this post was submitted on 01 Jun 2024
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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You can divide distros into two categories:
E.g. Zorin OS is a derivative of Ubuntu, which itself is a derivative of Debian. After the gargantuan effort it takes to make Debian possible, Ubuntu's maintainers 'grab' Debian, apply a set of changes and ship it as Ubuntu. After which, Zorin OS' maintainers grab Ubuntu, also apply a set of changes and ship it as Zorin OS.
Of course, not all derivatives are created equal; sometimes a single change is applied that by itself constitutes the fork. And other times, the changes are so massive that they blur the lines between independent and derivative; Ubuntu's changes to Debian is a good example of this.
Derivative distros can't simply change everything as they see fit; some things are simply essential parts. In most cases, these include:
I was about to write a long ass dissertation, but it became very unwieldy. Consider asking for specific bases and perhaps I will respond for those.
On a final note, it's worth mentioning that differences between different distros have never been as blurry as they're today. With e.g. Distrobox, one can install whatever package from whichever distro they want. Thus, we aren't as tied to the packages provided by the base distro as we were used to. Furthermore, most distros have different 'variants' that allow access to different channels or release cycles. E.g. for those who want Debian packages but bleeding-edge; there's Debian Sid etc.
Sure, a lot more can be said; like how corporate interest plays into all of this. But what has been mentioned above should suffice for now.
I would kill to see this in graph form with popularity included.
the graph (not the popularity)
Great googly moogly!! I had no idea it was that perverse! Now I definitely need to see it culled by popularity.
Ain't it glorious:D
sorry, best I can do is Glorious Eggroll Linux
Thanks, those are trying times when you offer me a glorious Eggroll. J/K Im running Nobara right now anyway :)
It's not really that bad. Start from the end to see which ones are still existing today.
But yeah, it would be nice if that last column indicated the level of popularity somehow.
Unfortunately, perhaps understandably so, popularity is very hard to measure on Linux. Though, while far from representative, ProtonDB's measurements do exist and provide us some insights. As for the distros found on the chart:
Note that Flatpak is not a distribution, but a packaging format.
BoilingSteam's article in which their thoughts and reflections are written can be found here.
This is what I'm looking for, major thanks!