Before we tackle the question about the best Linux distribution, let me introduce Linux first.

Linux is a free open-source operating system based on the Unix operating system which was used on big mainframe computers during the 70's. The Linux kernel, the main system component of Linux was written in 1991 by Linus Torvald, a Finnish student who was then doing his thesis at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Linux is currently the operating system of choice in server applications. Most of the servers on the Internet are run by Linux, beating Microsoft when it comes to server applications.

Since Linux is a free open-source software and people are allowed to modify the codes and distribute them by themselves, Linux has many versions or flavors. These flavors are what we call the Linux Distributions.

Okey, i'll admit, Windows is better. When it comes to ease of use, user-friendly graphical interface, it is unmatchable. But Linux is not that far away from Windows when it comes to Graphical User Interface (GUI) nowadays. Linux is now as easy as Windows to use, if you grab the right distribution, or distro for short.

Linux is free while Windows is as expensive as ever. If money is an issue, then Linux is the way to go.

But the main strength of Linux is in its educational value. If you are studying computers, Linux has the phletoria of tools and utilities at your disposal. For example, the "dd" utility can let you save the boot sector of your disk drive or even be used to image your hard disk. Linux has disk partitioning tools that are more powerful than its cousin in Windows.

You name it, you have it when it comes to "hacking" tools to increase your knowledge with the inner workings of personal computers!

Linux have so many flavors or distros, and the most popular question is: which one is the right or the best for me?

The reason that there are hundreds if not thousands of distros to choose from is that people keep on modifying Linux to satisfy each and everyone's need. There are lightweight versions like Puppy Linux, high security versions like Fedora, and there are easy to use Linux that almost matches Windows when it comes to GUI's, like the Ubuntu Linux.

I tested most of the popular Linux distros around and I would recommend that you try Ubuntu Linux.

If you are a Windows user like me who hates working with the command prompt or the shell, then this Linux distro is for you. It is almost like working with Windows.

Don't take my word for it, though. Download and try the latest version of Ubuntu Linux.

Read a detailed comparison of Ubuntu Linux with Microsoft Windows here.

Ubuntu Linux, being the best linux distribution of them all, is easy to install with its built-in bootable installer.  Please read, Ubuntu Linux Installation Guide, if you want to learn how to install it by yourself.

How to Install Ubuntu - A detailed step-by-step installation guide on Ubuntu Linux. This article disproves the popular myth that installing a Linux distribution like Ubuntu Linux is difficult and may result to complete loss of data. Actually, that may be true a decade ago but today Linux has catched up with Microsoft Windows with regards to the ease of installation.

Windows XP vs Linux - A detailed treatment of Windows vis-a-vis Linux

Windows vs Linux for the Home User - Another article detailing the difference between Linux and Microsoft Windows.

A Guide to Linux Basics and Finding the Easiest Linux for you - Introduces Linux and guides you in selecting the best Linux distribution.

Ubuntu Linux: A Popular Distribution - Discussion on why Ubuntu Linux is a popular Linux distribution.

Five (5) Reasons Why Debian Linux is Better than Ubuntu Linux - This article compares the Debian Linux and the Ubuntu Linux distributions.

First Impressions of Mandriva Linux 2009.1 - A look at another popular Linux distribution, Mandriva Linux. Includes discussions on installation and configuration.

Linux Shell Scripting - A Beginners Handbook - An introduction to shell scripting. Easy to understand scripting tutorial. Includes some introduction about Linux.

How to Configure an Antec Fusion Black Display on Linux - An article on MythBuntu, a derivative of the Ubuntu Linux distribution.

Recording in Linux aka Free and Open Source Digital Audio Workstation - An article on Ubuntu Studio including tools for a complete audio workstation. Comes with cool photo illustrations.

Untapped Knowlege of Linux - A Gentoo Linux distribution developer rants on the development team.

LVM at HubPages - A complete list of articles written by LVM at HubPages.

Ubuntu Linux - The best linux distribution when it comes to the ease of installation and user-friendly graphical user interface. Similar to Microsoft Windows in feel.

Linux - A detailed history of Linux and contains links to important topics on Linux. Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia.

Linus Torvald - The person responsible for the free, open-source operating system software, Linux.

Microsoft Windows - The leading operating system on desktop computers.

If you haven't found the information you're looking for on Linux distributions, try one of this sites:

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• MSN Search