Everything about comparing Unix variants like Linux distributions, BSD family and others. Try to be specific about what you need; otherwise your question might be closed.
Questions tagged [distribution-choice]
311 questions
191
votes
9 answers
Why would someone choose FreeBSD over Linux?
Why would someone choose FreeBSD over Linux? What are the advantages of FreeBSD compared to Linux? (My shared hosting provider uses FreeBSD.)
ilhan
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75
votes
19 answers
Which GNU/Linux distribution for an old system from 1999?
I have a 12-year old Toshiba Libretto laptop with a Transmeta Crusoe Processor TM 5600 running at about 600 MHz, 128 MB RAM and S3 Savage graphics. Which Ubuntu (or any other GNU/Linux based OS) could I use for stable operation?
I intend to use the…
Kishan
63
votes
2 answers
What do different BSDs have in common?
... and what are the differences between them? I formulated my question like this to make it clear I'm not interested in a flamewar of opinions, rather in an objective comparison between the different flavors of BSD Unix. Ideally I could get…
rahmu
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61
votes
15 answers
How do you choose a distribution?
I'm currently looking at putting a Linux (although BSD is still an option) distribution on my old laptop. However, I'm not sure how to wade through all of my options - rolling releases versus not, Distribution X versus Distribution Y (I, personally,…
Thomas Owens
- 557
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49
votes
9 answers
Linux distribution geared towards developers
I am looking for the best flavor of Linux that would appeal to the developer's side of me. I am a lover of open source and use several different languages.
Is there such a thing as a Linux geared towards developers?
Jaison Justus
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31
votes
4 answers
Why is Perl installed by default with most Linux distributions?
Why is Perl installed by default with most Linux distributions?
user23312
25
votes
10 answers
What is the smallest possible Linux implementation?
What are the bare minimum components for a Linux OS to be functional, and that I can use as a base to expand and improve as I learn Linux and my understanding and needs grow?
slashmais
- 541
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- 16
25
votes
7 answers
Advantages of Debian over Ubuntu
What are the main advantages of using Debian instead of Ubuntu?
xralf
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- 149
24
votes
7 answers
Modern OS on Ancient Hardware (i486SX, 8 MB of RAM)
I recently acquired an old Packard Bell machine with 8 MB of RAM and an Intel 486SX. I need to put an OS on that hardware. I know that FreeDOS might run on this system, but naturally, I am not nearly as familiar with the C-prompt as with bash.
So,…
Slancaster
- 249
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24
votes
7 answers
Is there a distribution that supports rolling back updated packages?
Is there a tool or even an entire distribution that supports rolling-back changed packages after an update?
As an example: I upgraded packages A, B and C. After working with those packages for several days, I encounter a bug in B that is…
Steffen Winkler
- 345
- 2
- 9
22
votes
3 answers
Difference between Gentoo and Funtoo
I'm struggling to understand how Funtoo is different from Gentoo,
The Funtoo website claims to be an improved version of Gentoo saying this:
Funtoo Linux features native UTF-8
support enabled by default, a
git-based, distributed Portage Tree
…
Maxpm
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20
votes
1 answer
Best Linux Distribution for Scientific Computing?
I recently bought a new laptop to be used for scientific research when I'm at home. The machine has Intel i7 processor with 8 cores, 4 GB of RAM, and a graphic card from Nvidia (2 GB, Ivy Bridge). The programs I need most for computing are MATLAB…
linux-user-to-be
- 225
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20
votes
5 answers
Linux solution for schools?
The school I'm working for as an administrator requested a system upgrade. Currently we are using a government-suggested Linux distribution called SuliXerver - it would be great, but most of the admin functions have been disabled, and are controlled…
fonix232
- 365
- 2
- 8
18
votes
9 answers
How can I build a custom distribution for running a simple web browser?
We are assembling some lightweight machines with the express purpose of displaying a single web page over a large screen. I need the machine to essentially boot up as lightweight and as quickly as possible and essentially have it run a browser…
Naftuli Kay
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17
votes
5 answers
Are there any Linux distros aimed specifically at being Linux tutorials?
Are there any Linux distributions that come pre-loaded with hands-on, guided tutorials or other learning software aimed at teaching a new user how to work with Linux?
I'm aware that some distros are naturally easier for new users to pick up than…
Iszi
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