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Linux Distributions are separate operating systems(OS) from Mac and Windows and therefore do not support many programs made specifically for those systems. Installing a Linux OS on a computer will possibly erase all data, programs, and other operating systems on that computer if done incorrectly. Please be cautious. |
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Ubuntu
"just works"
Currently the most popular flavor of Linux, Ubuntu is a free, easy-to-use, open-source operating system with all the basic tools you need including web browser, word processor, media player, instant messaging, and more. A large community supports the stability and regular update cycle for Ubuntu making it user friendly. Ubuntu's focus is on usability.
10.04 Lucid Lynx, the most recent long term support (LTS) release of Ubuntu has incorporated social networking directly into the desktop. It's sleek default appearance can be customized to fit personal taste and can even include 3D desktop effects. Some Windows programs can be used in Ubuntu through a driver wrapper program called Wine
If you are looking to try a Linux Distrobution out, most USB install discs and live CD's will allow you to run a test environment to experience what the operating system without performing an install. |
Overview
This article will provide a brief overview of a few common Linux distributions and their common uses and design philosophy.
Ubuntu Desktop
Ubuntu Desktop is the most popular Linux distribution and is arguably the easiest to use. Ubuntu Desktop comes with a full suite of productivity software, a file manager, photo organization and editing software, software tools, games, and more. Software updates are easily managed with a built in package updater for the System and an App marketplace that can support updates for installs as well.
Ubuntu Desktop is the consumer desktop version of Ubuntu which is a product of the Canonical company. Ubuntu comes in versions for servers, IoT devices, and a variety of custom editions called "Ubuntu Flavors." There are two versions available: a Long Term Support (or LTS) version that maintains security and maintenance updates for about five years and an up-to-date version which is revised about every six months. The current LTS version is 18.04 Bionic Beaver and the up-to-date version is 19.04 Disco Dingo
Ubuntu is a very versatile system and has versions for Server, Cloud, Internet of Things devices, and many other modified versions. Learning Ubuntu Desktop is a great way to get to know Unix/Linux for beginners.
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Ubuntu is a great place to start for users new to Linux systems. |
Ubuntu Netbook Remix
This is a version of Ubuntu configured specifically for netbooks. It has been optimized for use with the restricted screen size and the netbook hardware. Quick and easy access to your favorite applications makes it a good match for the portable style of netbooks.
Linux Mint
"from freedom came elegance"
Linux mint is another free and open-source spin off Ubuntu. Main features of Linux mint are its 'minty' style and the inclusion of multimedia codecs (special files for viewing certain formats of audio/video) that are not automatically added to larger distros such as Ubuntu. note: these codecs are still available for Ubuntu but are not included in the installation files due to licensing restrictions
Fedora
" freedom | friends | features | first"
Fedora is a free and open-source Linux distro that originated from Red Hat Linux. It's more technical than other distros such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint and therefore is best for individuals with some experience using Linux.
Security is a focus of Fedora making it one of the most secure of the popular Linux distros. Fedora is sometimes seen as a development playground for Red Hat Enterprise and is a good distro for working with in that capacity but is less focused on desktop usability.
openSUSE
"linux for open minds
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a very polished desktop based off of Ubuntu. Linux Mint aims to make the user experience as smooth as possible by making the OS as easy to use with well designed apps and menus. Another feature which makes Linux Mint attractive to novice users is its inclusion of multimedia codecs that are often not packaged in other Linux distributions. Linux Mint does not offer security advisories, something to be aware of when using it on the University's Networks.
Fedora
Fedora is a continuation of an older distribution known as "Red Hat Linux." It is the "hobbyist" version of Red Hat's enterprise server and as such many of its features are oriented toward advanced and enterprise users. Many of the features and benefits of Fedora don't wind up helping desktop users because the innovations don't apply to them. Still relatively easy to use this version of Linux is best suited towards people who have some experience with Linux/Unix.
openSUSE
openSUSE, as the name implies, is a free, simple to use, open-source Linux distro. openSUSE emphasizes usability and availability. It also includes a favored administrative setup and configuration tool called YaST that can be used to easily manage the system.
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openSUSE is a great place to start for users new to Linux systems. |
Debian
"the universal operating system"
openSUSE is available in two main editions - Leap, which provides a stable platform with multiple years of support; and Tumbleweed, which provides a rolling release environment. It is sometimes considered resource heavy which can make the operating system feel slow at times.
Debian
Debian is revered as the most stable distro of Linux. Like the others it is free and open-source. Debian focuses on stability and security but because of this has a slow stable release date of about 1-3 years (this simply means that a new 'final' stable version is only released this often.) Debian users who wish to use newer packages can choose to use the Testing or Unstable versions of Debian that may be more buggy than the well tested stable releases. Debian works on more processor architectures than any other version of Linux which means that almost any hardware can run it and it will be stable.
Debian offers many (over 20,000) packages and has been build for compatibility with many processor architectures.
Other Distros
There are many other versions and spin offs of Linux systems; some are simply a popular distro configured a certain way while others are rebuilt from basic Linux systems.Debian is best suited for moderately technical users.
Slackware
Slackware is the oldest Linux Distribution still in use. Slackware is highly technical and not a good choice for new or novice users. Although highly stable, Slackware requires a high level of knowledge of Unix Command Line as most management of the system is done via terminal commands or editing config files. There is a saying among Linux users: "Learn Red Hat and you'll know Red Hat, but if you learn Slackware then you'll know Linux."
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Slackware is highly technical, not user friendly, and is not a good choice for new or novice users. |
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Other Linux Distributions
This article only scratches the surface of Linux distributions available. There are many other distributions available to explore. Some are designed for consumers, some for particular devices, some for particular purposes. Because Linux is open sourced anybody can make or modify a distribution to make an OS that meets their particular needs. You can find a link to DistroWatch below, a repository of Linux distributions that will give you both an overview and technical information about the distributions listed above and any others you would like to research.
Related Links
Install Linux from a USB drive
DistroWatch
Dual Booting
Live (bootable) Linux CDs
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