Linux versions Know each one of them!

This operating system is one of the most famous worldwide, but have you ever wondered how many Linux versions have they existed to date? Here you will find the answer!

What is Linux?

Linux it is an open source, Unix-like operating system. They are formed through the combination of different projects, where GNU stands out, led by the American programmer Richard Stallman hand in hand with the Free Software Foundation, this foundation aims to disseminate Free Software, in addition to the operating system kernel known as «Linux », Directed by the French programmer Linus Torvalds, a student of computer science.

In 1991 he created Linux and quickly got the attention of more developers, who using the ideas of Open Source Software, created a solid operating system.

The idea was born in Helsinki, capital of Finland. Because Torvalds had access to the Unix servers, from his university. The system he used to create his kernel was "Minix".

Like any successful creation, this was only a project for personal use, where Torvalds thought about his comfort when using his computer.

The main features of the GNU Software /Linux

• The main feature of Linux is that it is an open source software or "Open Source"
• It is completely free and you just have to download it from an internet reseller.
• Another feature that stands out is the "Preferential Multitasking" since it is the only operating system that has this tool, which allows the use of several applications at the same time, without interference between them. Unlike the Windows tool called "Cooperative Multitasking".
• Another strong point of Linux is that all types of networks can operate with great precision, this also gives an advantage in internet access.
• Following the previous point, thanks to this, we can turn our PC into a server, with much lower costs than normal.
• Linux It was not conceived as a portable system, but today basically all its distributions are.
• The system Linux It has all the basic components to develop solid programs and software using the languages: "C", "C ++", "ObjectiveC", "Pascal", "Fortran", "BASIC", among others. That favor the environment of the developers.
• “Multi-user” is another of its main characteristics, which has positioned it where it currently is, among others, allowing different users to access the same resources without interference.
• Its high security is another feature that positions it positively, this accompanied by the collective contribution of many developers.
• Last but not least, Linux it can be adapted to any device. A clear example is the Android system, which is also a distribution of LinuxWe will see this later.

Chronological order of Linux versions that exist to date.

A "Distro" as versions of Linux, it is simply one of the GNU system distributions /Linux It includes a package of programs, according to the needs of its creation. Here we find a list of Distro ordered chronologically.

It is important to clarify that the versions have not been added, that they are not supported or were projects but did not prosper. This in order to save time, since if all were added there would be more than 800 versions of Linux. 

That said, since Linus Torvalds created his operating system just for fun in 1991, collaborators arrived and the first version was born:

