Linux Distributions (Families)
A Linux distribution (aka distro) is an operating system made Linux kernel, a collection of software and tools, and a package management system. Distros are generally downloaded from the Linux distributions maintainer. Many distros are create for different purposes, from IoT devices (Raspbian) to personal computers (i.e. Ubuntu) to supercomputers (i.e. Rocks Cluster Distribution)
A typical Linux distribution is comprises of the following components:
Linux Kernel and Basic set of Device Drivers
GNU Tools, Libraries and a Package Management
Free and Open-Source Software and Documentation
Window System (generally X Window System)
Window Manager
Desktop Environment
There are several hundred Linux Distros, that are generally based on one Linux Distribution family. There are roughly three major Linux Distribution families (some might debate):
Debian, a non-commercial distribution and one of the earliest, maintained by a volunteer developer community with a strong commitment to free software principles and democratic project management
RedHat/Fedora, a community distribution sponsored by American company Red Hat and the successor to the company's previous offering, Red Hat Linux. It aims to be a technology testbed for Red Hat's commercial Linux offering, where new open source software is prototyped, developed, and tested in a communal setting before maturing into Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Slackware is known as a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools. It is generally considered a distribution for advanced users.
Other
Most Linux distros, are based on free and open-source software, utilities and documentation. Although, some Linux distros optionally contain some proprietary software that may not be available in source code form, such as device drivers. Any proprietary software in a distribution does cause debate between communities
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