*Ubuntu Proliferations?

[Alan Dayley]

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Fritz wrote:
> Does anyone have any idea why Canonical makes separate
> distributions for Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.?
> 
> For example, I seem to recall other distributions that let you pick one or
> both of Gnome and KDE at install time.  Later, depending
> on whether your ".xinitrc" is set to "gnome-session" or
> "startkde", one of the two desktops is activated when X starts up.
> 
> Is there some real (technical) reason these are separate
> distributions?

As I understand it, there are two main reasons for the various Ubuntu
flavors:

1. A primary goal of Ubuntu is to have a complete, usable solution
self-contained on one CD.  RESULT: Can't have all the different desktop
environments on only one CD.

2. Another primary goal of Ubuntu is to include the "best of breed" for
each application function instead of multiple types.  One good word
processor, one good email client, etc.  RESULT: Each flavor has their
own "best of breed" desktop along with each major application that works
best with that specific desktop.

I you have a fast Internet connection it is relatively easy to add
another desktop environment or any application once the base install is
done.  They you can enjoy the combination of applications you please.

Alan

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