What dist to choose?

[Harry]

As a Linux newbie(more or less) I would like to install Debian on an old Pc.
The the sole purpose would be to fiddle around with it and to get more acquainted with Linux and in the future also better master my B2/B3.
Later on depending on the progress I might even consider assigning a few tasks for it, but thats really of no importance at the moment.
What dist should I choose, Etch or Squeeze? is there anything else to consider? of course I would like to get an environment as similar to my Bubbas as possible.
Any hints from You experienced guys would be most appreciated.

Cheers Harry

[Ubi]

I'd pick Kubuntu, which is the same technically as debian but much more focused on desktop use. Debian is more of a server edition with older mature packages while ubuntu / kubuntu has newer stuff (such as flash player etc).

[DanielM]

Well, if you go for Debian you should definitely not use Etch, which isn't even supported anymore. Lenny is the latest stable version, Squeeze is the next one, that is due to be released soon. B3 is based on Squeeze and is in my meaning very stable, so I'd recommend Squeeze.

/Daniel

[Cheeseboy]

I'd go for Ubuntu too.
Or rather, that's what I did when I was in your exact situation.

I have to deal with Linux and Unix at work, but it is always "enterprise" class Linux distros (RHEL, or SLES), and Solaris, AIX and HP UX. These were my first encounters with *nix, and I hated them. Then I got my first bubba, and it was so nice to deal with in comparison, I installed Ubuntu on one of my PCs at home just for trying it out, like you describe. This was 2 years ago.

I no longer have any windows installations at home.

[RandomUsername]

+1 for Ubuntu.

[Ubi]

mind you:
Ubuntu = gnome desktop ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(operating_system) )
Kubuntu = KDE desktop ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubuntu )

historically most new users prefer KDE (especially for the control center module), but the new gnome has grown up a lot lately.

[Cheeseboy]

I agree, gnome held some unwanted surprises when I made my first acquaintance with it, the main thing being the absence of the "Accept/Apply/OK" button.
Things happen as you click it. Example:
I was connected to my home PC from work and opened the remote access screen, and unchecked the checkbox for allowing remote access - BOM the connection was closed, and of course not recoverable until I got physical access to the machine.

But I stuck with gnome because I found it more aesthetically pleasing, and it grew on me.

[RandomUsername]

I personally find KDE to be a bit too much. IMO, the OS should be plain and simple with functionality extended by installing applications. KDE tries to do too much (sorta like MS bundling everything from browsers to movie editors with their OS).

[Ubi]

I agree on the last comment, but I believe this feeling is restricted to advanced users. Gnome is an acquired taste, and most gnome users I know are advanced users whereas most novices prefer KDE.

Then again, you can easily install both KDE and Gnome at the same time and switch over within a minute!