Linux distributions generally use two types of release cycles: standard releases and rolling releases. To understand the difference between these cycles, it is important to know how Linux distributions are put together. Distributions contain software from many different projects. For instance, the Linux kernel, GNU shell utilities, GNOME desktop environment, Xorg X server, and LibreOffice office suite are developed by different software projects with different development cycles. A Linux distribution takes all this software in source code form, compiles it, packages it into installable software packages, tests it to ensure it works together, and then releases a complete package of software that we refer to as a Linux distribution.

Whether they use a standard release cycle or a rolling release cycle, all Linux distributions take their software and put it into software packages that get distributed to users. The real difference is how they distribute new versions of these packages.

Directions: In a one- to two-page paper, explain the difference in standard release cycles and rolling release cycles. State which type of release cycle you prefer in your working distribution and explain why. Using APA format, cite credible sources to support your preference.