Since Linux is open source, lots of different developers have worked on it and forked their work into separate distributions or “distros” based on the opinions they have on how the operating system should work. A fork is what happens when software is cloned from other software and takes a different direction. Linux distributions each have their own set of unique features, tools and pre-installed applications.
It’s important to keep in mind that Linux actually refers to the Linux kernel, while distributions using the kernel are known as Linux operating systems.
All of our examples will use Debian or Ubuntu tooling. Let’s briefly cover some of the most popular Linux distributions.
Debian Linux
Debian is one of the oldest Distributions based on the Linux kernel. It was first released in 1993 and has a lot of momentum to this day! Debian has different “branches”, which are just different versions of the same operating system. Stable, Testing and Unstable are the three main Debian branches. Stable is the branch that most people should use, while testing and unstable are more frequently updated with changes that eventually make it over to Stable. Debian is the basis for a lot of other distributions, with the most popular being Ubuntu. Debian, like many distributions, utilizes a lot of free and open-source software.
Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu was initially released in 2004 and is developed by a British company called Canonical. It is very popular among beginners and professionals alike. It’s the distribution we’ll use in this book’s examples. Ubuntu is based on Debian and even uses Debian’s package management system for installing software. Ubuntu has many versions of its OS for desktops, servers and even a version used in Internet of Things devices and robots called core.
Ubuntu was my first introduction to Linux and I think you’ll enjoy using it too.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
RHEL, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux is developed by none other than…a company called Red Hat. Red Hat, as of this writing, is owned by IBM. Red Hat Enterprise Linux has more restrictions on its distribution and is more commercial than other distributions. As well, RHEL uses a different packaging system for installing software than Debian and other distributions called RPM or Red Hat Package Manager.
Fedora Linux
RHEL, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux is developed by none other than…a company called Red Hat. Red Hat, as of this writing, is owned by IBM. Red Hat Enterprise Linux has more restrictions on its distribution and is more commercial than other distributions. As well, RHEL uses a different packaging system for installing software than Debian and other distributions called RPM or Red Hat Package Manager.
Arch Linux
Though it isn’t commonly used on servers, Arch is a great Linux distribution. Arch is usually installed on Desktops and Laptops for users that want deep control over their system. Arch is very opinionated about many of its design decisions. This just means that the developers have strong convictions about the way to do things. I don’t recommend Arch for beginners, but learning it could give you a deeper understanding of the Linux operating system if you’re up for the challenge.
This has been a sample of my book, Shell Samurai!
Grab a full copy today for 20% off at the link below!