Ret Hat Linux 8.0 came out last week. I run Linux on two computers right now: my co-lo server in Texas and my old Dell laptop. The Dell functions as a sandbox for trying out new linux things so I don't mess up the server :-)
I downloaded the CD-ROM images (for free of course), burned them from Mac OS X using Disk Utility, and installed it on the Dell Latitude CS.
Red Hat has steadily improved in important ways since I first used it back with version 6.2. For example, when installing 6.2 the first thing you have to do is figure out how to partition the hard drive using some really awful tools. 8.0 simply says, "I'll do if for you" - a huge improvement. 6.2 was truly a hackers OS. 8.0 just might be usable by normal people. Well, maybe.
I keep reading about how Red Hat is making it more "Windows-like", but what I notice is the Mac OS X influence. Yes, Windows is a stronger influence on them, but Mac OS X is having an impact on them too.
I like the default firewall behavior, the use of anti-aliased fonts - though not used everywhere, and my favorite feature: a Display control panel. X Windows made it really hard to change screen resolutions with a really lame utility. But now, the Display control panel finally makes it as easy as it should be.
One mystery: it reports that the Dell has a Neomagic MN2360 sound card built-in, but it has never played a sound. /var/log/messages reports that it can't locate the module. Not that I really care about sound on the Dell. Still...
I've got more poking around to do, but Red Hat 8.0 looks to be worthwhile upgrade in lots of good ways.
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