Distributions

Distribution-specific configuration and best practices.

Topics

Topic Description

Arch Linux

pacman, AUR, rolling release management

RHEL/Rocky/Alma

Enterprise Linux, subscriptions, EPEL

Debian/Ubuntu

apt, PPAs, release upgrades

Fedora

dnf, COPR, version upgrades

Comparison

Aspect Arch RHEL Debian Fedora

Release model

Rolling

Fixed (10 yr)

Fixed (5 yr)

Fixed (13 mo)

Package manager

pacman

dnf

apt

dnf

Init system

systemd

systemd

systemd

systemd

Default shell

bash

bash

bash

bash

SELinux

Optional

Enforcing

Optional

Enforcing

Choosing a Distribution

Arch Linux

Use when:

  • Personal workstation

  • Want latest software

  • Comfortable with manual configuration

  • Learning Linux deeply

RHEL/Rocky/Alma

Use when:

  • Production servers

  • Enterprise environment

  • Need long-term support

  • Compliance requirements

Debian/Ubuntu

Use when:

  • Servers requiring stability

  • Container base images

  • Broad hardware compatibility

  • Large package repository

Fedora

Use when:

  • Workstation with modern features

  • Testing RHEL-bound technologies

  • Development environment