| Beginner's Guide |
What does DistroWatch do?
The Linux family of operating systems is huge. There are currently over 300 actively developed Linux distributions. Many of these distributions run on workstations and laptops, some run on servers and super computers, some of them run on smartphones. Linux distributions provide a vast range of functions and are available in an incredible variety of styles.
This variety and diversity is both useful and powerful, for people who are familiar with the technology and options available. Having a range of Linux distribution is a lot like having a well stocked toolbox. However, the huge number of distributions can also be overwhelming for newcomers and people not yet familiar with all of the options. To further complicate matters, each Linux distribution tends to provide information in different formats, organize their websites differently, use different tools for managing applications, and have different philosophies guiding development. This makes navigating the sea of Linux distributions chaotic.
DistroWatch exists to organize and make sense of all the various Linux distributions. We gather up information on each distribution, sorting and tagging all of the data on each distribution's applications, technologies, and infrastructure. Then we present this information in a consistent format.
We also track the development of new versions of distributions and publish announcements for new releases on our front page. We share key news stories from around the Linux community, and provide download links for the latest new versions. We also provide search tools to help people pick the right distribution for them, provide simplified manual pages to help people learn Linux-based technologies, and provide tips and answers to commonly asked questions.
We also offer a glossary to help people understand the technical terms many people in the Linux community use. Plus we link to hardware vendors who sell computers and phones with Linux pre-installed to make getting Linux easier. Additional information on what we do and how we do it can be found in our frequently asked questions. To wrap it all up, we share a weekly newsletter to help people keep up to date with what is happening in the world of Linux and open source software.
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What is a distro or distribution? •
Table of Contents •
What is open source software?
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