Linux, as such, is only the kernel of the operating system, so more utilities and programs must be provided to make it useful. Early in the evolution of Linux, various Distributions (Distros) appeared. These Distributions comprise the linux kernel plus a collection of applications, utilities and drivers etc. required to make a complete Operating System.

Each different collection of software is known as a Distribution (or Linux Flavour.) There are now many Linux Distros aimed at desktop use, servers, firewall, computer forensics, music & graphics, games, corporate networking and hundreds of other uses.

Unlike other Operating Systems, most of the Distributions come complete with a choice of Office Suites, Email & Internet software, Photo Editing tools, IM, IRC, Databases, Programming Languages, Web Servers, Networking Tools etc. etc. Debian GNU/Linux, for example comes on 14 Binary CDROMs! At the other end of the scale, it is possible to fit a full Linux Distrubution on a floppy disk.

Windows users should note that most MS Windows software will not work under Linux, however many Windows applications have extremely capable Open Source counterparts eg:

• MS Office - OpenOffice
• MS Outlook - Evolution
• MS Internet Explorer - Mozilla Firefox
• Nero - K3b
• Photoshop - The GIMP
• Pagemaker - Scribus
• Illustrator - Inkscape

These packages (and many more) are included with the Distribution and do not need to be paid for seperately (check the Distro to make sure it contains any specific software before you buy.)

Many Distributions include Binary and Source Code disks. The Binary disks are used to perform a simple installation of the software - Source Code is the raw program code and is used mainly by experienced Linux programmers. If you are in doubt, get the Binary disks.

You will notice the Live Linux CDs section of the site. The disks under this category can be run on a computer directly from the CDROM drive - they will even work on a computer with NO HARD DISK! They are truly remarkable disks which can be used to try out Linux without installing anything, rescuing broken computers, setting up an Internet radio station or even creating a computer cluster!

Recommendations:

• Beginner/ Windows migrator: Xandros, OpenSuSE, Mandrake, Ubuntu - ideal for desktop use, all are easy to install and use.
• Intermediate User: Gentoo, Slackware, Fedora - suitable for more experienced Linux users.
• Advanced User: Debian, CentOS, BSD - Ideally suited as server Operating Systems.
• To test drive Linux: Knoppix Live CD - you can run Linux direct from the CDROM, so there is no installation. These disks are great for evaluating Linux and rescuing broken computers amongs other things. Highly recommended.

If you still can not decide which Distro to choose, the Linux Megapack contains several of the best for you to try.