E-Linux did a post a few days back comparing some popular Linux distributions, namely Ubuntu, Fedora and Mandriva.

Not surprisingly, the end conclusion was that each distribution is good depending on what you want to use it for.  And I quote "As to which distribution is the fastest...it really depends what areas of the Linux desktop are important to you." 

Some of the items compared include speed tests of OpenSSL, SQLite, Kernel Compilation, Compressioning, SciMark, Encoding and more.  Here are some results:

Ubuntu 8.04 won 14/28 tests.
Mandriva 2008.1 won 3 of the 9 tests it was used in (all Java-based within SciMark 2.0).
Fedora 9 beat Ubuntu in 9/19 tests where only Fedora and Ubuntu were compared.

I came across a very interesting and heated discussion on the whole Linux v.s. GNU/Linux argument.  (Read the first part here.)

There are some devotees who think using the term Linux on it's own is improper and that the proper name is GNU/Linux.

GNU/Linux encompases the notion that a Linux distribution is a combination of free or open source software that sit on top of the a kernel - in this case that kernel is Linux.  From what I understand, the kernel is the communication line between software and hardware.  That is what Linus Torvalds created.

So Linux was "lucky" that there existed a repository of software that could be run on it. 

So to call a Linux distribution just Linux is ignoring the years of dedication and hard work by the fine programmers that brought you all the great software programs you use as well as the programs used to build those programs. 

The flip side of the argument comes from people who are saying that the term Linux has evolved such that it implicitly communicates it is both the kernel and software.

Personally, I feel for programmers of GNU software. Their work should be acknowledged.  But I think it's too late to change people and I think it's a waste of time to try. It would be like forcing everyone to use the term 'facial tissue' and stop using the name 'kleenex'.  The word kleenex is used waaaay more than facial tissue.  So good luck with converting the kleenex people.   

I for one will continue to interchange the use of GNU/Linux and Linux depending on the audience I am speaking to.  For some, the Linux world is confusing enough without having to understand GNU, GPL, Open Source, Free v.s Freedom, etc...   Some people just want to use the darn thing to check their email. 

So let's not forget that Linux is really GNU/Linux, but let's not push the issue too much for some people. 

Oh, and if I find out you're a GNU/Linux fanatic and you ask me to pass you a kleenex, I will personally kick your behind :)

Although I love Ubuntu, I had to try Mandriva on my EeePC.  The new Mandriva 2008.1 fully supports the EeePC out of the box.  Previously I had eeeXubuntu installed on it.  While it worked, it did not work as nice as I would have liked.

Mandriva, however, is phenomenal on this little laptop.  It looks slick and polished.  

I feel that Mandriva is the best OS for the EeePC at this time. To install it, I used these instructions and did a network install.  It worked perfectly.

Numerous Linux forums and mailinglists will at some point have a member ask "What Linux Distribution should I use?".  This is a very difficult question to answer becuase of the many factors involved, much of which are personal preferences. 

A recent post on Techrepublic breaks down some key decision criteria to think about when choosing a Linux distribution.   

I thought this list was rather well done, although I don't think they should have downplayed #10: The Linux Community.  This is very important in some cases, particularly if you are a new user or you have limited resources for IT support within your company.

A large healthy Linux community that is active in online forums or wiki's could really save your bacon when you are in a bind.  As well, local Linux User Group is also a good support mechanism to turn to.  Just remember to not take take take.  Always give back to those communities whenever you can.