Versions of the Linux System
【Versions of the Linux System】The versions of the Linux system can be divided into two types: kernel versions and distribution versions.The Linux kernel performs basic operating system functions such as memory scheduling, process management, and device drivers.An operating system with only a kernel and no application software is unusable.The distribution versions are those released by various companies, which develop independently from the kernel versions. Distribution versions typically integrate the Linux system kernel with numerous application software and related documentation, including installation interfaces, system settings, management tools, and other software, forming a distribution suite for user convenience.【Kernel Versions of the Linux System】The kernel version primarily refers to the Linux kernel. Linus and others continuously develop and release new kernels. The official version of the Linux kernel is maintained by Linus Torvalds.In 1991, Linus announced the first version of the Linux kernel, version 0.02. The release of kernel version 1.0 in 1992 marked the birth of the first official version of Linux.1. The first method: before version 1.0The first version was 0.01, followed by 0.02, 0.03, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, and then version 1.0.2. The second method: from version 1.0 to version 2.6Before version 2.6.0 (2004), the kernel version number consisted of three parts, in the form of: A.B.C. Here, A is the major version number, B is the minor version number, and together they form the current kernel version number. A only changes when there is a significant change in the kernel; C indicates the number of modifications to the current version. For example, 2.4.2 indicates the second revision of the core version 2.4.According to the conventions at the time, when the minor version number is an odd number, it indicates that new content has been added, but it may not be very stable, equivalent to a beta version; when the minor version number is an even number, it indicates that this is a usable stable version. Due to the continuity of Linux kernel development, stable versions of the kernel and unstable versions developed further on this basis always coexist. For general users, it is recommended to use the stable kernel version.3. The third method: from version 2.6.0 in 2004 onwardsStarting from version 2.6.0, a time-based method is used, in a format of A.B.C.D. For about seven years thereafter, the first two numbers A and B of the kernel version number remained as “2.6”, while the third number C increased with each release. Considering the fixes for bugs and security vulnerabilities in a particular version, a fourth number D, representing security patches, may also appear.Since the release of version 3.0 in 2011, versions no longer have odd/even differences, all indicating stable versions. The version format changed to 3.A.B, where A is the kernel version and B is the security patch. The release of version 4.0 in 2015 changed the major version number to 4, maintaining the format of 4.A.B. In May 2024, the first official version of the Linux 6.9 kernel will be released.【Foreign Distribution Versions of the Linux System】Common foreign distribution versions include:1. Red Hat Linux/Fedora Core: Red Hat released Red Hat 9.0 in 2003 and announced that it would no longer release personal use distribution suites, focusing instead on developing commercial versions. Therefore, Red Hat is currently divided into two series: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which provides paid technical support and updates, and the free Fedora Core, developed by the community and sponsored by Red Hat.
2. Debian: Debian is a suite released by the Free Software Foundation and is entirely maintained by Linux enthusiasts online.Debian is the most compliant Linux system with GNU standards to date.
3. Ubuntu: Ubuntu is a next-generation Linux operating system developed by the community, based on the Debian system. It inherits the advantages of Debian and provides a more user-friendly and intuitive experience. Ubuntu is mainly divided into desktop and server versions.
4. openSuSE: openSuSE is a well-known Linux distribution under Novell, with the highest distribution volume in Europe.
5. CentOS: CentOS stands for “Community Enterprise Operating System”. The CentOS community downloads all source code from the Red Hat website and recompiles it. Its release is basically synchronized with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This version is more stable, and many servers requiring high stability use CentOS instead of the commercial version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
6. Slackware: Slackware, created in 1992, is one of the earliest Linux distribution suites. Unlike many other distributions, it does not have a mature package manager. Its main feature is simple installation, but configuring the system requires user experience, making it suitable for server-side installations.
7. Gentoo: Gentoo is a very special distribution because it is a source-based distribution. Although it uses precompiled binary software, most users need to manually compile the software management system, which offers high customizability but has the downside of being time-consuming to compile source code.