Basic explanation of what is a Linux Distro

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D

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what you have to know about Linux/UNIX:

1- A Linux distro (simplified used name) unlike Windows is not made from a single fixed block but the superposition of modular distinct components:

- Linux Kernel : the very first layer of the any Linux OS
- GNU: from a common Kernel, tools and libraries are added resulting in GNU-kernel or other kernel variants like FreeBSD
- Distribution: communities developed several Linux architecture and infrastructure, resulting in different flavor of Linux like Debian, Arch Linux, etc...
- Windowing system: added on the architecture, this components is the GUI and manage how the interface is displayed, example are X11, Wayland, etc...
- Windows Manager: controls the appearance and placement of the various elements (windows, icons, menus, etc...), examples are Fluxbox, openbox, Windows Maker, etc...
- Desktop Environment called DE: on top of the windows manager, this is the UI , will be how you interact with the OS; example are Gnome, Unity, KDE, XFCE, LMDE, Mate, etc...they are made separately from the architecture.
- Software Packages: all the software included in the distro to make it usable out of the box (Firefox, VLC, etc...) ; these packages are checked then stored in some servers (known as repositories) and are updated at same time as the distro unlike MS Windows (you have to update them separately). the repositories are like Playstore for Android; this is why you can safely download from them and be sure they are safe and clean of malwares.

2- from all the above elements , communities mix them to create a Linux Distribution:

for example i am using Kubuntu , it is based of Debian architecture + Ubuntu (variant of Debian) + KDE desktop environment.

@illumination is using Manjaro Linux, based or Arch Linux architecture + KDE desktop

Mint Cinnamon (the default Mint version) is based on Debian + Ubuntu + Mint (variant of Ubuntu) + Cinnamon desktop.

as you can see hundreds of "distros" are available ; it is like playing Lego.

3- the development of each component follows its own schedule unlike MS Windows where all is designed and released at same time.


thanks:D
 
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viktik

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Sep 17, 2013
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