Linux Distributions
Although there is only one standard version of Linux, there are actually several different distributions. Different companies and groups have packaged Linux and Linux software in slightly different ways. Each company or group then releases the Linux package, usually on a CD-ROM. Later releases may include updated versions of programs or new software. Some of the more popular distributions are Red Hat, Ubuntu, Mepis, SUSE, Fedora, and Debian. The Linux kernel is centrally distributed through kernel.org. All distributions use this same kernel, although it may be configured differently.
Linux has spawned a great variety of distributions. Many aim to provide a comprehensive solution providing support for any and all task. These include distributions like SUSE, Red Hat, and Ubuntu. Some are variations on other distributions, like Centos, which is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu, which derives from Debian Linux. Others have been developed for more specialized tasks or to support certain features. Distributions like Debian provide cutting edge developments. Some distributions provide more commercial versions, usually bundled with commercial applications such as databases or secure servers. Certain companies like Red Hat and Novell provide a commercial distribution that corresponds to a supported free distribution. The free distribution is used to develop new features, like the Fedora Project for Red Hat. Other distributions like Knoppix and Ubuntu specialize in Live-CDs, the entire Linux operating system on single CD.
Currently, distrowatch.com lists numerous Linux distributions. Check this site for details about current distributions. Table below lists the websites for several of the more popular Linux distributions. The FTP sites for these distributions use the prefix ftp instead of www, as in ftp.redhat.com. Also listed in Table is the Linux kernel site where the newest releases of the official Linux kernel are provided. These sites have corresponding FTP sites where you can download updates and new releases.
URL Site & Description
- redhat.com
- Red Hat Linux
- fedoraproject.org
- Fedora Linux
- centos.org
- Centos Linux
- opensuse.com
- openSUSE Linux
- debian.org
- Debian Linux
- ubuntu.com
- Ubuntu Linux
- mepis.org
- Mepis Linux
- gentoo.org
- Gentoo Linux
- turbolinux.com
- Turbo Linux
- knoppix.org
- Knoppix Linux
- linuxiso.com
- CD-ROM ISO images of Linux distributions
- distrowatch.com
- Detailed information about Linux distributions
- kernel.org
- Linux kernel