What is an operating system distribution?
A distribution, in the context of operating systems, refers to a specific version of a system that uses the Linux or Unix kernel. These distributions vary mainly in three aspects: the disk format used when creating the system, the package manager that facilitates the installation and uninstallation of the software, and their popularity in the community.
What are the most popular distributions?
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Ubuntu Server: One of the best known and most popular server distributions, derived from Debian. Both share a similar architecture and package management system, although there are differences in policies on what software to install.
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Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): Known simply as "Red", this is a paid distribution that offers extensive enterprise support. It stands out for its security and reliability, being mainly dedicated to enterprise use.
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FreeBSD: Unlike the previous ones, FreeBSD is a distribution based on Unix, not Linux. It is mainly used on servers and its kernel is based on an old Unix operating system.
What is Long Term Support (LTS)?
The LTS or Long Term Support label refers to distributions that offer extended support, guaranteeing around five years of updates and maintenance. Examples include specific versions of Ubuntu and Debian, which are supported either by companies or the community.
How do non-free repositories affect distributions?
In Debian-based distributions, non-free repositories are software packages whose license has not been approved by the Debian Free Software Foundation guidelines. This implies that they do not guarantee the freedoms of free software. However, by activating them you can access open-source or proprietary software, which is essential for installing specialized hardware such as NVIDIA drivers.
What is a non-free repository?
- They are packages with licenses outside of those accepted by Debian.
- They allow installing proprietary software, sometimes needed for specific hardware.
What are the differences between rolling in release and fixed release?
Distributions can be updated in two main ways:
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Rolling in release: These distributions incorporate software changes as soon as they become available, which can result in unstable versions with bugs. Examples of distributions using this model are Fedora Server and CentOS Stream.
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Fixed release: Contrary to the above, these distributions tend to be more stable, releasing updates only after extensive testing. Examples include the most stable distributions such as RHEL.
Both methodologies have their pros and cons. While rolling in release allows you to have the latest software version immediately, fixed release offers greater stability and reliability to the user.
Practical recommendations for choosing a distribution
- Evaluate your needs: If you are looking for stability and support, opt for distributions such as RHEL or those with LTS.
- Consider the hardware: If you need specific non-free software, check the compatibility of non-free repositories.
- Decide between stability and novelty: Rolling in release will offer you the latest software, but may be less stable than a fixed release.
- Community or enterprise support: Some systems, such as Debian, rely on community support; while paid systems such as RHEL offer more dedicated enterprise support.
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