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Linux Distributions

Because Linux is open source software, meaning that the source code is free for everyone to download, compile and use, a new industry has developed around the Linux kernel (and the other free components) called "distributions". A distribution (or distro for short) is a collection of the various parts which make up a modern day operating system like the Kernel (the core of the system), the GUI (maybe KDE or Gnome), the applications (like OpenOffice.org) and so on. These distro companies package them together and sell the resulting software with options for support and printed manuals etc. There are several main distros and some very popular minor distros. Here are some details of those distros.