Finding a good Linux Distro

You have a variety of choices on Linux distribution. Depending on your hardware configuration or your level of expertise you can find a good Distro. Now let’s gain some knowledge of various distro that are available.

1. Arch Linux: KISS principle based distributions.
2. CentOS: Derived from the same source as Red Hat.
3. Fedora: Sponsored by Red Hat and maintained by community.
4. Gentoo: OS especially used to compile applications from source code. Especially designed for expert users.
5. Knoppix: First distribution which is capable of running from removable media without installing into hard drive.
6. Kubuntu: KDE version of Ubuntu
7. Linux Mint: Compatible with ubuntu and a popular distribution.
8. OpenSUSE: Sponsored by company Novell and derived from Ubuntu.
9. Oracle Enterprise Linux: Commercially supported by Oracle and a derivative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
10. Red Hat Enterprise Linux: Maintained and commercially supported by Red Hat and a derivative of Fedora.
11. Slackware: First Linux distribution founded in 1993. Maintained by Patrick J. Volkerding.
12. Ubuntu: Undoubtedly the most popular desktop distribution derived from Debian. It is maintained by Canonical. Ubuntu also has its Netbook version called Ubuntu netbook remix. Ubuntu is the distro that we would be talking about in detail.
13. Xubuntu: It is Xfce version of desktop distro Ubuntu. This is a very light weight distro with functionality of bigger distro like Ubuntu or Opensuse. This is especially designed for PC with low configuration.

There are many other distribution that you can get. I have listed only a few that I remembered. You can choose any one that you like. But I like Ubuntu so, I will be discussing about Ubuntu only.

Ubuntu is a community developed Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need – a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

Ubuntu Philosophy

ü Every computer user should have the freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees.

ü Every computer user should be able to use their software in the language of their choice.

ü Every computer user should be given every opportunity to use software, even if they work under a disability.

The Ubuntu promise

• Ubuntu will always be free of charge, including enterprise releases and security updates.
• Ubuntu comes with full commercial support from Canonical and hundreds of companies around the world.
• Ubuntu includes the very best translations and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer.
• Ubuntu CDs contain only free software applications; we encourage you to use free and open source software, improve it and pass it on.

During the time of writing this article, Ubuntu 14.04.1 LTS (Long Term Support) is available for download. LTS version comes with five years of security and maintenance updates. For new users who are trying to switch to Linux or use Linux as their secondary OS, LTS version of Ubuntu will be ideal. You can download the latest version of Ubuntu here.

If you are unsure about installing the new OS, you can also run the live version via CD or Pen drive to see what it feels like to use linux. It will take some time to getting used to but I think the effort will certainly pay off in the long run.

Have any question? Let me know in the comment section.