2008/10/16 Ashish Verma <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > I would like to have clarity on what the real difference is between > different Linux Distros. What exactly makes one better than the other.
1) Most of the distributions have a targeted audience and try to make the distro usable to that target audience without much changes to default install. For example many are general purpose distributions that cater to normal desktop/laptop and server like Debian, Fedora ... Some are for a particular audience like dynabolic for multimedia. 2) Another one is installation, configuration and maintainability Debian and many of the distributions use apt based tools, Fedora and many others use yum, gentoo has emerge and others have different methods. 3) Stability depends on how much testing is done before a package is included. Some have very strict rules before they include a package, some does not have any. For example Debian needs the package to be in unstable section for a specified time (depending on priority), then remain in testing and have all its important bugs fixed before it can go to stable release. > Do the distros have differences at the kernel level itself. The version of the kernel differs. Some have older kernel, but well tested. Some have bleeding edge kernel with latest drivers. > Is it only the applications packages that are included that make the > difference. The number of applications ready to install also does matter. Debian lenny fits in 34 CDs/5 DVDs with official support. > How does one distro be more secure and/or robust than the other. Is it that The policies for inclusion and time taken for testing. > the codes used for applications (iptables, apache etc etc) is different. Some of the options selected by default differ. > Are distros like Debian more secure only because they have fewer/no GUI > apps. Depends on the strict policy and adherence to it. Also the time and number of people testing it. Cheers Praveen -- പ്രവീണ് അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില് <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign
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