Hi, i am looking for the best linux distribution for programming, it seems onebase developGo is a good choice, however, i can't find anywhere to download it for free. any other suggestions? it is best that it is live cd linux, so i don't have to install it to try.i don't just mean linux contains as many compilers as possible, it is better if it comes with IDEs. if you've used developGo, you will know what i am talking about. thanks a lot!
onebase has made a choice as to what to include on the CD.In particular for Java, it has Eclipse, rather than netbeans (which I prefer):
http://www.netbeans.org
Also to use eclipse (or netbeans) to it's best, you will need to get a number of the plugins - For example I use subversion rather than CVS which requires a plugin. In order to do that, you need to re-master the live CD which takes a reasonable amount of effort and technical understanding. Knoppix has a much better documented and used 'remastering' process, so you could start with Knoppix and include *exactly* what you want:
http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Trivial_remaster_3.8.2
With a Live CD, you are working in RAM rather than to the hard drive. This requires a fairly highspecification of system, in particular loads of memory, and whilst it probably will work, your development speed will be slowed down significantly by using a live CD. As such, I'd always recommend a full install where possible.
Virtually all the packages mentioned in onebase are available in the 'mainstream distributions', such as redhat (and its clones, suse, debian etc. You can then much more easily add other functions that you want.
Personally, I'd recommend working with a mainstream hard disc installed distribution until you decide what tools and methods you work best with. Then if you really want a live disrtibution, start with Knoppix (if only because it's hardware recognition capabilities are highly accaimed), and add the functionality that you want to that distribution.
HTH:)