http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1164883,00.asp
Note: This is the second of our eight part series on Desktop Linux. We've already looked at Lindows 2.0, and over the next week we'll bring you a review each day of four other leading distros. On Friday we'll wrap it all up with a bonus: a look at Lycoris Desktop/LX. So join us all week at our Desktop Linux SuperGuide as we explore the new, and increasingly more useful world of Linux. - Editor
If you have ever considered Linux as an alternative operating system, but were not willing to invest the time because you were concerned about a steep learning curve, potential glitches, or the possible loss of valuable data, now is great time to reconsider GNU/Linux for desktop use. About a year ago, Linux became more accessible to the uninitiated user with the releases of several refined, easy to install, and more user-friendly versions. This year, there have been even more improvements, and there are now even more distributions to choose from. We have updated and added new insights to all of our reviews from Linux: The Time is Now--be sure to check it out.
Starting on Monday October 21st, we will spend all week examining the cream of the GNU/Linux crop: Mandrake Linux 9.0 on Monday, SuSE 8.1 Tuesday, Red Hat 8.0 on Wednesday, and Libranet 2.7 (a Debian GNU/Linux system that adds simplicity to a system once reserved for the experts) on Thursday. Friday we'll quickly revisit Lycoris Desktop/LX, a distribution that is dedicated and focused entirely upon improving the GNU/Linux desktop experience, and wrap up our Desktop Linux Blowout Week.
Last year, we also examined some new file systems like the Reiser File System (ReiserFS), IBM's JFS (journaling file system), and ext2/ext3 (extended file systems). These file systems have matured and stabilized. Most of the distributions now use the ext3 file system instead of the ext2 file system as their default. Since the ext3 file system seems to be the de facto Linux file system this year, it's the file system that we used in each of our tests for the current distros.
This year, we'll focus more on what has changed in the distros, how the different versions distinguish themselves, and what we can look forward to seeing in the months that lie ahead. We'll also be discussing the latest improvements that have been made to further simplify and organize installations, improve performance, and increase the usability of the systems. In the past year we've also seen a strong emphasis on improving the desktop applications that are included in the popular GNU/Linux distributions, and we'll touch on those as well.
GNU/Linux distributions are based on a variety of freely available software. The majority of this software is available under license terms that require the source code to be made freely available. This license is called the GNU General Public License (GPL). Each of the operating systems reviewed comes with pre-packaged software, so you do not have to be concerned about compiling and building software from scratch. Should you ever want to examine or modify the software, however, that option is always available.
Notice that we use the term GNU/Linux distributions. Let's define what that means. The software is really not one distinct entity. Instead, it is a collection of software, and that is why it is commonly called a distribution – or shortened to distro. Only one component really deserves to be called Linux, in the technical sense-- the Linux kernel. The majority of the base components come from the GNU Project, which was started in 1984 by Richard Stallman, who founded the Free Software Foundation (FSF) in order to build a freely available operating system-- one that would always have source code available.
By 1990, most of the operating system components had been written, with the exception of the kernel, which was in its infancy. In 1991, Linus Torvalds developed a small Intel 80386 kernel based on UNIX concepts and another small and pre-existing kernel called Minix. The GNU kernel, called GNU Hurd, had not yet matured, so Torvalds, as an experiment, took a few utilities from the GNU project and coupled them with his own small kernel. The results were encouraging, and the interest in the project was far greater than anything that Torvalds had ever envisioned.
Instead of a personal project, the work soon became a worldwide, distributed effort. Within a couple of years, companies that put together the bits and pieces of software from diverse projects were formed and created distributions. In the reviews that follow, we'll be looking at the current state of a few of the well known distributions and a look at a few other distributions that merit attention because of their distinctive characteristics.
The reason that so many people are thinking about trying out GNU/Linux is that it is stable, reliable, flexible, inexpensive, and fun. Not only that, but much of the software that powers the Internet today is based on GNU/Linux systems, including the Apache Web server, a wide variety of Web browsers, Email programs, news readers, and chat programs. Many of these technologies were either invented or advanced using GNU-based systems, and many of those systems run GNU/Linux.
The Reviewed Distros – A Quicktake Each of the five systems selected for review is highly regarded by the GNU/Linux community, but for different reasons. We'll briefly highlight key features of the reviewed distros so you have a good idea of their core strengths, how they are targeted, and how they are perceived before we actually dive into the detailed reviews. * Red Hat is widely considered the most popular and well-known version of GNU/Linux. Red Hat offers the broadest set of products and services in comparison to the other vendors, and they offer a wider variety of support services as well, so if these factors are important to you, Red Hat may be your best choice. * Mandrake is appreciated for its combination of flexibility and ease of installation. Many people who are trying out Linux for the first time will opt for Mandrake because it offers an appealing blend of easy to install software coupled with a great number of different options that appeal to both the novice and the experienced administrator. * SuSE is known for its attention to detail and for the great number of software packages available. There is actually little difference between SuSE and Mandrake in terms of simplicity. Both distributions offer a simple installation procedure and a well organized control center to manage the software and its configuration, but SuSE has the advantage of providing even more software in its entry level offering. Some people also prefer SuSE's package organization and presentation over the methods used in other distributions. In addition to this, SuSE is widely recognized as Western Europe's leading distribution, a title sought by Mandrake, but still retained by SuSE. * Libranet is known for bringing simplicity to the Debian GNU/Linux system. Debian-based systems have long been known for having the most flexible software updates in the business, but they are also known for a being a challenge to install and configure. Previously, they have been appreciated only by developers. Libranet changes all of that, and brings the power and flexibility within reach of consumers. Since the last time we looked at Libranet, further improvements have been made to the hardware detection, video setup, and the disk partition handling, which make Libranet easier than ever to install and configure. * Lycoris Desktop/LX is the first GNU/Linux desktop system to place its entire focus on improving the desktop user experience. Other vendors are also showing greater interest in the desktop, but Lycoris demonstrates that simplicity and ease of use can actually be attained in software once thought to be usable only by computer professionals and engineers. * Lindows: We covered Lindows recently, and it also provides a much simpler UI and is receiving a positive response from new Linux users.
We now have more Linux choices than ever. We'll take a look at each distribution over the next week and examine the characteristics that differentiate them and the common traits they all share. Mandrake is the first distro we review in depth, and it will be followed by reviews of Red Hat, SuSE, Libranet, and Lycoris over the next week or so.
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