Need Linux OS advice

Greetings.

I have recently acquired an Acer Aspire One (8GB SSD) laptop. I am really interested in changing to a different OS and I would like anyone to weigh in with their opinion as to which one I should explore. I have read sooooo many reviews and opinions, but I wanted to see what others thought would be the best for my desired AA1 use.

Here is the pertinent information:
1. I have never used Linux before in my life (hanging head...I have only used Windows ...(don't "hate"))
2. I would like to use the laptop for programming and web development (C++, java, pearl, php, mysql, html, javascript) and I would like to run Lamp or some other type of server app and I need some sort of editor (e.g VI)
3. I am not particularly computer savvy (I can program but when it comes to the the inner workings...I have no experience)
4. I want to learn linux/unix
5. I have not interest in running games, I would like to extend the life of this laptop as long as possible, I need the wireless to function without hitches - or as few as possible.

This is not my main computer (yet : ) ), so there is nothing on there that I am afraid to lose.

So...which combo (OS, server app and editor) would be the best? I recognize the final decision is mine but what do you think?

Thankfully,

- cricket

 

You can in fact do all of that without changing from the standard Linpus if you want, and that has the advantage that there are definitely no hardware issues to try to work round with the standard Linpus. On the other hand, it does have some, um, strange Acer modifications from the way a standard Linux works!

I'm doing some of it: I have Lightppd, php, mysql and perl installed as a web development environment. I use Geany as my main editor: geany knows about C, perl, java, javascript, php, html and css.

There's an argument for installing the XAMPP system instead of rolling your own lightppd/php/mysql combination as it's easier to get set up from scratch; I used lightppd as it's lighter on resources. It depends really on how soon you want to start getting into Linux admin stuff!

For programming, you'll need to install a compiler and build environment: installing the gcc and make packages should deal with this for you.

For learning Linux, I'd really suggest finding out if there is a Linux User Group any where near you. There is a list of groups, but it's not 100% accurate (I've just noticed my own local LUG, which has been around for five years at least, isn't listed). LUGs tend to be composed of a mixture of Linux wizards who know every detail and are willing to pass it on, and ordinary people who are finding out more, so you'd probably fit in without any real difficulty!

 

daldred,

Thank you for weighing in... an associate of mine is trying to sell archLinux - though he said there is quite a learning curve - and as I am a total beginner, I imagine the curve would more accurately be described as a vertical line .

As I mentioned previously, the AA1 is not my main computer - and my primary one does what I need it to do so I am not in a rush and I am really looking to learn Linux. However, your point is well taken about using Linpus as is. I have not head of Geany - so I need to look into that as well. I am waiting to see what others think, but your suggestion of finding a local Linux user group is probably the best advice anyone could give me - so thank you.