Comparison of the pros and cons of various Linux distributions [go]

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Linux was first written by Linus Benedict Torvalds in 1991. Prior to that, Richard Stallman created the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and the GNU project, and was constantly writing to create the GNU program, which was licensed in Gpl:general public License. With the continuous addition of outstanding programmers and developers to the GNU organization, we have created what we see today as Linux, or Gnu/linux.

Linux distributions can be broadly divided into two categories, one of which is a distribution version maintained by a commercial company, a release version maintained by a community organization, and the former is represented by the famous Redhat (RHEL), which is represented by Debian. Here's a look at the features of each release:

Debian, or Debian series, including Debian and Ubuntu. Debian is a model of community Linux and is by far the most GNU-compliant Linux system. Debian was first created by Ian Murdock in 1993 and is divided into three versions (branch): stable, testing and unstable. Among them, unstable is the latest beta version, which includes the latest packages, but there are also relatively many bugs that are suitable for desktop users. Testing versions are tested in unstable, relatively stable, and support a number of new technologies (such as SMP). While stable is generally used only for servers, the packages above are mostly obsolete, but the stability and security are very high. The most distinctive feature of Debian is the Apt-get/dpkg package management method, in fact, Redhat Yum is also in imitation of Debian's apt way, but in the binary file distribution, APT should be the best.

Redhat, which should be called the Redhat series, including Rhel (Redhat Enterprise Linux, the so-called Redhat Advance Server, paid version), Fedora Core (developed from the original Redhat desktop version) , free version), CentOS (community clone version of Rhel, free). Redhat should be said to use the most popular Linux version in the country, and even some people equate redhat with Linux, and some of them are only using this one version of Linux. So this version is characterized by the use of large numbers of people, the information is very much, the implication is that if you do not understand the place, it is easy to find people to ask, and the online general Linux tutorials are redhat for example to explain. The package management method of the Redhat series is based on the management of the Yum package in RPM package, which is a compiled binary file. The stability of Rhel and CentOS is excellent for server use, but Fedora core has poor stability and is best used for desktop applications only.

Gentoo, the Great Gentoo, is the youngest distribution in the world of Linux, and because of its youth, it is one of the reasons why Gentoo is known as the most perfect Linux distribution because of its strengths in all releases before her. Gentoo was originally created by Daniel Robbins (one of FreeBSD's developers) and the first stable version was released in 2002. Because of the developer's familiarity with FreeBSD, Gentoo has a widely acclaimed ports system--portage package management system that is comparable to FreeBSD. Unlike the package management system, which is distributed with binary files such as apt and Yum, Portage is distributed based on source code and must be compiled before it can be run, which is slower for large software, but because all software is compiled on the local machine, after a variety of custom compilation parameters are optimized, To maximize the hardware performance of the machine. Gentoo is the most complex installation in all Linux distributions, but it is the most manageable version after installation and the fastest version in the same hardware environment.

Ubuntu is strictly not a standalone release, Ubuntu is based on the Debian version of the unstable, so to speak, Ubuntu is one with all the advantages of Debian, as well as the advantages of the nearly perfect Linux desktop system. Depending on the desktop system you choose, there are three versions available, Gnome-based Ubuntu, KDE-based Kubuntu, and XFC-based Xubuntu. Features are very friendly interface, easy to use, the hardware support is very comprehensive, is the most suitable for desktop system Linux distribution version.

Finally, the introduction of FreeBSD, it is important to stress is: FreeBSD is not a Linux system! But the FreeBSD and Linux user groups are coincident, the two support the hardware environment is also more consistent, the use of software is similar, So you can compare FreeBSD as a Linux version. FreeBSD has two branches:

Stable and current. As the name implies, stable is a stable version, and current is a beta version that adds new technology. FreeBSD uses ports package management system, similar to Gentoo, based on source code distribution, must be PostScript after the local machine to run, but the ports system is not portage system easy to use, slightly more complex. The biggest feature of FreeBSD is stability and efficiency, which is the best choice for the server operating system, but the hardware support is not perfect for Linux, so it is not suitable as a desktop system.

Here are some suggestions for friends who are worried about choosing a Linux distribution:

If you just need a desktop system, and you don't want to use piracy, and you don't want to spend a lot of money on business software, you need a Linux distribution that's right for your desktop, and if you don't want to customize anything yourself, and you don't want to waste too much time on your system, it's easy, You choose according to your hobby in Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu, the difference of the three is only the desktop program is different.

If you need a server system, and you are very tired of the various Linux configuration, just want a more stable server system, then your best choice is CentOS, after the installation, after a simple configuration to provide a very stable service.

If you need a desktop system, but also want to be very flexible to customize their own Linux system, you want to make your machine more enjoyable, do not mind to waste a little time on the installation of Linux system, then your only choice is Gentoo, enjoy the freedom of Gentoo!

If you need a stable server system, and want to delve into the various aspects of Linux and want to customize a lot of content, then I recommend you use Gentoo.

If you need a rock-solid, very stable server system, your only option is FreeBSD.

Comparison of the pros and cons of various Linux distributions [go]