Fedora

Overview

Fedora Linux is a free, open-source Linux distribution developed by the community-driven Fedora Project, sponsored by Red Hat (now IBM-owned). Launched on November 6, 2003, as a successor to Red Hat Linux, Fedora is known for its cutting-edge technology, rapid six-month release cycle, and commitment to free software. It serves as the upstream for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and CentOS Stream, offering editions for workstations, servers, cloud, IoT, and containerized workloads. The default desktop, Fedora Workstation, uses GNOME Shell, with spins for KDE Plasma, Xfce, and others. With an estimated 1.2 million users (2016) and adoption by Linux kernel creator Linus Torvalds. The latest release, Fedora 42, arrived on October 29, 2024.

History and Development

Fedora’s roots trace to Red Hat’s shift from consumer to enterprise focus:

• November 6, 2003: Fedora Core 1 “Yarrow” released, merging Red Hat Linux with the Fedora Linux Project (started by Warren Togami to provide third-party software).
• 2007: Fedora 7 “Moonshine” dropped “Core,” unifying repositories and adopting a single name.
• 2014: Fedora 21 introduced three editions: Workstation, Server, and Cloud, later expanded to six (IoT, CoreOS, Silverblue by Fedora 37, 2022).

• Key Releases

  • Fedora 25 (2016): Adopted Wayland display server, replacing X.Org.
  • Fedora 33–35 (2020–2021): Enhanced GNOME, PipeWire adoption.
  • Fedora 40 (April 23, 2024): Improved container support, GNOME 46.
  • Fedora 41 (October 29, 2024): Featured RPM 4.20, Fedora Miracle spin.
  • Fedora 42 (October 29, 2024): Promoted KDE Plasma to an edition, introduced COSMIC spin.

• Governance: Managed by the Fedora Council (chaired by the Fedora Project Leader) and Fedora Engineering Steering Committee (FESCo), with ~35% of contributors being Red Hat employees. Funded by Red Hat and community contributions, Fedora’s source code is licensed under GPLv3 and MIT, hosted on GitLab.

Main Features

1. Editions and Spins
   • Workstation: GNOME Shell (default), for desktops/laptops, with preinstalled apps like Firefox, LibreOffice, Rhythmbox.
   • Server: Flexible for datacenters, with dedicated guides.
   • CoreOS/Silverblue: Immutable, container-focused, using rpm-ostree.
   • Spins: KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQt, MATE, Cinnamon, Budgie, COSMIC, i3, Sway, Phosh (PinePhone).
2. Release Cycle: New version every 6 months, supported for 13 months (until 1 month after X+2 release). In-place upgrades via DNF.
3. Package Management: RPM with DNF (libsolv resolver), Flatpak by default; no Snap support. Third-party repos like RPM Fusion for proprietary software.
4. Security: SELinux (mandatory access controls), firewalld, and package hardening (PIE). Root account disabled; sudo uses the “wheel” group.
5. Installer: Anaconda, user-friendly with live media (Fedora Media Writer or dd).
6. System Components: Linux kernel (latest, e.g., 6.10 in Fedora 41), systemd, Wayland, PipeWire, NetworkManager.
7. Fedora Labs: Bundles for specific use cases (e.g., Design Suite, Scientific, Python Classroom).
8. Requirements: 2GB RAM (4GB recommended), 20GB storage, 64-bit CPU. Secure Boot supported.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Cutting-Edge: Integrates new technologies first (e.g., Wayland, PipeWire, systemd), influencing other distros.
• Stability with Modernity: Balances bleeding-edge features with reliability, suitable for beginners and experts.
• Security: SELinux, firewalld, and no telemetry enhance privacy and protection.
• Community and Red Hat Support: Vibrant community (Ask Fedora, forums) and Red Hat’s backing ensure robust development.
• Flexibility: Multiple editions/spins (GNOME, KDE, immutable Silverblue) and Labs cater to diverse needs.
• Ease of Use: GNOME 42’s polished workflow and Anaconda installer simplify onboarding, rivaling Pop!_OS and Linux Mint.

Limitations

• Short Support Cycle: 13-month support requires frequent upgrades, less ideal than Debian’s stability or Manjaro’s rolling model.
• Proprietary Software: Strict FOSS policy excludes proprietary drivers/code (e.g., NVIDIA drivers need RPM Fusion), unlike Pop!_OS’s NVIDIA ISO.
• Learning Curve: SELinux and terminal-centric tasks (e.g., sudo dnf install) may challenge beginners compared to Linux Mint.
• Resource Usage: GNOME is heavier than MX Linux’s Xfce, impacting older hardware.
• Documentation Gaps: Some tools (e.g., Wireplumber) lack man pages, frustrating advanced users.
• NVIDIA Issues: Nouveau driver may cause visual glitches on live USB, requiring workarounds.

Summary

Fedora Linux, launched in 2003, is a Red Hat-sponsored, community-driven distro known for innovation, security, and a six-month release cycle, with Fedora 42 (October 2024) as the latest. Its Workstation edition, with GNOME Shell, excels for developers and general users, while spins like KDE and immutable Silverblue cater to diverse needs. Despite a short support cycle and proprietary software limitations, Fedora’s stability, SELinux, and community make it a top FOSS choice.