Linux distribution
Sign in to saveoperating system based on the Linux kernel and often core GNU components
AI overview
A Linux distribution is a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel (the core software that manages your computer's hardware) combined with other essential software components, most commonly from the GNU project. It matters because it provides a free, customizable alternative to commercial operating systems like Windows or macOS, and powers everything from personal computers to servers and smartphones worldwide.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
Ubuntu, one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions A Linux distribution, often abbreviated as distro, is an operating system that includes the Linux kernel for its kernel functionality. Although the name does not imply product distribution per se, a distro—if distributed on its own—is often obtained via a website intended specifically for the purpose. Distros have been designed for a wide variety of systems ranging from personal computers (for example, Linux Mint and Zorin OS) to servers (for example, Red Hat Enterprise Linux) and from embedded devices (for example, OpenWrt) to supercomputers (for example, Rocks Cluster Distribution).
A distro typically includes many components in addition to the Linux kernel. Commonly, it includes a package manager, an init system (such as systemd, OpenRC, SysVinit, or runit), GNU tools and libraries, documentation, IP network configuration utilities, the getty TTY setup program, and many more. Programs used to provide a desktop experience (most commonly the Mesa userspace graphics drivers), a display server (the most common being the X.org Server, or, more recently, a Wayland compositor such as Sway, KDE's KWin, or GNOME's Mutter), a desktop environment (most commonly GNOME, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon (desktop environment) or Xfce), a sound server (usually either PulseAudio or more recently PipeWire), and other related programs may be included or installed by the user.