3.Linux Distrobutions

Linux Distributions & How the Four Major Companies Expanded Linux

A Linux distribution (distro) is a complete operating system built on the Linux kernel, bundled with software, utilities, and package management systems. Different distros exist to serve different needs, from servers and desktops to embedded systems.

The Four Major Linux Families

Linux distributions mainly fall into four major families:

1. Debian-based → Ubuntu, Kali, etc.
2. Red Hat-based → Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, etc.
3. SUSE-based → openSUSE, SLE.
4. Arch-based → Manjaro, EndeavourOS, Garuda.

These Four families have shaped the modern Linux ecosystem, with different package managers and philosophies.

graph LR;
   A[Linux Kernel] --> B[Red Hat]
   A --> C[Debian]
   A --> D[openSUSE]
   A --> E[Arch Linux]

   B --> B1[Fedora]
   B --> B2[CentOS]
   B --> B3[RHEL]

   C --> C1[Ubuntu]
   C --> C2[Linux Mint]
   C --> C3[Deepin]

   D --> D1[openSUSE Leap]
   D --> D2[openSUSE Tumbleweed]
   D --> D3[SUSE Linux Enterprise]


    E --> E1[Manjaro]
   E --> E2[EndeavourOS]
   E --> E3[Garuda Linux]

   style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
   style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
   style C fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
   style D fill:#abb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
   style E fill:#c62,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px

1. Debian and Its Expansions

Origin

• Created in 1993 by Ian Murdock as a community-driven, free OS.
• Uses the APT (Advanced Package Tool) and .deb package format.

Major Forks & Expansions

Debian remains the foundation for many distros, with Ubuntu being the most influential fork.

2. Red Hat and Its Expansions

Origin

• Founded in 1993 by Marc Ewing and later acquired by IBM.
• Uses the RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) and YUM/DNF for package management.
• Enterprise-focused, often used in corporate and government environments.

Major Forks & Expansions

Red Hat drives enterprise Linux, while Fedora influences future RHEL features.

3. openSUSE and Its Expansions

Origin

• Started in 1992 as S.u.S.E. Linux, later acquired by Novell, now maintained by the openSUSE Project.
• Uses the Zypper package manager and .rpm packages.

Major Forks & Expansions

SUSE is known for YaST, a powerful system configuration tool, and is widely used in business and cloud environments.

4. Arch Linux and Its Expansions

Origin: Founded in 2002, completely independent from Debian, Red Hat, or SUSE.
- Uses Pacman package manager with .pkg.tar.zst format.
- Rolling-release model – Always up-to-date, no fixed versions.
- Minimalist & DIY approach – Users build their system from scratch.

Major Forks:
- Manjaro – Beginner-friendly Arch with easy installation.
- EndeavourOS – Terminal-focused Arch alternative.
- Garuda Linux – Performance and gaming-focused.

Comparison of the Four Linux Families

Arch Linux is now considered a fourth major Linux family, known for its rolling-release, lightweight design, and customization.