Linux Fundamentals: Linux Distributions

A Linux distribution (distro) is a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel. Think of it as a "flavor" or "package" of Linux.

Components of a Distribution:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐

│ Linux Distribution │

│ │

│ ┌───────────────────────────────────┐ │

│ │ Desktop Environment (optional) │ │

│ │ (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc.) │ │

│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │

│ ┌───────────────────────────────────┐ │

│ │ Applications & Utilities │ │

│ │ (browsers, editors, tools) │ │

│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │

│ ┌───────────────────────────────────┐ │

│ │ Package Manager │ │

│ │ (apt, yum, pacman, etc.) │ │

│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │

│ ┌───────────────────────────────────┐ │

│ │ System Tools & Libraries │ │

│ │ (GNU utilities, glibc, etc.) │ │

│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │

│ ┌───────────────────────────────────┐ │

│ │ Linux Kernel │ │

│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │

└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

The Linux kernel alone isn't usable - you need:

• ✅ System utilities

• ✅ Package management

• ✅ Pre-configured software

• ✅ Installation tools

• ✅ User interface

• ✅ Documentation and support

• Beginners vs Advanced users

• Desktop vs Server vs Embedded

• Stability vs Cutting-edge features

• Enterprise vs Personal use

• Privacy-focused vs General purpose

1. Package Management System

How software is installed/updated:

• APT/dpkg (Debian-based): apt install package

• YUM/DNF/RPM (Red Hat-based): dnf install package

• Pacman (Arch-based): pacman -S package

• Zypper (SUSE): zypper install package

2. Release Model

Fixed/Stable Release:

• Regular, scheduled releases (e.g., every 6 months)

• Thoroughly tested

• More stable but older software

• Examples: Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian Stable

Rolling Release:

• Continuous updates

• Always latest software

• No version numbers

• Examples: Arch Linux, openSUSE Tumbleweed, Manjaro

Long-Term Support (LTS):

• Extended support period (3-10 years)

• Focus on stability

• Examples: Ubuntu LTS, RHEL, SLES

3. Default Desktop Environment

• GNOME: Modern, user-friendly

• KDE Plasma: Highly customizable, Windows-like

• XFCE: Lightweight, fast

• Cinnamon: Traditional desktop layout

• MATE: Classic GNOME 2 fork

• None: Server/minimal installations

4. Target Audience

• Beginners (user-friendly)

• Advanced users (more control)

• Developers

• System administrators

• Security professionals

• General users

5. Philosophy & Goals

• Stability (Debian, CentOS)

• Cutting-edge (Arch, Fedora)

• User-friendly (Ubuntu, Linux Mint)

• Freedom/Open Source (Debian, Fedora)

• Enterprise (RHEL, SLES)

• Privacy (Tails, Qubes OS)

6. Pre-installed Software

• Minimal vs Full installation

• Default applications

• Proprietary drivers/codecs included or not

Linux distributions form "family trees" - derivatives based on parent distros.

┌─────────────┐

│ Debian │ ──────┐

└─────────────┘ │

├──→ Ubuntu ──→ Linux Mint

│ Pop!_OS

│ Zorin OS

│ elementary OS

│

└──→ Kali Linux

Raspbian

┌─────────────┐

│ Red Hat │ ──────┐

└─────────────┘ │

├──→ Fedora

├──→ RHEL ──→ CentOS

│ AlmaLinux

│ Rocky Linux

└──→ Amazon Linux

┌─────────────┐

│ Arch Linux │ ──────┐

└─────────────┘ │

├──→ Manjaro

├──→ EndeavourOS

└──→ Garuda Linux

┌─────────────┐

│ SUSE │ ──────┐

└─────────────┘ │

├──→ openSUSE Leap

└──→ openSUSE Tumbleweed

┌─────────────┐

│ Slackware │ (oldest, fewer derivatives)

└─────────────┘

┌─────────────┐

│ Gentoo │ (source-based)

1. Debian Family

Debian:

• Founded: 1993 (one of the oldest)

• Package Manager: APT/dpkg (.deb packages)

• Release Model: Stable (every 2 years), Testing, Unstable

• Philosophy: Free software, community-driven

• Best for: Servers, stability-focused users

• Pros: Very stable, huge software repository, excellent documentation

• Cons: Older software, not beginner-friendly

Ubuntu:

• Founded: 2004 (based on Debian)

• Company: Canonical Ltd.

