Why are there different Linux operating systems?

[Vozella]

What is the difference and how do I know what to pick?

 

Edit: Okay. Thanks everyone. 

Edited November 24, 2015 by Vozella

[PlayStation 2]

There are different distributions tailored to different needs. Debian is the biggest natural fork, with Ubuntu being the biggest fork of a fork.

Distributions like Ubuntu, and Linux Mint are tailored more towards Windows replacements, while specialized distributions like Kali Linux or SteamOS serve specified purposes.

[byalexandr]

Linux is an open source software, and many third party developers develop their own operating systems. The most popular one by far is Ubuntu, which can be found here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/

For more information about Linux in general, Wikipedia is a good place to start:

https://en.wikipedia.org/​wiki/Linux

 

Edit: Fixed second link.

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[thekeemo]

Its open source meaning that you can modify it to your liking

you cant do much with bare linux

[AlwaysFSX]

Because nobody likes simplifying anything.

[Jacktastic-Mofo]

Because nobody likes simplifying anything.

Aint that the truth.

I actually don't use Linux because I don't find it as simple as Windows.

[TheKDub]

Because nobody likes simplifying anything.

 

Except for apple

Though simplified stuff often means it lacks customization.

[Decon]

a distro is basically linux with a bunch of extra apps thrown on top (GUI server, terminal apps etc...)

[Albatross]

You pick the distro based on what you want and need. If you are a beginner, Ubuntu or Linux Mint is the safest bet to go with usually because they are simple in design and easy for Windows people to use. But if you want something with more freedom and customization options etc etc, something like Arch Linux is usually picked.

 

Package management, hosting, releases, environments, support, dependency solution methods, root privileges, firewall options etc etc are the largest differences between distros. Basically it is just that distros package off the Linux kernel differently.

[daniellearmouth]

Its open-source nature allows for anyone to make their own distro of Linux for whatever purposes they want.

 

That's why you have Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, Steam OS, Gentoo...