Distributions of Linux
From Linux 101, The beginner's guide to all things Linux.
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[edit] What's a distribution?
A distribution of GNU/Linux is a collection of programs bundled together with a kernel (see Linux Definitions), in this case Linux, to provide a complete operating system.
This means that the distribution developers went out to look at all of the Linux programs they suspected you would be using. They found and downloaded the software and built it for you. Then they put it onto a CD, and called it a new version of their distribution.
In truth there are more distributions than you may first care to know about. A more complete listing of them can be found here. This article does not seek to tell the story of all of them, but just the more common and bigger ones in use today, particularly in our community.
[edit] Why are there different distributions?
Most people that use Linux do so because they are very particular about their needs in computing. Some look for stability and reliability. Some like cutting edge technology and programs. Some look for ease of use, and others don't mind it being a little more tricky. With Windows you get that one-size-fits-all operating system, with Linux, you are not bound by such; and thus, the notion of distributions is contained.
[edit] Packages
For each program, there is usually a package associated with it. In Windows, when you wish to install a new program, you download the setup executable. In Linux, you will download the package. Depending on which distribution you use, the packages come in different forms. The distributions listed below are sorted by package type.
The differences tend to be more of a thing of choice by the programmers, but they all perform the same function: installing software.
[edit] Live CDs
There are various distributions of linux that fit entirely on a bootable cd. This is great for getting your first glimpse of linux, as well as carrying around to use as you please. For a more extensive listing of live cds, click here.
- Knoppix
- A cd-based distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux, with KDE as the main desktop system. Knoppix also contains some other window managers. Read the options page when the cd boots up for a list of some of the options available to you. It is nice to carry a knoppix cd with you, so where ever you go you can put it in a computer and boot into Linux.
www.knopper.net/knoppix/
- Gnoppix
- A cd-based distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 (Woody), with GNOME as the desktop system.
www.gnoppix.org
- PHLAK
- (Professional Hacker's Linux Assault Kit) This live cd contains many useful network tools.
www.phlak.org
[edit] RPM Based
RPM is the abbreviation for Redhat Package Manager. It was originally started at the Red Hat company to be used in Red Hat Linux, but began to grow and is now being used by many other Linux distributions. The way RPM works is it is a format that determines program dependencies, where to install particular files, and how to modify some system files so the system may use the new program (if required), and for the new program to be uninstalled easily. The file extension of a RPM is .rpm .
- Redhat
- RedHat has always focused on appealing to offices and businesses. It is useful to know, if only because it is more likely than any other distribution to be used in your workplace.
redhat.com
- Mandrake
- Mandrake has always been seen as a wonderful and easy to use distribution. And despite its ease of use, it is also seen as powerful.
mandrake.com
- Fedora Core
- RedHat has moved out of the desktop market and kept in the server market. However, when they did this, they began Fedora. Fedora is now a community-based distribution that you could say is like new RedHat versions.
fedora.redhat.com
- Yoper
- A 686-only distribution who uses a combination of apt-get and rpms to manage packages. Yoper is optimized for speed and is currently being called the fastest desktop distribution by many (even above gentoo). While a bit young and rough around the edges, this is definitely one worth trying.
yoper.com
- openSUSE
- Born in 1993 as SuSE, opened to the development community in 2005, openSUSE is sponsored by Novell. It uses YaST for system management and installation.
opensuse.org
[edit] TGZ based
TGZ is a File Compression format and is best explained on that page.
- Slackware
- The Official Release of Slackware Linux by Patrick Volkerding is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use and stability as top priorities. Including the latest popular software while retaining a sense of tradition, providing simplicity and ease of use alongside flexibility and power, Slackware brings the best of all worlds to the table.
slackware.com
- Arch Linux
- A 686-optimized distribution featuring the easy to use [pacman] package management system. While very flexible and fast, setup can be a bit demanding on the user. Recommended for intermediate-advanced Linux users (manual editing of config files and modules is required).
[edit] DEB Based
For all beginner intents and purposes, you can consider a .deb file to be like a .rpm file. The Debian organization maintains the majority of the official .deb files which set standards and requirements for the various packages.
- Debian
- Debian is a good distribution and is good for the novice and up. It is used by many.
debian.org
- Ubuntu
- Ubuntu is a Debian derivative with ease of use in mind. It is essentially Debian with many of the rough edges removed, making for a wonderful desktop environment.
ubuntulinux.org
[edit] Source Based
Source code is the basis of all software. Instead of downloading binary program executables, you may download the source code and build the programs for yourself. This can be a very time consuming process.
- Linux From Scratch
- More a set of instructions than a distribution per se, Linux From Scratch walks the user through creating an entire Linux system from source code. It provides an opportunity to learn how the various parts of the system interact together, and creates a clean installation optimized for the particular hardware upon which it is compiled and run. Completing this process is a great way for the novice Linux user to break free from dependence upon pre-compiled distributions and really begin to understand how the nuts and bolts of the operating system combine to form a working GNU/Linux environment.
linuxfromscratch.org - Gentoo
- Gentoo is a very customizable distribution, but taking full advantage of it requires some experience in Linux. It is based completely on the Portage system, which largely automates the process of locating source code, acquiring it, compiling it, and installing it. In addition, it automatically tracks dependencies and first compiles and installs all required packages in addition to the requested package.
gentoo.org
