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Technical Definition: What is a Linux Distribution?

The simple definition of a Linux distribution (or distro) is that it a version of the Linux operating
system (OS) which is delivered to the end user, similar to a version of Windows or Apple OS. Linux is
an open-source, community based project, which has led to a wide variety of distributions, both nonprofit and commercial. A distribution is made up of the Linux kernel, a package management system,
and a desktop environment, which is selected by the user and works across several distributions.

Background
Linux is a Unix-based operating system which was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Much of the
software is open-source and community supported, though there are also several successful companies
which release proprietary Linux software. Other companies are community supporter but make money
from customer support for homes and offices.
Linux has long been popular for servers and programming for some time, due to strong security
protocols and ease of modification. Further, since Linux is popular among hackers and mostly nonprofit, it is rarely a target of ideologically motivated hackers and has few virus problems.
Though Linux was mainly used by programmer and techies for many years, it is currently the most
popular operating system in the world. This is primarily due to the popularity of Android, which is used
on smart phones and many other small computer devices.

What Makes a Linux Distribution

Kernel
The foundation of the Linux operating system is the kernel. Though there are some
popular modifications to the kernel, most public distributions use the main kernel which
is maintained by the non-profit Linux Foundation.

Package Management System

The package management system is what installs necessary and optional software and
updates on a Linux system. Package management systems contain a large amount of

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software which are dependent on each other, and the system is responsible for making
sure the programs work together and are supported. The most popular package
management systems are RPM, Debian, and Ark. For a program to have a one click
install from a website or package manager the files package extension needs to match
the management system used by the distribution.

Distribution
A distribution is a version of the operating system which is received by the end user.
Linux distributions vary in use difficulty, with some being usable by a novice and
others requiring a great deal of technical knowledge. Things to consider when selecting
an operating system include software and hardware support, ease of use, security, and
stability. Further, some Linux distributions have paid technical support services, which
makes them ideal for an office which needs to avoid computer downtime.
Some of the most popular distributions of desktop Linux include Ubuntu, Suse, and
Fedora. All of these versions are operated by for-profit organizations, but are still
available in free versions.
Android, a heavily modified Linux operating system for phones and other devices, is
primarily closed-source, and uses few programs which are in common with other
distributions.

Desktop Environment
A desktop environment is the primary graphical user interface on a computer. It is the
area where a user opens programs and accesses files. Generally a distribution can use
multiple desktop environments and the environment is chosen by the user when they
download the distribution.
The most common desktop environments are KDE and Gnome, which include a variety
of built-in software and applications. Android has its own desktop environment, which
is not available on other Linux systems.

Technical Description of a Linux Distribution

The most basic way to think of a Linux distribution is that it is the version you use. Popular, modern
Linux distributions have high levels of support and compatibility, large and easy to access software
banks, excellent virus protection and security, and an easy to use interface. For an office worker on an
administered system the version will be chosen for them and there is available technical support,
however it is still useful to understand
what a distribution is and how Linux is Flowchart of Popular
functions.
Distributions of Linux

The base
Desktop
Kernel Package ManagerDistributions Environments
of a Linux
system is the Linux kernel, which allows the computer to boot up, run, and provides a command line
interface and data access and organization. This is similar to the way DOS
functions on a Windows system. Linux uses a command
line language called BASH,
KDE
Fedora
which is also used by Mac OS
.rpm
Red Hat
X and newer Apple operating
systems.
SUSE
The first major variable in a
Linux
system is
the
Linux
package

Gnome

.deb

Debian
Ubuntu
Mint

XFCE

management
system, which controls the
installation and removal of
programming. The most
Android
Android
.atk
common application file types
for desktop Linux are RPM,
associated with Fedora Linux and Deb, which is associated
with the Debian family of distribution. The right file type is a prerequisite for a program working, so
this is important knowledge for users downloading programs on the internet.
A distribution is what a user receives when they download an operating system. There is great variation

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between the distributions, which come with a set of software and different features. A distribution is a
suite of software which is meant to provide the user a good experience out of the box with little
effort. Some distributions are targeted at specific groups, such as Windows users, Apple users, offices,
or artists.
Linux distributions are available with different desktop environments. The most common are KDE and
Gnome. These programs control the windows, desktop applications and widgets, and everything
relating to the desktop appearance. They also come with a suite of programs, which usually include
K or G to indicate which environment they are associated with. KDE and Gnome programs are
largely compatible with each other.