Release models: fixed, LTS and rolling

In short: Distributions release updates in three ways: fixed versions at intervals of months (fixed), versions with long support (LTS) or constantly current packages (rolling release).

In more detail: The choice decides between stability and up-to-dateness.

In detail

Model	Examples	Strength	Weakness
Fixed	Fedora (every six months), Ubuntu interim versions	new software regularly	short support (about 9 months for Ubuntu)
LTS	Ubuntu LTS (5 years standard), Debian stable (about 3 plus 2 years), RHEL (10 years)	stable, plannable	older program versions
Rolling	Arch, openSUSE Tumbleweed, Void, Gentoo	always current	more care, occasional breakage
Semi-rolling	Manjaro, EndeavourOS, Debian testing	mix	depends on upkeep

• Upgrade: with fixed releases you switch with a version upgrade (do-release-upgrade, dnf system-upgrade), with rolling there are only regular updates.
• End of support (EOL): after the end there are no security updates, switch in time.
• Tip: servers: LTS or Debian stable. Games/new hardware: Fedora or rolling. Beginners: Ubuntu LTS, Mint.

See also: Linux versions: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Mint, Linux distributions