What is a Linux distribution?
Linux, as such, is only the kernel of the operating system, so more utilities and programs must be provided to make it useful. Early in the evolution of Linux, various Distributions (Distros) appeared. These Distributions comprise the linux kernel plus a collection of applications, utilities and drivers etc. required to make a complete Operating System. Each different collection of software is known as a Distribution (or Linux Flavour.) There are now many Linux Distros aimed at desktop use, servers, firewall, computer forensics, music & graphics, games, corporate networking and hundreds of other uses. Unlike other Operating Systems, most of the Distributions come complete with a choice of Office Suites, Email & Internet software, Photo Editing tools, IM, IRC, Databases, Programming Languages, Web Servers, Networking Tools etc. etc. Debian GNU/Linux, for example comes on 14 Binary CDROMs! At the other end of the scale, it is possible to fit a full Linux Distrubution on a floppy disk. Wi
A Linux distribution is the Linux kernel packaged with other system and application software to make a full-featured operating system. Some Linux distributions are small and fill a very specific niche, such as the Smoothwall firewall. Others are general-purpose operating systems with office and software development tools, for example, the currently very popular Ubuntu distribution. The differences between Linux distributions are usually rooted in the philosophy of the company, team or individual that created the distribution. Some distributions, like Ubuntu are intended for general-purpose desktops as well as ease-of-use. Fedora on the other hand, aims to incorporate the latest versions of software. Debian aims for stability and trail a distribution like Fedora by several versions (and bugs!).
Since Linux’s original creation, its community has found needs for different operating systems, and modified Linux to fit those needs. Soon various different types of Linux emerged. These are known as “Distributions.” Some popular ones are “Redhat,” “Ubuntu,” and “Slackware,” but there are many, many, more. When it gets down to the basics, however, they are all the same. It is common to refer to them as different “flavors” of Linux.
