Linux operating sistem

To start using Linux, you will want to choose a distribution. A distribution, or distro, is the Linux operating system. Distributions are put together by companies or nonprofit groups with the operating system and preinstalled software they feel will best suit you. Many distributions include an application that can search the internet for other Open Source software, download and automaticly install it for you free of charge.

We have listed some of the more popular distributions below including our favorites, Ubuntu and Red Hat. Many distributions, such as Ubuntu, offer the ability to create a bootable CD so you can try out Linux without even having to install it over your current operating system. Once you pick your distribution, it might be a good idea to pick up a book to help you with the installation and setup for your needs.

---

Centos Home Page
CentOS is an Enterprise-class Linux Distribution derived from sources freely provided to the public by a prominent North American Enterprise Linux vendor. CentOS conforms fully with the upstream vendors redistribution policy and aims to be 100% binary compatible. (CentOS mainly changes packages to remove upstream vendor branding and artwork.) CentOS is free.

---

Ubuntu Home Page
Ubuntu is a community developed, linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

---

Debian Home Page
Debian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer. An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. Debian uses the Linux kernel (the core of an operating system), but most of the basic OS tools come from the GNU project; hence the name GNU/Linux. Debian GNU/Linux provides more than a pure OS: it comes with over 25113 packages, precompiled software bundled up in a nice format for easy installation on your machine.

---

Red Hat Home Page
For businesses, governments, or other users looking for stable, supported, and certified Linux. Red Hat can be bought off the shelf at many software retailers and offers various levels of pay support.

---

Gentoo Home Page
We produce Gentoo Linux, a special flavor of Linux that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Extreme performance, configurability and a top-notch user and developer community are all hallmarks of the Gentoo experience.

---

Yellow Dog Linux Home Page
An open source, Linux operating system for home, office, server, and cluster users. Built for the PowerPC architecture, it runs on several platforms such as Apple PowerPC computers and even the Sony PS3.

---

SUSE from Novell Home Page
SUSE, now part of Novell, is an enterprise level version of the Linux operating system. This mainstream distribution is popular with businesses who want an alternative to other OSs. SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 is the most interoperable platform for mission-critical computing—both physical and virtual—from the desktop to the data center. SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 gives you the lowest-cost, most manageable solution for mixed Linux and Windows computing. By working seamlessly with your existing technologies, SUSE Linux Enterprise turns boundaries into bridges to make your IT work as one.

---

Ark Linux Home Page
Ark Linux is a Linux distribution for everyone - designed to be easy to install and learn for users without prior Linux (or computer) experience, while powerful enough for longtime Linux users.

---

Slackware Home Page
Since its first release in April of 1993, the Slackware Linux Project has aimed at producing the most "UNIX-like" Linux distribution out there. Slackware complies with the published Linux standards, such as the Linux File System Standard.

---

Fedora Home Page
Fedora, sponsored by Red Hat, is a Linux-based operating system that showcases the latest in free and open source software. Fedora has a predictable and consistent time-based release schedule. There is a new release every six months that drives incremental improvements to users at a rapid pace. What's new in Fedora 11? Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that showcases the latest in free and open source software. Fedora is always free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. It is built by people across the globe who work together as a community: the Fedora Project. The Fedora Project is open and anyone is welcome to join. The Fedora Project is out front for you, leading the advancement of free, open software and content.

---

Mandriva Home Page
A full Linux operating system on a single CD for both new and experienced Linux users, it is fast to download and install, and also safe to try with a live mode. One is really the one CD you need.