Linux Distro
"Linux distribution - a specific version of the basic Linux operating system plus additional packages. Distributions are compiled for a number of reasons and often to make particular tasks easier or to make Linux run on specific hardware."
Description
Mike Chege:
“A distribution, or distro, to use the popular term, is an operating system comprising the Linux kernel and an assortment of applications in binary form but also available in source code form. Now, in principle, users could obtain the Linux kernel via the Internet and they could then obtain source code for the applications in the same way, and then compile and integrate the programs to assemble a working GNU/Linux system. However, this process is both very demanding and time–consuming. To avoid the hassle of “rolling” their own distributions, therefore, users often choose to obtain complete, ready–made systems from “distributors,” the companies or individuals that undertake the task of creating such systems.
GNU/Linux distributions come in all shapes and sizes. They range from small, single–CD, single–purpose distros like SystemRescueCd (whose main task, as its name suggests, is to “rescue” systems after a crash) to massive, everything–but–the–kitchen–sink, multiple–CD distros like Debian. Distros can also be distinguished along the lines of software package formats, that is, whether they are RPM–based distros, deb–based distros, or tgz–based distros.” (http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2186/2062)
Examples
More Information
- Distrowatch–a, http://www.distrowatch.com, attached 13 December 2008.
- Distrowatch–b, “Search distributions,” at http://distrowatch.com/search.php?status=All, attached 13 December 2008.