LINUX

Linux

　Linux is PC-UNIX in which the kernel was created for PC/AT compatibles by Linus Torvalds of Finland. The name is derived from the kernel's creator.

Distribution

　 Although Linux is originally the kernel created by Linus, it does not function as an OS generally available with only the kernel. To function as an OS, various software applications must be combined with the kernel. Thus, the combination of the kernel and some application software supporting it for use as a OS is called a "distribution".

Types of distribution

　 A number of application software programs as well as the kernel is needed to run as an OS, but software applications necessary depend on the specific purpose of use or policy. This is the difference of distributions, so there are many distributions.
The biggest difference is the management method of a package (software) shown as follows:

RedHat series

　The package management is by rpm. It is easy to install, upgrade and so on.
The main distributions are the following:

·         RedHat Linux

·         Turbo Linux

·         LASER5 Linux

·         Kondara MNU/Linux

·         Vine Linux

　There are more distributions than other series of Linux.

Slackware series

　 Since it has no management tool, users manage all. It requires considerable knowledge, but it has a high degree of flexibility, so it is popular among the users understanding the system.
The main distributions are the following:

·         Slackware

·         Plamo Linux

Debian series

　 The package management is by deb. It is more powerful than that by rpm and closely manages even the dependency relation among the software.
The main distribution is the following:

·         Debian GNU/Linux

How to select a distribution

To select a distribution, you have to understand the purpose of use or the policy at which the distribution aims at. Here, I will show you the differences of the distributions I found after using them.

RedHat Linux

　 Practically all of the Linux of RedHat series are based on this distribution, so the introduction of a new kernel is earlier than in other distributions. However, it might have more trouble in the first version (version *.0) than other distributions of the RedHat series.
For neophilia, I recommend version *.1 or later.

Turbo Linux

　It is moderately good for use in companies. There are various types, such as for servers in Turbo Linux.

LASER5 Linux

　 This distribution allows for the easy use of Japanese, developed on the basis of RedHat Linux. (Note that RedHat can be used in Japanese as well.)
Most of the software for RedHat Linux can be used.

Kondara MNU/Linux

　 Based on RedHat Linux, this distribution has introduced new useful software. Therefore, it has different parts from other distributions of RedHat series.
For anyone liking novelties.

Vine Linux

　 A Distribution with emphasis on the stability and enhancement of Japanese environments, Based on RedHat Linux. There are fewer version upgrades than other distributions of RedHat series. For anyone wanting to use Japanese in plenty.

Slackware

The oldest distribution of Linux. Considerable knowledge is required for package management. It is also necessary to personally set up the Japanese environment.
For professionals or anyone wanting to understand the system "with a will".

Plamo Linux

　 Distribution which supports Japanese, based on Slackware.
Although it supports Japanese, considerable knowledge is required, as in the case of Slackware.

Debian GNU/Linux

Distribution with enhanced package management. It was developed mainly by users.
For anyone wanting to engage in the development of distribution (I suppose).

Linux is an increasingly popular operating system that is proving to be a viable alternative to Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac operating systems. Linux is open source, which means that it is developed by a tight-knit community of developers and designed to be permanently free of charge. Because of this, there are many different types of Linux operating systems available to users. These are called "distributions." Each distribution has a different main goal and is tailor-made for that function.

 

Ubuntu

1. The most popular and widely used Linux distribution is called "Ubuntu." Ubuntu is aimed at bringing Linux to casual computer users and is comparable in features to Microsoft's Windows. It is estimated that 30 percent of all Linux users use the Ubuntu distribution.

Kubuntu

2. Kubuntu is similar to Ubuntu in operation. The main difference is that Kubuntu uses a different type of file system than Ubuntu. They both perform the same basic functions, and both are easily accessible to casual computer users.

Debian

3. Debian is a more complicated version of the Linux operating system. It is what the distributions Ubuntu and Kubuntu are based on, though it is not nearly as accessible to casual computer users. Debian has the ability to operate as a standard desktop computer operating system, as well as an operating system used to run computer servers.

Fedora

4. Fedora is another example of a Linux distribution. In appearance, Fedora's desktop and standard operations are similar to those of Ubuntu and Kubuntu. Fedora is used primarily for older PCs due to its limited system requirements.

Linux Mint

5. Linux Mint is a Linux distribution that was modeled after Ubuntu. As opposed to Ubuntu, which has limited functionality when first installed and requires users to pick and choose which applications to install based on their needs, Linux Mint's focus is providing all programs and drivers a user would need immediately after installation.