1. Linux 0.12: It is the first of the Linux versions in the world, its creator was HJ Lu in 1992. The installation had to be done with two floppy disks, one was responsible for Booting the computer, and the other for Rooting it. For the process to complete successfully, the computer needed to have a hexadecimal type editor.
2. MCC Interim Linux: It is a very old Linux distribution that was developed at the Manchester Computing Center, also in 1992. Its creator was Owen Le Blanc, and it stood out for being the first version that could be installed independently on any computer. It was publicly distributed on an FTP server at the Manchester Computing Center.
3. Tami Linux: A few months later in 1992, a new version of Linux which he developed at Texas A&M alongside Unix and Linux User Group. This version was the first to offer a variety of windows in the system more than just a text editor.
4. softlanding Linux Systems (SLS): This distribution was released almost at the same time as the previous one (Tamu Linux), but differs in that it laid the foundation for the best versions of Linux that we currently know. It was based on MCC Interim Linux and its creator was Peter McDonald. 2 of the Linux Distros that are still around were based on SLS, these are "Debian" and "Slackware".
5. Slackware: This version came out in the middle of the year 92, and from its launch until almost the end of the 90's it dominated the Software market. Based on Softlanding Linux Systems and the other versions mentioned above, this is the oldest one that is still in effect and is receiving updates.
6. YGGDRASIL: Developed in a company of Adam J. Ritcher in the state of California, it was the first Distro distributed by CD ROM: It was also the first that could be configured using Plug and Play. It was launched in late 1992 by Yggdrasil Computing Inc.
7. Debian: Dating from mid-1993, this has been one of the Linux versions  more solid, and that with the passing of the years continues to update. As previously stated, it was also based on SLS and its developer was Ian Murdock. It was available via CD-ROM and downloaded online. It could be said that this version marks a before and after in the history of Linux, many other distros are based on Debian. This software is highly versatile because it adapts to a variety of computers and is available in many languages.
8. Red Hat Linux: It is one of the oldest versions, and it is still in effect today, albeit under a different name after merging with Fedora. The Red Hat company was responsible for its launch in 1994, it is one of the few commercial versions. After merging in 2003, it operates under the name Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It was a pioneer in using software package management tools, and it laid the groundwork for subsequent versions to implement it.
9. Mandrake or Mandriva Linux: It was released in 1998 and is based on Red Hat Linux, directed to the public with computers for personal use. It was the most suitable system for both beginners and the most. Its developer was Co-founder of the French company MandrakeSoft, Gael Duval.
10. wine Linux: This is a version developed for Japanese, is a fork of Red Hat and sponsored by VineCaves. It began to develop in 1998 and in 2000 it was released to the public.
11. ELKS: It is a subsystem that carries without eventualities the nucleus of Linux, It is designed for computers with low architectures, for example 16 bits. It was previously known as Linux-8086, and began operating in 99.
12. Yellow Dog: It is a Distro from 1999, developed almost simultaneously with Red Hat Linux and based on herself. But this differed in the fact that it worked perfectly on Power PC computers.
13. ElinOS: It is one of the Linux versions with industrial applications and that worked in Host computers. All its packages are open source, which is why its release in 99 was a great advance.

