Linux is not just one product designed to work on one type of processor and used by one user like a certain operating system from a certain company. The kernel and the basic set of support utilities were designed to be used with many types of processors, and not just on desktops, laptops, servers, and mainframes. Linux can be run on some video game consoles, PDAs, cellular phones, and even personal video recorders.
Since this is a website about Linux in the home and small business environment, we shall focus on distributions that are used in a home and small business environment.
My Recommendations
- SimplyMEPIS
- This is my top recommendation as it combines ease of use, can be tested without actually installing the product (unless you are ready to do so), has a wide range of hardware support, and is quite light on system resources when compared to other major distributions.
- Mandriva Linux
- If you have a newer system with at least 384MB of RAM, this is a good distribution to try. You can install the free version, a LiveCD with vast hardware support, or you can purchase the full fledged version (called Powerpack) for $59.00 USD. In any case, Mandriva contains excellent multimedia support, and is among the easiest to configure, especially if you are migrating from a Windows environment.
- Novell OpenSuSE
- This distribution is also easy to use, and there are versions for x86, x86_64 and PowerPC machines. A version for the PlayStation 3 is in the works as of this writing. Like Mandriva, configuration is easy.
- Fedora Project
- This Red Hat sponsored distribution is good for home use, and though intended for developers, you can effectively use it in a home environment, or on a well equipped laptop, as Fedora supplies support for a vast array of wireless devices.
- Ubuntu family
- Ubuntu started as one distribution and is now a family of distributions (Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.) designed with ease of use and configuration. This distribution is preinstalled on some Dell machines, and there are a number of derivatives (such as Mint Linux and gOS, with the latter being available preloaded on new PCs in some Wal-Mart stores).
Lightweight Alternatives
I recommend these distributions for those of you that have a Pentium II or older. * Be sure to check out the system requirements for each of these distributions to see if your processor can handle the distribution, and that you have sufficient RAM and disk space to install the distribution. * Of course, you can install these on newer machines for enhanced performance, but they may not have the features you want for your needs. These distributions are minimalist, and are intended for older hardware.
- Slackware Linux
- The original and still the best for older machines. The distribution is not for the faint of heart when it comes to installation and configuration. Fortunately, current versions of Slackware (Versions 11 and later) provide some hardware detection and automatic configuration, but Slackware for the most part requires manual configuration of most functions. On the positive side, this is a great way to learn how Linux really works, and to some extent, how UNIX in general works. Slackware is best on older hardware because of its minimalist nature.
- Puppy Linux
- This is an interesting distribution in the way things are done when it comes to handling of software and configuration of the distribution. Puppy Linux can be installed on your hard drive, a USB flash drive, or remastered to a CD-ROM. Software is packaged differently from other distributions, and the major software packages (e.g. OpenOffice.org, Firefox, Thunderbird) are compacted versions. Much of the software on this distribution is quite dated, but is usable if you have a really old system, or an old laptop where nothing newer can run on it.
Other Notables
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- This distribution is built on Fedora releases, more specifically one or two versions behind the Fedora equivalent. The software may be dated, but has been proven to be reliable and stable. During installation, you are required to provide a Key CD first. This CD determines which packages are installed. In addition, a subscription to the Red Hat Network is required for timely updates. (Note: This is how Red Hat makes money off Linux. They have to start somewhere.)
- CentOS
- Like Red Hat Enterprise, it is built from the same Fedora sources. CentOS stands for Community Enterprise Operating System, uses the same package set as Red Hat Enterprise, but does not require a Key CD. Basically, you get all the benefits of an enterprise grade Linux without the subscription obligations.
- SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
- This is Novell's enterprise grade Linux distribution. Built on OpenSUSE, but with only the GNOME desktop, and an applications browser instead of the traditional GNOME menu. Novell offers a server version (SLES) of the product.
