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Linux Distributions

Linux Distributions

Linux OS is not like other operating systems. Linux can be modified according to the user’s requirements, and it is very flexible to any change. Linux distributions are often called “distros,” and these distros are open-source to be modified and develop other distros. These distributions are made by adding new environments, user utilities, and graphics.

You could also create your own Linux distro, and if the community and developers like it, it might get famous.

Here we are going to explore some of the popular Linux distros. These distros became popular because they solve the particular use cases and problems people faced in other operating systems.

  • Ubuntu
  • Kali Linux
  • RedHat Enterprise Linux
  • Arch
  • Open SUSE
  • Linux Mint
Linux Distributions

Ubuntu

Ubuntu was initially released on 20 October 2004. Mark Shuttleworth developed Ubuntu. Mark started the company Canonical with some developers and started working on Linux kernel to develop a desktop version of Linux later called Ubuntu. The name Ubuntu means “Humanity to Others.”  You could use the Ubuntu OS in two ways; one for free and the other if you want to use it for scale, then Canonical provides some services, and you have to pay for those. But overall, for everyone, Ubuntu is just free.

Today, Ubuntu also provides some versions for Servers, Openstack Clouds, and Connected devices. This distro is also perfect for enterprise computing, and the Ubuntu desktop is the most famous and most used Linux distribution. Ubuntu is the future of free software.

Kali Linux

Kali Linux is the immortal drink to the hacker community, and from the hacker community, we mean Pentesters, security guys, and ethical hackers. Mati Aharoni founded the Kali Linux Project, and he is also one of the core developers of Kali Linux and CEO of Offensive Security. Kali Linux was initially known as BackTrack.

The first release of Kali Linux was on 13 March 2013, and from 2013 till today, it has given many releases with several tools. Kali Linux tools are very famous among hacker communities, and these tools are compelling. Some categories for these tools are given below.

  • Information Gathering
  • Vulnerability Analysis
  • Web Application Analysis
  • Database Assessment
  • Password Attacks
  • Wireless Attacks
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Exploitation Tools
  • Sniffing and Spoofing
  • Post Exploitation
  • Forensics
  • Reporting Tools
  • Social Engineering Tools

RedHat Enterprise Linux

RedHat Enterprise Linux came from the earlier version of RedHat Linux. RedHat Enterprise Linux was initially released in 2002, and this was not like RedHat Linux, but it has many new functionalities and subscription-based support from the company. The founders of RedHat are Bob Young and Mark Ewing.

Today RedHat is among the most famous enterprise operating system, which is more secure and robust. RedHat also provides many other software services like tools for automation.

Some of the RedHat products are Listed below:

  • Linux Platforms
  • Application Services
  • Virtualization Platform
  • Cloud Computing
  • Storage

Linux Mint

Linux Mint was initially released on 27 August 2006. It has Ubuntu as its codebase, and it was one of the first to do this. Initially, Linux Mint was not used by many users, but it became popular after the release in 2010.

Earlier, Linux Mint used Ubuntu’s unity desktop, but Now it uses Cinnamon and Mate desktops. Linux is also used in enterprises, some of the organization which used Linux Mint are listed below.

  • Insoft
  • Follow
  • Saloon Platform
  • teste

Arch Linux

Arch Linux was not meant for everyday user. It was developed for Linux wizards. This distro was a minimalistic version, and it makes the user understand how everything works in Linux.


The first IOS image file was released in 2006, and Arch Linux was initially developed for 32 bit x86 CPU. Arch Linux repository is vast in a variety of software and utilities. The users barely move to other repos.

Some of the features of Arch Linux are listed below.

  • Minimalistic Installation
  • Great Package Management
  • Rolling releases
  • Nutshell community size

Open SUSE

Open SUSE is among the oldest Linux distributions. It was founded in 1992 in Germany. SUSE is now providing enterprise editions, and you can use this version for free with 1-year validity.

Some of the SUSE features are listed below.

  • Small footprint
  • YaST Graphical User Interface
  • Centralized Administration Tools
  • Network Boot support

How to choose your Linux distribution?

You are going to install a Linux-based operating system, but before that, you must analyze your requirements. The requirements can be based on some features we have discussed below. Why do we need to analyze? Because we need maximum performance output from that operating system.

  • Hardware Resources
  • Software Repository
  • Desktop Environment
  • Update Cycles
  • Community
  • Servers

Hardware Resources

If you have an old machine, it probably would be with minimum hardware. Linux is extensively used because of its speed and minimal hardware requirements. Then there are many lightweight Linux distributions; some of them are listed below.

  • Lubuntu
  • Puppy Linux
  • Arch Linux

Software Repository

Suppose you are looking for an excellent software repository. You should make a list of applications you want to use and then check the availability of those in Linux distros.

Like if you want Linux for daily tasks and multimedia, you should prefer Ubuntu.

Desktop Environment

It is crucial to choose a graphical user interface that is preferable or easy to use for you.  There are many desktop environments available out there; some of them are listed below.

  • Gnome
  • Mate
  • Cinnamon

Update Cycles

Do not choose a dead Linux operating system because it will not provide updates, and it will be vulnerable. Security should be the first preference, but you will not enjoy new features and software used in the community.

The OS should be from a dedicated community working on the distro to resolve and provide something unique.

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