Slackware: The Patriarch of Linux Distributions (1993)
Slackware, started by Patrick Volkerding, is known for its simplicity and the fact that it’s one of the most Unix-like Linux distributions out there. Its philosophy is all about stability, simplicity, and most importantly, the freedom to tweak the system to your heart’s content.
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# Install a package
installpkg package_name.tgz
# Remove a package
removepkg package_name
# Upgrade a package
upgradepkg package_name.tgz
Debian: The Universal Operating System (1993)
Debian, started by Ian Murdock, aims to be the universal operating system. Known for its robustness and richness in package quantity, Debian has spawned a lot of notable distributions such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
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# Update package list
sudo apt-get update
# Upgrade packages
sudo apt-get upgrade
# Install a package
sudo apt-get install package_name
# Remove a package
sudo apt-get remove package_name
Red Hat Linux/Fedora: The Mother of Enterprise Linux (1994)
Red Hat Linux, which eventually branched into the Fedora project and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, is known for its commitment to stability and security. It’s a go-to for enterprises and supports a wide array of architectures.
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# Update package list
sudo dnf check-update
# Upgrade packages
sudo dnf upgrade
# Install a package
sudo dnf install package_name
# Remove a package
sudo dnf remove package_name
SUSE/openSUSE: The Chameleon in the World of Linux (1994)
SUSE (and its community counterpart openSUSE) is known for its YaST control center, which makes system configuration a breeze. The distribution has strong support for enterprise applications.
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# Refresh repositories
sudo zypper refresh
# Upgrade packages
sudo zypper up
# Install a package
sudo zypper in package_name
# Remove a package
sudo zypper rm package_name
Ubuntu: Linux for Human Beings (2004)
Ubuntu, derived from Debian, is one of the most popular Linux distributions out there. Its ease of use and strong community support make it a great choice for new Linux users. It’s the basis for many other distributions like Linux Mint, elementary OS, and Pop!_OS.
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# Update package list
sudo apt update
# Upgrade packages
sudo apt upgrade
# Install a package
sudo apt install package_name
# Remove a package
sudo apt remove package_name
Arch Linux: Keep It Simple, Stupid! (2002)
Arch Linux follows a rolling-release model and operates on a KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle. With its detailed documentation and flexibility, Arch Linux is a great distribution for those who want to build their system from the ground up.
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# Synchronize and update packages
sudo pacman -Syu
# Install a package
sudo pacman -S package_name
# Remove a package
sudo pacman -R package_name
Linux Mint: From Freedom Came Elegance (2006)
Linux Mint is a user-friendly distribution based on Ubuntu. It includes a lot of “out of the box” features that other distributions might lack, making it a popular choice for both Linux beginners and experienced users.
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# Update package list
sudo apt update
# Upgrade packages
sudo apt upgrade
# Install a package
sudo apt install package_name
# Remove a package
sudo apt remove package_name
These distributions and their most used commands are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Linux. The Linux ecosystem is vast, and every distribution brings something unique to the table. With a wealth of options available, it’s all about finding the one that suits your needs the most. Happy exploring!