• Release Model: Every 6 months + LTS every 2 years (5 years support)

• Best for: Beginners, desktop users, developers

• Desktop: GNOME (default)

• Variants:

  • Kubuntu (KDE)

  • Xubuntu (XFCE)

  • Lubuntu (LXQt)

  • Ubuntu MATE

  • Ubuntu Budgie

• Pros: User-friendly, great hardware support, large community

• Cons: Some bloat, Snap packages controversial

Linux Mint:

• Based on: Ubuntu

• Desktop: Cinnamon (default), MATE, XFCE

• Best for: Windows users transitioning to Linux

• Pros: Very user-friendly, traditional desktop, no Snap

• Cons: Slightly behind Ubuntu in updates

Pop!_OS:

• Company: System76 (hardware manufacturer)

• Based on: Ubuntu

• Best for: Developers, gamers, content creators

• Features: Custom GNOME, excellent NVIDIA support, tiling windows

Elementary OS:

• Based on: Ubuntu LTS

• Desktop: Pantheon (custom, macOS-like)

• Best for: Users who want beautiful, simple interface

• Pros: Gorgeous design, curated app store

• Cons: Limited customization, smaller software selection

Kali Linux:

• Based on: Debian

• Best for: Penetration testing, cybersecurity professionals

• Features: Pre-installed hacking/security tools

• NOT for: Daily use, beginners

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL):

• Type: Commercial, enterprise

• Package Manager: YUM/DNF/RPM (.rpm packages)

• Release Model: Fixed (7-10 years support)

• Best for: Enterprise servers, businesses

• Pros: Professional support, certified, very stable

• Cons: Expensive, requires subscription

Fedora:

• Sponsor: Red Hat

• Type: Community-driven, RHEL testing ground

• Release Model: Every 6 months (13 months support)

• Best for: Developers, enthusiasts, cutting-edge users

• Desktop: GNOME (default), KDE, XFCE, others available

• Pros: Latest software, innovative features, secure

• Cons: Short support cycle, frequent updates

CentOS (discontinued as we knew it):

• Was: Free RHEL clone

• Now: CentOS Stream (rolling release, RHEL preview)

• Replaced by: AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux

AlmaLinux & Rocky Linux:

• Purpose: Free RHEL alternatives (after CentOS change)

• Release Model: Matches RHEL (10 years support)

• Best for: Servers, those who used CentOS

Amazon Linux:

• Company: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Best for: AWS cloud environments

• Features: Optimized for AWS

Arch Linux:

• Founded: 2002

• Package Manager: Pacman

• Release Model: Rolling release

• Philosophy: KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), user-centric

• Installation: Manual, command-line only

• Best for: Advanced users, enthusiasts, learning

• Pros: Always latest software, AUR (huge package repository), highly customizable

• Cons: Steep learning curve, can break, requires maintenance

Manjaro:

• Based on: Arch Linux

• Type: User-friendly Arch

• Installation: Graphical installer

• Desktop: XFCE, KDE, GNOME

• Best for: Users who want Arch benefits without complexity

• Pros: Easy to install, rolling release, AUR access

• Cons: Sometimes delays packages (can cause issues)

EndeavourOS:

• Based on: Arch Linux

• Type: Arch made easier (more minimal than Manjaro)

• Best for: Users wanting near-pure Arch with easier installation

Garuda Linux:

• Based on: Arch Linux

• Features: Gaming-focused, beautiful themes, performance tweaks

• Best for: Gamers, users wanting eye-candy

openSUSE Leap:

• Type: Community version

• Release Model: Fixed release (based on SUSE Linux Enterprise)

• Package Manager: Zypper/RPM

• Best for: Stability with modern software

• Features: YaST (powerful configuration tool)

openSUSE Tumbleweed:

• Release Model: Rolling release

• Best for: Users wanting latest software with good stability

• Features: Automated testing before updates

SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE):

• Type: Commercial, enterprise

• Best for: Enterprise servers, SAP systems

• Pros: Professional support, certified

Slackware:

• Founded: 1993 (oldest still maintained)

• Philosophy: Simplicity, stability, Unix-like

• Best for: Advanced users, purists

• Package Manager: pkgtool (basic)

• Pros: Very stable, clean, educational

• Cons: Manual dependency resolution, no automatic updates

Gentoo:

