Distribution of Linux
A Linux distribution is often abbreviated as distro. It is an operating system based on Linux kernel. Almost 600 Linux distributions exists with close to 500 out of those in active development. Each distribution has its own significance.
For Example:
embedded devices – OpenWrt
personal computers – Linux mint
supercomputer – Rocks cluster distribution
server – centos ..etc.
Major Linux distributions are –
Distributions are normally segmented into packages. Each package contains a specific application or service.
A package manager or package management system is a collection of software tools that automate the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing computer programs for a computer's operating system in a consistent manner.
RPM stands for Red hat package manager. It is a default open source and most popular package management utility for Red Hat based systems like (RHEL, CentOS and Fedora). The tool allows system administrators and users to install, update, uninstall, query, verify and manage system software packages in Unix/Linux operating systems.
Zypper is a command line package manager which makes use of libzypp. Zypper provides functions like repository access, dependency solving, package installation, etc.
Here is the list of Distrowatch rankings of last 1 month (June 2017) for best Linux distribution.
You can see the whole list at:
1. Mint
The current number 1 distribution in the Distrowatch rankings. Linux Mint's success is down to its ease of use and the traditional desktop interface. Based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint takes it to another level with good innovation and it is very stable.
Linux Mint first hit the top 10 in 2007 and hit the top spot for the first time in 2011 (probably due to the initial Ubuntu Unity disaster) and it has stayed there ever since. Linux Mint is a stable, robust, and elegant Ubuntu-based distribution.
• Pros:
Superb collection of "minty" tools developed in-house, hundreds of user-friendly enhancements, inclusion of multimedia codecs, open to users' suggestions
• Cons:
The alternative "community" editions don't always include the latest features, the project does not issue security advisories
• Software package management:
Advanced Package Tool (APT) with mintInstall using DEB packages (compatible with Ubuntu repositories)
• Available editions:
A "Main" edition (with MATE and Cinnamon), "Community" editions (with KDE and Xfce), Linux Mint "Debian" edition (with MATE or Cinnamon).
2. Debian
Debian is the only distribution to have been in the top 10 since 2002. Its highest position is 2 and that is its current ranking. Debian is a founding father of Linux and it provides the base for many of the other distributions available today including Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
It is used by professionals and large businesses make it a key distribution for people thinking of getting into Linux as a career choice. It is relatively easy to install and is highly customizable and it is easy to use. In addition, it is the distribution with the largest number of available packages and one of the top choices for servers.
· Pros:
Very stable; remarkable quality control; includes over 30,000 software packages; supports more processor architectures than any other Linux distribution
· Cons:
Conservative - due to its support for many processor architectures, newer technologies are not always included; slow release cycle (one stable release every 1 - 3 years); discussions on developer mailing lists and blogs can be uncultured at times.
· Software package management:
Advanced Package Tool (APT) using DEB packages
· Available editions:
Installation CD/DVD and live CD images for 12 processor architectures, including all 32-bit and 64-bit processors from Intel, AMD, Power, and others.
3. Manjaro
The beauty of Manjaro is that it takes Arch Linux and makes it simple for the average ordinary everyday dude. It first hit the top 10 distributions in 2013 and is set this year to finish in its highest position. Without a doubt, by leveraging Arch Linux’s robustness and its features, the maintainers of Manjaro have been able to consistently ensure a pleasant experience both for new and experienced Linux users.
• Pros:
Fast, user-friendly, desktop-oriented operating system based on Arch Linux. the intuitive installation process, automatic hardware detection, stable rolling-release model, ability to install multiple kernels, special Bash scripts for managing graphics drivers and extensive desktop configure ability.
• Software package management
"Pacman" using TAR.XZ packages
• Available Edition
Manjaro XFCE Edition (17.0.1), Manjaro KDE Edition (17.0.1), Manjaro GNOME Edition (17.0.1).
4. Ubuntu
Ubuntu first became prominent in 2004 and quickly rose to the number 1 spot in 2005 where it stayed there for 6 years. Ubuntu took Linux to a whole new level. In 2004 Mandrake had top spot with 1457 hits per day. When Ubuntu took number 1 spot in 2005 it had 2546. Still one of the most popular distributions today Ubuntu mixes innovation, a modern desktop, good support, and hardware compatibility.
• Pros:
Fixed release cycle and support period; long-term support (LTS) variants with 5 years of security updates; novice-friendly; wealth of documentation, both official and user-contributed
• Cons:
Lacks compatibility with Debian; frequent major changes tend to drive some users away, the Unity user interface has been criticized as being more suitable for mobile devices than desktop computers; NON-LTS releases come with only 9 months of security support
• Software package management:
Advanced Package Tool (APT) using DEB packages
• Available variants:
Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu MATE, Edubuntu, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu Studio and Mythbuntu for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors;
5. OPENSUSE
OpenSUSE is a stable distribution which is suitable for everybody to use, with decent repositories and good all-round support. It peaked at number 2 in 2008. There are two versions available, Tumbleweed and Leap. Tumbleweed is a rolling release version whereas Leap follows the traditional release method.
• Pros:
Comprehensive and intuitive configuration tool; large repository of software packages, excellent website infrastructure, and printed documentation
• Cons:
Novell's patent deal with Microsoft in November 2006 seemingly legitimized Microsoft's intellectual property claims over Linux; its resource-heavy desktop setup and graphical utilities are sometimes seen as "bloated and slow"
• Software package management:
YaST graphical and command-line utility using RPM packages
• Available editions:
openSUSE for 32-bit (i386), 64-bit (x86_64) processors (also installable live CD edition); SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop/Server for i586, IA64, PowerPC, s390, s390x and x86_64 architectures
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