Linux Distributions

Along with Windows operating system, Linux based operating systems are playing an important role in computer system engineering. Linux is especially used in core server management, security, data center and cloud computing. Also, being an open source operating system, Linux is used in research and development. Knowing Linux is important for acquiring high level skills in systems engineering. This article highlights the features of major Linux Distributions, their official sites and download options. Also some Desktop As A Service (DaaS) Cloud Platform links are shared, through which new users can gain basic knowledge of Linux based distributions without installation.

Redhat Linux

Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, using a community-powered approach to provide reliable and high-performing cloud, virtualization, storage, Linux, and middleware technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and consulting services.

Features:

Best for core server management
More suitable for Enterprise level IT infrastructure
Virtualization and cloud friendly
High level security
High Availability (HA) for Cluster Systems
Web console to automate the installation and configuration
Default health checks through Red Hat Enterprise Linux’s intelligent rollback framework

Official Web Site: https://www.redhat.com/en

Download Red Hat Enterprise Linux: https://developers.redhat.com/products/rhel/download

Fedora Linux

Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

Features:

Open source and free
GUI and user friendly, the interface of Fedora OS is very attractive
Workstation and server version available
Offers live mode tools
Offers many education software
Supports a large community

Officilal Website and Download: https://getfedora.org/

CentOS Linux

The CentOS Linux distribution is a stable, predictable, manageable and reproducible platform derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

Features:

Open source and free
Workstation and server version available
Great security features
Various options of management platforms

Officilal Website and Download: https://www.centos.org/

Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu is the modern, open source operating system on Linux for the enterprise server, desktop, cloud, and IoT.

Features:

Open source and free
Ubuntu runs without installation
Hardware autoconfiguration
Completely customizable
Minimal hardware or system requirements
Limited Functionality as a result of a small number of applications.

Officilal Website and Download: https://ubuntu.com/

Kali Linux

The most advanced Penetration Testing Distribution

Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution geared towards various information security tasks, such as Penetration Testing, Security Research, Computer Forensics and Reverse Engineering.

Features:

Developed in a secure environment
Full customization of Kali ISO
Custom Kernel, patched for injection
Forensic Mode
Full Disk Encryption

Officilal Website and Download: https://www.kali.org/

Suse Linux

Delivers A Fully Integrated & Purpose Built Cloud Native Solution to Manage Kubernetes & Operating Systems at the Edge

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is scalable and allows users to efficiently deploy IT services across a variety of environments. With SLES, users can increase system reliability, maintain security compliance and enable new technologies under one overarching operating system.