http://pcug.org.au/info/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Selecting_DistributionSelecting Distribution - Revision history2026-05-03T20:04:46ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.39.17http://pcug.org.au/info/index.php?title=Selecting_Distribution&diff=1784&oldid=prevRpeters: introduced concepts of distribution and desktop environment2021-10-04T22:58:41Z<p>introduced concepts of distribution and desktop environment</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>An individual release of Linux is called a "Distribution". The name of the dotISO file that is released often defines the two major components of a distribution:<br />
*distributer's name eg "Mint"<br />
*Desktop Envrionment ("look & feel") eg MATE<br />
<br />
That file is then named along the lines "Mint MATE nnn.iso"<br />
<br />
Mint MATE is a suggested starting point, that is reliable and straight-forward for general users, but might not suit advanced users. The following site contains a selector for various characteristics of distributions eg laptop v desktop, newer v older hardware, "based on":<br />
<br />
https://distrowatch.com/search.php<br />
<br />
The terminology "based on" is usually not included in the file name. It refers to whether the distribution is a boutique, independent collation (not recommended for beginners) or derived from a more widely used distribution. The latter is likely to provide a wider selection of apps, as well as being more stable.</div>Rpeters