Why are there so many different linux distributions and how do they really differ from the users perspective?
In: Technology
Different distributions exist because everyone thinks they can fix whatever problems thye had with the distribution they were using. They just end up either not fixing it or just creating new problems/limitations. Fundamentally they all run the same software. They just have different defaults and update/upgrade schedules. They usually spend effort polishing a particular desktop environment. For example, one might focus on KDE while another focuses on GNOME but generally you can still technically install whatever you want. The fact that there even are such a wide variety of desktop environments just adds to the confusion.
It’s a huge mess, if you ask me. It’s unnecessarily confusing for users and makes targing and testing software for Linux a nightmare from a developers perspecitive. What’s worse is that Linux desperately needs to move away from Xorg to a more modern display manager. There’s Wayland, but there’s not enough centralized control to push 100% adoption of it. THere are some populare distributions that refuse to commit to even making Wayland the default.
Latest Answers