I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions.  I decided to go with
Ubuntu to start with (gave up on Fedora for various reasons), and I will
give the "Linux From Scratch" a try in the near future.

On 12/8/05, Kraig Jones <jkjones at tcq.net> wrote:
>
> Chris Schumann wrote:
>
> >>Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2005 17:00:24 -0600
> >>From: Joey Rockhold <joey.rockhold at gmail.com>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >>I am re-learning linux in my spare time (I used to know Unix a long time
> >>ago), and would like to set up a machine which starts with just basics
> >>of linux.  After that point, I would like to install programs as I need
> >>them. For example, if I want to learn KDE, then only at that point would
> >>I download and install KDE.
> >>
> >>Right now the best way I have come up to do this is using Redhat Fedora
> >>Core 4, do a minimal install, and use yum to add packages as I want
> >>them.  Does anyone know a better way to do this?  I am open to any
> >>distribution that anyone thinks would be better at this also.
> >>
> >>Thanks.
> >>- Joey
> >>
> >>
> >
> >I think it depends on your goals. If you want to learn to *use* Linux
> >(some administration, configuring packages, get work done), then Fedora
> is
> >a great choice. I've stuck with Red Hat and Fedora for no good reason
> >other than I know them, and they take care of a lot of things for me, so
> I
> >can get to work. (Also, if I have a problem with Fedora, I can use Google
> >to find a hundred other people who've had the same problem, and five or
> >six who actually bother to write down how they fixed it.)
> >
> >If you want a deeper understanding, or a more generic approach (not so
> >Red-Hat-centric) then you want one of the many other fine distros.
> >
> >I've installed Gentoo, Debian and Slackware, and each has its own
> >strengths... and weaknesses, and it depends on what you want to get out
> of
> >it and what you want to put into it that will determine your best fit.
> >
> >Chris
> >
> >
> >
> >
> Right.  How about adding an extra partition, or another disk?  One for a
> working installation, one for tinkering.
>
> Kraig
>
>
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