[RA1N]

I am a linux noob. Like I never got around to using it due to constantly programming in VB.Net which is pretty much windows only. I know I can program VB in linux using Monodev. So if someone could recommend me a good linux operating system and some nice pentesting packages that would be awesome.

Please do not request BackTrack :c (My wireless card isn't compatible)

[H4R0015K]

Among other distro I find Ubuntu to be stable.

[Nailo]

i use red hat that's how i started into computers.Fedora, the community version, is both free and 'free' and support comes from the community. Older versions (RH9 and below), while being free and 'free' are all end of life and so unsupported.

[LightX]

I use ubuntu. I really like it.

[Conch]

There are a variety of nice Linux distributions.
I personally use Linux Mint 14 (Nadia Ed).
Crunchbang is good and very lightweight.
Ubuntu is too bloated, don't bother with it.

Also if you're feeling adventurous, give ArchBang a go

[The Real Slim Shady]

Well, while im sure you can install mono on most linux os's, they do offer packages specifically for Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenSUSE. This is mostly a matter of convenience, but i do remember way back in the day it being absolute hell to get monodev to run on linux. And im talking at least like 8 years back. of course back then it was hell to get anything to run on linux half the time haha

Any ways, ive been using Xubuntu exclusively since 2007, and its definitely gotten to be a great system. Ive gone with Xubuntu over Ubuntu however because i hate the Gnome/KDE and other resource hungry window managers. XFCE is a lot slimmer, id rather my processing power go to applications im using than fancy little window decorations.

As for pentesting, id recommend you look at hping3 - Its a great app with some real useful features you can get down and dirty with, like custom packet creation, etc. This is more for network security though. people talk about nmap all the time, and its a great tool, but if ive only got a choice between the two, hping3 wins. And there are other tools for various purposes, but i find this one is often overlooked for no good reason. Guess it doesnt make the headlines lol

[Linuxephus™]

I am a linux noob. Like I never got around to using it due to constantly programming in VB.Net which is pretty much windows only. I know I can program VB in linux using Monodev. So if someone could recommend me a good linux operating system and some nice pentesting packages that would be awesome.

Please do not request BackTrack :c (My wireless card isn't compatible)

*Pentoo* would be a good alternative for pentesting since Backtrack is something you don't care for.
Package wise along with a good Distribution...*Distrowatch* would be a good place to start for you to personally due some research as to which Distribution *you* would find to best meet your needs.
Packages: Nmap, Hydra, Aircrack-ng, Wireshark, and such would be along the lines of "standard" tools to start with after installing your Distribution of choice.

[darkv0id]

If you are looking into hacking. Get LInux Mint 14 or ubuntu and download backtrack repositories.

[DaPaus]

Ubuntu and Mint are great for beginners. If you want to know everything about your OS I would recommend Arch Linux. But that one can be a huge challenge. If you are looking for penetration testing distributions I would recommend Backtrack but since you can't use this one you can always try BackBox. I like that one a lot.

[RA1N]

gravedug from hell. Anyways I use ubuntu now.
p.s a mod can close this.