Which Linux?
 

I know there are a bunch of other IT folks on here, so let me pose this question. I have been a Microsoft guy my whole career but think it is time to add in some Linux.

I have a very decent Dell laptop (E6420) and a couple of extra hard drives. Which Linux version should I download and start playing with? Are any of the "paid" versions worth the money?

Paid versions (Redhat, SuSE) aren't worth it unless you really need the paid support contract for some 3rd party software (Oracle).

For desktop use, I have my students use Mint since it is a nice desktop, has all the multi media codecs and plugins already installed, etc. For server use I'm a big fan of Debian

Agree on Mint and Debian.

The answer will depend on what you want to get out of it.

If you are looking to expand your skills and understanding of Linux to be put into use in the corporate world, you need familiarity with RHEL. You can download CentOS for free as it is a downstream version from Red Hat.

Personally, I have been using Linux as the OS on my personal laptop for years. I am a big fan of Debian and I have found that Linux Mint Debian is a good distro that tends to "just work".
Download - Linux Mint

+1 on "what do you want to get out of it?"

For resume fodder, RedHat/Fedora/CentOS, SuSE, Debian

For just dorking around, Mint/Debian, Ubuntu

If you want to go hardcore, try FreeBSD

Cent.

Mint. I've had the fewest problems with it.

Man that brings back memories--mostly painful ones.

Download Oracle Enterprise Linux... Its free. It's basically RedHat and the industry standard. CentOS is based on RHEL too. Suse would be another one.

CentOS is binary compatible with RedHat. RedHat can prevent redistributing the whole thing since they have graphics and such that aren't Freely licensed. Cent removes all of that but uses the same source code and same compile options, so is great for testing, development, etc.

Question - why do you need Linux? I am windows guy by trade, but also using IBM, Apple, Google, Cisco, and several Linux products. as well as DBs too... look my sig..

I guess it depends what you want it for, as for laptop (Tablet, Fablet) it could be chrome with "team viewer" to anything hosted at home or business. The reason on Chrome as thing client, that you can loose, crack, brake (or donate) and then just replace it with new better one with no data on it just connection to your data elsewhere...

As for just email check up - phone just right...

As far as experience exchange, help and just chat about tech stuff, you guys can PM me or call ... Who knows we might have some $$$ project run together one day...

My 2c. -Y.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. I think I'll give Mint a first look.