this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2024
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Linux

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some basic questions about Linux (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 weeks ago by akilou@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Can someone point me to a helpful beginners resource explaining some Linux basics? Like what is the difference between "distro", which is what, like Ubuntu, fedora, Debian (? Or is that a category of distro?) And desktop environment which is what, KDE, Lubuntu, gnome? Like I don't even know I have these categories right let alone understand why I'd pick one over another and what practical effects it will have- which apps will I/won't I be able to install, etc...

I'm not expecting anyone to answer these questions for me, but if you could point me to something already written, I'd appreciate it.

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[–] Ephera@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago

A distro is a complete installable operating system (+ a set of software repositories from which you can install updates and new software).
Many distributions (or their flavors/spins) will come with a default desktop environment and then usually also apply some distro-appropriate theming to that desktop environment.
If you look at screenshots of distributions, you're likely just looking at screenshots of their themed default desktop environment.

And a desktop environment is essentially the GUI of your OS.
It includes software such as the panel/taskbar, the application menu, the systray, the audio system, icons, a login screen etc.. It also typically comes with a set of default applications, such as a file manager, a terminal emulator, a text editor etc..
In a sense, the desktop environment contains essentially everything that differentiates a desktop OS from a server OS (the latter is usually just a terminal, without graphical interface).