Trying to put Parallels to good use in my Macbook (other than just the copy of WinXP I’m generally running), I thought that virtualization would be a great way to try some different Linux distributions. I’ve got nothing against Windows or Mac OS (well, some things annoy me about each, but I generally expect that in any piece of software) but I figure that having some knowledge of other OSes can only help in the long run.
Anyway, I’m used to at least looking at one of the older Solaris distributions (I think it’s about Solaris 8) and one of the new Red Hat distros. The only reason I’m used to seeing these is that the NMRs run on these OSes. All I do with either is open up the NMR software, so it’s not like I have any real experience.
That said, I already have a copy of Solaris 10. I got it when it was mentioned on Slashdot that Sun was giving away copies for free, so I ordered one. I had problems with it, however–Parallels runs Solaris 10, but it took three hours to install and I was having display problems. (The MacBook is 1280x800, Solaris was defaulting to 1024x768, and I couldn’t manage to see the bottom of the screen.) Then I accidentally trashed the file system when I hit power button instead of the suspend button on Parallels.
I’d be willing to give anything a shot. Hard drive space isn’t really a problem (if I start using enough virtualized OSes I’m going to get an external drive for my laptop) so even if the OS takes a few gigabytes of storage space that’s okay.
Ubuntu is one of the most popular, so that’s definitely worth playing with. I have it installed dual boot with WinXP on two of my machines and I rate it quite highly. It’s Debian-based (another reason to try it)
I’ve heard good things about Novell Suse Linux - I’ve only tried the server version, but it seems fine.
If you’re interested in server stuff, a couple of interesting distros are SME Server and YESLinux - both of these try to provide simple, all-in-one solutions for individuals and small companies who want file/email/web servers on a budget. I use SME server for email here - It’s really very robust and functional and because it doesn’t run a graphical front end, it has really modest hardware requirements. This might not fit the kind of tinkering you have in mind, but I think being able to very quickly set up a functioning email server is a very useful skill to have under your belt.
I installed Ubuntu on my clean new computer about a week ago, and so far I’m loving it. Haven’t missed Windows once. I rate it as at least a must-try.
The Linux.com site at http://www.linux.com/article.pl?sid=02/03/09/1727250 has a fairly good list of the most common distributions, and a short description of each, and who each one is targeted toward. Seems like a good way to quickly narrow down your list to the 2 or 3 that sound most likely for you, and then you can look into those in more detail.
I’d stay away from SUSE. Beside this, I just think it runs like crap.
If you have broadband, I’d vote for Gentoo, it’s my current favorite. A Gentoo install will teach more than you’ll ever want to know about how linux works (step 4 of the install is compile your kernel, for example).
Here at work, we use Suse. It works fine. The only real problem for home use is that it assumes any attempt to play a DVD, wmv or what have you is a violation of law, and so you have to go to extra lengths to get that capability back.
(larsenmtl, that link doesn’t point out that MS paid Novell $240 million, Novell paid MS $40 million. I don’t think the $40 million numbers are accidental.)
And another vote for ubuntu, if you’re new to linux get the 6.06 (Dapper Drake) release. Enjoy!
I’ve been playing with Ubuntu 6.10 at work and it is very good. It easily set up on my workstation and worked “out of the box”. Installing extra software was not especially hard and system updates are very easily obtained.
If it weren’t for the fact that my home pc is the “family” pc, I would switch it ito Ubuntu in a heartbeat.
Ubuntu! I run it exclusively. It’s not compatible with everything, but with most things. It is very user friendly and has a good, fast, clean graphic interface (GNOME for me.) You’re right in trying several different distros. Generally you can tell right away if something’s not the right distro for your model of computer. It took me 2 seconds to uninstall Linspire. 
But do get the Dapper Drake version. Edgy Eft, the latest upgrade is… touchy.