A Linux distribution (“distro”) is a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel. Almost all distros share the same core tools, but they differ in which package manager they use, how often they release new versions, and how much you are expected to set up yourself.
It helps to think of distros in families. The commands that install
software — apt, dnf, pacman — belong to their family, so once you know
which family your distro is in, you know which package commands to use.
Debian family
Debian, Ubuntu and Linux Mint belong here, together with many derivatives (such as Pop!_OS and Zorin OS).
- Package manager:
apt(package format:.deb) - Init system: systemd — the first program started at boot, which then starts every service (Chapter 14 covers controlling it)
- Default shell: bash
- Release cadence: Debian is released roughly every two years; Ubuntu publishes a new LTS (Long-Term Support) release every two years and intermediate releases every six months.
- Reputation: stable, widely supported, good for beginners. Ubuntu is often the recommended first distro.
Red Hat family
Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) belong here, along with derivatives such as CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.
- Package manager:
dnf(package format:.rpm) - Init system: systemd — the first program started at boot, which then starts every service (Chapter 14 covers controlling it)
- Default shell: bash
- Release cadence: Fedora releases a new version about every six months and supports each one for about a year. RHEL is an enterprise product with long support periods.
- Reputation: newer software, strong in servers and enterprise. Fedora’s desktop edition uses GNOME by default.
Arch family
Arch Linux, CachyOS and EndeavourOS belong here.
- Package manager:
pacman(package format: Arch packages) - Init system: systemd — the first program started at boot, which then starts every service (Chapter 14 covers controlling it)
- Default shell: bash
- Release cadence: rolling release — there are no version numbers; packages update continuously as upstream releases them.
- Reputation: newest software, a large user-maintained repository called the AUR (Arch User Repository), but more hands-on. Arch assumes you are comfortable configuring your system yourself.
Which one should I pick?
There is no single right answer. As a rule of thumb:
- Want something that “just works” with a huge community? Ubuntu or Linux Mint.
- Want recent software and a modern default desktop? Fedora.
- Enjoy learning how Linux works from the inside and don’t mind setting things up yourself? Arch or one of its derivatives.
The command examples in this guide show the distro when behavior differs. The
package management commands (apt, dnf, pacman) are covered in a later
chapter.