- #31
neutrino
- 2,091
- 2
Langbein said:
Take a look at DW Weekly issues #195-199 for discussions on "The Top Ten" distros. http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20070326#topten
Which Linux Distribution is Best for Astrophysics/Astronomy?
- Thread starter Dathascome
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Distribution Linux
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the selection of a Linux distribution suitable for astrophysics and astronomy, particularly for users who are new to Linux. Participants explore various distributions and their features, installation experiences, and suitability for scientific applications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks advice on which Linux distribution to install for astrophysics/astronomy, considering options like Scientific Linux, Red Hat, and Ubuntu.
- Another participant mentions that Scientific Linux is a variant of Red Hat and shares positive experiences with Ubuntu, although they acknowledge potential issues with proprietary drivers.
- A different participant recommends Zenwalk Linux, citing its user-friendly features and package management system, while expressing concerns about Ubuntu's installer and partitioning tool.
- Some participants share personal experiences with various distributions, including Fedora and Mandriva, noting issues like crashes and differences in keyboard shortcuts compared to Windows.
- Several participants discuss the merits of using Linux versus other UNIX-like operating systems, suggesting that alternatives may avoid some of Linux's perceived flaws.
- There is a light-hearted exchange about the visual appeal of desktop environments like Beryl and Compiz, with differing opinions on their utility and appeal to users.
- One participant expresses disinterest in modern desktop environments, emphasizing their preference for traditional systems and questioning the advantages of 3D desktop effects.
- Another participant counters that younger users may find modern desktop environments beneficial, highlighting a generational divide in preferences.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions on the best Linux distribution for newcomers, with no clear consensus. Some advocate for Ubuntu, while others suggest alternatives like Zenwalk or other UNIX-like systems. The discussion also reflects differing views on modern desktop environments and their relevance to users.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention various installation experiences and challenges, particularly with partitioning tools and proprietary drivers. There is also a discussion about the suitability of different distributions for scientific work, but no specific criteria for "best" are agreed upon.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in installing Linux for astrophysics or astronomy, particularly those who are new to Linux and seeking recommendations on distributions and installation experiences.
Take a look at DW Weekly issues #195-199 for discussions on "The Top Ten" distros. http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20070326#topten
- #32
ranger
Gold Member
- 1,685
- 2
Its a pretty damn shame that great distros such as Gentoo, Slackware, Arch, and FreeBSD are not even in the top ten at distroWatch. Looking at the current number count of available distros on distroWatch makes me pine Linux developers need to stop competing with each other and try to improve linux as a whole.
The most tightly nit community that I've ever been apart of is most definitely the BSD community.
The most tightly nit community that I've ever been apart of is most definitely the BSD community.
- #33
Langbein
- 209
- 0
I think that it is really good that there is a lot of distros. I believe the main argument for reaching the top of the distrowatch is userfriendlyness.
I think one of the major advances of Linux is that there is wide range of diffrent distoes with different properties.
My personal experience is that the very nicest and most clever user forums belongs to the smaller and spesialized distoes, not the general mainstreams.
I think one of the major advances of Linux is that there is wide range of diffrent distoes with different properties.
My personal experience is that the very nicest and most clever user forums belongs to the smaller and spesialized distoes, not the general mainstreams.
- #34
Stevedye56
- 402
- 0
neutrino said:
My mistake then, sorry. Another good point to make is that there aren't as many errors that occur when trying to run multiple applications.
- #35
neutrino
- 2,091
- 2
Nah...just page hits.Langbein said:
- #36
Thrice
- 258
- 0
http://distrowatch.com/stats.php?section=popularity" in the top 5 for last month
Last edited by a moderator:
- #37
Dathascome
- 55
- 0
graphic7 said:
Purely out of ignorance...I don't know much of these other free UNIX/ UNIX-type variants out there.
What are some alternatives?
neutrino said:
Is Pidgin no good for IM'ing?
- #38
ranger
Gold Member
- 1,685
- 2
You can try Solaris or a BSD variant usch as FreeBSD.Dathascome said:
But neutrino wants voice and video chat, which gaim/Pidgin doesn't have.
- #39
Stevedye56
- 402
- 0
- #40
Chronothread
- 51
- 0
I'm sure other people have probably already said everything you need (I didn't actually take the time to read what everyone else had already said), but I would recommend ubuntu. I'm new to linux also, so I really don't know much. However, I tried ubuntu and mandriva. I stuck with ubuntu and haven't had any major problems yet. So yah... that's all I know.