file systems with different distros

[rasch15]

What are the main differences between the different linux distros? Is it just the way they organize the system files and programs, or is there more to it than that?

[BlahBlah_X]

Sometimes, linux distros have huge differences. Other times, distros will have just aesthetic changes and nothing else.

The four major distros are: Slackware, Debian, Red Hat, and Gentoo.

Most distributions are based off these.

Slackware distros don't always resolve dependencies(where you need software B to get software A). They tend to be less graphical, but more powerfull.

Debian distros tend to use the command line. They resolve dependencies, make it easy to upgrade, but they don't have a ton of graphical tools.

Red Hat distros tend to hold your hand a lot. They don't always reslove dependencies wiht RPM, but modern tools called Smart and Urpmi help with that.

Gentoo distros tend to be for advanced users (with the exception of Sabayon). Every program you download is installed for your specific machine. This takes a while, but the result is a speedy distro. Dependencies are resolved. However, Gentoo is very weak in instalation and has very few graphical tools.


If you are just starting, I would suggest a Red Hat or Debian based distro. Debian based will help you learn linux quicker.

If you want to go with Red Hat based, I would suggest openSUSE, Fedora Core, PCLinuxOS, or Mandriva.

If you want to go with Debian based, I would suggest Ubuntu, Mint, plain Debian, Freespire, or Xandros.

[rasch15]

are there any of them that tend to be more graphical than the others listed?

Also, are they pretty easy to switch between the way their files are organized and what not?

[techieMoe]

What are the main differences between the different linux distros? Is it just the way they organize the system files and programs, or is there more to it than that?

Actually, the file system is probably one of the main similarities between distributions of Linux. Generally speaking, every major Linux distribution has a /bin directory, a set of /home/ user directories and system library directories (/lib/).

[BlahBlah_X]

Yes, files are organized similarly. It will take a while to learn, but it is easier than Windows once you get used to it.

For a very graphical system, I will recommed one or two from each category.

Slackware: KateOS or Vector.

Debian: Ubuntu or Freespire

Gentoo: Sabayon

Red Hat: PCLinuxOS or openSUSE.