What is the difference between Linux distros?
All Linux distros take their software from a shared pool, then apply any customisations they want before passing the results off to users. The most noticeable differences are: • The choice of desktop: KDE and Gnome are the most popular, but Xfce and Enlightenment are also well used. • Many distros want at 512MB of RAM, but some distros are able to work on much less powerful computers – some even run very nicely on just 32MB of RAM! • Some distros include support for proprietary codecs by default, such as playing MP3s and DVDs. This is against the law in some countries, so many distros don’t do it as standard. Instead, users are given the option to download the extras. • Most distros have a distinct look and feel, often changing the default desktop theme and wallpaper or adding sound effects. • The most important thing is the choice of applications, because there are so many to choose from and most users really just want to get busy with their computer. So, distro makers choose what the
