What are the differences between Linux’s distributions
Introduction
In this article, we going to discuss the differences between Linux’s distributions. It’s really important to know the difference.
When you finally get rid of Windows operating system, because let’s be real it has many problems and security breaches and it has a rather rigid policy. When facing these problems, you turn your attention towards the only savior “Linux”, that has not gained enough fame and market share so far. Although, it is completely free and has enough specifications to put windows to shame.
But the new users face several difficulties. First, not understanding how to deal with this open system with all its possibilities. Second, the difficulty of dealing with alternative programs to Windows despite their efficiency and free cost. Also, one of the most prominent difficulties is the inability to find a suitable distribution in all standards in the sea of distributed distributions. So, what are all these distributions, and what’s the difference between them as long as the kernel is still the same?
1. Difference of desktop interfaces
One of the most obvious differences between the many Linux distributions is in the simple interface or desktop environment.
For instance, Ubuntu alone provides several desktop environments depending on the user interface you choose. And these are examples:
- The main version of Ubuntu uses the GNOME interface.
- The Kubuntu distribution uses the KDE interface, and so on.
There are distributions that have versions of all the desktop interfaces available on Linux such as Ubuntu, and Fedora. While some other distributions are limited to a single interface, such as Elementary, which adopts Pantheon as its own desktop and like Mac interface.
2. Difference of package manager
The people behind the development of each Linux distribution can choose the programs included in that distribution, such as File Managers, package managers, etc.
For instance, many file managers are available for Linux such as Nautilus and Konqueror. Each one of them offers a different way to browse files.
Another example is package managers, different methods of installing software are included with each Linux distribution to have a basic package manager
3. Difference of display servers
Under the cover of the Linux operating system, you will find a set of tools, applications, processes, and servers that determine how to run it. The display server is a prime example. This program coordinates data between computers and the monitor allowing the user to interact with the GUI.
Historically the Xorg server was the most used one, various alternatives such as Mir and surface flinger are available on the Android operating system (which uses the Linux kernel). The Tech community also considers the Wayland server as the future of Linux, with the most popular distributions adopting it.
4. Different policies and targets
Linux distributions can differ in their goals. For instance, the Linux Mint distro is based on Ubuntu, but it has different system tools and a completely different desktop environment; Its primary goal is to provide a simple starting point for Windows and Mac users to start using Linux.
Similarly, Debian aims to provide very stable distributions (and due to that it may contain a somewhat outdated software). Therefore, some Linux projects have specific purposes.
For example, game distributions such as Steam OS or multimedia distributions such as Fedora Design Suite are geared to fans of games, design, etc.
5. Open source variation and ownership policy
While GNU / Linux is perhaps the most famous open source project, not all distributions are 100% open source. Entrepreneurs have different attitudes about open-source which can be a decisive factor for open source extremists.
For example, Ubuntu has no problem with including proprietary software in its repositories.
You’ll find Steam gaming readily available, while AMD and Nvidia graphics drivers can be installed. Fedora on the other hand has a strong open source policy that prevents it from including any proprietary software in its repositories. But of course, it won’t affect the usability of the system as you wish.
Conclusion
To sum it up, our article discussed the key differences between Linux’s distributions in a few points.
These discussed differences and other differences, if there is any, may complicate the landscape for Windows users who are not accustomed to such differences. But those who want to get rid of Windows shackles may one day be able to do so.
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