What is the Linux distributions and which one to choose?

If someone asks you which version of Linux you are using, it is likely not interested in Linux kernel version, and has in mind a Linux distribution you have installed, and the version number of this distribution. Technically, Linux is a just the operating system kernel, and all the other elements, such as graphics user interface and applications written entirely separately by other developers and are not tied specifically to this core.

Thus, all Linux distributions are a kind of designer, which one or, more often, Developers group was collected from the core, custom shell, auxiliary system libraries and external applications. Currently, there are hundreds of different Linux distributions, many of which differ from each other by color decoration, wallpaper and a set of pre-installed software. But there are a lot of distinctive developments that have every right to be called independent operating systems. How do they differ and which one to prefer? We'll talk more on that below.

To date, the most popular and rapidly developing distribution. Its easy to install and easy to use. Although it is based on Debian, but has its own unique interface Unity. But if he came to you not like it, you can always try to build KDE, Xfce or LXDE (

A key advantage of Ubuntu is that it is developed and maintained under the leadership of Canonical commercial company, which is a guarantee for the development and quality of the system. In addition, periodically release versions of long-term support (LTS), which have guaranteed support for five years. Community Ubuntu users - one of the most numerous and active, so if you are a beginner Linux users, then it is also necessary to pay attention.

This distribution has become popular just a few years ago on a wave of rejection by many users of innovations in Ubuntu. Then they wanted "the same distribution, but without Unity», developed and Mint. Here you can choose from just two custom shell - Cinnamon and MATE. The first is more sophisticated and is based on GTK +, while the second option will suit more conservative users.

The composition of the Mint, unlike of Ubuntu, includes some proprietary software, such as multimedia codecs. So you can start using the system immediately after installation without the need for additional components.

Something when he was such a nice Mandriva Linux distribution that approximately two years ago, came to nothing. Mageia is his heir and still inherent in Mandriva traditions of simplicity and friendliness. As parent distribution, Mageia KDE uses a priority of the working environment. New versions are released every nine months and maintained for one and a half years. This system is recommended for all fans of Mandriva and Red Hat as a modern alternative.

OpenSUSE is a free version of SUSE Linux, commercial distribution, popular a few years ago. Now it is owned by the American company Novell, which, as in the case of Ubuntu, provides some ordering chaos open source and provides quality assurance. This operating system is focused on KDE and has some interesting own developments, for example, YaST Control Center and ZYpp package manager. New versions are released every 8 months.

So pleasant to Russian ear the name means "fedora". Distribution appeared thanks to the efforts of the Red Hat company, and is a kind of testing ground for its commercial products. Distribution is designed for those who like to work with the latest software and generally watching everything interesting in the world of Linux. New versions are released every 6-8 months, and at the same time supported the last two releases.

A Linux distro which you like and why?