A Linux distribution -- often shortened to "Linux distro" -- is a version of the open source Linux operating system that is packaged with other components, such as an installation programs, management tools and additional software such as the KVM hypervisor.
Linux distributions, which are based on the Linux kernel, are often easier for users to deploy than the traditional open source version of Linux. This is because most distributions eliminate the need for users to manually compile a complete Linux operating system from source code, and because they are often supported by a specific vendor.
Linux distribution types
Hundreds of Linux distributions are available today, and each targets specific users or systems such as desktops, servers, mobile devices or embedded devices. Most distributions come ready to use, while others are packaged as source code that a user must compile during installation.
Some distributions, such as Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux from Red Hat, openSUSE from SUSE, Ubuntu from Canonical, and Oracle Linux from Oracle, are commercial, while others, such as Debian and Slackware, are community-developed. Some commercial distributions, for example those from Red Hat and Oracle, charge users for services, such as support or custom development, although open source licensing prohibits charging for the open source software itself.