
on your hard drive or run from your CD.  Even if you are not in the mood 
to switch OS's you should give this one a try for the following reasons:

1) It is free to download or $10 to buy a CD
2) You can try it with out installing it.  This allows you to ensure 
your hardware is recognized and configured prior to installation.
3) the the installation takes about 15 minutes.
4) it can be installed alongside windows 98, 2000, XP, Mac OSx
5) it comes with a full office suite,  including browser and mail 
client  provided

    by Mozilla.
6) multimedia support (although Windows media support is limited) and a 
solid

    graphics program.
7) It is a Debian distribution which means it has automated installation 
routines

     which work seamlessly.
8) it looks quite good and has lots of eye candy options such as 
transparent    

    menus.
9) there is huge variety of free (not share-ware not add-ware but free)

    programs available.
10) the networking options are limitless.  Web server, mail server, ftp 
server
11) even if none of these features appeal to you it is great to have as a

      recovery disk for Winxp as it has no problem mounting WinXp drives 

   

      while running from your CD.

If anyone wants to give it a try I would be glad to assist.

Travis