There’s a desktop edition, server edition, and various flavors available if you prefer an alternative desktop environment. Canonical publishes new LTS (long term support) releases every two years like clockwork, always breathing fresh life into the operating system and keeping it on par with the latest software developments.ĭownload Ubuntu by going to and clicking on Download. It’s best known for being user friendly and having great support. It’s developed by Canonical and based on Debian. Ubuntu is probably the most well known among all the Linux distributions.

In this guide, we’ll try to make the decision process a little easier by comparing the most popular Linux distributions and helping you download the one that suits you best.ĭownload pages of the most popular Linux Distributions Some refer to this combination as GNU/Linux or LiGNUx, but it has become more common (and erroneous) to simply say Linux, with the understanding that GNU software is pretty much implied.Ĭhoosing the right distribution to download can seem a little overwhelming, as there are many options. GNU makes its way onto most distributions, which is a collection of free software. Generally, most or all of the software included in a Linux distribution is the same way. The Linux kernel is free and open source.

Such software usually includes a package manager, desktop environment, and other common tools you’d expect to find. They’re also what make each distribution unique. These additions are what make Linux usable out of the box and give the user an operating system experience. Linux distributions, or distros, all share the same kernel but come preloaded with a slew of software and utilities. When people say “Linux,” what are they actually referring to? Linux isn’t technically an operating system itself, but a kernel that serves as the foundation for a fully packaged operating system.

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