I used MEPIS from its first release as my main distro and when I first bought
this computer it was the only distro that would work on it for a good six
months. However, Warren took us all for a bit of a roller coaster ride when he
switched MEPIS from Debian core to Ubuntu core with 6.0 and then switching back
again after just a few months. This was just too flaky for me. I did not like
7.0 which fell behind several competing distros such as PCLOS and Ubuntu. So it
is with great anticipation I await 8.0, due soon. I really hope he gets it right
this time. It is one distro with so much potential.

Unfortunately the beta has not worked well with my equipment which is strange
because it has always worked well. I am hoping the final release will straighten
out the kinks and it will be smooth sailing once again. Interestingly, Sidux
(Debian based on Sid) has also presented me with problems. It installs fine but
my root password won't work. The same thing happens with Elive. It is the same
password I have used for years. It is just alphanumerics, but does have a $ in
it. I am wondering whether this is a problem for some distros. As I said,
though, I have had this same password for years and installed countless distros
with no problem until recently. Hmmm. I may have to re-install and give a simple
password just t see if it is the password or the distro.

I am now running XP plus 11 distros spread over two drives. My main distro is
Ubuntu 8.04, but I can't decide between the 64-bit and 32-bit at the moment.
There are fewer reasons not to run the 64-bit than in the past, but a few small
nagging problems that keep me doubting. I wish that I could make up my mind.
Typically I run a distro for a week or so before replacing it and often live in
that environment for several days at a time so that I can get a better feel for
it. But Ubuntu is the one that I keep coming back to and I really like 8.10.

Here is what to expect in 8.10:
davestechsupport.com/.../whats-coming-in-ubuntu-810-intrepid-\
ibex/