If you’re considering trying out GNU/Linux for the first time (or even changing to another), choosing a distribution can be a daunting task. With literally hundreds of distros out there, actually narrowing down to the one to try can be an extremely confusing process, especially to those that are new to linux. This is just another short list to help new users examine a few of the differences between a few of the major, more mainstream distributions (and possibly make it more confusing).
Though many are still clenching on to XP, with Microsoft’s Vista being referred to as the “the new ME,” more people and organizations than ever are looking for alternatives to the market giant’s offering. Many people simply don’t feel they should have to upgrade their hardware (which often isn’t that old) just to run a newer operating system, and many who do find it less pleasurable than before.
The word Linux has become more and more common amongst non-geeks, and Ubuntu seems to have a following like U2. There are many, many, many Linux distributions one can try-out on hardware that ranges from state-of-the-art to venerable old beige boxes. Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be a power house, and that I don’t think I’ve bought a component for my main computer in 3 years. Let’s get down to it.
Ubuntu is pretty much the distro that everyone’s heard about. You can buy new computer with it preinstalled from companies such as Dell and System76. You can install it in three main flavors with three main desktop environments: Ubuntu sporting the Gnome desktop, Kubuntu with KDE, and Xubuntu with the lighter weight, faster XFCE desktop. Ubuntu is the main linux distro my wife and I run at home (as does my mother), due to its ease of maintenance and HUGE user community. Under-the-hood it’s based on Debian’s “Sid” (unstable) branch (that just means latest and greatest) but with a host of widely-used desktop applications such as Firefox and OpenOffice.org. APT is the tool used for installing packages, but generally it’s done through Ubuntu’s add/remove programs app or synaptic (think Windows add/remove programs where the add actually works). It’s “Restricted Drivers Manager” makes it extremely simple (literally a check box) to install proprietary ATI and Nvidia graphic card drivers and more. Also, it’s just as easy to install “non-free” media codecs such as mp3 support. For most media, click a media file, and, if it doesn’t have the codec, it asks if you want to install it. Ubuntu has a regular release cycle, and a new version comes out every six months with the current stable version being 7.04-Feisty Fawn. The version numbering is always in a year.month format so the next version will be 7.10 (codenamed: Gutsy Gibbon) this month. Other notable things are 3d desktop effects on supported hardware, a Windows migration tool, installation from it’s live CD, and getting that CD (and extras for your friends) shipped to you free of charge.
Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution that adds a more complete out-of-the-box experience with codecs, browser plugins, DVD playback support, and other often-used stuff already installed. It uses the same package repositories (where it gets software and updates) as Ubuntu. I recommend it to anyone looking for a distro that’s quick and easy to set up.
Fedora is a community maintained project sponsored by Red Hat. It’s aims to be entirely free and open, and the community encourages participation, though it’s not a requirement. Release are done 2 “or so” times a year with the latest stable version being Fedora 7. Fedora is generally said to be quite responsive and looks great out of the box. That, combined with the projects commitment to openness can make it somewhat appealing. It’s notable features include Gnome and KDE, tools to build your own live CD or USB key, Firefox, YUM package manager (RPM), 3d desktop effects, SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux), and OpenOffice.org.
openSUSE is the community driven project that is sponsored by Novell. The project’s stated goal “…is to create and distribute the world’s most usable Linux.” OpenSUSE actually share a bunch of feature’s with Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise offerings such as YaST, APParmor, Xen virtualisation software, KDE and Gnome, Firefox, and, of course, 3d effects.
Gentoo I will only suggest to those who want to dive in head first and learn a little along the way. As they put it, ” Gentoo is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Extreme configurability, performance and a top-notch user and developer community are all hallmarks of the Gentoo experience.” A Gentoo install is done one of several different ways from the most common Live CD, to installs aimed at the much more experienced (or those willing to read a lot). Once installed, all software is built from source (though a few common binary packages are available), meaning that the actual source code is downloaded and then compiled locally on that machine using predefined flags that optimize the software for that specific machine. What all that means is, after waiting a long time (from several minutes to several hours) for the software to compile, you end up with all your installed applications actually optimized for your machine specifically, making them leaner and meaner. I was a Gentoo user for a long time myself, and though I learned a lot from it, I ended up switching because my job kept me from the time I needed for all that compiling. It can be a lot of work, but the time spent can be a worthwhile investment.
I have barely skimmed the surface of just the popular distros, but I hope that you can come away with at least a bit more understanding or enthusiasm. Soon, I will try to outline more Linux distributions and get into more of the die-hard distros like Slackware. For now, the thing to remember is as long as you enjoy making the move to an open source platform, you will be rewarded by the experience.
