Decided not to redirect the current thread, hopefully you agree. My thoughts are Novell SuSE - As current from the old SuSE Linux including Commercial Packages - Suits beginners, non-experimentors, Training Organizations, etc. - Available as CD's and DVD Each type complete (as some don't have dvd drives) - Has at least one selfbooting standalone "trial" CD in pack - does have stickers, keytag, etc - Doesn't have experimental, beta, alpha, etc. packages - Has a DECENT staffed 24hr online and worldwide phone help system with first five problems (initial call to confirmed fixed) included (not calls as may require more than one to fix) Opensuse - from the opensuse system plus others - DOESN'T have any commercial packages (I don't include Apache, etc as commercial) - Does have experimental, beta and "Safe to run" alpha (with a readme stating kernal and other program requirement versions required to run) - does have multiple new kernals - does have a tool for patching, etc (yes I know this will be a giant project, but is a missing item) - Available for mailorder sale, bi-monthly sets with complete updates, as CD's and DVD's. - Available free as downloadable iso's AND packages (as some of us are still working 56k max) - free help from web only does anyone have any additional sugestions, comments, or am I shooting blanks down here scsijon