It enables software applications to efficiently utilize system hardware like processors, memory, peripherals, and more.
For instance, support for AMDs Ryzen CPUs was added withLinux Kernel version 4.10.
Older Kernel versions would experience problems running the processor.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek
To check your system’s Linux Kernel version, pop in uname -r in the terminal.
Each Linux distro offers a unique out-of-the-box experience, thus favoring certain workflows over others.
Itll dictate how you open apps, multitask, customize the appearance, and more.
For example, the GNOME desktop environment ships with GTK apps, while KDE Plasma has Qt apps.
For example, Debian and Debian-based distros supportDEB packageswhich are maintained in theDebian repository.
Take this example: Im trying toinstall LibreOffice, but it isn’t available in the Ubuntu 22.04 repository.
So I had to add the PPA:libreoffice, where its available to install.
Only use PPAs from trusted sources (check reviews and ratings) to avoid installing malware on your system.
Just like packaging formats, there are distro-specific package managers.
To try solving this problem we have universal package managers like Snap and Flatpak.
Moreover, they require minimal interaction with your system files, making them theoretically more secure.
However, by bundling all necessary files, universal packages are more extensive and take up more space.
Prioritize installing apps in the official repo because they are optimized for your system and take up less space.
Use Snaps and Flatpaks when official repo packages are not available.
This basically refers to how updates are delivered to a distro.
In arolling release model, your Linux distro gets continuous updates to the latest software.
This means you’ll always have access to the newest features and fixes.
If you don’t, your system might become outdated.
Examples include Manjaro and Garuda Linux.
Point release distrosrelease new versions at specific intervals.
These releases, called “upgrades,” update many core system files or replace them with newer packages.
Examples include Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, and Linux Mint.
Point release distros have an “End of Life” date.
Understanding these essential Linux terms is the first step towards becoming a Linux power user.
