Q. which Linux distro to use?
A. the one that is fit for purpose.
Fit for purpose
There are so many Linux distros but they all have there uses even Hannah Montana Linux so what is fit for purpose here is a quick list of potential question to help find out
- Do we have the skill to use \ develop \ operate this OS
- Do we need or have any support for this OS be it community or active support contracts from a 3rd party
- Does the OS support the platform we are going to use it on
keeping that in mind we move onto
What Linux Do I Use And Why
| Distro Name | Why | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | large community a lot of docs are written for this os good allrounder | Desktop and Server |
| Centos | it the opensource version of RedHat and enterprise Linux spotted in the wild running on enterprise firewall | Server |
| Redhat | when you need the support of experts | Enterprise Servers |
| OpenSuse | can run almost anything there is a good community native support for BTFS | Desktop and Server |
| Suse | just like above but if you need the support of experts | Enterprise Server |
| Alpine linux | Minimal os for docker host of my labs | Lab docker hosts |
| Core OS | Now part of the RedHat (IBM) family uses cloud-config files to help set up | Enterprise docker hosts and Kubernetes |
| Kali Linux | Security-based os for playing with pen testing ect | Security based |
| Parrot Linux | Like above but has doesn’t run in root | Security based |
| tails | haven’t used in ages but it is interesting to look at now and then | Privacy OS |
| Zorin OS | It looks like windows can look like OSX and is basted of ubuntu | For my Dad |
Others
BSD
Free net devil open dragon doesn’t really matter apart from licensing just be ready to get the books out and do research when it goes wrong, and it will for wizards only
Mac OSX
Nope just Nope
Windows
They got into the education system when I was growing up 90% of people know how to use and about 70% of people still use it as a daily runner.
Not putting down windows they do get things correct but I have seen Linux or BSD devices with 11-year uptimes, not with windows.
ESXi
Enterprise Hypervisor