• Type: Source-based distribution

• Package Manager: Portage

• Philosophy: Compile everything from source, extreme customization

• Best for: Advanced users, performance enthusiasts

• Pros: Optimized for your hardware, ultimate control

• Cons: Very time-consuming, steep learning curve

Void Linux:

• Type: Independent, rolling release

• Init System: runit (not systemd)

• Best for: Minimalists, systemd alternatives

• Pros: Fast, minimal, stable rolling release

NixOS:

• Type: Unique, declarative configuration

• Features: Atomic upgrades, rollbacks

• Best for: Advanced users, reproducible systems

• Pros: Can rollback entire system, declarative config

• Cons: Different paradigm, learning curve

Security & Privacy:

Tails:

• Purpose: Privacy, anonymity

• Features: Routes through Tor, leaves no trace, runs from USB

• Best for: Journalists, activists, privacy advocates

Qubes OS:

• Purpose: Security through isolation

• Features: Runs everything in separate VMs

• Best for: Security professionals, paranoid users

Parrot OS:

• Purpose: Security, penetration testing

• Similar to: Kali Linux but more user-friendly

Lightweight/Old Hardware:

Puppy Linux:

• Size: ~300MB

• Features: Runs entirely in RAM, very fast

• Best for: Ancient computers, USB drives

antiX:

• Based on: Debian

• Features: No systemd, very lightweight

• Best for: Old hardware (256MB RAM)

Tiny Core Linux:

• Size: 11-16MB

• Features: Minimalist, modular

• Best for: Embedded systems, learning

Gaming:

SteamOS:

• Company: Valve

• Purpose: Gaming on Linux (Steam Deck)

• Based on: Arch Linux (version 3.0+)

Nobara:

• Based on: Fedora

• Purpose: Gaming and content creation

• Features: Pre-configured for gaming

Education:

Edubuntu:

• Based on: Ubuntu

• Purpose: Educational institutions

• Features: Educational software pre-installed

Multimedia:

Ubuntu Studio:

• Based on: Ubuntu

• Purpose: Audio, video, graphics production

• Features: Pre-installed creative software, low-latency kernel

Decision Tree:

START: What's your experience level?

│

├─ BEGINNER

│ │

│ ├─ Coming from Windows? → Linux Mint, Zorin OS

│ ├─ Coming from macOS? → elementary OS, Pop!_OS

│ ├─ Want latest software? → Fedora Workstation

│ └─ Want stability? → Ubuntu LTS, Linux Mint

│

├─ INTERMEDIATE

│ │

│ ├─ Like customization? → Manjaro, openSUSE

│ ├─ Want cutting-edge? → Fedora, openSUSE Tumbleweed

│ ├─ Developer? → Pop!_OS, Fedora, Ubuntu

│ └─ Gamer? → Pop!_OS, Garuda, Nobara

│

└─ ADVANCED

│

├─ Want to learn deeply? → Arch Linux, Gentoo

├─ Need stability? → Debian, Slackware

├─ Want control? → Arch, Gentoo, NixOS

└─ Server use? → Debian, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu Server

1. Hardware:

• Modern/Powerful: Any distribution

• Old/Weak: Puppy Linux, antiX, Lubuntu, LXLE

• Specific hardware: Pop!_OS (NVIDIA), System76 laptops

2. Purpose:

• Desktop/General: Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint

• Server: Debian, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu Server

• Development: Fedora, Pop!_OS, Ubuntu

• Gaming: Pop!_OS, Garuda, Nobara

• Security/Hacking: Kali Linux, Parrot OS

• Privacy: Tails, Qubes OS

• Learning Linux: Arch Linux, Gentoo

3. Support & Community:

• Large community: Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Fedora

• Commercial support: RHEL, SLES, Ubuntu

• Documentation: Arch Wiki (best), Ubuntu, Debian

4. Software Availability:

• Most software: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora

• AUR access: Arch-based (Arch, Manjaro)

• Enterprise apps: RHEL, SLES

5. Update Philosophy:

• Want stability: Debian Stable, Ubuntu LTS, AlmaLinux

• Want latest: Arch, Fedora, openSUSE Tumbleweed

• Balanced: Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE Leap

Top 10 for Beginners:

