How to select a proper Linux distribution

**FReakMaster** · 04-08-2008

Choosing a GNU / Linux is far from clear! Especially when you start on the ice ;-)

This does not pretend to promote a distribution to the detriment of others. It is rather a list of solutions classified by approach. Certain distributions must first be installed before it can be used. Others are Lives CD / DVD can be tested without risk to the system installed (binaries are stored in RAM only) and can also often be installed.

1 - Distributions to install

1.1 - Distributions to install easy to use

These include a configuration (such as the Windows Control Panel).

> FoXLinux

FoXLinux (F lexible O perating System - Based on Fedora Core Linu X) is based, as indicated by the name of this distribution lying on the distribution Fedora Core. This distribution favors KDE, is compiled for processors i686 and integrates codecs multimedia. The FoX Control Center is very successful.

www.foxlinux.org/

> Mandriva

Several versions are available free for download and others for Club members including bonus. There is also the Mandriva One who is a Live CD installable. This distribution has a strong community.

http://www.mandriva.com/

> OpenSuSE

OpenSuSE version is freely accessible to everyone of SuSE. The OpenSuSE simply does not include binaries owners.

http://www.opensuse.org/

> Xandros

Based on Debian, there are 3 versions of the standard which is restrained in its functions! Better perhaps to turn to other alternatives except (maybe) to buy a version with CodeWeaver for use during the reign of Penguin programs Windows world.

www.xandros.com/

> Ubuntu and its derivatives

Ubuntu (based Debian) gave birth to variations differentiated by the manager of environment and some software:

Ubuntu: Gnome
Kubuntu: KDE desktop
Xubuntu: office XFCE (lighter)
Fluxbuntu: office FluxBox (ultra light)

Note also EasyUbuntu and EasyKubuntu whose aim is to assist in the installation of codecs and drivers owners.
It has been simplified to target users who want a system immediately operational. Therefore, and unlike other distributions:

It does not pass through the administrator to perform the tasks of government, but we demand the rights to enter his password.
The command "su" is replaced by "sudo".

On the other hand, the plant now passes by the Live CD.
This distribution has a strong community (communities (K / X) Ubuntu and Debian).

http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.kubuntu.org/
http://www.xubuntu.org/
http://fluxbuntu.org/ Note that Fluxbuntu is still at the experimental.

1.2 - Distributions to install but a little less practical

For these distributions, look for no GUI bringing together everything that can be set.

1.2.1 - The best-known

> Fedora

This is Red Hat for individuals. Formerly named as Fedora Core, it does not natively include binaries owners (to comply with U.S. legislation). This distribution has a strong community.

http://fedoraproject.org/: Fedora Project
http://www.fedora.org.uk/

1.2.2 - Less known:

> CentOS

It is derived directly (excluding logo) sources of Red Hat by recompilation. A Red Hat hiding that you probably prefer Fedora ;-)

www.centos.org/

> Freespire and Linspire

Freespire is the free version of Linspire (based on Debian). This distribution means to compete with Windows (until the appearance of offices near-identical)! And so the system is easier for start, there are departures from the philosophy GNU / Linux: the creation of a password root (administrator) is no longer required!

> KateOS

Based on Slackware, this distribution (unfamiliar) uses XFCE lighter than KDE.

www.kateos.org/

> VLOS (Vidalinux Desktop OS)

VLOS is a Gentoo stage 3 in french with the Anaconda installer from Red Hat. Many seem to find VLOS buggued! Lack of youth?

http://vidalinux.com/

Distributions for advanced users

> ArchLinux

ArchLinux is constantly evolving and version numbers reflect only the status of the distribution at a given moment and in no way any degree of maturity.
Archlinux always uses the latest versions of software and can install them quickly after their release, the responsiveness of developers and speed of the system make it an ideal system for anyone wanting a Linux always up to date.

www.archlinux.org/

> Debian

A community distribution which is the source of many other distributions. It is very stable because the binaries are extensively tested. Accordingly, there not looking for the latest versions of binaries.
Indeed, there are 3 versions

Stable: frozen version where the only updates are security patches,
Testing: stable future where only the packages sufficiently mature can be integrated,
Unstable: ersion active and volatile, where new packages are constantly added or updated (nicknamed Sid).

This distribution has a very strong community.

