What is a distribution? Think of it as ice cream flavors- each is unique but are generally similar. Because Linux is open-sourced, there are numerous distributions that programmers have worked on, but the most popular are talked about below.

RedHat Linux- Lately, RedHat has been making the headlines with it's Linux distribution. It is one of the most popular distributions out there right now, and supports the Intel, Alpha, and SPARC platforms. Many users prefer RedHat Linux because of its ease of use, installation, and live tech support. RedHat Linux primarily comes bundled with the X Windows System, GNOME and KDE desktop environments, as well as the StarOffice suite.

Linux Mandrake- Yet another rather popular distribution is Linux Mandrake. Similar to RedHat, it also bundles the X Windows System, GNOME, KDE, and StarOffice. What really distances Mandrake from RedHat Linux is its improved ease of use plus a few added extra tools and utilities.

Corel Linux- Although less popular than something like RedHat, Corel Linux continues to shine with its usability and ease of installation through its Install Express. It comes with only the KDE environment, but also includes WordPerfect for Linux instead of Sun's StarOffice.

Debian/GNU- Debian/GNU is intended for the more advanced Linux users out there. Although it is more difficult to use than other distributions, Debian/GNU is frequently chosen for web server purposes. Its stability and web adminstration tools are the reason many webmasters rely on Debian/GNU for their server environment.

Slackware- As one of the first distributions of Linux created, Slackware continues to be fairly popular. It also includes the usual X Window System, GNOME, and KDE. Slackware boasts excellent stability, at the expense of less updated code and more intermediate to advanced user appeal.

SuSE Linux- If you're looking full feature bundles with your Linux distribution, try SuSE Linux. Originally created by German programmers, this distribution has become quite popular in Europe and is gaining much recognition in the United States. Of course it includes the standard X Windows System, KDE and GNOME environments, but it distances itself from the other offerings by including a huge amount of bundled software. This distribution is also recommended for newer users.

Caldera OpenLinux- Primarily designed for the business and power user, Caldera Linux focuses on internet applications. It includes a full collection of internet connectivity and access tools, and helps anyone take full of advantage of the internet through Linux.

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Keep in mind that all of these distributions are very similar to each other, and their software bundles tend to be too. One major consideration that you should make when choosing a distribution is what you plan on using it for, and if you need particular software applications with it. Your best bet is to go and get an actual CD with the distribution, since it makes it much easier to install and run. You can always try to download it for free, but you'll probably end up finding it to be rather time consuming and difficult.

For example, the best distributions for the new user would be RedHat, Mandrake, Corel, and SuSE. A power or internet-oriented user would probably choose something like Caldera, Slackware, or Debian/GNU.

Note that there are also hundreds of distributions not covered by this section, but are probably just as good as some of the ones listed above.

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