There is no universal distribution of the Linux operating system. Each of them is "sharpened" for a certain range of tasks. The choice of a distribution kit is determined by the needs of the user, as well as the capabilities and parameters of his computer.
Instructions
Step 1
If you've never dealt with Linux before, opt for Ubuntu. This distribution kit takes up relatively little space, has good hardware compatibility, and most importantly, is easy to learn. Even a person far from technology can learn how to work with this version of Linux, sometimes in just a week. If desired, you can install it directly from Windows.
Step 2
The Mandriva distribution is not much more difficult to master. But in the Linux community, he is often justly criticized. It has been noticed that Mandriva users are reluctant to learn the basics of using the console, making various settings - situations when manual intervention in the system is required, just hardly arise. However, for a person who is going to use Linux, rather than study, this can be a plus.
Step 3
There are users for whom not only free software is important, but also freedom. The Fedora distribution is intended for them. There are very few closed source components in it. Please note, however, that it is designed primarily for American users, and there is no software for decoding patent-protected media formats (in the US, software is subject not only to copyright, as in Russia and Europe, but also to patent). Even an MP3 file cannot be listened to without downloading an additional program.
Step 4
For those who want to immediately get all the necessary applications after installing Linux without downloading additional packages, Debian is suitable. Occupying several DVDs, it contains a suite of programs for all occasions. Choose this distribution only if you have not only unlimited access to the Internet, but also fast, and there is enough space on your hard disk.
Step 5
All Linux distributions ship as a set of compiled files. But one of them, called Gentoo, is special. It is built from source codes right during installation. Stop your choice on it if you are an experienced user who is not afraid to experiment.
Step 6
On a netbook or other machine with limited processing power and small storage devices, it is good to keep the PuppyRus distribution kit. Even via GPRS, if it is unlimited, you can download it in just half a day (however, a number of applications will most likely need to be downloaded and installed separately). The JWM graphical shell loads very quickly even on slow processors.
Step 7
From a disused, low-power computer with a Pentium 1 or even 486 processor, you can make a router that runs the Freesco distribution. Fitting only one floppy disk, it allows you to configure your router through an intuitive interface. Freesco works stably with multiple network cards in the computer. Despite the fact that the maintenance of routers is its only official purpose, in practice, enthusiasts use it to connect laptops released in the early nineties to the Internet.
