Linux Distributions

Imagine several bicycle shops using the same reliable wheel design. Each shop chooses a different frame, seat, tools, colors, and maintenance plan. Linux is the shared core; a distribution packages a complete experience around it.

Ubuntu focuses on a friendly general-purpose experience. Debian values stability and community governance. Fedora introduces newer technology quickly. They share many ideas even when their software-management commands differ.

This course uses Ubuntu because its installer is approachable, documentation is plentiful, and its long-term support version is a calm place to learn. The basic filesystem and terminal skills will transfer to other distributions.