All of these reviews are based on my experience with these distros, so expect a bit of biasism (word?). Also, since i don't have a DVD burner, only the CD version of these distros were used.

Gentoo

Overview

Gentoo is a free1 source-based distribution, where you have to compile all the programs you install, allowing for maximum optimization of your system—no Gentoo system is generally the same as another. It is a rolling-release distro, meaning the repository is constantly updated with new programs, and you can upgrade to them whenever you want without waiting, for example, 6 months in hopes of seeing an update to a specific program that you want. Gentoo allows you to live either on or off the bleeding edge by masking and unmasking packages. This distro is not recommended for beginners; however, the documentation is easy enough to follow even for beginners, so long as you have at least basic knowledge in using a terminal. Most Gentoo users perfer to install Gentoo manually from a stage<number> install.

Ratings

  • Hardware Support: 4.5 / 5
    (i.e. you pick what you want in the kernel, unless you use genkernel)
  • Performance: 4 / 5
    (i.e. even if you can optimize the programs you install, that doesn't always bear the performance you seek)
  • Documentation/User-base: 4.8 / 5
  • Stability: 4 / 5
    (i.e. you can easily break your system if you don't know what you're doing—it's all you concerning stability)
  • Customizability: 5 / 5
  • Ease of Use: 2.5 / 5
    (i.e. requires at least intermediate knowledge of Linux)
  • Appearance: 2.1 / 5
    (however, concerning Gentoo that is somewhat irrelevant)
  • Repository: 4.8 / 5

Overall Rating

78% + 3 (Added 3 since appearance is irrelevant here. You do the math, though.)

Ubuntu

Overview

Ubuntu is probably the most popular distribution out there for desktop use. It is a free1, binary-based distro that is based on Debian, with a six-month release cycle. It is known for its ease-of-use and out-of-the-box hardware support. This distro is generally recommended for beginners first diving into the world of Linux (from other operating systems). Dell allows the consumer to choose if they want Ubuntu to be their main operating system. Ubuntu LiveCDs can be ordered for free2 from their ShipIt program, which generally take at least two weeks, depending on location, to receive. The Ubuntu DVD editions, however, need to be purchased, but are cheap in price. There are also different first-party "flavors" of Ubuntu: Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Gobuntu. There also many derivatives of Ubuntu, like LinuxMint, Mepis, Fluxbuntu, etc.

Ratings

  • Hardware Support: 4.4 / 5
  • Performance: 3.9 / 5
  • Documentation/User-base: 4.7 / 5
  • Stability: 4.2 / 5
  • Customizability: 4.5 / 5
  • Ease of Use: 4.4 / 5
  • Appearance: 4 / 5
  • Repository: 4.4 / 5

Overall Rating

85%

1. Free here is in both senses of the word; that is, when you bring in the second sense advocated by the GNU Project.
2. Free here is in the sense of price alone.