Linux Distributions
In any operating system can distinguish 4 main parts: the kernel, file structure, the shell user commands and utilities. Kernel - this is the main determining part of the OS that manages the hardware and implementation of programs. File structure - a system for storing files on storage devices. Shells or shell - a program that organizes the user interaction with the computer. Finally, the utility - it's just individual programs, which, generally speaking, not fundamentally different from other programs that run on the user, unless its main purpose - they are off duty.
As mentioned above, to be precise, the word "Linux" refers only to the kernel. So when it comes to operating system, it would be better to say "operating system based on the kernel Linux". The core of the Linux operating system developed under the guidance of Linus Torvalds and is distributed freely (on the basis of a license GPL), as well as a lot of other software tools and applications. One consequence of the free software distribution for Linux was the fact that a large number of different firms and companies, as well as simply independent groups of developers have to produce so-called distributions of Linux.
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Distribution is a set of software, including all 4 major components of the operating system, ie, the kernel, file system, shell, and a set of utilities, as well as some set of applications. Usually, all programs included in the distribution Linux, distributed under the GPL, so that might give the impression that the distribution can produce anybody, rather, anyone who is not bothered to gather a collection of free software. And some degree of plausibility in this statement is. However, the developer distribution should at least create an installation program that will install the OS on the computer that is no OS yet. In addition, it is necessary to ensure resolution of interdependencies and conflicts between different packages (and versions of packages), which, as we shall see later, is also a nontrivial task.
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Nevertheless, nowadays there are more than a hundred different Linux distros, and all the time new ones arrive. More or less complete free Linux distro list can be found on the server http://www.linuxhq.com, which gives a brief description of each Linux distribution. In addition, there are also links to other best Linux distribution lists, so if you want you can find everything that exists in the world.
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 How to make up your mind selecting your distro among popular Linux distributions. There could be a classification of paid and free Linux distributions, basing the following criteria:
- structure of the file system;
- installation program;
- used means installing software packages;
- of utilities and applications included in the distribution.
Although the differences between the distributions are not essential. Nowadys there are at least 3 groups of distributions, the most typical representatives of which are Red Hat, Slackware and Debian.
 By what criterion to choose the distribution? In my opinion, there should be a team, providing support for distribution. And it's better if this team has on this (or perhaps some other) of some income, ie, operates as a commercial firm. Even during the relatively brief period, during which I have been doing Linux, managed to leave the stage several distributions, support teams have worked on a voluntary basis and after a while ceased to support their development.
Of course, there are quite a few other Linux distros and it's really hard to say exactly what are the best Linux distributions. Do you need small Linux distro? Or a netbook Linux distro? Maybe the lightweight Linux distro champion is Damn Small Linux. It is a very small 50MB mini desktop oriented small Linux distribution. Another one solution is Puppy Linux, also very nice choice among small Linux distros.
In 2000, there were distributions Best Linux (http://bestlinux.net), supported by SOT of Finland, and RosLinux. But, in my opinion, if we talk about choosing a distribution, then today deserve the attention of only three different distributions: Red Hat Linux, Linux Mandrake (and its descendant ALTLinux) and ASPLinux. I can cite the following arguments in favor of this choice:
- These distributions belong to the family of distributions that are based on Red Hat Linux, published by the same name by the American firm, but judging by the materials of the Internet, Red Hat - is the most widespread worldwide distribution.
- Each of them has enough well-honed installation procedure, automatically recognizes most hardware components, which greatly facilitates the installation procedure of the system.
- Easy to install (added) additional software, since it comes in RPM-packages (this is the technology of software distribution, such as the setup program under Windows).
- These distributions Supports the development teams and are constantly updated, so you can count on the fact that you will have the opportunity to work with recent versions of Linux.
 A few words about the version numbers. One must distinguish between version numbers and distributions of the kernel version number. When we talk about versions of Linux, you usually have in mind for the kernel version (for affiliation to the Linux operating system is determined by the fact that the OS uses the kernel Linux). Since Linus Torvalds continues to coordinate the development kernel, kernel developed consistently, and do not branch and multiply, as distributions.
Versions of the Linux kernel is denoted by three numbers separated by periods. For example, the distribution Black Cat Version 5.2 was built based on kernel version 2.0.36, ie, it was Linux version 2.0.36. Versions of the nucleus with an odd value of the second digit is usually not used for creating distributions, because they are experimental (debug). They are distributed mostly to enthusiasts can test them to identify all defects. Naturally, this version may work unstable. Versions with an even second digit is (are) working steadily. Of course, you can install any version, but for novices yet is usually recommended to choose the kernel version with an even second digit in version number. Of course, if you install the full distribution, the choice of the kernel for you, the developers have made it, but on the version numbers you need to know if you ever stop to think about updating the kernel.
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