Linux Distros

What is the best Distro to run and why?

Really, I'd like to know why many of you hate Ubuntu so much. I've been using it for a long time now and it does everything I need, giving me an easy-to-use secure Linux distribution that ``just works". What exactly do you believe I'm missing out on? Is the much-heralded "Gentoo" really worth compiling everything from source for?

I've been reading and trying to go through Linux From Scratch (LFS) to learn more about linux, but after I learn about all of that, does it really matter if I use Ubuntu or not? How fast do you really need an average computer these days to go, and is the little bit of extra speed really worth it?

tl;dr
Best Linux Distro, and why. Is the Optimization really that important?

Also, as a sidenote: any advice on customizing Linux with certain additions and tweaks (like RatPoison as I've heard mentioned before) would be great. What are some really useful tools that aren't already given?

There is no "BEST DISTRO OMG". People, when you ask them what Linux to use, they will advocate what they know and what they are used to.

For example, I'm going to say Debian. But I [b]enjoy[/b] spending 6 hours fucking with a computer to get it working.

Distro's are shaped to certain needs, or around certain components. One of the major aspects of Debian is it's package management system (what installs and keeps track of applications).

On your sidenote: If you get a hold of install DVD's for ANY distro, you will probably have more shit than you will ever use. As for FUCKING UBER LEET E X P E R T  H A C K E R desktop environments or optimizations, you probably do not need it if you are asking.

>>21
This is a valid question.

Sage for wrong board.