Is there ONE version of Linux that runs all linux programs?

[ulrichburke]

Dear Everyone.

Confession - I've not got Linux (yet!) but I've been reading up on it. One thing I've noticed is that there's about 100 different versions of it and you SEEM to need the right version for the right software! Is there ONE version that runs everything or do you have to have a pile of different versions on (presumably) different hard drives and keep swapping hard drives according on what you want to run?

I'm thinking it must be like having to have one drive with Windows XP, another one with 3.1, another one with Win10..... And WHY are there so many different versions? Why can't everyone get together and make One Unified Version that Does It All, so you DON'T have to have a ton of versions on different hard drives (if you do!)

Yours puzzledly,

Chris.

P.S. If I've missed an article about this somewhere, tell me. I probably have. I suck at websites!

 

[Brickwizard]

100 different versions of

Nearer 500 different desktop versions, read the 3 links in my signature below

it is 06-30 in my neck of the woods, so i will be around checking in for the rest of the day

 

[wizardfromoz]

G'day Chris from another Chris and welcome to linux.org.

I'm betting that when I look at the post that has just appeared above me that a certain Englishman will have lobbed in for a chat.

I'll leave it to him and be back soon with some more input, but if you read one of the links in my signature, you'll see how many Linux I run (but don't need to)

Cheers

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz

 

[wizardfromoz]

Yep, I win, hi Brian.

Later

 

[Brickwizard]

Yep, I win, hi Brian.

Morning Chris [or evening blue to you] I will be about most of the day [as usual, if the OP needs to ask further questions] and no doubt my namesake will put in an appearance shortly

avagoodevening

 

[MikeWalsh]

@ulrichburke :-

Welcome to Linux.org.

Why can't everyone get together and make One Unified Version that Does It All

Heh. Oh, that is a LONG-running debate, believe me.

Linux 'evolved' in a somewhat different way to Windows, despite that it functions approximately the same. Windows was originally intended to BE a single desktop OS, and "all things to all men".

Linux evolved from Unix.....and Unix was originally developed for use amongst academics. Academics tend to 'specialise' - concentrating on just one subject, and doing everything related TO that subject as well as is humanly possible. Linux has kind of developed along the same lines.

Distros all use common, 'core' components, but the intent for each distro then concentrates on a single subject area over and above that. So you have those that concentrate on:-

• Scientific stuff
• Gaming
• General, day-to-day use
• Penetration testing
• Servers
• IoT

That's a very small selection, but you begin to get the idea, yes?

There ARE distros that approximate Windows as a general-purpose "daily driver". As for software, you don't visit websites to download apps like you do with Windows. Apps tend to be initially provided as source code. The dev teams of each distribution will pick out whatever applications most closely fit the intent of their distro. They'll compile & build this source code into packages, then provide collections of packages in a dedicated 'repository' (similar to the Chrome App Store, or Google Play Store) that are GUARANTEED TO WORK WITH THAT DISTRO.

Whatever you need, the first place to look is generally your distro's own repos.

Like m'colleague @Brickwizard , I too will be around on and off during the day.


Mike.

 

[Brickwizard]

And WHY are there so many different versions? Why can't everyone get together and make One Unified Version that Does It All, so you DON'T have to have a ton of versions on different hard drives (if you do!)

Like @wizardfromoz I use to run many distributions for testing, but gave that up, although I do still have plenty of spare drive if I need to test anything,
why so many?
There is only one Linux and that is the Linux kernel which is the core operating system to all Linux distributions, the correct term for a desktop version is ..GNU-Linux distribution, [but don't worry about that too much]
there have been many more distributions that have died than are still live, all are based on one of four main distributions and are put together some by companies, some by groups and some by individuals, to how they want a desk top to look and what components are included, there are about 5 main desktops again each with several variants, BUT ALL will run any Linux app.

 

[CaffeineAddict]

there's about 100 different versions of it and you SEEM to need the right version for the right software!

Different "linuxes" are not different versions, they're called different distributions, or flavors if you like.
Individual distributions are made by different people or groups each with their own vision.

Why can't everyone get together and make One Unified Version that Does It All

Reasons there is not just 1 is because licenses of Linux OS's (kernel and software) are not exclusive, among other license stuff licenses allow anyone to make their own distribution with almost no restrictions.

This is not the case with Windows because Microsoft doesn't give such rights.

Nobody can however persuade distributors to join together, become centralized and work on single distro, because such is human nature I guess, can you convince people to join together?

 

[Paul Chase]

Dear Everyone.

Confession - I've not got Linux (yet!) but I've been reading up on it. One thing I've noticed is that there's about 100 different versions of it and you SEEM to need the right version for the right software! Is there ONE version that runs everything or do you have to have a pile of different versions on (presumably) different hard drives and keep swapping hard drives according on what you want to run?

I'm thinking it must be like having to have one drive with Windows XP, another one with 3.1, another one with Win10..... And WHY are there so many different versions? Why can't everyone get together and make One Unified Version that Does It All, so you DON'T have to have a ton of versions on different hard drives (if you do!)

Yours puzzledly,

Chris.

P.S. If I've missed an article about this somewhere, tell me. I probably have. I suck at websites!

It feels confusing at first, but Linux flavors are more like different toppings on the same pizza the base is the same, you just pick the style you vibe with. You definitely don’t need a whole stack of hard drives unless you’re collecting distros like Pokémon.

 

[kc1di]

Hello @ulrichburke
Welcome to the Linux.org forum. enjoy!
You have already received some good advise above. And if you are serious about finding that one distro that fits your need this is what I would do Make a list of what you want/need in an OS and compare several distros live Then choose the one that most closely meets your needs. I would start with Linux Mint as it is a general purpose disto and designed for the home user. If on the other hand your needs are more for business try Fedora which is more business freindly. But Choice is good and one of the strong points of Linux is there is great choice. Good luck in your search.

 

[ron.alan]

Why can't everyone get together and make One Unified Version that Does It All, so you DON'T have to have a ton of versions on different hard drives (if you do!)

Because then it would just turn into another Windows.

 

[kc1di]

I might add I believe one of the strengths of Linux is the great array of choices we have. It drives much innovation.
I find that this page helps many new linux users to get grounded in simple steps.

https://linuxjourney.com

Good luck in your search.

 

[craigevil]

This may help: https://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

Debian -- Reasons to use Debian

www.debian.org

 

[bob466]

Welcome to the Forum.

The more Linux Distros...the better because not everyone likes the same one.

In Linux we have the freedom to chose from hundreds of Distros out there...imagine if there was only one car brand or only one TV channel...get the picture.

 

[wendy-lebaron]

i don't think anyone here has mentioned it yet. but anyway.

i don't think there is one linux distribution. able to run all programs that are out there.

however, it's possible to have a distribution. that could run as many programs as possible. that are out there.

to the op. i don't think you want to run anything 32-bit. do you? because such programs. are being dropped by debian, ubuntu, arch, fedora etc. even wine support for 32-bit windows programs is thinning out. will have to depend even more on emulation. by 64-bit libraries. or some other gag. to force more users to go with 64-bit programs only.

the best chance. for a distribution to run as many programs as possible. so you don't have to worry if something. will run on your chosen system. is to get the latest version possible of that distribution. yes, it means deal with the pain in the rear. of a rolling release distribution like arch or fedora. update every day, or every week. that is the only way. to be the most sure to run "any" program. that is out there.

actually going with debian "stable". or with ubuntu lts. or the equivalent descendant such as linux mint or spirallinux. is a good idea. only because the majority of developers. make a point for compatibility with them. some developers spent years. selling stuff only for windows. then they consider offering the same software for "linux." this has to be ubuntu/linux mint in the very least. however, some people have problems. with staying with one operating system. making minor adjustments for two years. before having to upgrade to the latest again. ubuntu tries to do something about it. with "semiroll". (the next one is due next month, the 25.10 "questing quokka".)

one of the messages. that could be printed into the terminal. which could depress some people willing to put up with linux. is that a "newer" version of "glibc" wasn't found. worse than this. (for me, with a couple of programs built with rust. trying to run them on debian "bookworm" base.) it tells you that it cannot find the c++ library it requires!

it's rude when one presses the desktop icon. to launch a program. and the desktop remains static. nothing happens. it's because it might be complaining about an issue with a library. this is happening more often with appimages. it had happened to me with audacity on endeavouros (based on arch linux). on nutyx and sparky linux at least. might not be able to run appimages at all. because "fuse3" wasn't distributed. i'm saying it not very clearly like that on purpose. because this year. there has been some resistance to creating and using appimages.

take it from me. one time i tried to use julia 1.9 programming interpreter. on q4os "andromeda". it failed with one of its own libraries. it means upgrade to 1.11 of the interpreter. or maybe wait a bit longer when 1.12 comes out. it works on q4os "aquarius" though, based on debian "bookworm".

i'm showing off my intellect. and what i have experienced. but i hope it also serves as a warning. to people trying to become "intermediate" linux users.

Confession - I've not got Linux (yet!)

i missed this. let's see if the op could return and answer us.