Since all Linux distro have same kernel, what other things are added which makes them different?

 

Albert

They have apps(many to be used in the X windows) that are that distro specific, for example YaST and YaST2 tool on SuSE. Can't think of other major ones at the moment though.

so, different distros offer different applications..........

 

therefore, if I am familar with certain Linux, would I be also familar with other ones?

 

Albert

Yes.

Mainly it's things like package distribution systems, initrd files, etc.

So,......

 

Those distros with many x softwares seem to be commercial...like mandrake, redhat, etc...

 

Albert

Since all Linux distro have same kernel' date=' what other things are added which makes them different?

 

Albert[/quote']Actually they don't all have the "same" kernel.

 

RedHat maintains thier own branch of the 2.4 kernel tree, with thier own patches that sometimes get filtered back up to the official kernel. Gentoo add a boat load of patches to thier kernels, and the same goes for just about every distribution.

 

The main differences are also, as dave said, package management/init scripts and branding.

 

Some are also geared towards a particular audience. YellowDog is for PPC machines, Gentoo for people who like to customize, RedHat for the enterprise and Fedora the enthusiasts, etc.