Which flavor of ubuntu?

Question

This question has historical significance from the Ask Ubuntu Beta. It is not considered a "constructive" question, as per the FAQ.

My first question regarded a fresh install on my ubuntu box. Some great answers.

My housemate has a couple of Sun Ultra 20's that are unused. So I made the best box possible using the better components of each. It's sitting there just waiting to be loaded up with Ubuntu. The new system may become my primary machine; or maybe not; and will probably be set up as a home server. Also, almost certain to install LAMP to use as a WordPress and Drupal testing platform.

At the moment I am undecided as to which version of Ubuntu I want to use. The choice is between Kubuntu, Ubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, or Ubuntu server (with desktop added).

Kubuntu - Basically just to try out and develop knowledge of kde.

Ubuntu Studio - Because I like the media tools for photography, video, etc. Not sure that this one is even necessary since I can add whatever pkgs I want to ubuntu

Ubuntu - Just because it's familiar.

Ubuntu Server - And add on a desktop since I'm more of an artist by nature.

My question is, What are the pros and cons of these options?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

If you just use Ubuntu, you can install packages from the different flavours. You can install KDE on Ubuntu and GNOME on Kubuntu, so it doesn't really matter. I advise you install plain Ubuntu as a starting point and add the packages you need from there.

Answer 2

You are just talking about desktop environments here. Gnome is popular and so is KDE. I personally use XFCE. You can use different Desktop Environments in same ubuntu. SO just experience yourself and know

Answer 3

Why limit yourself? Install one and add the others. You can select between them at login.

I always install Kubuntu first because it has no Mono (not that I am hung up about it, but why install it, if you don't want it). Then I install ubuntu-desktop and search for mono-gac and remove it before I hit apply. I lose gbrainy and Tomboy in the bargain. Bonus! Then I add other desktop environments to top things up. You can't have too much of a good thing. Too bad you can't be in all of them at once. :)

I do it just because I can. ;)

Answer 4

I agree with the answers to use plain ubuntu; you can start from that and then install any kde or media app you want.

That said, everyone's opinion on the different flavors/derivatives is different, so really if you are curious, I'd suggest downloading each in turn, trying them all out, and making up your own mind.

I like using the plain stock ubuntu since I know that's what the majority of users use, so it's quite heavily tested. But each of the derivatives has its strengths.

Answer 5

The beauty of Ubuntu is work w/ what you know and add what you need. So if as the last poster mentions you need the studio applications, then add them, or if you are a big fan of KDE or GNOME or specific apps to one DE or the other you can use them.

Start w/ Ubuntu and then add the applications you want, you don't have to add the whole *ubuntu-desktop metapackage you can just install what you need

Answer 6

I would recommend Mediabuntu and this is why:

My friend is a graphic designer and musician. So he has recording equipment he uses and a Tablet. The tablet worked out of the box with Mediabuntu (and was configured properly and worked well with Gimp, etc). His recording equipment was also well received (though that was mostly hardware related). It was easier for him to remove the 4-5 applications he didn't need then hunt down packages and software he wanted.

However Mediabuntu does have some draw backs. Not being an "official" "flavor" it may lag behind in development from the upstream - but this is rarely ever a major issue.