Free Linux Distributions
Free / open source distributions of the Linux operating system
Free Linux Distributions / Operating Systems
The well-known open source Linux operating system is available in many packages, known as distributions. These distributions include not only the core of the OS, the Linux kernel, but a host of other utilities, software applications and desktop environment that make the entire platform useful. Most, if not all, of the distributions can be used as a desktop environment as well as a server.
Installation of Linux has come a long way from the early 1990s, when I installed my first Linux system from a set of boot/root floppies (don't ask). Nowadays, all you have to do is to download the ISO of the distribution, burn it to a CD or DVD, reboot the computer with the new CD, and follow the instructions. The Linux installers usually have their own ability to install beside an existing operating system like Windows (if you wish), or alternatively, replace the system entirely.
If you want to dual-boot two operating systems, like Windows and Linux, you can either rely on the Linux installers to manage the partitions, or, as some hard-core computer enthusiasts prefer, use your own partition managers to shrink your existing operating system's partition to make space for Linux. My recommendation is that you also back up or image your system before you do any major overhaul so that if you don't like what you get, you can always go back to your original working system.
If you only want to try the operating system, and don't want to repartition your hard disk yet, you may also want to check the Free Linux LiveCD Distributions - Live Linux on a CD or DVD which allow you to boot Linux directly from a CD/DVD and use it immediately without installing. Alternatively, you can also install Linux into a PC emulator or virtual machine. Be aware that these solutions tend to make Linux run slower than usual. Don't worry, it won't be like that when you install Linux for real on your computer.
Explanation of some terms: unlike Windows and Mac OS X, where the operating system and its user interface (the desktop that you see when you start the machine) are inextricably intertwined, Linux comes with a variety of user interfaces to choose from. Two of the most famous ones are KDE and GNOME. Both are free. Some prefer KDE, others GNOME. Most of the major distributions have both GNOME and KDE versions, allowing you to pick one. Choose whichever you like. Before you ask: if you can't decide, and want to know what I normally choose - I normally install KDE, probably because it works the way I expect things to. But you can't go too far wrong, whichever you pick.
Related Pages
- Free Partitioning Software - Copy, Create, Move, Resize, Convert, Undelete Partitions
- Free Hard Disk Backup and Restore, Hard Disk Image and Cloning Utilities
- Free Personal Firewalls - there are firewalls for Linux too
- Free HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System), Application and System Monitoring Software - check out the Linux versions
- Free Data Recovery, File and Partition Recovery, Undelete and Unformat Software
- Free DVD/CD Emulators, Free Virtual CD/DVD Drives
- Free 68k and PowerPC Macintosh Emulators
- Free Amiga Emulators
- Free Apple II Emulators
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page comes without any warranty whatsoever. Use it at your own risk. Just because a program, book, document or service is listed here or has a good review does not mean that I endorse or approve of the program or of any of its contents. All the other standard disclaimers also apply.
Free Linux Distros
- CentOS - The Community ENTerprise Operating System
CentOS is an "enterprise-class" Linux distribution. It is derived from the enterprise offerings of the commercial Red Hat distribution. Basically, since the latter is open source (and uses other open source packages), CentOS uses the same open source packages, removes the branding and artwork, and re-releases it for free. The distribution is suitable for both server and desktop deployments. It is used by many web hosts, and is usually offered as one of the operating system choices in dedicated servers and virtual private servers (VPS).
- Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu
The Ubuntu family is one of the most popular Linux distribution of late. Ubuntu comes with a GNOME desktop, Kubuntu with a KDE one and Xubuntu with a Xfce desktop environment. They are reputed to be very easy to install and use, possibly because they don't provide you with the plethora of choices some distributions do. It comes with applications for a variety of tasks, although you won't find, like in some of the other distros, multiple applications to choose from for each task. This distribution is generally recommended for newcomers to Linux. Note that you can download the distributions for free from their servers, or, if you wish, you can also have it shipped to your address for free.
- OpenSUSE
OpenSUSE, formerly SUSE, is a well known Linux distribution from Novell, with a good support for a variety of hardware. You can download either the DVD or CD versions of Linux, GNOME or KDE versions, 32-bit, 64-bit or Power-PC versions, etc. Like all Linux distributions, it comes with a huge assortment of software, including office suites, multimedia players, image editors, C/C++ compiler, programming tools, text editors, etc. It's too long to list.
- Fedora
Fedora, which began its life as a Red Hat product, is a free Linux distribution offering versions for Intel processors (both 32-bit and 64-bit) as well as PPC. You will need a DVD writer to burn the ISO since it is only distributed as a DVD. Both GNOME and KDE desktops are provided on the same distributin and you can switch between them. Fedora, by policy, tends to have less built-in support for multimedia types (like MP3) and file systems (like NTFS), although you can always download the necessary support files (free) from third-party sites.
- Edubuntu
Edubuntu comes from the Ubuntu/Kubuntu family of Linux distributions. It is a distro specifically designed for "young human beings". It is intended for educational use, and at this time of writing, aimed at classroom use. The distribution includes many school related applications such as fun educational software like the KDE Edutainment Suite, Gcompris (a collection of kindergarten activity programs), Tux4Kids (painting, maths and typing), Schooltool calendar, OpenOffice (office suite with wordprocessor, spreadsheet, presentation), etc. Like Ubuntu and Kubuntu, you can either download it or order it. Both the Enterprise release and the normal releases are free. (The Enterprise version will be supported for a longer period, but the normal version has the latest versions of software.)
- Debian
Debian is probably the mother of a large number of distributions, or in lingo of the Linux aficionados, the upstream distribution on which many distributions (like the Ubuntu family) base their distro. It is very well regarded, but has a reputation of being very slow to update its software to the latest version in its stable release.
- Slackware
Slackware was one of the earliest Linux distributions around. It can run on a wide variety of hardware, including the old 486 machines right up to the modern machines.
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