Linux OS Distributions - The Main Linux Distro Components - Linux Training - CDs / Online

Generally speaking, the main Linux software components that are combined to create a Linux distribution are

described below.

The Linux OS Kernel - The "Core" Of A Linux System

Linux Distributions - What They Are And Who Creates Them

A Linux distribution is a "version" of Linux. It is a collection of Linux software components, such as the Linux OS, GNU commands and other Linux software, that is put together by one or more people, or an organization, and given a name, and then "distributed" to the marketplace.

Many different companies, groups of people, and individuals create Linux distributions. These range from large corporations, to non-profit companies, and people that have a huge amount of free time!

In addition to providing Linux software components, whoever puts together a distribution typically provides their own installation routine, software manuals and technical support. Some of these organizations also provide other services, such as professional installation and custom programming.

There are currently over 130 Linux distributions.

Getting Free Linux Distributions and Getting Paid Linux Distributions

You can get a Linux distribution via download, on CD, or on DVD. One of the best and easiest ways to find out the Linux distro that's right for you is to use a Linux "live" version.

You can download lots of Linux distros for free - or order them very inexpensively to be delivered by mail - and this includes several different Linux "live" CDs (or DVDs).

To run a Linux "live" version so you can "try out" a version of Linux, just boot your system from Linux "live" CD or DVD and then the complete Linux distro - desktop and all - starts up and runs - entirely from the CD or DVD.

Linux Commands Training Tips: When you run a "live" version of Linux, no installation is required! You'll find out much more on this later.

Very technically speaking, the Linux operating system is just the Linux kernel, which does the "core" operating system functions described earlier.

But you can't do anything on a computer system by using just the kernel!

The GNU Commands - Allow You To Do Linux System Administration

When the GNU commands are installed on a system that has the Linux kernel, they provide you with a system that boots and allows you to access your hardware components, and gives you access to the hard disk, but you still can't do much with it!

At this point, you don't have any server software installed, or a Linux desktop, or any application software programs.

Linux Server Software Programs

Linux server software, such as the Apache web server and Linux networking software, such as router software give a GNU / Linux system the capability of working as a server or providing some type of a service to a network.

Linux Desktops - The X Window System, Window Manager - GNOME, KDE Or "Other"

The X Window System and a window manager, like Sawfish, provide the foundation and "look and feel" for a Linux desktop and there are lots of Linux desktops to choose from. Two of the most popular Linux desktops are the GNOME and KDE desktops.

Linux Application Software Programs - Like The Open Office Suite

There are thousands of Linux software programs, of which the Open Office Suite is one of the most popular, are used to give a Linux desktop the capability of doing thousands of tasks - including office productivity tasks.

Learn Linux Commands Now with Linux Commands Videos - Click here to Order

Learn How to Use Linux in General - Featuring Ubuntu Linux - NOW - Click Here to Order

Click here to see free sample Linux Commands training videos