What exactly is a Linux Distro?

 What exactly is a Linux Distro?

A Linux distribution (often abbreviated as distro) is an operating system made from a software collection that includes the Linux kernel and, often, a package management system.

First, it is important to know what Linux actually is. Linux isn't an OS (operating system) but rather a kernel. Gnu is the OS (operating system). Linux distros are not produced by a single organization. Different organizations and people work on different parts. There’s the Linux kernel, and the GNU shell utilities. 

When you first enter the Gnu Linux world, One might think that Gnu It's just simply an alternative OS. In reality, GNU+Linux is a collection of hundreds of different distros, which are all built on the Linux kernel. There are six main “families” of Linux distributions: Debian, Red Hat, Arch Linux, Gentoo, Slackware, and SUSE. Most other Linux distributions use one of these three distributions as their foundation. For example Ubuntu is built around Debain, Manjoro is built around Arch Linux, Linux mint is built around both Debain and Ubuntu.

Every Linux distribution is like its own brand. Like different brands of boxing gloves. If you're looking for a new boxing glove, you might consider Everlast, Addidas, Machina Boxing, Rival, Fly, or Grant. They're all boxing gloves, they just offer a different variation of the same thing. Each glove might have different features, different padding, different weights, different purposes, and color schemes. However, in the end, they are all used to protect the hands from injury. So to be clear..A Linux distro isn’t just one operating system. It’s a large family tree of different operating systems, or distributions. Each system has its own purpose or intended use case. 

 

Types of Linux distributions

A Linux rolling release distribution is continuously updated in all areas of the operating system, including the Linux kernel, the desktop environment, all utilities and all applications. 

Examples of rolling release Linux distributions:

openSUSE Tumbleweed 

Arch Linux 

Debian Testing

Manjaro Linux 

ArcoLinux

Solus Linux 

PCLinuxOS

GeckoLinux Tumbleweed

Point release distribution puts out installation images on some sort of a fixed schedule, typically something like every six months, nine months or even annually.

Examples of point release Linux distributions:

Ubuntu

Linux Mint

PopOS

antiX

openSUSE Leap

Fedora

Debian

Slackware

 

Unlike Windows 11, Gnu+Linux will run on pretty much any PC you've got lying around. While Microsoft regularly stops supporting older hardware, Gnu+Linux continues to power such low-end devices. Since Linux distributions can run on less powerful computers, if you use the right distro, you won't have to upgrade your computer as often. I'm still running a custom system built back in 2009. It is the oldest computer I have, and I keep it quite busy. It never slows down because I use a Linux distro on it. It runs Linux mint 20 for an operating system. It has an AMD athlon II x2 260 CPU, AMD Radeon HD 7350 Graphics, with 4 GB RAM. Gnu+Linux's efficiency on older hardware lets you use older machines for longer. Linux distros have been proven to reduce e-waste and our computer's impact on the environment.

For Windows 10 & 11 you’ll will need a relatively newer computer. For example..The oldest CPU you can run Windows 11 with is an 8th generation Intel processor, first launched in August 2017. AMD users require even newer hardware the Zen 2, which hit the market in 2019, is the oldest AMD CPU compatible with Windows 11. Again with Linux mint 20, I am able to run a system that is 13 years old.

Most Linux Distros come with everything you need to browse the Internet, instant message, e-mail, share and write documents, work with digital photos, listen to music, play games and much more. Most distros have extensive hardware support available including drivers from AMD, nVidia, Intel, and others. You can connect digital cameras, scanners, MP3 players and more. So yes, thousands of peripherals are supported without requiring the messy installation of drivers or other software. Just plug in the device and go. 

 

Want to know more about Linux disros? Check out DistoWatch