Linux distribution
Commonly, it includes a package manager, an init system (such as systemd, OpenRC, or runit), GNU tools and libraries, documentation, IP network configuration utilities, the getty TTY setup program, and many more.
A distro may also include proprietary software that is not available in source code form, such as a device driver binary.
[1] A distro may be described as a particular assortment of application and utility software (various GNU tools and libraries, for example), packaged with the Linux kernel in such a way that its capabilities meet users' needs.
Distributions have been designed for a wide range of computing environments, including desktops, servers, laptops, netbooks, mobile devices (phones and tablets),[5][6] and embedded systems.
Since the installation procedure was complicated, especially in the face of growing amounts of available software, distributions sprang up to simplify it.
[22] Also dissatisfied with SLS, Ian Murdock set to create a free distribution by founding Debian in August 1993, with first public BETA released in January 1994 and first stable version in June 1996.
[23][24] Users were attracted to Linux distributions as alternatives to the DOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems on IBM PC compatible computers, Mac OS on the Apple Macintosh, and proprietary versions of Unix.
Examples of packages are a library for handling the PNG image format, a collection of fonts, and a web browser.
Most distributions install packages, including the kernel and other core operating system components, in a predetermined configuration.
Some (but not all) distributions go to considerable lengths to adjust and customize the software they include, and some provide configuration tools to help users do so.
The permissive licensing of free software means that users with sufficient knowledge and interest can customize any existing distribution, or design one to suit their own needs.
In a rolling release distribution, where the user has chosen to run it as a highly dynamic system, the constant flux of software packages can introduce new unintended vulnerabilities.
When the operating system is booted from a read-only medium such as a CD or DVD, any user data that needs to be retained between sessions cannot be stored on the boot device but must be written to another storage device, such as a USB flash drive or a hard disk drive.
Some distributions, including Knoppix, Puppy Linux, Devil-Linux, SuperGamer, SliTaz GNU/Linux and dyne:bolic, are designed primarily for live use.
Some distributions, such as Debian also enabled installation over a network after booting from either a set of floppy disks or a CD with only a small amount of data on it.
[44] New users tend to begin by partitioning a hard drive in order to keep their previously installed operating system.
Both servers and personal computers that come with Linux already installed are available from vendors including Hewlett-Packard, Dell and System76.
Some distributions let the user install Linux on top of their current system, such as WinLinux or coLinux.
Computer hardware is usually sold with an operating system other than Linux already installed by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
In the case of IBM PC compatibles, the OS is usually Microsoft Windows; in the case of Apple's Mac computers, it has always been macOS; Sun Microsystems sold SPARC hardware with the Solaris installed; video game consoles such as the Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and the Nintendo Switch each have their own proprietary OS.
This limits Linux's market share: consumers are unaware that an alternative exists, they must make a conscious effort to use a different operating system, and they must either perform the actual installation themselves, or depend on support from a friend, relative, or computer professional.
[52] Custom-order PC manufacturers will also build Linux systems, but possibly with the Windows key on the keyboard.
Fixstars Solutions (formerly Terra Soft) sells Macintosh computers and PlayStation 3 consoles with Yellow Dog Linux installed.
It is more common to find embedded devices sold with Linux as the default manufacturer-supported OS, including the Linksys NSLU2 NAS device, TiVo's line of personal video recorders, and Linux-based cellphones (including Android smartphones), PDAs, and portable music players.
On March 24, 2014, a new international petition was launched by AFUL on the Avaaz platform,[57] translated into several languages and supported by many organizations around the world.
