Selecting a Suitable Linux Distribution

The number of different Linux distributions available can present a bewildering array of choices for new Linux users. Some distributions are designed with user friendliness in mind and are suitable for those starting to learn the ins and outs of this powerful operating system. Other Linux distributions require a great deal of learning to use effectively and are much more suited to experienced users. Many Linux users, including myself, started with a user friendly version and progressed to a more advanced distribution as their confidence increased. Other Linux users pick a distribution which they like and simply stick with it. Which Linux distribution is best for you is a decision only you can make and you might consider trying a few different flavours of Linux before you settle on any particular one.

All Linux distributions are made with common code, most notably of course the Linux kernel which forms the core of the operating system. Most of them relate to each other in other ways too, particularly when it comes to graphical user interfaces and distribution specific configuration programs or wizards. Many distributions for example can use APT to update or install software on your Linux computer although APT was originally developed for use with the Debian distribution. To further this example, many other Linux distributions are derived from Debian and may share a great deal of common code or be developed from a particular Debian release. When you learn one distribution of Linux it becomes very easy to jump to another and become proficient in that as well. Many common services and applications will use the same configuration files in the same format though their location on the computers file system might be slightly different.

When you make your final choice as to which Linux distribution you would like to strike out into the big world of Linux with, there are some finer points you might consider. As previously mentioned some distributions are more user friendly than others and are generally configured through the GUI using graphical tools while others are for more advanced users or for those who are prepared to spend more time learning. A distribution such as Ubuntu is much more friendly and easy to start out with than an advanced users distro such as Slackware or Gentoo. Regardless of your choice we do urge you to stick with a mainstream and widely used distribution of Linux as you will find that the more widely used flavours tend to a have a large following of users that inhabit usergroups, newgroups and forums and many will be quite happy to help you out if you get stuck. Finally, if you find that a particular distribution isnt working out for you, to try a different one. The beauty of Linux is that virtually all distributions are free or have a free version, making it very easy to try something else. Lets have a look at some of the more widely used Linux distributions.

Most Popular Linux Distributions

Ubuntu is a comparatively young linux distribution with its launch first announced in late 1994. Despite being a relative newcomer it has been a blazing success and could be considered to be the number one linux distribution it the world at the moment. Based on Debian, Ubuntu is very friendly to novice Linux users and has excellent support for new hardware. Ubuntu is a good first step for novice Linux users. openSUSE initially debuted in 1992 as SUSE Linux and was essentially a German edition of Slackware Linux distributed by four German Linux enthusiasts. It became an independant distribution in 1996 and grew in popularity mostly because of its well thought out distribution strategy, being one of the more widely available over the counter distributions of Linux. SUSE was acquired by Novell Inc in 2003 and openSUSE became the code base used for many of Novells commercial products. openSUSE has a large following of satisfied users and can be rightly considered to be one of the most user friendly distributions of Linux. Debian Linux was first announced in 1993 and since that time has the distinction of being the largest Linux distribution to date, with many other distributions such as Ubuntu, Xandros and many others being based on its code. Debian can be considered to be a middle of the road distribution, not as user friendly as many of its offspring but still accommodating to the new user. Mandriva was originally launched in 1998 under the name of Mandrake Linux. Originally a thinly disguised remastering of Red Hat Linux subsequent releases saw many user friendly touches added that made this Linux distribution stand out of the crowd. After merging with Connectiva in 2005 Madrake changed its name to Mandriva. Mandriva is very friendly towards beginners though it is slated as primarily a destop distribution. Fedora Core Linux was initially known as Red Hat Linux and under that name held the spot of number one Linux distribution for many years and producing many new user friendly features, most notably the RPM package management system. In 2003 Red Hat changed its product line up, keeping the Red Hat branding for its commercial products and changed its free versions name to Fedora Core. Fedora Core has been a worthy successor to Red Hat Linux though it has veered more toward enterprise features than desktop use, making it an excellent middle of the road distribution for a linux server. Slackware is the oldest surviving linux distribution with its debut occurring in 1992. Slackware was considered to be by far the most widely used of the early linux operating systems until more user friendly distributions such as Red Hat contributed to its decline in popularity. Slackware is my personal Linux distribution of choice being one of the cleanest and least buggy distributions available today. It lacks any Slackware specific enhancements and pays no heed to end user friendliness, almost all configuration is done by editing text files or running text based configuration tools. Its stability and strong adherance to UNIX principles make it a popular distribution in the server market however it is not suited to novice users who are in a hurry to deploy their server.