Linux distribution

A Linux distribution (often called distro for short) is an operating system made as a collection of software based around the Linux kernel and often around a package management system. Linux distributions are available for a wide variety of systems, from embedded devices and personal computers up to the powerful supercomputers with specialised functionalities (for example, Rocks Cluster Distribution distribution), or down to small embedded systems (for example, OpenWrt distribution). Most distributions come ready to use and pre-compiled for a specific instruction set, while others (such as Gentoo) are distributed in source code form and compiled locally during installation.
Linux distributions are primarily based on free and open-source software, at least partially; that part includes the Linux kernel and usually a very large collection of software of all sorts. They usually come with a graphical user interface, by adapting and packaging free and open-source implementations of one or more of the available windowing systems, the most common being the X Window System. Usually, Linux distributions include some proprietary software that may be optional, such as binary blobs required for some device drivers. Because of the huge availability of software, distributions have taken a wide variety of forms – including fully featured desktop, server, laptop, netbook, mobile phone, and tablet operating systems, as well as minimal environments typically for use in embedded systems.


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