Linux Distribution Selection
On page Win2Lin, Eric B asks for suggestions on a suitable distro.
A Linux distribution (or distro) is simply a collection of programs that have been tested to work together and selected for a target audience. The audience might want a rock solid server, an easy to learn distro, a lean subset for a small computer (eg: netbook) or a toolkit for learning about or testing and developing bleeding edge software.
Programs from one distro can usually be run on a different one but since many programs require a toolkit or other programs to already be installed, it might save you some trouble if the distro has these installed by default.
There are numerous distributions. Selecting one depends on what you need it to do:
- Run an embedded system. There might be many constraints here.
- Replace another operating system for running business applications, code development or reducing licensing costs.
- Learn about Linux because your employer, or potential employer, is using it for projects you'd like to get volved with. The decision has probably already been made for you.
- Learn about Linux and the interesting programs it runs.
Here are some notes on some major distros and why you might select one of them:
- Ubuntu - Easy to learn for new users.
- Debian - Ubuntu is based on this. More features
- "RedhatCentOS" - Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS. Older, time tested software for servers and commercial use.
- Fedora Core - Bleeding edge software being developed for RHEL.
Here are some other articles that might help:
- http://maketecheasier.com/how-to-select-a-linux-distribution/2008/11/21 How to Select A Linux Distribution
- http://www.hackitlinux.com/50226711/best_way_to_select_your_linux_distribution.php Best way to select your Linux distribution
- http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/select-best-linux-desktop-distribution.html Which Linux Desktop Distribution is the best for me?
A search like this will find more information:
http://www.google.ca/linux?hl=en&q=how+to+select+a+linux+distro&btnG=Search&meta=