Linuxlookup

With so many different distributions or 'flavors' of the Linux operating system, it can be difficult to choose which is right for you. Each distribution is unique, and has it's own strengths and weaknesses. In this section we will briefly describe a selection of the more popular Linux distributions.

Some Linux distributions are released as different editions. We now indicate Desktop, Server/Enterprise or LiveCD editions with the icons shown below.

Desktop

Usually a traditional desktop installation with graphical interface and common applications. Great for home use, on a laptop or as a workstation.

Server/Enterprise

Don't let the word enterprise scare you away from these releases. Most often used in a production environment and business, a server/enterprise edition can still be used on a home server or project. Quite often these versions are not free and come with a hefty price tag to justify the support contract.

Live CD

A live CD (or liveCD) is an operating system (usually containing other software as well) stored on a bootable storing device, so the computer can be booted without using the hard drive and without installing into permanent memory. The operating system runs directly from the storing device. Often the operating system is installed on a USB stick, a CD or a DVD. Perfect if you're interested in just trying out Linux without actually installing to your hard drive.

Debian

Debian GNU/Linux is a free distribution of the Linux based operating system. It is maintained and updated through the work of many users who volunteer their time and effort. Along with its large selection of prepackaged software is contains advanced package management tools that allow for easy installation and maintenance on individual systems and workstation clusters. Extensive pre-release testing is done to ensure the highest degree of reliability possible, and a publicly accessible bug tracking system provides an easy way to monitor customer feedback. This has made Debian one of the most popular distributions.

Website: http://www.debian.org Official Download: Debian Download or Order online FREE Download: Debian ISO page Reviews: Debian reviews Support forum: Debian support forum Types:

Fedora

Fedora is a set of projects, sponsored by Red Hat and guided by the Fedora Project Board. These projects are developed by a large community of people who strive to provide and maintain the very best in free, open source software and standards. Fedora Core, the central Fedora project, is an operating system and platform, based on Linux, that is always free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, now and forever.

Website: http://fedora.redhat.com Official Download: Fedora Download or Order online FREE Download: Fedora ISO page Reviews: Fedora reviews Support forum: Fedora support Types:

Gentoo

Gentoo Linux is a versatile and fast, completely free Linux distribution for x86, PowerPC, Sparc and Sparc64 that's geared towards Linux power users. Unlike other distros, Gentoo Linux has an advanced package management system called Portage. Portage is a true ports system in the tradition of BSD ports, but is Python-based and sports a number of advanced features including dependencies, fine-grained package management, "fake" (OpenBSD-style) installs, path sandboxing, safe unmerging, system profiles, virtual packages, config file management, and more.

Website: http://www.gentoo.org Official Download: Gentoo Download or Order online FREE Download: Gentoo ISO page Reviews: Gentoo reviews Support forum: Gentoo support Types:

Knoppix

Knoppix is a bootable Live system on CD or DVD, consisting of a representative collection of GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. KNOPPIX can be used as a productive Linux system for the desktop, educational CD, rescue system, or adapted and used as a platform for commercial software product demos.

Website: http://www.knoppix.org Official Download: Knoppix Download or Order online FREE Download: Knoppix ISO page Reviews: Knoppix reviews Support forum: No Types:

Mandriva

Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of the popular Mandriva Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems. The company offers its enterprise, government, and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. Mandriva products are available in more than 120 countries.

Website: http://www.mandriva.com/ Official Download: Mandriva Download or Order online FREE Download: Mandriva ISO page Reviews: Mandriva reviews Support forum: Mandriva support Types:

Redhat

Red Hat has a family of Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions that address server and client operating environments. The Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES variants are for high-end and entry-level servers. The Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS variant is for technical workstations. Red Hat Desktop is the newest Red Hat Enterprise Linux family member and is designed for the general purpose desktop user.

Website: http://www.redhat.com Official Download: RedHat Download or Order online FREE Download: RedHat ISO page Reviews: RedHat reviews Support forum: RedHat support Types:

Slackware

Since its first release in April of 1993, the Slackware Linux Project has aimed at producing the most "UNIX-like" Linux distribution out there. Slackware complies with the published Linux standards, such as the Linux File System Standard. The project has always considered simplicity and stability paramount, and as a result Slackware has become one of the most popular, stable, and friendly distributions available.

Website: http://www.slackware.com Official Download: Slackware Download or Order online FREE Download: Slackware ISO page Reviews: Slackware reviews Support forum: Slackware support Types:

SUSE

Whether you're new to Linux or you use it daily, SUSE Linux 10.1 delivers the features you need most for home computing and networking. SUSE Linux also includes more than 1,000 of the world's leading open source applications. From established solutions like Firefox and OpenOffice.org to emerging technologies like Beagle and Xen, these applications are a real value. You simply open the box, run the installation program and start using Linux for everything you do. Choose the default set of applications to get a great desktop or customize your entire computing environment. It's truly that easy. SUSE Linux has both a Desktop and Enterprise release.

Website: http://www.suse.com Official Download: SUSE Download or Order online FREE Download: SUSE ISO page Reviews: SUSE reviews Support forum: SUSE support Types:

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free, open source operating system that starts with the breadth of Debian and adds regular releases (every six months), a clear focus on the user and usability (it should "Just Work", TM) and a commitment to security updates with 18 months of support for every release. Ubuntu ships with the latest Gnome release as well as a selection of server and desktop software that makes for a comfortable desktop experience off a single installation CD.

Website: http://www.ubuntu.com Official Download: Ubuntu Download or Order online FREE Download: Ubuntu ISO page Reviews: Ubuntu reviews Support forum: Ubuntu support Types: