A distribution (also called distro) is a member of the Linux family of computer operating systems. They are built around the Linux kernel and consist of a large variety of software. Here’s a list of some of the best general purpose and most popular open and free distributions

One of the first things that confounds new users is that GNU/Linux is not a single operating system. Instead, it's the general name for hundreds of closely related operating systems -- distributions or distros, as they are usually called. All the distros share the Linux kernel and include many of the same utilities and programs, but differ in purposes and the resulting customizations.

VirtualBox is a general-purpose full virtualizer for x86 hardware. Targeted at server, desktop and embedded use, it is now the only professional-quality virtualization solution that is also Open Source Software.

VirtualBox is a general-purpose full virtualizer for x86 hardware. Targeted at server, desktop and embedded use, it is now the only professional-quality virtualization solution that is also Open Source Software.

Parabola GNU/Linux is a full featured general-purpose distribution that's committed to only including free software. Parabola strives to keep its packaging and management tools as simple as possible, so that users have plenty of flexibility to install and configure the system to their liking.

MontaVista has bought out its partners to take full ownership of a Seoul-based embedded Linux venture. MontaVista Software Korea will continue to help MontaVista support Samsung, LG Electronics, ETRI, and other Korean customers using MontaVista's embedded Linux distribution and development tools, MontaVista said.

Matias Fonzo has announced the release of Dragora GNU/Linux 2.0, a 100% "libre", general-purpose distribution built from scratch:

Momonga is a Linux distribution based on Fedora. It is a community-developed distribution with roots in Japan (the name is derived from a species of flying squirrel found in Europe and parts of Asia). Like Fedora, it is a multi-purpose distribution, a Free distribution, with a script that makes it easy to build and install non-free applications.

Innotek VirtualBox is a general-purpose full virtualizer for x86 hardware. Targeted at server, desktop and embedded use, it is now the only professional-quality virtualization solution that is also Open Source Software. Some of the features of VirtualBox are: Modularity, virtual machine descriptions in XML, guest additions for Windows and Linux and shared folders. The following workshop describes how to install VirtualBox (OSE) on OpenSuse 10.3 and to install a WindowsXP guest addition.