Linux Distributions
In order to experience Linux, the first step is to choose a distribution. Most of them are free. And one of the advantages of Linux is the wide-ranging amount of available distributions.
What is it a Linux Distribution or Linux Distro?
When Linus Torvalds first developed Linux back in August of 1991, the operating system basically consisted of his kernel and some GNU tools. With the help of others, Linus added more tools, and applications.
With time, individuals and companies, began distributing Linux with their 'own' choice of packages, conjoined with Linus' kernel. This is where the concept of the "distribution" was born.
A typical desktop Linux distribution, consists of a Linux kernel, GNU tools and libraries, additional software, documentation, a window system, window manager, and a desktop environment. Most of the included software is free and/or open-source software. Which is distributed by its maintainers, both as compiled binaries and in source code form, allowing users to modify and compile the original source code if they wish.
There are distributions of all types and for practically any kind of computing endeavor. There are versions of Linux that will give you a firewall, will boot the entire operating system from a floppy disk or CD-ROM or can be used to power TV "set-top" boxes.
The good part is there are so many to try and most of them are free, it is an excellent way to test to see if the hardware on the destination computer is compatible, or if you like the features of that particular distribution, almost all Linux distros comes in LiveCD or LiveDistro form, which means that can be booted off of a CD/DVD drive, or other medium like an USB flash drive, without installation to a hard disk;
This is another great way to try them.
Another cool feature is among the same distro are different versions of it, so we can choose any that meets our needs, or our machine's specifications.
This is a list of some of the non-commercial distributions,features summary and links to the official website:
Debian GNU/Linux The largest Linux distribution and possibly the largest collaborative software project ever created, composed entirely of free software. Supports more processor architectures than any other Linux distribution.
Available editions: Installation CD/DVD and live CD images for 11 processor architectures, including all 32-bit and 64-bit processors from Intel, AMD, Power and others.
Knoppix It is based on Debian and it is a LiveCD distribution that runs completely from removable media and without installation to a hard disk.
Unparalleled hardware auto-detection and auto-configuration; portable operating system that can be used for rescue, demonstration and testing tasks.
Available editions: Live CD and Live DVD editions for 32-bit (i386) processors
Mandriva Linux
Mandriva Linux is primarily a desktop distribution. It does come with a commercial version which is more beginner friendly than the free version.
The above link is to the free version download.
Available editions: Freely downloadable Mandriva Free and One editions for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors; commercial Mandriva Discovery, PowerPack and PowerPack Plus editions for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64); also high-end "Corporate" solutions for desktops, servers and firewalls, all with long-term support options.
Ubuntu is based on Debian and it is a community developed operating system for laptops, desktops and servers. Novice-friendly; wealth of documentation, both official and user-contributed. It includes creative artwork and desktop themes, migration assistant for Windows users, support for the latest technologies, such as 3D desktop effects, easy installation of proprietary device drivers for ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards and wireless networking, and on-demand support for non-free or patent-encumbered media codecs.
Available editions: Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu and Xubuntu for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors; Ubuntu Server edition also for SPARC processors.
Mythbuntu Is a specialized Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and MythTV (currently 0.20.2) Mythbuntu is designed to simplify the installation of MythTV on a home theatre PC. Mythbuntu can be used to install a stand alone frontend, backend, or combination of the two.
Processor Architecture i386, x86_64.
Slackware Was one of the earliest distributions, and is the oldest currently being maintained. Slackware aims for design stability and simplicity, and aims to be the most UNIX-like Linux distribution.
Available editions: Installation CDs and DVD for 32-bit (i486) processors, no official 64-bit edition.
openSUSE Originally derived from Slackware, sponsored by the company Novell
Comprehensive and intuitive configuration tool; large repository of software packages, excellent web site infrastructure and printed documentation.
Available editions: openSUSE for 32-bit (i386), 64-bit (x86_64) and PowerPC (ppc) processors (also a non-installable live DVD edition); SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop/Server for i586, IA64, PowerPC, s390, s390x and x86_64 architectures.
PCLinuxOS was originally based on Mandriva and shares many features of Mandriva such as the Control Center and the Draklive Installer. Also uses patches and bugs fixes from these distributions: Gentoo, OpenSuSE, Fedora, Debian and Ubuntu. Beginner-friendly, 3D desktop effects (transparent windows), great hardware auto-detection and auto-configuration, browser plugins and media codecs, and should function as a live CD with a simple and intuitive graphical installer. PCLinuxOS offers out-of-the-box support for many technologies most Windows-to-Linux migrants would expect from their new operating system.
Available editions: MiniMe, Junior and BigDaddy editions for 32-bit (i586) processor architectures, No 64-bit edition offered.
Gentoo is a Linux distribution based on the Portage package management system, which is written in Python.
Designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software.
Excellent software management infrastructure, customisation and tweaking options, online documentation.
Available editions: Minimal installation CD and live CD (with GNOME) for Alpha, AMD64, HPPA, IA64, MIPS, PPC, SPARC and x86 processors; also "stages" for manual installation from command line.
MEPIS is a Debian-based desktop Linux distribution designed for both personal and business purposes. It includes cutting-edge features such as a live, installation and recovery CD, automatic hardware configuration, NTFS partition resizing, ACPI power management, WiFi support, anti-aliased TrueType fonts, a personal firewall, KDE, and much more.
Available editions: SimplyMEPIS for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors.
If you want to try other distros, there are more than 300 of them listed at DistroWatch
References:
http://www.linux.org/dist/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution
http://distrowatch.com/