CentOS vs SUSE vs Redhat

[crayzz]

So National Instruments has begun supporting linux distros in earnest, but debian isn't on the list. I use linux mostly to revitalize old computers that balk running any remotely modern windows OS. Being able to run my DAQ cards on linux is too good to pass up, but I have no idea which of the available options (CentOS, SUSE, or Redhat) to use. I mostly just use Mint and am unfamiliar with other distros.

Any thoughts on which I should use? There are a couple computers I'll be installing them on, but basically assume mid-tier consumer PCs from 10-15 years ago.

[wumpus]

Redhat - I think this one is rather expensive (includes support).
CentOS - same as redhat (less some trademarked branding), but free and with no support.
SUSE - Yet another "enterprise" distribution. Similar to Redhat.

I'd recommend starting with either CentOS or simply trying Fedora (desktop friendly Redhat development system) or OpenSUSE (same for SUSE). I'd expect the rpms will work fine in any of them

[Drumbum42]

Of the options you listed, CentOS is probably the best option. (Because it's free!) If you end up liking it you can look at RedHat or SUSE.

[crayzz]

Redhat - I think this one is rather expensive (includes support).
CentOS - same as redhat (less some trademarked branding), but free and with no support.
SUSE - Yet another "enterprise" distribution. Similar to Redhat.

I'd recommend starting with either CentOS or simply trying Fedora (desktop friendly Redhat development system) or OpenSUSE (same for SUSE). I'd expect the rpms will work fine in any of them

I'm somewhat leary of straying from the list, as I've noticed NI's support for an OS is fairly stringent: if they don't support it, it's probably because it just won't work.

That said, I'll probably give Fedora a try first, then CentOS failing that.