Redhat, Mandrake, Debian or FreeBSD ?

Hi !!
I wanted to install a Linux OS but cant choose if it should be a Redhat, Mandrake, Debian or FreeBSD ? I want to start on and stay with a stable Linux version (I am planning to learn socket programming and kernel programming). I wanted to know which of the above would be a better choice ? I would be extremely thankful if anyone could help me deciding. I am a beginner and would be thankful if anyone could suggest a good book on network/socket programming and kernel programming. Please help me.

FreeBSD is not linux. It is a script that runs on Devshed and tells you to write a descriptive post subject

Your best bet is to give all of them a try and see which best suits your needs. I would say look at Redhat and FreeBSD, as you would have the best chance for job opportunities. Bigger companies are more likely to rely on these.

LOL!!!

Seriously though, I'd have to agree with what thedude said.

If you're good at UNIX, then I would install FreeBSD right away, it will look and feel just like real UNIX (which is because it is UNIX).

If you're new to UNIX then, install Red Hat. It is sort of this...other thing that kinda is a cross between UNIX and Windows.

But I would try and get exposure to both Red Hat and FreeBSD as they are widely used in business.

Unless you are into it just for the fun, then you can play around with those other Linux distributions.

In terms of sockets programming, I am biased towards BSD because many other OSes have implemented the BSD network stacks into their programs, so it would be getting to the purest form.

Though take my words with a grain of salt as I don't program sockets, but this is my understanding of what I've read so far.