Linux comes in many "flavors" called distributions, each geared towards a different type of user. Below is a list of distributions available. For more information about the various distributions, try the following outside links:

• Linux.com
• LinuxLookup
• Linux.org

· RedHat 7.2
RedHat Linux is considered by many to be the best distribution for beginners. It is designed for those who simply want to get Linux working on their system with a minimum amount of effort. The advantage is that Linux can be learned from the top down rather than the bottom up as with many other distributions that require prior knowledge of the workings of Linux and Unix.

· Mandrake 8.1
Linux-Mandrake was once known as the "better RedHat." This is because they used to wait a month or two after a major RedHat release and redo the things that they thought RedHat did wrong. But now Mandrake has evolved into its own fully developed distro. Mandrake now competes with RedHat for the easiest to install and use. Mandrake also touts itself on being one of the first to support new hardware and software. Mandrake is a good choice for someone is who is just starting Linux and wants all the new hardware support. The best thing about Mandrake is that is still RedHat compatable so support is as plentiful as RedHat support from the Linux Community.

· Debian 2.2r5
Debian is for those who would like to learn the inner workings of Linux, yet demand more friendly features than are provided with distros like Slackware. Debian is also known for a more strict interpretation of the GNU philosophy for free software. Nonetheless, it does contain a useful software packaging system. Prior knowledge of Unix and Linux is recommended before trying this distribution.

· Slackware 8.0
Slackware is one of the oldest distributions of Linux. It lacks many 'user-friendly' features that can be taken for granted with many other distros. However, for those who want to get into the guts of Linux, there is not a better choice. This gives the system administrator more power and control to make Linux exactly what he wants it to be (assuming he can wield all that power). To see how it used to be done back when Linux was still young, give this distro a try.

· SuSE 7.3
Originally begun as a German Linux distribution, SuSE has become increasingly popular in the US and is the number one Linux distibution in Europe. It is considered one of the most complete distros available, with many software packages available for almost any application. SuSE is a great distro for beginners, on par with RedHat.

· LinuxPPC 2000 Q4
LinuxPPC is a powerful and easy-to-use port of Linux to the PowerPC platform.

· Yellow Dog Linux 2.1
Yellow Dog is a PowerPC port of Linux based on Red Hat 7.0 components, designed to be easy to use and compatible with a wide range of PowerPC-based hardware.

· FreeBSD 4.5
FreeBSD is a "Linux-like" free Unix operating system based on the BSDlite source code. Its main focus is for servers, but it can also function as a workstation OS, supporting most Linux applications. The extensive "Ports Collection" makes installation of software simple and relatively painless, and the "Linuxulator" emulation system allows compiled Linux applications (such as Netscape, StarOffice, and VMWare) to run without modification. However, hardware support tends to lag behind Linux.

· OpenBSD 3.0
OpenBSD is another free Unix operating system based on the BSD source code. The goal of OpenBSD is to be as secure as possible, boasting that they have gone four years without a remote hole in the default install.