[ Thanks to Ken Hess
for this link. ]
“Since I have no way of knowing which of these
distributions is better or worse than the others, I’ve place them
in alphabetical order instead of any real ranking based on quality,
community, development cycle or other criteria. I want to show you,
faithful reader, that I do indeed read your comments and take your
feedback seriously. You have a voice and I thank you for using
it–this is your list–by you and for you.“Since I’m not familiar with some of the distributions on this
list, most of the information is taken directly from the
distribution’s own website.“1. Arch Linux – Billed as a lightweight and flexible Linux
distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Arch Linux is an
independently developed, i686/x86-64 general purpose GNU/Linux
distribution versatile enough to suit any role. Development focuses
on simplicity, minimalism, and code elegance. Arch is installed as
a minimal base system, configured by the user upon which their own
ideal environment is assembled by installing only what is required
or desired for their unique purposes. GUI configuration utilities
are not officially provided, and most system configuration is
performed from the shell by editing simple text files. Arch strives
to stay bleeding edge, and typically offers the latest stable
versions of most software. Arch Linux uses a “rolling release”
system which allows one-time installation and perpetual software
upgrades. It is not generally necessary to reinstall or upgrade
your Arch Linux system from one “version” to the next. By issuing
one command, an Arch system is kept up-to-date and on the bleeding
edge.”