There are a lot of different operating systems out there to choose from. The three main operating systems are Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. With these operating systems comes different versions, and for some, there are different distributions. We will be covering a particular distribution of the Linux operating system called Fedora. Originally called Fedora Core, Fedora is sponsored and developed by Red Hat. The leading enterprise Linux platform, Red Hat, helped bring the Fedora project to life. Like many distributions of the Linux operating system, the development is all community-based. Some companies like Red Hat will help with the creation and distribution of the system as well. There are a countless number of Linux distributions out there, and to prove it, below is an image of just the Red Hat family tree:
As you can see, there are many different versions of the Red Hat distro (distribution). According to techmint.com, the most popular Linux distros are as follows:
- Linux Mint
- Debian
- Ubuntu
- OpenSEUS
- Manjaro
- Fedora
- Zorin
- Elementry
- CentOS
- Arch Linux
Each distribution is catered to a specific user. All operating systems mentioned above are highly capable and user-friendly.
Fedora’s History
The Fedora project started out in 2003 as a community project without the involvement of Red Hat. At the time, Red Hat Linux distro was discontinued. The project was originally a volunteer project that provided additional work for Red Hat. Later on, Red Hat decided to sponsor the Fedora project. Fedora derives its name from Red Hat’s logo, “Shadowman”, which is wearing a red fedora. Initially created for an undergraduate project, Warren Togami created the operating system so that other software outside of Red Hat would be easy to use, find, and install.
As of 2017, the distro is on its 26th version. Below is a list of each release in chronological order.
- Yarrow: 2003-11-05
- Tettnang: 2004-05-18
- Heidelberg: 2004-11-08
- Stentz: 2005-06-13
- Bordeaux: 2006-03-20
- Zod: 2006-10-24
- Moonshine: 2007-05-31
- Werewolf: 2007-11-08
- Sulphur: 2008-05-13
- Cambridge: 2008-11-25
- Leonidas: 2009-06-09
- Constantine: 2009-11-17
- Goddard: 2010-05-25
- Laughlin: 2010-11-02
- Lovelock: 2011-05-24
- Verne: 2011-11-08
- Beefy Miracle: 2012-05-29
- Spherical Cow: 2013-01-15
- Schrödinger’s Cat: 2013-07-02
- Heisenbug: 2013-12-17
- (none): 2014-12-09
- (none): 2015-05-26
- (none): 2015-11-03
- (none): 2016-06-21
- (none): 2016-11-22
- (none): 2017-07-11
What Can Fedora be Used For?
Fedora can be used for a variety of different tasks. You can download different work environments and other extras that Fedora can offer. If you would like to use alternative workstations rather than GNOME, which comes with Fedora 26, you have the option of using other work environments such as KDE plasma, XFCE, LXQT, MATE-COMPIZ, CINNAMON, LXDE, or SOAS. You can see the different desktop environments by going to Fedora Spins. Another useful addition is Fedora Labs. For specific use cases, Fedora has created functional bundles for astronomy, design, gaming, Teaching Python, robotics, and testing security through Fedora Labs. For those that want to create EC2, OpenStack, and other cloud environments, check out Fedora Cloud.
With all of the different environments and bundles, it is no wonder why Fedora is such a dynamic and flexible operating system. Just like other open source Linux distros, Fedora and Red Hat encourage those who would like to help improve the operating system to start by joining the Fedora project. The number of contributors plays a major role in the improvement in each release of the distro, and without the community of developers adding value to the project, it would not be what it is today. Fedora can also be used to create your own release or branch in the Red Hat family tree. With the use of Fedora’s spinning tools, you can use the specific packages for installation via USB, CD/DVD, or installation disks to create your own version. As mentioned previously, some of the Fedora Spins have been able to evolve in this way, such as the XFCE work environment, and Fedora electric lab.
Fedora’s Security
Fedora is a promoter of SELinux, where the SE stands for Security Enhanced. SELinux is a Linux kernel security module that uses the same set of security policies as United States Department of Defense. It even comes with a firewall in the stock versions, which can be configured with ease. To perform the configurations, you can use either the terminal or the UI. Other popular distros like Ubuntu do not come stock with a firewall, helping to set Fedora apart from the crowd of distros.
Fedora is Unique
Fedora provides the user with an abundance of different environments and comes as secure as Linux distros get. With a large community backing the project, it is great that you can receive consistent updates, as well as good support for the operating system. What ever you are using Fedora for, you can tailor your experience and operating system accordingly. Plus, it’s free! When it comes to Linux distros, it’s hard to compare, but Fedora sets itself apart by being more secure, as well as being flexible for different environments.