1. Linux Mint - Best overall for beginners

2. Ubuntu - Most popular, best support

3. Pop!_OS - Modern, excellent hardware support

4. Zorin OS - Windows-like interface

5. elementary OS - Beautiful, simple

6. Fedora Workstation - Modern, stable

7. Manjaro - User-friendly rolling release

8. MX Linux - Fast, stable, flexible

9. Lubuntu - Lightweight, beginner-friendly

10. Ubuntu MATE - Traditional desktop

Top 5 for Servers:

1. Ubuntu Server - Popular, well-supported

2. Debian - Very stable, lightweight

3. AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux - RHEL alternatives

4. Red Hat Enterprise Linux - Enterprise, commercial

5. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server - Enterprise

Top 5 for Advanced Users:

1. Arch Linux - Ultimate control, rolling release

2. Gentoo - Source-based, extreme customization

3. Debian - Stable, flexible

4. NixOS - Declarative, reproducible

5. Void Linux - Independent, fast

• Snap: Universal packages (Ubuntu-focused)

• Flatpak: Universal packages (distribution-agnostic)

• AppImage: Portable applications

• AUR (Arch User Repository): Community packages for Arch

Most Popular (General Desktop):

1. Ubuntu

2. Linux Mint

3. Debian

4. Fedora

5. Pop!_OS

Most Used (Servers):

1. Ubuntu Server

2. Debian

3. CentOS/AlmaLinux

4. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

5. Amazon Linux

Most Used (Cloud):

1. Ubuntu

2. Amazon Linux

3. Debian

4. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

5. CentOS/AlmaLinux

"I want something that just works" → Linux Mint or Ubuntu

"I'm a gamer" → Pop!_OS or Garuda Linux

"I'm a developer" → Fedora or Pop!_OS

"I have an old computer" → Lubuntu or antiX

"I want to learn Linux deeply" → Arch Linux

"I need it for work/business" → Ubuntu LTS or Fedora

"I want cutting-edge software" → Arch Linux or Fedora

"I value privacy" → Tails or Qubes OS

"I'm setting up a server" → Debian or AlmaLinux

"I want beautiful design" → elementary OS or Zorin OS

Key Takeaways

✅ Distributions are complete OS packages built around the Linux kernel

✅ No "best" distribution - depends on your needs, experience, and preferences

✅ Most distributions are free and can be tried without installing (live USB)

✅ You can switch distributions anytime - your files can be preserved

✅ Start beginner-friendly (Linux Mint, Ubuntu) and explore later

✅ Family matters - learning one helps with its derivatives (e.g., Ubuntu skills transfer to Mint)

✅ Package management is key difference between families

✅ Community and documentation are important for support

✅ Try before you install - most distros offer live sessions from USB

Final Advice: Start with Linux Mint or Ubuntu if you're new. Once comfortable, explore others based on your specific needs. The beauty of Linux is choice - there's a distribution for everyone!

A complete operating system built around the Linux kernel, including system utilities, package manager, applications, and optionally a desktop environment.

1. Linux Kernel

2. System Tools & Libraries (GNU utilities)

3. Package Manager

4. Applications & Utilities

5. Desktop Environment (optional)

To serve different purposes and audiences: beginners vs advanced users, desktop vs server, stability vs cutting-edge features, enterprise vs personal use, different philosophies and goals.

C) Programming language used (all use the same core languages)

1. Package Management System

2. Release Model

3. Default Desktop Environment

4. Target Audience

5. Philosophy & Goals

6. Pre-installed Software

1. Debian Family

2. Red Hat Family

3. Arch Linux Family

4. SUSE Family

5. Independent (Slackware, Gentoo, etc.)

.deb packages with APT/dpkg package manager

.rpm packages with YUM/DNF package manager

Pacman

Red Hat B) Debian C) Arch D) SUSE

B) Debian

Debian B) Red Hat C) Arch D) Independent

B) Red Hat

Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, elementary OS, Kubuntu (also accept: Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu MATE)

Manjaro, EndeavourOS, Garuda Linux

Debian is the parent → Ubuntu is based on Debian → Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu (grandfather → parent → child)

yum install nginx B) apt install nginx C) pacman -S nginx D) rpm -i nginx

B) apt install nginx

B) dnf install package

sudo apt update # Update package list

sudo apt upgrade # Upgrade packages

(or sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade)

B) dnf check-update or D) yum makecache (both acceptable)

