When frustration takes over in the Windows operating system due to its numerous problems, breaches, and somewhat rigid policies, your attention turns to the only loyal savior “Linux” that has not yet gained enough fame and market share despite being completely free and having enough specifications to outperform Windows. However, there is a good number of experts in its Arabic tutorials as well.
But those transitioning face several difficulties, the first being the lack of understanding of how to deal with this open system with all its capabilities, and the second being the difficulty in dealing with alternative programs to Windows despite their efficiency and also being free. One of the major difficulties is the inability to find a suitable distribution in all criteria in the sea of spread distributions, so why all these distributions and what’s the difference between them as long as the core is the same?
1. Desktop Interface Differences
One of the prominent differences among the numerous Linux distributions is simply the desktop interface or environment used. For example, Ubuntu alone offers a variety of desktop environments depending on the interface you choose. For example, the main version of Ubuntu uses the GNOME interface, while Kubuntu uses the KDE interface, and so on.
There are distributions with versions with all available desktop interfaces on Linux that we previously talked about in a full article, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and others, while some other distributions are limited to only one interface, such as the Elementary distro, which uses the Pantheon environment as its desktop interface, similar to macOS.
Read also: How to Master Using Linux in a Short Time?
2. Package Manager Differences
The developers behind each Linux distribution can choose the programs included in that distribution, such as file managers and package managers, allowing each distribution’s developers to choose programs and applications that suit them according to the target audience.
For example, there are many file managers for the Linux operating system, such as Nautilus and Konqueror, each offering a different way to browse files. Another example is package managers, where different installation methods are included with each Linux distribution to have a base package manager. Here are the essentials of package management on Linux.
3. Display Servers Differences
Under the Linux operating system’s hood, you will find a set of tools, applications, processes, and servers that determine how it runs, a prime example being the display server. This program coordinates data between computers and the screen, allowing the user to interact with the graphical user interface.
Historically, the XOrg server has been the most widely used, with alternative options available such as Mir and SurfaceFlinger used on the Android operating system (which uses the Linux kernel). Wayland is seen as the future on Linux, with the most popular distributions adopting it.
4. Policies and Goals Differences
Linux distributions can differ in their goals. For example, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu but includes different system tools and a completely different desktop environment. Its primary goal is to provide a simple starting point for Windows and Mac users to begin using Linux.
Similarly, Debian aims to provide extremely stable distributions (thus may contain somewhat old programs). Therefore, some Linux projects have specific purposes, such as gaming distributions like Steam OS or multimedia distributions like Fedora Design Suite targeting gamers, designers, and more.
More: Best 5 Linux Distributions for Laptops
5. Open Source and Ownership Policy Differences
While GNU/Linux may be the most famous open-source project, not all distributions are 100% open-source. Project owners have different positions on open-source, which can be a decisive factor for open-source extremists. For example, Ubuntu does not have a problem including proprietary software in its repositories.
You will find that the Steam gaming software is readily available, while graphics driver software from AMD and Nvidia can be installed. On the other hand, Fedora, which has a strict open-source policy that prevents it from including any proprietary software in its repositories, will not affect the system’s usability as you wish.
Finally, these differences and perhaps others, if any, may complicate the scene for Windows users who are not accustomed to such differences. However, their usual direction tends towards Windows’ rigid and monopolistic policies, unfortunately. But those who wish to get rid of Windows’ chains may be able to do so someday.
