Linux Distributions
Definition
The Linux distribution is the combination of an installation
program with various open source software and applications in an operating
system package. Various Linux vendors have developed their own installation system
with the combination of some other open source software or they may provise open source products exclusively.
The Linux distribution is easily available at free of cost without technical support or for a fee with technical support.
The Linux "Distribution" is available in the form of CDs or DVD
for downloading. These can also be downloaded from various iso-image
distribution of Linux Vendors' website either by paying some charges or freely.
Both CD/DVD and iso-image distribution have lots of applications, tools and
utilities. The source code of auxiliary program and Linux kernel is also
included with it.
Though Linux vendors distributes "free operating system" by
developing exclusively by involving various open source software, that's
why it is called Linux distribution. The open source software may vary for each
vendors depending upon their package. Some Linux vendors such as 'RedHat' and
'Novell' distributes Linux commercially with technical support and
training.
History
When the outsider beyond the Linux kernel uses Linux on their desktop, the
manufacturer began to feel the need of distribution of linux server operating.
The vendors took more interest in developing their own Server based operating
system in Linux. They included various free open source application programs,
the user interface and utilities. The users adopted Linux with pleasure for its stability, low (if any)
cost, and inclusion of the source code for most or all of the software included.
It is being the alternatives of DOS and Microsoft Windows for PCs and Mac
OS. Linux became more popular in the server market for its Web and Database
servers in the comparison of desktop market.
How to get Linux
Linux Desktop/ Server Operating System can be get through a number of online
software repositories called "Linux Distribution" by downloading its
iso-image of the distribution onto your system. You can also get this operating
system software in the form of CDs/DVD from its vendors. e.g. 'Fedora Linux' (backed by Red Hat),
'SUSE Linux' (backed by Novell), 'Ubuntu' (backed by Canonical Ltd.) and 'Mandriva
Linux' etc.
Component
Generally a typical desktop Linux distribution package have a Linux kernel, GNU tools and libraries, additional
software, documentation, a window system, window manager, and a desktop
environment included source code for auxiliary program and Linux kernel. Most of them
included software are free open-source software. Other non-open source software
including proprietary may not have in the source code form.
Package Management
Linux is available through the "Linux Distribution", which
normally exists in the form of packages holding any specific application or
service. e.g. a collection of fonts or a web browser.
Selecting a Linux Distribution
The user can select the Linux distributions according to its requirement and
hardware configuration. There are more then three hundred distributions are
available with some specific varieties. So always select according to your
requirement. The list of some Linux distribution are given below:-
http://en.conectiva.com
http://en.conectiva.com
http://www.sot.com/en/
http://www.lynuxworks.com.
http://www.lynuxworks.com
http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/
http://www.libranet.com/
http://www.debian.org/
http://www.eit.de/
http://www.gentoo.org
http://www.mvista.com/
http://l13plus.deuroconsult...
http://www.linuxantarctica....
http://www.lutelinux.com
http://www.mklinux.org/
http://www.progeny.com
http://www.ibiblio.org/spinix
http://www.redhat.com/
http://www.rocklinux.org/
http://www.rtlinux.org
http://www.slackware.com/
http://www.ibiblio.org/spinix
http://www.stampede.org/
http://www.suse.com/
http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/
http://www.turbolinux.com/
http://www.astaro.com
http://www.chainsawlinux.com
http://www.coyotelinux.com/
http://crux.nu
http://hobbingen.uni-muenst...
http://www.devil-linux.org/
http://www.wu-wien.ac.at/us...
http://www.engardelinux.org/
http://www.kyzo.com/
http://flightlinux.gsfc.nas...
http://www.freesco.info
http://jspiro.tripod.com/li...
http://www.wirex.com
http://www.jblinux.net
http://www.tux.org/pub/peop...
http://midori.transmeta.com
http://sunsite.auc.dk/mulinux/
http://www.ibiblio.org/peanut/
http://www.pocket-lnx.org/
http://www.fsmlabs.com/comm...
http://www.toms.net/rb/
http://www.trustix.net/
http://www.emjembedded.com/...
http://zipham.free.fr/
http://home.wanadoo.nl/pete...
http://www.asplinux.ru/en/
http://alfalinux.sourceforg...
For more details, visit: http://www.roseindia.net/linux-distribution/