T1B

Please reply. I am thinking of downloading Linux in order to run run VISTA CPRS ( Computerized Patient Record System- from VA).

Any suggestions before I start?

I am a programmer (medcial informatics). CPRS is open source and I would like to utilize it's use.

sites other than Linux.org?

I appreciate the help.

If you are thinking of using it for business, either use it for 6 month yourself and get comfortable enough to recover from common problems and also be able to ensure that the system is secure (HIPAA Act) and that if the system goes down, you can recover (backups and such). Alternatively, you could always hire someone to set it up and manage it until you get comfortable with it.

I'm thinking, that for your project, you'll eventually be steered to a DEBIAN (stable) Linux distro. Stay away from the Fedora (RedHat guinea-pig) related distros.

Okay, let's say you go Debian.

http://www.debian.org/

Good choice. It's one of the most up to date patched Linux distros out there. Uses apt to install packages. Big selection.

To get a feel for Debian systems, run the Knoppix Live CD.
It's actually my favourite Live CD (along with PCLinux) for getting a feel of the Linux environment.
If you are comfortable with Knoppix, it actually has a hard drive installer, that once installed, is a Debian system. (Knoppix being based on Debian).

Let me know.

Yes I use Linux too.

I started a couple of years ago using Kanotix on one hard drive and Ubuntu on the other.

Now I use Arch on one and Kubuntu on the other.

I do have Knoppix live CD and the Kanotix Easter live CD i use now and then or when I travel. I really hate windows.

That is one advantage as quite a few linux distro's have Live CD's so you can use it without installing anything on your hard drive.

Kanotix is easy to use for beginners and I really liked that distro but they had some "internal issues" that effected upgrades/updates.

Ubuntu or Kubuntu are basically the same and Kubuntu is the KDE version of Ubuntu which uses gnome. Personally I prefer KDE myself. Kubuntu uses "Adept" for its package manager and is better than synaptic that Kanotix and Ubuntu use. Arch uses "pac man" and it is ok.

But Kubuntu/Ubuntu are really easy for Linux Newbies and everything from my sound, video, printer ,internet all worked great right off the bat.

The one thing I like about Kubuntu's "Adept" repository is that it is a lot easier and less head aches to add new repositories than synaptic. I added the win32 codecs, Opera, flash all through adept unlike havingto manually install with Kanotix.

But basically it is what you want in a distro.

Distro Watch

Linux Online

Linux Link Also has a good forum area to help you out.

Kubuntu and Ubuntu tips

Kubuntu

Ubuntu

FYI-Ubuntu will send you a live cd and an install cd at no charge to you. Ubuntu even pays the postage. But you can always download it anyways.

If I could ever get Kubuntu/Ubuntu to play nice with the RIVA TNT2 card on my test box, I'd install it. But rack Ubuntu developers for coming out of nowhere and making a big splash on the Linux desktop scene.

I wouldn't mind checking out Ubuntu's "Adept" package manager. I'm on URPMI with Mandriva right now, but the repositories are sometimes slow to add updates and new packages.

I really don't know much of poo about the subject at hand...I just wanted to put in a word for my Homies --

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I wouldn't mind checking out Ubuntu's "Adept" package manager

Does the newer Ubuntu use "Adept " now? I have the Hoary Hedgehog one and it uses synaptic, but with Kubuntu (the kde version of Ubuntu) uses "Adept" and it is far superior to "synaptic". It is a lot easier to add repositories.

With Kubuntu it has the Opera, win32 codecs, real player repositories so it makes it a lot easier to install.

I do not mind using the command line but since there is a way to do things easier that's what I do.

I actually did not mind "Gnome" with Ubuntu but a lot of people say they prefer KDE.

I actually installed "gnome" when I was running "Kanotix" I actually like that "gimp" for picture manipulation quite a bit.

BTW- Has anyone here tried "Vector"? I just downloaded it and burned it to a disk. I am debating whether to install it on my other hard drive or not. I wish it had a "live cd" so I could test drive it.

KDE all the way.

To tell you the truth, I've been pretty happy in the past with URPMI, WGET, or APT-GET.

I'd still like to try Adept.