What Are The Differences Between Linux Distributions If They Are All Linux?

When you are considering a switch to Linux it's easy to become confused by the choice of so many versions. Our website focuses on the fundamentals of desktop applications and recommends Ubuntu MATE and Linux Mint for new switchers from other operating systems. If you would like to try other distributions, this article will help you make the choice by looking at some of the key differences between Linux distributions.

When using Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS, your choice is limited. It seems like there is only one current version of each. In reality, there are different versions for different situations (like desktop, tablet, phone, home, business, and server versions) but they are all marketed as "Windows" or as "macOS".

So if they are all Linux, why are there so many distributions and what are the real differences? At first blush the most obvious differences between Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, Debian, openSUSE, and many other variants of Linux are cosmetic. The theme, style, and behavior of application windows are different.

WHY so many versions of Linux exist is deeper. The "why" is rooted in the open source philosophy behind Linux. That philosophy is based on freedom. The freedom to use the software for any purpose you choose, to change it to suit your needs, and to provide your changes to others. In other words, the freedom of choice. Along with choice come all of the Linux Distribution options you can choose from.

Each Linux distribution is a project unto itself, with a project leader who sets the project aims and goals and helps determine:

• What kind of computer user it's meant for.
• What software will be pre-installed.
• What Desktop Environment(s) the distribution will use.
• What Package format and package manager will be used.
• What Display server will be provided.

Let's discuss each of these.

What Kind Of Computer User Are You?

Linux distributions can exist to serve the needs of different kinds of computer users. For example, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, but contains different system tools, a different desktop environment, and a minty green theme. Its primary focus is on Windows and macOS users just starting to use Linux. Debian, on the other hand, aims to provide an extremely stable distribution and therefore contains older, more stable versions of software.

Another way of looking at this is to ask, "What is the user trying to DO with Linux?" For example, there are gaming distributions like Steam OS, or multimedia distributions like Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio.

What Software Is Pre-Installed?

Some distributions exist because the project's creators liked some aspects of an existing distribution but wanted to substitute, remove, or add some software packages. The people behind each Linux distribution choose what software they include. They include the software they think will best fit the purpose of the distribution. For example, audio and video production apps for entertainment studio distributions, or a selection of easy to use software for new users.

Another example: Several file managers are available for Linux, such as Caja, Nautilus, and Konqueror, each offering a different way to browse files. The project leaders determine which they will offer in their distribution.

Which Desktop Environment?

A desktop environment is the bundle of programs that you interact with the operating system and the software applications. The most visible place that distributions differ is in which desktop environment they use.

For example, Ubuntu's official flavors offer several desktop environments depending on which flavor you choose:

• Ubuntu (the main version) includes the GNOME desktop
• Kubuntu uses KDE
• Lubuntu includes LXQt
• Ubuntu Budgie has the Budgie desktop
• Ubuntu MATE includes the MATE desktop
• Ubuntu Cinnamon uses the Cinnamon desktop
• Xubuntu includes Xfce

Other distributions have a more modest selection of desktops available, often offered as "spins", each of which contains a different desktop environment. An example distribution that does this is Fedora. If you like the Apple look, you'll find the macOS-inspired Pantheon desktop on Elementary OS.

Which Package Format And Package Manager?

The people behind the distribution also choose the package format and package managers for installing the software packages. If you are coming from Windows, most software applications are provided in the "exe" or "msi" package format. Apple uses the "dmg" package format.

On Debian-based distributions such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint, the package format is "deb" and program "dpkg" is the package installer, accessed via the apt dependency resolver. For CentOS, "rpm" is the package format and the package manager responds to commands using the program "yum".

In addition to standard formats, there are also universal package types like Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage. Support for all of these can be installed on almost any Linux distribution if it's not provided by default.

Which Display Servers?

A display server is a selection of tools, applications, processes, and servers that determine how Linux runs. This software coordinates the communication of information between the computer hardware and the display, letting you interact with the graphical user interface (GUI).

Historically, the X.Org Server has been most commonly used. Various alternatives are available such as Mir, and SurfaceFlinger which is used on Android (which uses the Linux Kernel). Wayland is seen as the future of the Linux display server with many popular distributions adopting it.

 Summary

Although the desktop environment is the most visible difference between distributions, the Linux kernel is the software that runs under the hood that makes Linux Linux. The "try before you buy" philosophy of open source combined with the idea that most software is free to use, gives you the freedom to find the right Linux distribution for you without spending money and with little to no risk.

Desktop distributions of Linux are designed with security built-in and with protection from viruses and spyware included. Linux is secure, requiring minimal maintenance. Most desktop distributions provide automatic security updates and software upgrades for both the operating system and all of your installed applications. Linux security updates are upgradeable for life at no additional charge.

Although the different distributions of Linux may look and behave differently and have different applications installed by default, they all have the benefits that Linux gives you. So even if you choose a distribution that's designed for beginners, it is capable enough for even the most experienced computer user because, well, it's Linux! It has the power of every other Linux built-in. Simply put, it provides a powerful and practical alternative to other operating systems.