Linux Distribution

A Linux distribution is a collection of (usually open source) software on top of a Linux kernel. A distribution (or short, distro) can bundle server software, system management tools, documentation and many desktop applications in a central secure software repository. A distro aims to provide a common look and feel, secure and easy software management and often a specific operational purpose.

Let's take a look at some popular distributions. 

1.Red Hat

Red Hat is a billion dollar commercial Linux company that puts a lot of effort in developing Linux. They have hundreds of Linux specialists and are known for their excellent support. They give their products (Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora) away for free. While Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is well tested before release and supported for up to seven years after release, Fedora is a distro with faster updates but without support.

2.Ubuntu

Canonical started sending out free compact discs with Ubuntu Linux in 2004 and quickly became popular for home users (many switching from Microsoft Windows). Canonical wants Ubuntu to be an easy to use graphical Linux desktop without need to ever see a command line. Of course they also want to make a profit by selling support for Ubuntu.

3.Debian

There is no company behind Debian. Instead there are thousands of well organised developers that elect a Debian Project Leader every two years. Debian is seen as one of the most stable Linux distributions. It is also the basis of every release of Ubuntu. Debian comes in three versions: stable, testing and unstable. Every Debian release is named after a character in the movie Toy Story.

4. SUSE 

it is a paid version although the openSUSE version can be downloaded for free.

5. Linux Mint 

It claims to be the fourth most popular OS and it is easy to use with 30,000 packages.

6. Slackware 

It was released in 1993 making it one of the oldest Linux distributions. It is majorly dependent on command-line tools.

7. Gentoo 

First released in 2002, it offers "extreme configurability, performance and a top-notch user and developer community." It works on the Portage package management system which has over 10,000 different applications.

8. <"http://www.archlinux.org/">Arch Linux 

Arch’s simplistic design makes it a favorite among long-time Linux users. It installs a minimal base system and offers many options for customization.

9. Fedora 

This is free community version. It also has the standard desktop download which is available in many specialized versions as stated on datamation.com.

10. openSUSE

This free community version can be used on a desktop, laptop or server and can be installed or run live from a CD or USB drive. 

Distributions Based on Ubuntu-

11. Kubuntu

Kubuntu is a Ubuntu fork using the KDE desktop in place of the Unity desktop. 

12. Lubuntu

Lubuntu is lighter, faster, and consumes less energy making it a good choice for mobile devices like netbooks.

13. Xubuntu

This version of Ubuntu uses Xfce desktop environment for both desktop and server versions.

14. Edubuntu 

This is suited to meet the needs of schools.

15. Easy Peasy

Designed for use on netbooks, it has millions of users in more than 166 countries.

16. Zentyal

This is available for free, paid and supported versions. It is a Ubuntu-based small business server acting as a gateway, infrastructure manager, unified threat manager, office server and/or unified communication server. 

17. NewSense 

This has support by the Free Software Foundation and is based on Ubuntu with minor changes which include removal of non-free firmware. 

18. Pinguy OS 

This is for new Linux users. Pinguy OS makes it easy to search and use the programs average users. It also has a DVD version for $5.99.

19. Bodhi Linux 

This is focused on user choice and minimalism. It makes use of the enlightenment desktop environment and a "software store" making it easy to locate and install the open source applications.

20. MoonOS 

This is developed in Cambodia (English is supported) and based on Ubuntu. It has a different file hierarchy system and appshell framework. 

Distributions Based on Debian

21. MEPIS 

This is also called simplyMEPIS and is especially popular with new Linux users. You can download it for free or buy a CD that will make testing and installation of software easy. 

22. CrunchBang 

It is a lightweight distribution working on Debian.

23. Knoppix 

It is good for newbies and is an easy-to-use distribution based on Debian. It is available in CDs for less than two bucks.

24. DreamLinux 

This can be installed on your desktop as well as run from a USB drive. It installs the Xfce desktop environment by default and supports Gnome.

