[deno]

It might get you similar versions of various software but RedHat derived distros (like CentOS) and Debian derived distros (like Ubuntu) are very different indeed. Were it not for the common Linux kernel, you might have as well be recommending FreeBSD.

Those are two completely different roots:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Gldt.svg

[keithpeter]

True, and one of my reasons for putting centos on the desktop was to educate myself about the differences under the hood. I'm aware of the Upstart/init difference, and apparmor/selinux difference. Any references you have to share would be most welcome.

I seem to find that from an end user/desktop user point of view, CentOS delivers much of what Lucid/Squeeze delivered except no banshee (mono libraries not installed). I therefore point out the existence of RHEL clones whenever Ubuntu folk express concern at the shift from Gnome 2 to Unity or Gnome Shell when upgrading from Lucid.

[sciurus]

CentOS 6 uses Upstart.