--- Alan Loughlin <loughlina@swalcliffepark.co.uk> wrote:

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My main question is what Linux distro shall I go for and what caching and filtering solution will do what isa and surfcontrol do?

This was my main question, im asking for distro opinions based on everyone's personal experience, I don't know what distro to choose, that’s one reason why im posting.

I've used SuSE and Debian reasonably extensively in schools (Primary), mainly in a server role, but also some desktop use - which is going very well. SuSE got me into linux. I'm very fond of it. YaST is excellent for the likes of me - just the ticket. These days however, Debian is my distro of choice. I wanted to delve a little deeper under the hood, and I like the way Debian rewards a little effort. People rave about apt-get and it's well deserved. On a broadband connection, installing software is a breeze. Both SuSE and Debain are well suited for the tasks you mention. I've tried RedHat (7,8,9)/Fedora (C1,2) and I'm not so keen. They seemed less intuitive, more buggy. Just my opinion.

I appreciate that your response didn't just include snidey comments, but I will not accept people speaking to me in this way.

Easy tiger. I know exactly what you're getting at, but: 1. This is one of the most supportive, least ranting lists I've ever subscribed to, 2. Thomas is a (sometimes overzealous) top bloke who has helped *many* of us out on *many* occassions and goes well out of his way to assist - although he likes questions to be well defined. I speak from experience. He gives more than he takes around here.

Thank you for everyone else's replies.

Welcome. Hope it helps. -- Matt Johnson ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Messenger - want a free and easy way to contact your friends online? http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com