It seems that there is a popular misconception by new people to Linux that there is a lot of versions of Linux out there which is not helped by the fact there are a lot of distributions of Linux out there.

But the truth is there are in actual fact very few versions of actual Linux Operating System out there, the major ones being Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat and Fedora to name a few. So what is the difference between the various distributions of Linux out there?

Putting simply it is the front ends and packages included in the Linux distributions by their creators. This is the nature of Linux as it is a totally customizable operating system plus each distribution team has it’s own idea of what makes a good Linux.

This is a two edged sword this diversity as it both makes Linux very confusing for someone who is looking at Linux for the first time but it does appeal to likes of myself as I have a wide choice of distributions to choose from giving more of a chance finding a Linux which can do what I need it to do.

But now, with some notable exceptions, large majority of Linux distributions now aim to make the whole experience of Linux to new users a lot easier and more friendly for new users which has certainly helped Linux growth both in the domestic and business sections of the computer market.

Myself I would advise new users to Linux to certainly look at likes of Linux distributions like Fedora 15, Peppermint OS and Pinguy OS because their ease of use and set up. In addition it will not be a total culture shock to a new Linux user more used to Microsoft Window PCs.

Strangely I don’t recommend the current version of Ubuntu as it’s current front end is not the most pleasant user interface to use though I would recommend Linux distributions based on Ubuntu as they are still the most stable and easy Linux to use.


Please note: If want to see my second life journal then go to the Journal of a Spectral Traveller.