Please note that Debian also offers a version officially Live CD:

Page Wiki : http://wiki.debian.org/DebianLive/
Downloads: http://live.debian.net/

> Gentoo

The Gentoo is a special case. She moved from the start compiling (3 modes installation called "stage"). But since version 2006.0, to reflect the fact that many dropped out because Gentoo too long and difficult to install, there is a Live CD that can install more simply. Look carefully at the documentation before installing anyway ;-)

www.gentoo.org/

> Slackware

Although its old-fashioned (installation of windows graphics), installation is simple, effective, direct while the packages are native to the essentials (no duplicate applications). Note that the default desktop is KDE. The kernel is a 2.6.
Small configurations are perfect for slackware (minimum 486 processor, 16 MB RAM, 500 megabytes of hard disk, a floppy drive and a CD-ROM).

> Source Mage

This young distribution is totally based on sources. The humour in the premium Harry Potter! All actions are seen as fate lay ;-)

www.sourcemage.org/

> Zenwalk

Based on Slackware, Zenwalk aims multimedia, development and office with a single application per task. The minimum configuration is not very demanding: i486 with 36 MB RAM (console), 96 MB RAM (Fluxbox) and 144 MB RAM (KDE).

www.zenwalk.org/

**FReakMaster** · 04-08-2008

2.2 - Distributions Lives based on Slackware

2.1.1 - Based on Knoppix

2.1.1.1 - Knoppix, Damn Small Linux and Morphix: The Basics

> Knoppix

One of the most distributions used Live! The installation is done by the console but settled in a single partition. It is already very functional and convenient mode Live.

> Damn Small Linux (DSL)

Based on Knoppix, it contains a USB key (50 MB)! It may also settle on hard disk.

www.damnsmalllinux.org/

> Morphix

Based on Knoppix, distribution Morphix has also other distributions. The Morphix is modular and customizable by adding modules to integrate them into the ISO image of the Morphix.

www.morphix.org/

2.1.1.2 - The distributions derived from Knoppix, Damn Small Linux and Morphix

> Arabbix

Based on Morphix this is a distribution from Arabic / English for certain packages (OpenOffice.org).

www.arabeyes.org/

> Elive

Based on Morphix, Elive uses Enlightenment instead of the traditional Gnome and KDE. That's enough to discover this great Enlightenment safely ;-) You can divide your installation on several scores.

http://www.elivecd.org/

> Hikarunix

Based on damn Small Linux, Hikarunix is aimed at learning the game of go.

www.hikarunix.org/

> Kaella

he Kaella (Knoppix Linux Azur), is the perfect francization of the Knoppix updated very quickly. The hard disk installation can be done by the console but settled in a single partition. Kaella has the same advantages as Knoppix!

http://distrowatch.com/kaella

> Oralux

Oralux (based on Knoppix) is designed for people with visual impairments and blind because they are speech synthesis software and hardware to replace Braille KDE.

www.oralux.org/

2.1.2 - Other Lives based on Debian

2.1.2.1 - Distributions various based on Ubuntu

> CrunchBang

CrunchBang is based on Ubuntu. Its real specificity is the choice of manager windows: OpenBox what gives this distribution incredible lightness! This makes a distribution for old machines ;-)
The LiveCD is installable.

http://crunchbang.org/

2.1.2.2 - Distributions various based on Debian

> Kanotix

Kanotix is based on the branch of Debian unstable (Sid) and yet it is a jewellery! It is stable, has versions of packages very recent, fully recognizes the hardware! Kanotix also has its control centre (such as Windows, Mandriva, SuSE). The Live CD allows you to install and distribute your installation on several scores.

http://www.kanotix.com/

> Mepis

Based on Debian, the Live CD aims to enable easy installation.

http://www.mepis.org/

> XFLD

Based on Ubuntu (from 0.3), this distribution intends to be the CD demonstration office XFCE (less greedy RAM that Gnome and KDE).

http://www.xfld.org/

2.2 - Distributions Lives based on Slackware

> AliXe

This is the distribution SLAX Live CD (see below) perfectly and constantly updated. As the SLAX, adding modules (the same as for SLAX) can improve it. The hard disk installation can not be spread over several partitions.

http://distrowatch.com/alixe

> GoblinX

GoblinX, research quality applications and their aesthetics. The modules can be added.

http://www.goblinx.com.br/en/

> Mutagenix

Mutagenix appoints its versions exactly as the kernel version number used. Please note that there are several ISO images Mutagenix: one with KDE, the other with Gnome.

