ZDNet: On the Linux range: rifles, not shotguns

"Scanning the evolution of the Linux distribution scene over the last year or so reveals two interesting -- and apparently contrasting -- trends.

1. There are more distributions than ever
2. Choosing one that's right for a specific task is getting easier

"In a nutshell, my point is this: the popularity of general-purpose, one-size-fits-all Linux distributions is waning, if it isn't already dead. While distributions and the vendors behind them become more specialized, the choices are actually getting less complicated. Which Linux distribution you choose is becoming increasingly determined by what you need to do."

Complete story.