Explanation of Linux Distribution Specifications Reviews
The Linux Revolution contains reviews of several Linux Distributions. The reviews presented here truly are given as the opinion of the web author, and nothing more. Below are explanations of how the reviewed Linux distros were classified, and how each rating for each category was decided upon.
If there are any other specifications for Linux Distributions that you would like to see here, or if you disagree with any of the ratings given on the Linux Distribution Information Page, please email us @ webmaster<at>TheLinuxRevolution.net
Natural Uses
We've all heard the term "Use the right tool for the job". Linux distributions work the same way.
Some distros are created to be used as Enterprise Servers. Others are created to be very user friendly, from installation to emailing friends. This category attempts to shed light to others about what the distro authors may have meant the OS to be used for (or what the OS turned out to be a good use for). We've tried to lump uses into Desktops and Servers (with a Live CD side category), and then elaborate on the quality of the described usage.
Graphical
Big fan of using the Command Line? Not many people are...
Not all Linux distributions are created equally in this point-and-click world. In fact, some distros are downright nasty when it comes to forcing you to remember scores of commands. Most people do prefer some sort of graphical representation of the program they are trying to use. Because much of the graphical usability of a Linux installation depends on the desktop being used, we've rated all distributions based on the easiest to use desktop that they come packaged with. Distributions that come with many custom graphical applications and configuration options (effectively requiring us to use the command line less) get higher ratings in this category.
Scale of 1 to 10. 1 would have no graphical utilities, 10 would be loaded with graphical tools.
Ease of Install
Feel the need to read a big 'ol manual before you get down to business? Neither do we.
The difficulty of OS installation has driven many into the Windows world for years. More and more, we see that Linux distros are packaging with beautiful, and easy to use, installation routines. This can be a bit of a double edged sword, as often times the more attactive installation removes power and options from one who may be installing Linux. This removal of power and options is not figured into our "Ease of Install" category. This rating is affected only by how easy the OS is to install. Live CD Distros (which do not exactly have an installation routine) will almost always get a "10" in this category.
Scale of 1 to 10. 1 would be an extremely difficult installation process. 10 would be a nearly effortless installation.
Package Management
A nice little tidbit to know about an installation before downloading, burning, installing, configuring, and then exploring Package Management yourself. There is a lot to say about a distribution in which many software developers have made available precompiled versions of their software. Sometimes, compiling a program before installation is absolutely necessary, but (due to ease of use, and the possibility of user error) it's nice to have a stable Package Management system instead.
Window Manager Version
The Window Manager would be considered the "Meat and Potatoes" of a desktop installation, and may be completely unnecessary for a server system. As new desktop systems are introduced, so are new (and better) features. We've listed only the most popular or default Window Managers used in this distro (and their associated versions) in this category (usually KDE and / or Gnome). If KDE and Gnome are not available, the included default Window Manager and version are instead displayed.
Kernel Version
The kernel is the "brains" of the Linux Operating System. The kernel is the main system component which handles how your machine will operate once Linux is installed. With the newer kernels available with most every Linux distribution, the kernel version will not make a difference for most uses. Since the kernel contains enhanced features with every new version, and is the most important part of the system, we've included the distribution's default kernel as a note.
Included Applications
This category refers to the number, and quality, of the applications installed in this distribution, by default. We are all familiar with a particular large proprietary operating system that seems to need hours upon hours of work before it becomes usable, in most situations. Many Linux distributions ease the pain of the rigorous after-the-installation installation process by including a plethora of applications, all ready to be put to use. It is important to note, that purchased boxed-copies of Linux will almost always come with a greater number of applications than those Linux installations that are freely downloaded. The rating of used in this category is based on the generally less application-filled downloadable versions.
License
License? But Linux is Free, right?
Well, the unofficial answer to this questions is: yes, most of the time. You may download and use (most) Linux distributions for free, and use them in any way that you like. These freely downloadable pieces of software are not simply free of charge, they are freely licensed. The difference is much the same as the difference between "Free Pizza" and "Free Speech". Fully explaining Linux licensing in whole and explaing the most used open-source license, the GPL, is outside of the scope of this particular document. For information on open-source licensing, many web resources are available (check out http://openacs.org/about/licensing/open-source-licensing and http://www.opensource.org/licenses/). This category only states the type of license associated with this particular distribution, not the exact license used for each piece of software contained within.
Comments
The Comments category is used to state the opinion (and we do mean opinion) that The Linux Revolution has about this particular distribution. We simply felt that it might be helpful to add extra information to the info already given for some distros. Rebuttals? Email: webmaster<at>TheLinuxRevolution.net
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