Linux/BSD distros Options

[pebkac]

I was looking for a linux distro to mess around with on my G5.

It has to be:

1) easy to use
2) reliable
3) able to read HFS+ partitions
4) able to non-destructively resize partitions
5) able to work on PPC architecture
6) small in hard disk space

I know Ubuntu does most of those things, but I've used it to some extent and was looking for something else to use? Any suggestions?

Also, what exactly is the difference between Linux and BSD?

[Seeker]

5) able to work on PPC architecture

That constraint narrows it down a lot. Check out http://penguinppc.org/about/distributions.php for a list of Linux distributions. I say try out AIX (not Linux or BSD, but BSD-like).

BSD started it's life as a port of the Unix operating system to the PC. Linux began it's life from scratch as a Unix sytem for the PC. Linux is only "unix-like" and BSD is much more like traditional Unix. BSD is "designed" with lots of thought and Linux is "grown" (sometimes with less than optimal hacks). They are very similar but differ over development methodology, implementation, deployment and usage, and who's dad can beat up who's dad. The major differences are in implementation but both act the same, you'll just notice different commands and options. If you really want to know the details then google it.

[Hartmann]

Lance nailed the BSD difference on the head. I personally like FreeBSD but I'm not sure it will work on the PPC architecture (there is a port: http://www.freebsd.org/platforms/ppc.html) but it is my favorite BSD distro.

Don't forget that OS X came from BSD in a way.

[pebkac]

That constraint narrows it down a lot. Check out http://penguinppc.org/about/distributions.php for a list of Linux distributions. I say try out AIX (not Linux or BSD, but BSD-like).

BSD started it's life as a port of the Unix operating system to the PC. Linux began it's life from scratch as a Unix sytem for the PC. Linux is only "unix-like" and BSD is much more like traditional Unix. BSD is "designed" with lots of thought and Linux is "grown" (sometimes with less than optimal hacks). They are very similar but differ over development methodology, implementation, deployment and usage, and who's dad can beat up who's dad. The major differences are in implementation but both act the same, you'll just notice different commands and options. If you really want to know the details then google it.

I did google AIX, and all I could come up with was IBM's version of Unix, which appears to cost money. I was kinda looking for a free OS.

However, I do appreciate you and Hartmann's input (I'll definately try out FreeBSD).

If anyone else has any other suggestions, feel free to make them. I'll probably try a few versions of linux/UNIX.

[Seeker]

If you're just trying them all out to get a feel for them I'd recommend trying the following (in this order):

Linux:
Yellowdog (probably has the best PPC support, you should have no probs)
Fedora
Debian
VidaLinux (Gentoo based with easy install)
Gentoo (hardest for beginners but most customizable)

BSD:
FreeBSD
OpenBSD
NetBSD
OS X

Also remember that just because one distro may have an ugly interface it doesn't necessarily mean it's worse than the one with a pretty interface. There are are a number of window managers you can install and make your desktop look like whatever the hell you want.

[pebkac]

Lance nailed the BSD difference on the head. I personally like FreeBSD but I'm not sure it will work on the PPC architecture (there is a port: http://www.freebsd.org/platforms/ppc.html) but it is my favorite BSD distro.

Don't forget that OS X came from BSD in a way.

Unfortunately, FreeBSD hasn't quite finished development of the PPC version. And what they DO have doesn't yet work on the G5.

You would figure they would have the best support considering that it's what Darwin was based off of.

If you're just trying them all out to get a feel for them I'd recommend trying the following (in this order):

Linux:
Yellowdog (probably has the best PPC support, you should have no probs)
Fedora
Debian
VidaLinux (Gentoo based with easy install)
Gentoo (hardest for beginners but most customizable)

BSD:
FreeBSD
OpenBSD
NetBSD
OS X

Also remember that just because one distro may have an ugly interface it doesn't necessarily mean it's worse than the one with a pretty interface. There are are a number of window managers you can install and make your desktop look like whatever the hell you want.

Awesomeness.... I didn't really want anything as large as Fedora or YellowDog, but I'm going to try YellowDog out as it appears to be the best Linux Distro for macs.