A Linux distribution, or distro, is an installable operating system built from the Linux Kernel, supporting user programs, and libraries. Each vendor or community’s version is a distro. Because it is open-source anyone can run, study, modify, and redistribute the source code, or even sell copies of their modified code. This differs greatly from traditional operating systems—Unix, Microsoft Windows, and MacOS—which are proprietary and far less modifiable.

How to choose the best Linux distro for you?

Choosing the right Linux distribution depends on your use case and tool requirements. Certain Linux distros work better for different purposes. Some distros are designed as desktop environments while others are designed to support backend IT systems. You can also install GUI for the remote system also for accessing this you need to install gnome-desktop.

When choosing your next Linux distro, your first consideration needs to be whether you need an enterprise Linux distro or a community Linux distribution.

Enterprise v/s community Linux distribution

Linux distributions are available as community versions or enterprise versions. A community distro is a free Linux distro primarily supported and maintained by the open-source community. An enterprise or commercial Linux distro is available through a subscription from a vendor and does not rely solely on community support.

If Linux is free and open-source, why would you want to pay for commercial distribution? Community distros are a great option for people who are new to Linux and don’t have much experience with the command line, or who just want to play around and experiment. If you’re trying to support a server for a long period of time, community distros like Fedora might not be the best choice.

Popular Linux distribution

• Android
• Arch Linux
• Centos
• Debian
• Elementary OS
• Fedora
• Kali Linux
• Manjaro Linux
• Ubuntu

Android :

The Android operating system is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux Kernel that was developed by Google to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets. Its design lets users manipulate the mobile devices intuitively, with finger movements that mirror common motions, such as pinching, swiping, and tapping. Google also employs Android software in televisions, cars, and wristvwatches each of which is fitted with a unique user interface.

Centos:

The CentOS Linux distribution is a stable, predictable, manageable, and reproducible platform derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). We are now looking to expand on that by creating the resources needed by other communities to come together and be able to build on the CentOS Linux platform. And today we start the process by delivering a clear governance model, increased transparency and access. In the coming weeks, we aim to publish our own roadmap that includes variants of the core CentOS Linux.

Since March 2004, CentOS Linux has been a community-supported distribution derived from sources freely provided to the public by Red Hat. As such, CentOS Linux aims to be functionally compatible with RHEL. We mainly change packages to remove upstream vendor branding and artwork. CentOS Linux is no-cost . Check out the download link.

Debian:

The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common causes to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian.

An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. At the core of an operating system is the kernel. The kernel is the most fundamental program on the computer and does all the basic housekeeping and lets you start other programs. Check out the Download Link.

Fedora:

Fedora is a popular open-source Linux-based operating system.

Fedora is designed as a secure, general-purpose operating system. The operating system is developed on a six-month release cycle, under the auspices of the Fedora Project. Fedora is sponsored by Red Hat.

According to the Fedora Project, Fedora is “always free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.” Fedora is said to be the second-most commonly used Linux distribution, after Ubuntu. There are over a hundred distributions based on Fedora, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project’s XO operating system. Check out the Download Link. Download Fedora Server.

Kali Linux:

What is a penetration testing distribution? 

As legend tells it, years ago there was a penetration test in an isolated environment where the assessment team was not able to bring in any computers or have network access in or out of the target environment. In order to do the work, the first penetration testing distribution was born. It was a bootable Live CD configured with various tools needed to do the work, and after the assessment was completed the Live CD was shared online and became very popular.

• Full customization of Kali ISOs. With the use of metapackages optimized for specific need sets of a security professional and a highly accessible ISO customization process, an optimized version of Kali for your specific needs is always easy to generate. Kali Linux is heavily integrated with live-build, allowing endless flexibility in customizing and tailoring every aspect of your Kali Linux ISO images. This can be shown with our basic to our Kali ISO of doom recipe, which shows the types and complexity of customizations possible – build a self-installing, reverse VPN auto-connecting, network bridging Kali image – for the perfect hardware backdoor.
• Live USB Boot. This allows you to place Kali onto a USB device, and boot without touching the host operating system (perfect also for any forensics work!). With optional persistence volume(s) you can have opt to pick what file system to use when Kali starts up allowing for files to be saved in between sessions, creating multiple profiles. Each persistence volume can be encrypted essential feature needed in our industry. If that is not enough, we also have the LUKS nuke option, allowing you to quickly control the destruction of data.
• Kali Undercover. Using Kali in an environment you don’t want to draw attention to yourself? Kali Undercover is perfect to not stand out in a crowd by blending to a familiar operating system that most people recognize to stop shoulder surfers. Download Link.