Choosing a Linux Distro

Before you can take advantage of the powerful, free solution Linux provides for your everyday computing needs, you need to choose and download a distribution first. The following link provides a listing of both mainstream and enthusiast versions, or "flavors" of Linux. Most distributions, or "distros" are built from one of two main Linux versions; Red Hat or Debian.

There are a few subtle difference between the two, which we will explain here. Perhaps the biggest difference between a Red Hat and Debian based distribution is the way the "super user" account is administered. Think of super user as an administrator account. In essence, they are one in the same. It allows you access to the file system outside of your "home" directory. Any changes made to the system, such as installing software, updating your computer, or moving files into protected system areas must be done as the super user.

While we detail installing a Linux system in another article, we will mention one main difference between the two systems that occurs during the install procedure. On a Red Hat based system, you will be prompted to enter a user name and password, as well a second password for administrative purposes. On a Debian based system, you will be asked for only a user name and password.

The reason is, Red Hat systems separate the user and administrator passwords, while Debian does not. Every time you start up your Linux system, you will be asked for your user name and password before you can access any part of the system. You can override this during the install process by telling Linux to log you in automatically, though we do not recommend doing this.

Once you are logged into your Linux system, you will have "read and write" access to only the files in your "home" folder. All other directories and folders provide "read-only" access. This means you can only change or edit files in your "home" folder as the logged-in user. Changes to any other folders within the system can only be done with administrator or "super user" access.

In both systems, you will be prompted for your administrative password before making any changes to the system. These include installing new software, security updates, or editing system files. The administrative password you enter during the installation of a Red Hat system is the only password you can use to access these system wide files. Under a Debian distribution, your user password acts as your administrator password as well.

The advantage of having only one password to remember is fairly obvious, while the argument could be made that employing two separate passwords provides better security. The choice is up to you. We have used both extensively, and see no real need for a second password. Also, if you have more than one user registered on your Debian system, only the original user - the person who installed the system - will have administrator access. This can be changed, but that is another issue for another day.

Once you decide which branch (Red Hat or Debian) you prefer, the next step is to choose a Linux distro that will suit your needs. If you are just coming to Linux from another operating system, such as Windows, we suggest you start with Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is easy to use, and well maintained. Installation is a snap, and support for recent drivers seems to be better than some other distributions. It's Gnome desktop interface should be familiar to most Windows' XP users, and may even appeal to those who were turned off by Vista and Windows 7.

This does not mean that other Linux flavors are difficult to understand; we are just stating that Ubuntu has gone to great lengths to make the desktop user more comfortable. An offshoot of Ubuntu, "Mint Linux" is a tribute to how well Ubuntu has managed their distribution.

There is one other Linux distribution that bears mentioning. Open Suse is the free version of Novell's Suse Linux operating system. It has strong community support, plus Novell's expertise in both Linux and Unix behind it.

The nice thing about Linux is, you can experiment with different versions - providing you have the time - until you settle on one you like. The only cost will be that of a blank DVD or USB stick. Below, we have listed links to what we believe are the most compatible Linux distributions to get you started. If you need help, each of the listed distros has easily accessible online documentation, community support, and forums to get you started. Have fun.