4 derivatives of popular Linux distros that are better than the originals
Summary
The article discusses the ongoing debate among Linux users regarding the superiority of original distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora over their spin-offs. It highlights the influence of these major distros on the development of various alternatives, especially for beginners.
Key Insights
What is the difference between Linux flavors, derivatives, and original distributions?
Original Linux distributions are built from scratch by combining the kernel, utilities, and software into a complete OS, with their own repositories. Derivatives are forks of originals, making changes for different goals, often with their own repositories and not all original packages. Flavors share the same core packages and repositories as the original but differ in aspects like desktop environment.
Are popular distros like Ubuntu considered derivatives or originals?
Ubuntu is a derivative (fork) of Debian, not an original distribution, as it builds on Debian's base with its own branding, changes, and goals. Derivatives like Linux Mint are further derivatives of Ubuntu, hence indirectly of Debian.
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