www.mutagenix.org/

> Vectorlinux

There are 2 versions:

TD (Standard): light with Icewm, Fluxbox and XFCE,
OHO Deluxe: with the latest versions of Gnome, KDE and Enlightenment, a kernel 2.6.x.

www.vectorlinux.com/

> Wolvix

Several versions are available:

Desktop Edition: Comprehensive (office, graphics, multimedia, internet, programming),
Games Edition: based games,
Media Edition: oriented mainly multimedia.

http://wolvix.org/

> Slamd64

Slamd64 is specially compiled for AMD 64-bit processors.

http://slamd64.com/

> SLAX

SLAX is the Live CD version of Slackware with a 2.6 kernel. An excellent distribution (simple, efficient), which can be improved by adding modules to add to his own personal Live CD ;-)

http://www.slax.org/

> Stux

Another Live CD based on Slackware.

http://gpstudio.com/

> Ultima Linux

Two versions are available: one to install in advance and another Live CD. This is a Slackware with updated versions binaries.

http://www.ultimalinux.com/

2.3 - Distributions Lives based on Mandriva

> Mandriva One

This is the Live CD version of the classic Mandriva. Mandriva One can be installed and spread over several partitions. The Live CD has the basic applications that will certainly be completed after installation.

http://www.mandriva.com/linux/

> PCLinuxOS

PCLinuxOS still looks a bit like Mandriva which it was formed (aesthetics, control centre, installation mode). As for Mandriva One, it will complete the list of applications after installing, if only localization.

www.pclinuxos.com

2.4 - Distributions Lives based on Gentoo

> Kororaa XGL and Gororaa XGL

The Live CD is intended to demonstrate openly faculties offices in 3D on GNU / Linux. What close the beak of unconditional Windows! It will, however, a recent configuration. Read the file "xgl key shortcuts.htm" (shown at startup) to learn how to take advantage of 3D. Kororaa uses KDE and Gnome for Gororra.

http://kororaa.org/

> PapugLinux

This small distribution (220 MB) is primarily geared to office but features servers have been added.

http://www.sylbal.net/

2.5 - Distributions Lives Multimedia

> GeeXboX

GeeXboX transform your machine into "Media Center" (reading of films and listening to music) with an interface in the style of DVD menus. Very small (6 MB), it contains on a USB key. It is possible to generate its own image ISO personalized CD.

www.geexbox.org/

> MoviX

MoviX serves only to watch movies (different formats) on a PC.

http://movix.sourceforge.net/

> Womp

Womp has the same goal as GeeXboX but has a real interface X. It is possible to surf the Web. Womp can be installed on the hard drive.

http://womp.sourceforge.net/

> Linuxconsole

Initially, Linuxconsole tour that was to games but since then other options have been added and everything is possible (multimedia, office, internet, server). This distribution is simple and lightweight.

http://linuxconsole.org/

2.6 - Distributions Lives for the creation

> Dynebolic

Dynebolic is oriented video (treatment, creation, editing, sound).

http://dynebolic.org/

> Garbure

Garbure gathers 5 Lives CD for animation, layout, video, music and creating websites. Grabure can be installed.

http://garbure.org/

> APODIO

Based on Mandriva, APODIO specializes in video processing, sound and graphics. APODIO can be used both in Live CD set up.

www.apodio.org/

2.7 - Distributions Lives specialized in rescue

> SystemRescueCD

This is a Live CD developed in order to partition, create images of partitions, searching for viruses, protect and restore the partition table, back up data, burn, test the RAM. The CD small size (100 MB) can be customized (follow the Howto site).

www.sysresccd.org/

> LinuxDefender

The Live CD includes anti-virus company BitDefender on a Debian. The Live CD version is downloadable for free but has not been updated since June 2004.

http://www.bitdefender.com/bd/site/p..._id=25&n_id=58

2.8 - Distributions focus on safety

Attention!
Focusing on security does not mean that these distributions are more secure than any other. These distributions do more, no less safe than any other since everything depends, in fact, setting AND the user! These distributions are distinguished because they can test more easily (thanks to dedicated applications) security of a computer system .... provided that the system is genuinely and legally your hotel. You must therefore have (legal) system or be mandated to carry out these tests security!

> Arudius

Based on Zenwalk, Arudius is geared towards security (tests and analyses of vulnerabilities) while being lightweight (Fluxbox as manager GUI).