Questions tagged [linux-distributions]

Questions about software packages which include the Linux kernel and come in a variety of forms, from desktop to server, lightweight to full-featured. Make sure your question is specific enough and not of the "Which Linux distribution for me?" kind.

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What are the differences between major Linux distributions? Will I notice?

I've been using Linux in some form intermittently for the past ten years or so, but have only really been in to it for the past few months. What are the major differences between distributions? ...
Andy Mikula's user avatar
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14 votes
5 answers
5k views

Little girl friendly versions of Linux (or themes for Linux) [closed]

I'm going to install Linux on a PC for a daughter (age 7) of a friend of mine. I recently came across Hannah Montana Linux. The parents don't want a commercially branded thing going on, so no Hannah ...
Hamish Downer's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
2k views

Linux distributions comparison

Does any good comparison exist (like a table of present features) between the many Linux distributions? What are the features and advantages on each distribution? (Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, etc.) ...
Daniel Cukier's user avatar
60 votes
14 answers
84k views

How to know which Linux Distribution I'm using?

How to know which Linux Distribution I'm using? uname -a gives Linux xxxxxx.net 2.6.9-42.0.3.EL.wh1smp #1 SMP Fri Aug 14 15:48:17 MDT 2009 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux How can I know this is Ubuntu/...
Mithun Sreedharan's user avatar
22 votes
7 answers
60k views

Is there a free (as in money) version of Redhat linux? [closed]

I've not dabbled with Linux for a while, but I need to, I am slightly outraged RedHat Linux is not free... or am I being dumb? Is there a free version available? If not what are the best ...
Ian G's user avatar
  • 1,617
15 votes
2 answers
15k views

How Do You Clone A WSL Distro?

How would you go about cloning a WSL distro? I have a Debian WSL distribution running under Windows 10 x64 and I would like to clone the distribution without affecting my original one. I have read ...
Joe's user avatar
  • 285
3 votes
4 answers
603 views

Good Linux Distributions for Newbies [closed]

What are some good distributions for newbies? I'm not talking about your grandma who only uses the computer for surfing and solitaire. I'm talking about fairly intelligent people who who know their ...
theycallmemorty's user avatar
-2 votes
4 answers
4k views

A Windows ISO image from Linux to a USB stick [closed]

I've got Windows in an ISO image and want to put it on a USB stick so I can then install window. I want to do this from Linux.
Andy D's user avatar
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103 votes
10 answers
974k views

Updating Python on Ubuntu system

I want to update the Python build on my Linux box, but the only way I know how to do it is uninstalling the current version and installing the new one. My system is already up to date (I updated ...
efficiencyIsBliss's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
2k views

Linux file system

What are the conventions for file locations in Linux? So far I've managed to deduce: /proc (references to running processes) /dev (references to all hardware) /etc (configuration files) /home (...
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Choosing a Linux distribution

Dangerous territory with this question so please try to be impartial and instead focus on what to look for when choosing a Linux distribution. I'm completely new to Linux. I thought it'd never happen ...
Luke Puplett's user avatar
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0 votes
3 answers
1k views

RedHat for desktops

Is there any RedHat variant for desktops and FREE? If yes, is there any Wubi like tool that can be used to install from within Windows XP?
RPK's user avatar
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21 votes
8 answers
21k views

Linux distro with just busybox and bash?

I just want a linux distro that boots fast, has a bash terminal (no gui) and busybox. Is there any such distro or is it hard to compile a kernel and just make one myself?
Daniel Gratz's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
4k views

What is the world's smallest-footprint LAMP stack? [closed]

What is the world's absolute smallest known VMWare/VirtualBox image supporting basic Apache/PHP/MySQL functionality? Before or after compression.
Alex R's user avatar
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4 votes
5 answers
892 views

How does one identify the linux distro in use?

What I normally do to at least get some idea of what branch we're talking about, I try to run apt-get, pacman, yum and all other common package managers that I can remember off the top of my head, but ...
Jarmund's user avatar
  • 6,068
3 votes
5 answers
9k views

What makes Kali Linux different from other Linux distros for it to be used exclusively for hacking and penetration testing?

I have been asked to first start using Kali Linux and get used to the bash before doing anything in hacking. I was wondering what is so special in Kali Linux that I cannot do on Ubuntu or any other ...
Vimugdh Lall's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
818 views

Linux distro: How to use only part of monitor for display?

For windows this question was already raised several times, see here1, here2 and here 3. But how does it work with linux distributions? The idea ist: Instead of using 2 monitors, buy a 35 inch 4k ...
SearchSpace's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
2k views

Internet kiosk for motel lobby?

I'm looking to set up a simple internet kiosk in the lobby of a motel. For security, I think it's best if I set up a simple Linux distribution whose only user-accessible program is a browser. Would ...
Kyle Cronin's user avatar
  • 7,389
2 votes
3 answers
6k views

How to safely install GNU/Linux distro on a Samsung UEFI enabled laptop

I have already bricked and replaced my Samsung Chronos Series 7 NP700Z3C laptop. I have discussed it in the following question: Why does my Samsung Chronos 7 not boot anymore after installing Ubuntu? ...
mehdix's user avatar
  • 187
2 votes
1 answer
870 views

Linux distribution with good OSS support

I hate the Linux audio systems. It's a mess, everyone knows about it, no one tries to fix it. Anyway, OSS is my choice usually since it supports my sound card, it works just perfectly. Almost no ...
Apache's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
13k views

Error Number 5: Input/Output Error while installing Linux

I have an emachines PC (model T5226) that I am attempting to install Linux on. I have tried multiple distros, namely Sabayon, Linux Mint, and SUSE, but at some point during the copying files phase of ...
UnnamedMook's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is dual-booting more secure than having a single operating system installed?

I need some advice. I've recently become wary about using one computer for everything I do, from a security perspective. I have antimalware installed, but I also download and run a lot of stuff I find ...
captainclam's user avatar