Linux versions from the year 2000

1. SmoothWall: This distro was launched on the market in 2000 and it was one of the best Firewalls of that time. Since it worked not only as a secure service in networks, but also served as a server.
2. CRUX Linux: It is one of the first minimalist versions of Linux, conceived for developers and quite simple. It was released in 2001 and it still works on the Linux kernel. Its updates are made by various developers in the CRUX community.
3. Skolelinux: This distro is also known as DebianEdu, that is, it is an educational version of Debian that was released in 2001. It was thought as a resource for schools in Norway, to facilitate the learning system of students and the teacher evaluation mode.
4. PARISC Linux: It is a simple distro launched in 2001, with the aim that computers with PA-RISC processors can enjoy a Linux kernel system.
5. Arch Linux: In 2002 Judd Vinet and was based on Crux. For this reason, it is also a minimalist Distro, characterized by adding few applications to its installation. It was one of the first to receive automatic updates online.
6. KNOPPIX: It is a German distribution with a core LinuxFrom the Open Source system, it is one hundred percent portable and can be carried on CD or on a pendrive, and then on DVD. In 2002 it was developed by Klaus Knopper, he relied on the Debian Distro to create this version. Its characteristic is that it maintains a free desktop environment, known as LXDE.
7. Gentoo Linux: This distro was never officially launched, however, it has been operating under the Gentoo name since 2002. Its name refers to the Papua penguin, taking into account that the system's mascot is a bird of this type. This distro adapts easily and quickly to any architecture and its performance is quite efficient, it is more for experienced users with font packages.
8. Oracle Linux: This distro began operating as a support system for Oracle's Red Hat Linux users in 2002. Since it worked so well, a few years later it became a single distro. Currently, it is certified by servers such as IBM, Dell, Cisco and HP. It can be obtained for free online from the Oracle website.
9. Clear OS: This distribution of Linux came out in 2002, and it's also based on Red Hat. Although it also has some CentOS packages. At the beginning of 2002 this distro was known as Clark Conect and was designed for small companies with server functions.
10. Connochaet OS: In 2002 it was known as Deli Linux, but later it was restructured based on Salix and Slackware, to be called Connochaet OS. His focus was on old or low-resource computers, also taking into account the modern environment of the time. Despite the setbacks that this Distro has presented, since 2016 it has received uninterrupted updates.
11. Lunar Linux: It was released in early 2002, under the Linux kernel and source code. It has stood out because it successfully adapts to the needs of users, it also has a simple start with packages without complications. Moon Linux it is a very versatile distro that works on X86 and X86-64 frameworks in the same way.
12. SME server: In the middle of 2002 approximately, this version was positioned in the market, since before it went through different owners. As it is guessed by its name, this software offers services of ports of connections, better known like servant.
13. Source Mage: Formerly called "Sorcercer", the interface and operating system refer to black magic and sorcery, but in PC programs. Mystery aside, this distro offers better computer control compared to other versions, which may seem magical. Since a spell is nothing more than a quantity of instructions, this software instead of making distributions with binaries, it makes them with source code; This is why the developers came up with this name.
14. Vector Linux: This is a distro that has the core of Linux, it adapts to any computer structure and is aimed at average users. Its interface is well done as well as the graphical part. Its creator was Robert S. Lange, who was inspired by Slackware for its development. Today, this support is maintained by a large number of enthusiasts, who make it remain in force.
15. Freeduc: It is a quite peculiar distro launched on the market by the «Organization for Free Software in Education and Teaching». It relied on Knoppix and Debian to develop a bootable CD-Rom with a live interface. This software was clearly created for educational purposes.
16. Linux from Scratch: This distro, like the previous one, is for educational purposes, but it is focused on those developers who want to learn how to create their own system. This distro also includes a book by Gerard Beekmans, where he explains in detail how to support the components of the PC so that they integrate satisfactorily with the system. It was also introduced in the course of 2002.
17. Black Panther: This distro was created for Hungary in 2002, it was based on Mandriva and its creator was Charles Barcza. Since 2003, all its updates have come with names that attract attention due to their particularity: Shadow, Darkness, Walking Dead, Silent Killer, among others.
18. PLD Linux: This Distro is a Debian clone but created by and for the people of Poland. This version works for any computer, its predominant language is Polish but it can also be used in English.
19. Caixa Magica: This distro is Portuguese, that is why Portuguese predominates. Although it is the same as Debian, then SUSE packages were added, a more current and world-renowned version. It is public use software and does not have specific instructions for advanced activities.
20. Phayoune Secure Linux: It is one of the few Thai distros of Linux which was released for the year 2002. It contains great features of web server, firewall and other great products integrated for corporate purposes. It was mainly based on Fedora and Linux from scratch. Supports any architecture.
21. DIET-PC: It is an open source software that gives the possibility to different developers to create thin clients or with special purposes, especially for x86 structures. This distro is active since 2002. To use it you must have programming experience and know Linux. 
22. MontaVista Linux: It was released in 2002 and is based on the Kernel of Linux. This distro allows you to develop embedded systems for commonly used equipment, for example, cell phone processors.
23. uClinux: This distro allows us to carry the Kernel of Linux to computers that do not have a memory unit. It is an embedded project of Linux, and helps the kernel work on phones, DVDs, iPods, and the odd microprocessor.
24. BioLinux: It is a very powerful distro with large libraries on programming, it was released in 2002.
25. GeexBox: A minimalist distro from Linux, It was launched in 2002 and its purpose was to turn the pc into a multimedia player.
26. mindy Linux: This distro gives us the possibility to create boot images for computers from their cores.
27. Floppyfw: This distro works to set the firewall in small corporate networks. It came out in 2002.
28. Dyne Bolic: This distro is focused on multimedia playback, similar to GeexBox.
29. LTSP: It is a distro with a great variety of packages that allow us to execute Linux on small capacity computers.

Other Distros of Linux that cannot be left without mentioning are: Fedora, Cent OS, PC Linux OS, which were released between 2002 and 2003.

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