1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C

B) .deb

1. Snap

2. Flatpak

3. AppImage

Arch User Repository - a community-driven repository for Arch Linux and Arch-based distributions

A) apt remove package (purge removes config files too)

A) pacman -S package

1. Fixed/Stable Release (scheduled releases)

2. Rolling Release (continuous updates)

3. Long-Term Support (LTS) (extended support)

A distribution that continuously updates without version numbers or major upgrades - you always have the latest software

Arch Linux, Manjaro, openSUSE Tumbleweed (also accept: Gentoo, Void Linux)

Long-Term Support - typically 3-10 years of security updates and support

C) 2 years (regular releases every 6 months)

C) 5 years

Always have the latest software without needing to reinstall or do major upgrades

Less stable, potential for breaking changes, requires more frequent updates and maintenance

B) Fixed release with LTS

1993 - focuses on free software, community-driven, stability over latest features

1. Stable (production)

2. Testing (next stable)

3. Unstable (Sid - development)

C) Canonical

1. Kubuntu (KDE)

2. Xubuntu (XFCE)

3. Lubuntu (LXQt)

4. Ubuntu MATE

5. Ubuntu Budgie

C) GNOME

Cinnamon (also offers MATE and XFCE editions)

B) Kali Linux

A Ubuntu-based distribution made by System76 (hardware manufacturer), optimized for developers and creators with excellent NVIDIA support

elementary OS

B) Debian

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

C) RHEL is commercial/enterprise with paid support, Fedora is free/community

Fedora serves as a testing ground for RHEL - new features are tested in Fedora before being included in RHEL

Every 6 months (with 13 months of support)

C) 7-10 years

CentOS (free RHEL clone) became CentOS Stream (rolling release). It was replaced by AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux as free RHEL alternatives.

B) AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

A rolling-release distribution that sits between Fedora and RHEL, serving as a preview of the next RHEL version

C) IBM (acquired in 2019)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) - optimized for AWS environments

Keep It Simple, Stupid - emphasizing simplicity and user-centrism

Rolling release

C) Manual, command-line only

Being one of the best and most comprehensive Linux documentation resources, useful even for non-Arch users

Manjaro is user-friendly with a graphical installer, while maintaining Arch's rolling release benefits and AUR access

B) Community-maintained packages (much larger selection)

XFCE, KDE Plasma, GNOME

Garuda Linux

EndeavourOS

1. openSUSE Leap (stable, fixed release)

2. openSUSE Tumbleweed (rolling release)

Yet another Setup Tool - a powerful graphical/text configuration tool unique to SUSE/openSUSE

C) zypper

Commercial enterprise distribution with professional support, commonly used for SAP systems

openSUSE Leap is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (community version of enterprise product)

Slackware (founded 1993)

Source-based distribution - compiles everything from source code, allowing extreme optimization for specific hardware

Portage (emerge command)

C) Optimized for your specific hardware

Uses runit instead of systemd as init system, independent rolling release

Declarative configuration system with atomic upgrades and easy rollbacks - entire system configured in one file

C) Tails

Security through isolation - runs everything in separate virtual machines

Puppy Linux, antiX, Lubuntu (also accept: Tiny Core Linux, LXLE)

C) SteamOS

Audio, video, and graphics production with pre-installed creative software and low-latency kernel

Kali Linux - both are security/penetration testing distributions, but Parrot is more user-friendly

11-16 MB (extremely minimal)

1. GNOME

2. KDE Plasma

3. XFCE

4. Cinnamon

5. MATE

KDE Plasma

XFCE (also accept: LXQt, LXDE)

C) Cinnamon

A fork of GNOME 2, maintaining the traditional desktop layout

GNOME

C) Ubuntu LTS (or Debian Stable, RHEL, AlmaLinux)

C) Fedora or Arch Linux (cutting-edge software)

C) antiX or Puppy Linux (lightweight)

B) Linux Mint or Zorin OS (familiar interface)

C) RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) or SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise)

B) Arch Linux or Gentoo (manual installation teaches fundamentals)

B) Pop!_OS or Garuda Linux (gaming optimizations)

C) Kali Linux (or Parrot OS)

B) Tails (privacy-focused, leaves no trace)

