What is a Linux Distribution (Distro)?

A Linux Distribution, also called Linux Distro is a member of the family of the Linux kernel based Operating Systems.

Linux Distribution Logos

Why there are many Linux Distributions? Because the Linux kernel is open source and anyone can use it to develop an operating system around it. Each distribution has it's own main purpose and is designed for a primary use, but all of them can be customized to be used on any environment. For example:
For server there is: Debian Server, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and more
For desktop there is: Ubuntu (with Xubuntu, Kubuntu and Lubuntu), Linux Mint, Fedora and Open Suse and many more
For education purpose there is: Edubuntu (variation of Ubuntu) and others
For security researchers there is: Kali Linux, BackTrack, BackBox Linux and more
For older PCs there is: Puppy Linux and Damn Small Linux
Maybe the most well known Linux Distro is Android, which is used by many smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.
We will talk about most of them in future posts and we'll go trough reviews and some tips and tricks.

The main difference between Linux Distros is that each one has different applications installed and they are configured differently. Anyway, most of the Linux Distros have the kernel patched. A kernel patch is a set of modifications applied to the core of the OS, in order to avoid some bugs or incompatibilities with the installed applications or targeted environment.

In the next post I will teach you how to choose the right Linux distribution for you, based on your needs and preferences.