DistributionWatch: Your Guide to Linux
Distributions
Major Linux
Distributions (Updated)
Monday,
September 27, 2004 03:25:10 PM
Distribution |
Details |
Red Hat Enterprise
Linux (RHEL) |
Current Versions:
3, RHEL AS top of the line server, RHEL ES small to midrange servers,
RHEL WS workstation deployments, Red Hat Desktop
October 2003
Web Site: www.redhat.com
Description: Though Linux was
most likely used in enterprise environments before RHEL, Red Hat
Enterprise Linux was arguably the first enterprise focussed Linux
distribution, providing longer release cycles and a level of stability
and support that had been demanded by enterprises. RHEL's progenitor
was the venerable Red Hat Linux line, which was terminated at the end
of 2003. Though RHEL 3 is based on the 2.4.x kernel, Red Hat back
ported a number of key 2.6 kernel features (including NPTL) into the
RHEL 3 kernel. RHEL is sold on a subscription basis and has multiple
layers of support (all the way up to 24/7) and ISV certifications.
Through its open source assurance program, Red Hat indemnifies its
enterprise customers against any potential copyright and patent issues
there may be with Linux. Red Hat in its various version and flavours
has led Netcraft statistics for years as the most dominant Linux
distribution on the planet.
Based on: RHEL is originally an offshoot of the now defunct Red Hat
Linux, which itself in the beginning (arguably version 1) was based on
Slackware. Though Red Hat has long since established itself as its own
defining distribution.
Kernel: 2.4.x (with
backported 2.6 features including NPTL)
Window Manager: includes both
GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI - Anaconda
Update: Red Hat Network,
Up2date
Architectures: AMD64, i386,
ia64, PPC, s390, s390x
Download: ftp.redhat.com/pub/redhat/linux/enterprise/3/
Last Reviewed:
|
Fedora Core |
Current Version:
Fedora Core 2
May 2004
Web Site: http://fedora.redhat.com/
Description: The Fedora
Project is the Red Hat's sponsored 'community' version of Linux. It is
also an heir to the legacy of Red Hat's venerable Red Hat Linux product
line and currently has an aggressive release schedule of 2-3 versions
per year. Fedora represents the bleeding edge of Red Hat's development
cycle. FC2 includes SELinux, which is the US National Security Agency
sponsored Linux security methodology that enforces mandatory access
control on the Linux kernel providing for an extremely secure
distribution.
Based On: Fedora Core is
originally an offshoot of the now defunct Red Hat Linux, which itself
in the beginning (arguably version 1) was based on Slackware. Though
Red Hat has long since established itself as its own defining
distribution.
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes both
GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI - Anaconda
Update: Up2date
Architectures: i386, x86-64
Download: http://fedora.redhat.com/download/
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/5397/1/
|
SUSE Linux |
Current Versions:
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, SUSE Linux 9.1 Personal, SUSE Linux 9.1
Professional
Release Date: SLES August
2004, SLP April 2004
Web Site: www.suselinux.com
Description: SUSE Linux is
arguably the second largest commercial Linux vendor behind Red Hat, and
offers the only other enterprise-focussed distribution (SLES). Novell
acquisition of SUSE Linux last year has given SUSE tremendous exposure
as Novell refocuses its whole business around Linux solutions. SUSE
Linux's longstanding support of the KDE project has always given SUSE
Linux implementations a well-defined and elegant desktop environment.
Based On: SUSE was originally
based on Slackware (for SUSE Linux 1.0 which was released in 1994)
though since S.u.S.E Linux 4.2 in
1996 it has really been is own unique and defining distribution.
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes both
KDE (default) and GNOME (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI - YaST
Update: YaST
Architectures: AMD64, i386,
ia64, s390, s390x
Download: ISO http://www.suse.com/us/private/download/suse_linux/index.html
Last Reviewed:
|
Mandrakelinux |
Current Versions : Mandrakelinux
10
March 2004
Web Site: www.mandrakelinux.com
Description: Mandrake has
always had a particular focus on being easy to use and focussed on the
user desktop. Recent troubles forced Mandrakesoft into bankruptcy,
though it has recovered and its latest release (version 10) is a
testament to the companies continued viability. Mandrake also has a
very unique development build known as Mandrake Cooker, which is a
rapidly updated version of MDK that appeals to bleeding edge developer
types.
Based On: Mandrakelinux was first released in 1998 was based on Red
Hat Linux (version 5.1). It has since evolved into its own unique
distribution.