Distributions Based on Red Hat/Fedora

25. Mandriva 

It is a publicly traded French company and has over 3 million users worldwide. It has several editions which include desktop and server, paid and unpaid, and a unique Instant On version that boots up with minimal functionality in less than 10 seconds.

26. CentOS

This is the short form for Short for "Community ENTerprise Operating System". It is based on Red Hat code. It's used in 30 percent of Linux-based Web servers.

27. Scientific Linux 

This is aimed at preventing scientists at each of these different institutions from recreating a Linux distribution to meets their needs.

28. Fusion 

It offers multimedia support and has an interesting look and feel. This is ideal for more advanced Linux users.

Distributions Based on Mandriva

29. Unity 

It is built to offer developers or advanced Linux users certain modular pieces that can be used for creating customized distribution.

30. Mageia 

This is a community-driven fork with some ownership changes at the company that owns the Mandriva project. It's currently in beta stages and due for release in a few weeks time.

Distributions Based on Slackware

31. ZenWalk

This has become better over time into a modern, fast, lightweight distribution that's simple to use. This is present in five versions - standard, core, live, Gnome and Openbox.

32. Vector Linux 

It is availablefor free download as well as in a supported "deluxe" edition.

33. Frugalware 

This is ideal for users who don’t fear command line, it has certain graphical tools which are with simplicity in mind.

34. Salix OS 

This is available in four different versions for the Xfce, LXDE, Fluxbox and KDE desktop environments.

Distributions Based on Arch Linux

35. Chakra 

This is based on ArchLinux and uses KDE desktop. 

36. ArchBang

This variant utilizes the Openbox Window Manager and is fast as well as lightweight.

37. Sabayon 

This is based on Gentoo and supports KDE, Gnome, LXDE and Xfce desktop environments.

Distributions Based on Cloud Computing 

38. Joli OS 

This can be installed within 10 minutes and is optimized for cloud computing applications. 

39. Peppermint 

It is created for both cloud and Web apps. It is based on Lubuntu.

Lightweight Distributions

40. aLinux 

Earlier it was known as Peanut Linux. It is designed to be quick as well as multimedia-friendly. 

41. DSL 

It is a small OS at just 50MB. It is very fast and runs on older PCs. It can fit onto small USB drives and business card CDs.

42. Tiny Core Linux 

Among the smallest ones it weighs just 10MB in its GUI version. Its command line version, the Micro Core, is even smaller.

43. Puppy Linux 

It is small and quick and can be installed on a USB thumb drive that you can carry with you. It occupies 100 MB and gets booted in less than a minute. It runs from RAM for maximum speed.

Windows-Like Distributions

44. Zorin OS 

It was meant to look and feel as much like Windows as possible. It is faster and doesn not have many bugs. This is available in both free and paid versions.

45. Ylmf OS 

Its interface is similar in appearance to Windows. It's available in either Chinese or English and based on Ubuntu.

Other Distributions

46. GoboLinux 

This does not make use of the Unix Filesystem Hierarchy Standard but keeps each program in its own sub-directory in the Program directory. 

47. PCLinuxOS 

It is easy to use and can run a Live CD or installed on a desktop or laptop. It can support seven different desktops, including KDE, Gnome, Enlightenment, XFCE, LXDE, and others.

48. MeeGo 

It is based on Intel's Moblin and Nokia's Maemo. It can be used on netbooks and other mobile devices as well. 

49. Chrome OS/Chromium OS 

The "Chromium OS" is the open source version for developers and "Chrome OS" is the operating system that Google plans to include on netbooks for end users. 

50. Musix GNU+Linux 

Musix is made for multi-media enthusiasts especially those involved in audio editing. 

Which to choose ?

When you are new to Linux in 2012, go for the latest Ubuntu or Fedora. If you only want to practice the Linux command line then install one Ubuntu server and/or one CentOS server (without graphical interface).

         redhat.com

         ubuntu.com

         debian.org

         centos.org

         distrowatch.com