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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What are the differences between the 'base' of various Linux distributions? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I've been using linux desktop for a year or so now. One noteable thing i keep seeing is that one person will say I dont like XYZ distrobution because of its base. But I am still a little unsure what is meant by it. I am assuming the main difference between each base is the choice of package management(?). But what other factors/aspects that are important for the average user to know about each 'base'? This is probably quite a broad question to a rather technical answer, but appriciate any answers, and i'll try my best to understand and read up :)

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I'd say the main differences are at least

package availability
update frequency
backporting
packaging philosophy (e.g. plain upstream vs customizations, include all funtionality in single packege vs split out optional features)
default confguration for packages

[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Also there's reliability. If a base dies, everything based on it dies too or at least needs a colossal amount of work to fix. The point about philosophy is very close as well. The base can go closed source, prohibit usage of itself etc