A distribution is a prepackaged version of Linux. Typically, a distribution comes on one or more discs and contains a copy of the Linux kernel and various software packages you can install. There is a setup program to select, install and configure the various packages, allowing you to include only the packages that are of particular interest to you.

Regardless of which distribution you use, all will include the same core files: the official Linux kernel, X Windows, GNU development tools, and so forth. The primary differences are where the packages are installed, what configuration tools are available and how much you are paying for customer support.

There are many distributions currently available. Some are non-English versions. Some are designed for embedded development. However, there are five major distributions in common use in North America: Debian, Red Hat (Enterprise), Mandriva (formerly Mandrake), Slackware, Novell S.u.S.E.

A meta-distribution is a variation of one of the major distributions of Linux. A company that produces a meta-distribution waits for the release of a major distribution and then changes the configuration and pre-packaged software and releases a new CD-ROM set.

Linux is in constant development and updates to distributions occur on a weekly basis.

 I need a strictly open source distribution.

The Debian distribution focuses on free software. It is not the easiest to use or install but is popular with open source enthusiasts.

 What is the most popular distribution?

The most popular distribution in North America is Red Hat. Red Hat comes in to versions. Fedora is an unsupported Red Hat with virtually no testing between releases--you must maintain and repair this distribution yourself. Red Hat Enterprise (ES or AS) is tested and you expensive fees for support.

 Can I try out Red Hat Enterprise without purchasing?

White Box Linux is a free meta-distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise.

 Is there an easy-to-manage alternative to Red Hat?

Mandriva is a Red Hat meta-distribution that is designed for ease of use. It contains many tools to automate the system administration jobs.

 What something that is easy to install?

SuSE (German acronym, pronounced "Zoo-sah") is the Novell version of Linux. The quality is similar to Red Hat enterprise. Novell is dedicated to their product and ship with it a C# compiler and Microsoft .Net support. It also features better international language support and a wider range of products.

 I'm from a UNIX background. What's a good distro?

Slackware is the oldest of the popular distributions. Although there has been many predictions of its demise, Slackware remains one of the top distributions and it has a file structure that looks like the commerical UNIXs.

 Is there a version I can try out without installing anything?

Knoppix is a version of Linux that can be run straight from a CD-ROM. It supports most common hardware.

 I am a hobbyist. I want something small. Can I "roll my own" distribution?

When you download the Linux kernel, it contains extensive information about what you need to do to build your own version of Linux. Since most Linux software is open source, you can download and install just what you need. Some hobbyists will start with a minimum install of one of the major distributions and then build any additional software they need.