Linux Distributions

What is a Linux Distribution?

Well, now as you know that Linux is an open-source, free to use kernel. It is used by programmers, organizations, profit and non-profit companies around the world in order to create Operating systems to suit their individual requirements.

To prevent hacking attempts, many organizations keep their Linux operating systems private.

Many others, make their variations of Linux available publicly so the whole world can benefit at large.

These versions/ types /kinds of Linux operating system are called Distributions.

How many distributions are out there?

There are hundreds of Linux operating systems or Distributions available these days. Many of them are designed with a specific purpose in mind. For example, to run a web server or to run on network switches like routers, modems etc.

The latest example of one of the most popular smartphone based Linux Distribution is Android!

Many of these Distributions are built to offer excellent personal computing.

Here, are a few popular Linux Distributions (also called Linux Distro) -

Linux Distribution	Name	Description
	Arch	This Linux Distro is popular amongst Developers. It is an independently developed system .It is designed for users who go for a do-it-yourself approach.
	CentOS	It is one of the most used Linux Distribution for enterprise and web servers. It is a free enterprise class Operating system and is based heavily on Red Hat enterprise Distro.
	Debian	Debian is a stable and popular non-commercial Linux distribution. It is widely used as a desktop Linux Distro and is user-oriented. It strictly acts within the Linux protocols.
	Fedora	Another Linux kernel based Distro, Fedora is supported by the Fedora project, an endeavor by Red Hat. It is popular among desktop users. Its versions are known for their short life cycle.
	Gentoo	It is a source based Distribution which means that you need to configure the code on your system before you can install it. It is not for Linux beginners, but it is sure fun for experienced users.
	LinuxMint	It is one of the most popular Desktop Distributions available out there. It launched in 2006 and is now considered to be the fourth most used Operating system in the computing world.
	OpenSUSE	It is an easy to use and a good alternative to MS windows. It can be easily set up and can also run on small computers with obsolete configurations.
	RedHat enterprise	Another popular enterprise based Linux Distribution is Red Hat Enterprise.It has evolved from Red Hat Linux which was discontinued in 2004. It is a commercial Distro and very popular among its clientele.
	Slackware	Slackware is one of the oldest Linux kernel based OS's. It is another easy desktop Distribution. It aims at being a 'Unix like' OS with minimal changes to its kernel.
	Ubuntu	This is the third most popular desktop operating system after Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS. It is based on the Debian Linux Distribution and it is known for its desktop environment.

 

The Best Linux Distribution!

The term best is relative. Each Linux distribution is built for a specific purpose built to meet the demands of its target users.

The desktop Distributions are available for free at their respective websites. You might want to try them one by one till you get to know which Distribution you like the most. Each one of them offers its own unique design, applications and security.