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes both KDE
(default), GNOME(optional) and IceWM (optional)
Package Manager: URPMI (which
uses RPM packages)
Installer: GUI
Update: MandrakeUpdate
Architectures: I586, amd64
Download: http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/5314/1/
|
Gentoo Linux |
Current Version:
2004.2
July 2004
Web Site: www.gentoo.org
Description: Gentoo is
different breed of Linux distribution. Rather that being a
'pre-packaged' distribution it aims to be a 'metadistribution' such
that a user can customize a version of Gentoo Linux that is particular
for their environment and operational needs. There is also a special
'hardened Gentoo' version that is the only other maintream distribution
beyond Red Hat's Fedora Core 2 to includes SELinux (security enhanced
Linux which enforce mandatory access controls on the kernel).
Based On: Gentoo is a new distribution and has been refered to as
an 'automated Linux from scratch'
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes
GNOME,KDE, Xfce and IceWM (there is no default in Gentoo user gets to
choose).
Package Manager: Portage
Installer: Text based
Update: Portage
Architectures: x86, AMD64,
PowerPC, UltraSparc, Alpha and MIPS
Download: http://www.gentoo.org/main/en/mirrors.xml
Last Reviewed:
|
Debian GNU/Linux |
Current Version: 3.0r2 woody
November 2003
Web Site: www.debian.org
Description: Debian is widely
regarded to be one of the most popular community based Linux
distributions. It has a strong and fervent adherence to the principals
of Free software which is articulated in the Debian Social Contract
which is the guiding document of the project. The original draft of the
Debian Social Contract which was authored by Bruce Perens went on (with
modification) to become the Open Source Definition quite literally the
defining document of the open source movement. Debian Linux is a
massive distribution including almost nine thousand packages and
extending to 7 full CD's. **Debian is currently in the final stages
of release its next version- Sarge - which will introduce a new
installer and simplify many aspects of distribution management **
Based On: Itself
Kernel: 2.2.x
Window Manager: includes both
GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: Deb
Installer: text installation
Update: Apt-get repostitories
Architectures: Alpha, Arm,
HPPA, i386, IA64, m68k, Mips, PPC, S390, Sparc
Download: http://www.debian.org/distrib/cd
Last Reviewed:
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Slackware |
Current Version:
10
Release Date: June 2004
Web Site: http://www.slackware.com/
Description: Slackware is the
granddaddy of all commercial Linux distributions having begun back in
the predawn of the Linux era (version 1.0 was released in July 1993).
This latest version of Slackware updates the requisite packages that
you'd expect in a Linux distribution. Though still 2.4.x kernel based
it does have a testing branch that runs on the 2.6.x kernel.
Based on: The initial Slackware distribution was based on SLS, but
quickly became a distribution in its own right, becoming the progenitor
for many other distributions.
Kernel: 2.4.x (includes 2.6.x
in /testing)
Window Manager: includes both
GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: Slackware
package management (slackpkg)
Installer: text based
Update: slackpkg
Architectures: i486
Download: http://www.slackware.com/getslack/
Last Reviewed:
|
Linspire |
Current Version: 4.5
Release Date: December 2003
Web Site: http://www.linspire.com/
Description: The Linspire
(formerly known as Lindows) distribution is focused on being an easy to
use desktop Linux distribution. It's original name was the subject of
contention with Microsoft and was involved in numerous legal disputes
with them, which have now been settled.
Based On: Debian GNU/Linux
Kernel: 2.4.x
Window Manager: KDE
Package Manager: DEB
Installer: GUI- Linspire
graphical installer
Update: CNR
Architectures: i386
Download: http://info.linspire.com/lindowslive/p2p.html
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/5546/1/
|
Xandros |
Current Version: 2.5
Release Date: July 2004
Web Site: http://www.xandros.com
Description: Xandros is
best known as an easy to use desktop Linux distribution. Its' tight
integration with Codeweavers Crossover office suite allows it to run
Microsoft Office applications as well as other MS-Windows applications
seamlessly on the Linux desktop.
Based On: Debian GNU/Linux and the now defunct Corel Linux.
Kernel: 2.4.x
Window Manager: KDE
Package Manager: DEB
Installer: GUI
Update: Xandros Network Update
Architectures: i386
Download: http://www.xandros.com/products/home/desktopoc/dsk_oc_download.html
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/4539/1/
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TurboLinux |
Current Version: 10F
Release Date: May 2004
Web Site: www.turbolinux.com
Description: TurboLinux
has become one of the more dominant Linux distributions in the
Asia-Pacific region. It's latest release integrates a player that can
stream Windows media as well as Real Player.
Based On: 10 desktop. (originally was based on Red Hat <need to
confirm>
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: KDE (default)
and GNOME (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI
Update: TurboUpdate
Architectures: i586
Download: http://www.turbolinux.com/support/download/
Last Reviewed: <http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=5128>
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