1.3 Distributions
We still haven’t provided a comprehensive answer to the introductory question: What is Linux? Many users are not interested in the kernel. For them, the term Linux, as it is colloquially used, includes not only the kernel but also a huge bundle of included programs: countless commands, a desktop system (e.g., KDE or GNOME), LibreOffice, Firefox, GIMP, and numerous programming languages and server programs (web server, mail server, etc.).
A Linux distribution is the unit that consists of the actual operating system (kernel) and many additional programs. A distribution allows for a quick and convenient installation of Linux. Most distributions can be downloaded free of charge from the internet.
Distributions mainly differ ...
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