This document discusses factors to consider when choosing a GNU/Linux distribution. It outlines key deciding factors such as installer type, hardware support, package management, desktop environments, experience level, support options, and philosophical approach. While there is no single best distribution, the document encourages testing multiple options to find the best fit based on individual priorities and needs.

1. By
Buddhika Siddhisena
bud@thinkcube.com
bud@babytux.org
Choosing your GNU/Linux distribution

2. 2
Agenda
What is a GNU/Linux distribution?
Deciding factors
Installer
Hardware support
Package Management
Desktop Environments
Experience
Support
Politics/Philosophy
Take the test!

3. 3
What is a GNU/Linux distribution
+ =
GNU
tools
Linux
kernel
GNU/Linux
Birth of a new Operating System
+
GNU/Linux
Installer, config tools,
package management

4. 4
Deciding Factors – Installer
Graphical installers looks
better and are more intuitive
but may be slow on old
hardware.
Text installers work better
on old hardware and are
more stable.

5. 5
Deciding Factors – Config tools
Config tools make configuring network
services, hardware and updating the
system easier.

6. 6
Deciding Factors – Hardware detection (Automatic Vs Manual)
Hardware Detection
Kudzu Discover dbus hotplug coldplug
Kernel
drivers
Hardware detection database & libraries Hardware monitoring & notification
Auto
mount CD
Auto mount USB
Flash drives
Digital camera
Desktop icon
Configure new
graphics card
Configure new
network card
Configure new
printer
Configure new
wireless card

7. 7
Deciding Factors – Package management
Source.tar.gz
Binary
package
Compile
/usr/local/
package
Install
src.rpm src.debebuild
Meta data=pkg name, version,dependencies,
pre/post-processes, checksum, digital signature
binary.rpm binary.deb
Compile
package
installed
package (/usr/, /etc, /var )
Database
Compile
&
Install
Install
Yum/apt apt
+
emerge
Package
front-end

8. 8
Deciding Factors – Branches
Deciding Factors – Package management
Does the distribution have multiple branches
Stable branch for servers
Testing branch for conservatives
Bleeding Edge branch for trying out the latest & greatest
Experimental branch for hackers and wanna be's
KDE vs Gnome branch (Ubuntu vs Kubuntu)
Light-weight branch vs Modern desktop (Vector vs Vector
SOHO)

9. 9
Deciding Factors – Desktop environments
GNU/Linux provides a variety of desktop environments that are highly
customizable
KDE and GNOME are two of the most popular desktop environments that
mimic somewhat of a MS windows type of desktop.
Fluxbox is a very light weight window manager/desktop suitable for low-
end machines or for running resource hungry apps.
XFCE is also a light weight desktop environment that is very fast.
Other enhancements such as skins, splash screens, icons, desktop
components act as good eye candy to enhance look and feel.
Other technologies such as translucency, text-to-speech (TTS), voice
recognition and 3d environments are evolving enhancements.

10. 10
Deciding Factors – Desktop environments

11. 11
Deciding Factors - Experience
Experience
Setting up
servers
Configuring
hardware
Compiling
Kernels
Working with
packages
Writing shell scripsSolving problems
using Google

12. 12
Deciding Factors – Support
Commercial support
Extended support (Longer lifetime)
Priority download of updates
Support Hotline
Certified hardware/software
Community support
Mailing lists
Forums
Project popularity and activity
Community attitude
Documentation (Howto, wiki's etc.)

13. 13
Deciding Factors – Philosophies & Politics
There is no escaping Philosophical
discussions and Politics
After all its more than a mere distribution
its a community

14. 14
Best GNU/Linux distro
What is the best GNU/Linux disto?
There isn't a correct answer
It is a matter of choice
“Choice, the problem is choice”
- neo, The Matrix Reloaded
Try not to make it a problem

15. 15
Thank You!
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http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/