Best linux operating system?!

[FractalInsanity]

I'm trying to find out the best form of linux OS....stopping using Win7 althogether

Is there any general consensus on today's, BEST most efficiently capable operating system to use for network, "greyhat" endeavors....and all purpose as well?

Thank you for you opinions and wisdom.

[lucid]

Hmm...interesting question. If you want to know what the best capable and efficient OS is I assume you mean fast yes? If that is the case then you want a lightweight, not-to-flashy OS such as Slackware, Gentoo, and of course I have to recommend Arch. I have no personal experience with the first two. If you want an OS to use for "greyhat" endeavors than maybe you are looking for Backtrack? However, the ISO file itself is around 2 gb....not exactly lightweight. There is a vast array of built-in programs to use for networking purposes and the like. Some you may never use. There are other pentesting OS's as well. Many of then may be lighter than Backtrack. Try Pentoo or Blackbuntu or......

Actually maybe you should have a look at our OS section. There are numerous posts about OS's with "greyhat" capabilities.

[techb]

I would recommend something light that is debian based. Get the core install and only what is required to run the OS. Then just install what you want, like Aircrack and the like. That way it remains light and your not getting bloated with things you don't need.

[theellimist]

I would suggest Backtrack if you are going for tools, but for just all around stuff, Slackware sounds like it would work fairly well for you. Also, if you want to go a little heavier and want to ease the transition from windows, something like Ubuntu might suit you. It is still faster than Windows... Also, like techb said, you can just get some light version of whatever and install the necessary tools yourself later.

[noob]

Try Ultimate Edition 3.3 for usual tasks,multimedia,office,programming....you gona love it.
For hacking use backtrack 5

[Wolf]

For a windows replacment, use Ubuntu. all the tools from back track can be downloaded to it, but it's made for everyday use as well.

[Kulverstukas]

AFAIK you can add the backtrack repo to ubuntu and grab tools like that from backtrack servers. It was working before, might be still working, though I can't remember the repos anymore.

[Lionofgod]

lightweightgrayhatbuntu is a pretty good distro for what you want

[ovi_x]

try some and settle  for  the one  you  can  handle , If  I like  one Version  it  does  not  mean  you  have  to like it  as  well ? try  whit  the  major ones Redhat , Debian , Suse etc , or  go for it's  free developed  version Fedora ,Centos , Ubuntu , kubuntu , Gento  and other

[FractalInsanity]

I guess I meant flexibility/modification, and streamlined (low-relative runtime operations)....they are all so different and difficult to compare. A close friend of mine recommends slackware. Considering your suggestions and my friend is: 1) basic debian with apps 2) ubuntu 3) slackware....I'm already familiar with backtrack; it has many many kits I'd rather get as I need. I'm opting for ARch...any words of caution? I tend to be a brute force problem-solver and I don't want to hang myself lol

Thanks

[techb]

Ubuntu is debian based, so either would work I guess.


You could install them in VM to try them out and see which one you want for a clean install.

[lucid]

I'm opting for slackware...any words of caution?

Get used to compiling

[FractalInsanity]

You could install them in VM to try them out and see which one you want for a clean install.

Good idea I'm going 2 use VB..

[FractalInsanity]

Get used to compiling

scratch that lol newer distro (therefore) Arch