B) Amazon Linux (AWS-optimized)

apt search apache or apt-cache search apache

sudo dnf remove firefox

apt list --installed or dpkg -l

sudo pacman -Syu

sudo apt install vim git curl

lsb_release -a or cat /etc/os-release

sudo apt autoremove

dnf info nginx

dnf group list or yum grouplist

dpkg -S /usr/bin/python3 or apt-file search /usr/bin/python3

• More stable: Debian (especially Debian Stable)

• Newer software: Ubuntu (especially non-LTS releases)

• More cutting-edge: Fedora (latest features first)

• Longer support: Ubuntu LTS (5 years vs Fedora's 13 months)

• Easier for beginners: Ubuntu

• More control: Arch Linux

• Rolling: Always latest software (advantage: no major upgrades needed)

• Fixed: More stable (advantage: predictable, tested releases)

• apt remove: Removes package but keeps configuration files

• apt purge: Removes package AND configuration files

RHEL is commercial with paid support; CentOS was a free, community-supported clone (binary-compatible)

• .deb: Debian family (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint)

• .rpm: Red Hat family (RHEL, Fedora, CentOS) and SUSE family

True (but may use different kernel versions)

False (.deb is for Debian-based, Fedora uses .rpm)

False (Ubuntu is based on Debian)

True (continuous updates, no version upgrades)

False (Fedora is free and community-driven; RHEL is commercial)

False (specialized for security testing, not for general use)

False (most do, but some use alternatives like runit, OpenRC)

False (command-line only; derivatives like Manjaro have GUI installers)

True (focus on stability and security, not new features)

True (distribution-agnostic universal package formats)

• Base: Original distribution (Debian, Arch, Red Hat)

• Derivative: Built on top of base, customized (Ubuntu from Debian, Manjaro from Arch)

RHEL provides professional support, certifications, guaranteed stability, and SLAs - critical for enterprise environments

Packages that will become the next stable release - newer than stable but more tested than unstable

Software compiled for RHEL will run on AlmaLinux without modification (identical binary interfaces)

To test packages before release for additional stability (though this can sometimes cause compatibility issues with AUR)

A framework for creating distributions (e.g., Yocto Project for embedded systems)

• Server: No GUI by default, optimized for servers, long-term stability

• Desktop: GUI included, user-friendly applications, desktop-optimized

Run sudo apt update to refresh the package database

Run sudo apt install -f (fix broken dependencies)

Repository might not be enabled (check with dnf repolist and enable needed repos)

Check Arch News for breaking changes and follow manual intervention instructions

1. Add PPA (Personal Package Archive)

2. Use Snap/Flatpak

3. Download and compile from source

1. Backup important data

2. Check release notes for breaking changes

3. Update current system fully

4. Test in VM first (if critical system)

Use the distribution's package manager (apt, dnf, etc.) - ensures updates, dependencies, and security

No - mixing .deb and .rpm or using repos from different distros can cause conflicts and break the system

LTS - stability and long support are more important than latest features in production

1. Repository trustworthiness

2. Package signatures

3. Reviews/reputation

4. Official documentation

Debian family (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)

Red Hat family (Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, AlmaLinux)

Arch Linux family (Arch, Manjaro, EndeavourOS)

Debian-based

Red Hat-based

dpkg or apt (Debian-based systems)

rpm, dnf, yum, or zypper (Red Hat or SUSE-based)

1. AlmaLinux - Binary-compatible with RHEL, community-supported

2. Rocky Linux - Binary-compatible with RHEL, created by CentOS founder

Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or Linux Mint XFCE (lightweight, same family for familiarity)

Fedora (cutting-edge tools, excellent container support) or Pop!_OS

RHEL, SUSE Linux Enterprise, or Ubuntu Pro (with extended support)

Linux Mint (Ubuntu-based but uses Flatpak instead of Snap)

Configuration management (all distros) or NixOS (declarative config for reproducibility)

Arch Linux or Gentoo (forces understanding of system components)

Ubuntu Studio (multimedia-focused with pro tools)

1. Linux Mint

2. Ubuntu

3. Pop!_OS

1. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

2. SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE)

3. Ubuntu Server (with support)

1. Debian (.deb/apt)

2. Red Hat (.rpm/dnf)

3. Arch (pacman)

1. Purpose (desktop/server/specialized)

2. Experience level

3. Support/documentation availability

4. Hardware compatibility

5. Release model preference (Any 3 acceptable)

1-D, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C, 5-E