What distro of linux

[elmonomalo]

Hey guys...

I am doing a fresh install over an old distro of linux (fedora core 2) and i was hoping you could recommend a more challenging distro of linux. I want a distro that will make me use more brainpower... any suggestions appreciated.

While on the subject of linux maybe someone could answer this too... I used a software awhile ago to set my dual boot system back to windows standard and lost the use of grub(boot loader). The dual boot had windows xp and fedora core on it. Can anyone tell me how i would restore grub back on to my linux containing harddrive(set to slave) when i can't even view context while booting into windows.

Thanks

 

[x0r515t]

If your really serious about being challenged, check out LFS(Linux From Scratch)
http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/
Gentoo also is a good choice, but not as complicated as LFS(whether thats good or bad)
http://www.gentoo.org/
Gentoo does have great support though, check out their forums:
http://forums.gentoo.org/
I think slackware is a good choice for the intermediate linux user, although it is heavily dependent on the command line.
http://www.slackware.com/

As to your question, what software did you use? You don't need to use any third party software to change anything in grub. All you have to do is edit /etc/grub.conf with your favorite editor. To change this now in your situation you will have to use some sort of a boot disk to get into your linux partition. For instance you could use a live CD, most likely though, it sounds to me like you have over-written your grub in which case you will have to re-install grub. To see how to install grub, see here for a manpage:
http://www.8ung.at/spblinux/doc/grub-install.html

Although if your going to install a new distro of linux as you say you are, you shouldn't be to worried about this as you can just install lilo or grub during the installation of the new distro.

 

[elmonomalo]

Ok i think i'm going to try gentoo... Thanks x0r515t I appreciate it.

 

[Cx]

Good choice, gentoo rocks!

 

[elmonomalo]

For Gentoo are there any special commands? Are file commands the same as the other Unix Os? ex... tar -xvjf blahblah.tar.gz
and if an experienced linux user can point me to a site with almost all the important commands to be used in linux that would be GREAT.
Thanks

 

[DJ Stephen]

Gentoo isnt very good i dont think, try centos, its better.

 

[iamroot]

I would say Fedora Core. It's pretty easy to use but not so much like Xandros or Linspire. It's pretty challenging and it's cutting edge.

 

[TheEdge]

Give debian a try, it's not that hard but it's good.

http:\\www.debian.org

 

[x0r515t]

Well one thing gentoo users like is portage, which is gentoo specific. Other than that, gentoo uses the same type of commands as any other linux.
Heres a link for your own reference:
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/linux/cmd/

 

[TheEdge]

x0r515t is right - if you want a challenge try something like gentoo or lfs