Which Linux distribution (distro) or Linux Operating System is the best?
In my opinion, there is no definite answer. There is no 'best' distribution that suit everyone and level of expertise.
From my past experiences, the 'best' Linux distribution is distribution that your comfortable-with. For example, I am a Red Hat Linux user since ver6.x. Since, I am so familiar with Red Hat-based distributions, I feel a bit hard for me to switch to Debian-based distributions. Again, this is nothing to do with learning curve is just my personal preference
Perhaps, most of the Linux gurus might already know the answer well for choosing correct Linux distribution for themselves. However, if you are new to Open Source or Linux, I would like to share with you 5 strategies for choosing the right Open Source distribution.
5 major key strategies for choosing correct Linux Distributions are:-
- Your Objective
- Hardware
- Popularity
- Roadmap, developers' background and sponsors.
- Official Support or Commercial support
First and foremost, ask yourself what is the purpose of using Linux Distribution. Listed below are some examples that most of newcomer use Linux for:-
- Replacing property Desktop Operating System?
- Replacing property Server Operating System?
- Target Group? Implement new Linux Operating System for kids? Senior citizens? Computer savvy?
- Implement your Linux for web servers? File sharing? Firewall and router? Print Server?
2. Hardware
Most of Open Source Operating System especially Linux Operating System is not an ugly duck anymore. You will be amazed with powerful and stable Desktop Graphical User Interface. However, you must know type of hardware to be used. Linux Operating System that builds for servers are not suitable for netbook or embedded hardware.
3. Popularity
Popular Open Source Operating System has more support from community. The easiest way to check their popularity is to check on the Page Hit Ranking at DistroWatch.com. Other than that, you need to perform a little research on support forum and technical blogs.
-Any mailing list? How active is the mailing list?
How many online support forums?
-How active these forums?
- Response time for technical help? Anyone attend to the questions?
Mandrake, Freebsd, Ubuntu, Red Hat, Debian, Suse, Gentoo and CentOS are some of the popular- Open Source / Linux distributions.
4. Roadmap, developers' background and sponsors list
If your Linux distribution is used for enterprise system, I would advise you to check on their roadmap, developers or organization background. We definitely need to look for something which is built on solid background and have a clear roadmap. Funders also play critical role on the product development and R&D.
5. Official Support or Commercial support
If your Operating System is planned long-term support or commercial use, please opt for Official Support or Commercial support. Please remember, the keyword 'Free' means 'freedom' and not 'free in cost'.
I hope all 5 strategies will help you to choose your 'best' Linux Distribution and welcome to Open Source world!
| James Lee is a senior open source engineer, who is now working in Asean. He was the master trainer for AOSS Master Trainer Workshop for year 2006- 2009. He is now working on a CentOS Linux website http://www.1a-centosserver.com. This objective of the website is to provide free and easy-to-follow system administration guides for Red Hat or Red Hat clone Operating System. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Edward_Lee |
No comments:
Post a Comment