Linux OS Comparisons

Howdy again.

Today we are going to discover Linux OS Comparisons. I found a wonderful article called 10 of the most popular Linux-distributions compared. This article was on how to geek.com website.

So, to start this off, Linux is not a complete operating system. It is just a kernel. According to Wikipedia:

The kernel is a computer program that constitutes the central core of a computer's operating system. It has complete control over everything that occurs in the system. As such, it is the first program loaded on startup, and then manages the remainder of the startup, as well as input/output requests from software, translating them into data processing instructions for the central processing unit. It is also responsible for managing memory, and for managing and communicating with computing peripherals, like printers, speakers, etc. The kernel is a fundamental part of a modern computer's operating system.

So,… (I believe back in the day; sentences were not started with “so”). Linux distributions take the kernel and combine it with other free software and create complete packages. Installing Linux, is quite easy, pick the distribution you want to work with, and install it, or you can use “Linux From Scratch” to compile and assemble your own system. (Who is this cat trying to kid right?).

Obviously the article covers the 10 most popular Linux distributions, however, I only have to pick two (sigh of relief from audience). I have had the experience and pleasure of working with Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora.

Ubuntu, probably the most well-known amongst the Linux community is based on Debian, but has its own software repository. A repository is where software application installation packages are stored and available for installation on the OS. To me, this is like the Apple store. Ubuntu project focuses on a solid desktop and server experience, and is building its own Mir graphical server. Ubuntu offers releases every six months, with a more stable LTS (long term support) release every two years. Currently Ubuntu is working on a distribution to run on smartphones and tablets.

Linux Mint is built on top of Ubuntu, and uses Ubuntu’s software repositories which is nice because they are on either OS. Mint creation was loved because it included media codecs and proprietary software that Ubuntu didn’t originally have. Currently having its own identity, Ubuntu’s desktop will not be found here – instead a more traditional Cinnamon or MATE desktop is used. Mint has a more relaxed approach to updates, and won’t automatically install critical software updates which has led some Ubuntu developers to believe it is insecure.

Both of these distributions are open source software, which means they are free of charge.

A question was asked if there is a “lite” version, well I had to research “lite”. There are a few. In the article called 7 Beginner Friendly Lightweight Distributions For Older Computers was my first clue that yes there are lite distributions. A lite version is designed for the old computers which don’t have the umpf to run the fancy desktops, and the wonderful graphics which seem to make computing a more pleasant experience. (sorry I still remember writing programs in COBOL and using DOS based machines) Painful.

The Linux Lite, min. hardware requirements are as follows: 700MHz processor, 512 mb RAM, VGA screen 1024 x 768 resolution, DVD drive (Is there really such a thing as a DVD that will be compatible) or USB port for the ISO image, and at least 5 GB free disk space. (Wow, the spell check is questioning the mb).

CrunchBang++; Bodhi Linux; and Lubuntu are a couple more that are mentioned. Their requirements again are really low compared to the big fancy super computers we all think we need to have.

Some of the reasons why a person would choose one of the other… I can really only think of one that I believe I mentioned, Mint has more features than Ubuntu. There is a new version of Ubuntu coming out or has come out, it may have bigger bells and whistles, but the “commentators” are warning to wait for all the bugs to be out. I totally get that.

Well, once again I believe the mission for this blog is complete. It is time to end yet another adventure of backyard blog. Besides the washer has sounded the “I’m done” bell, and so am I for this weekend. Time to relax and get ready for school in the morning.

Happy researching!

Resources:

"10 of the Most Popular Linux Distributions Compared." How To Geek RSS. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.

"7 Beginner Friendly Lightweight Linux Distributions For Older Computers." Its FOSS. 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.