This would be better in the alt. os section....
There are some Distros that are made for clustering...
Network cables... be a little more specific... that is like asking what is the difference between cars...
Which ones??? Thinnet, Thicknet, cat3, cat5, cat5e, cat6, fibre, .....
but, typically the difference is speed and distance that they can go...
cat3 - 10Mbs (100meter)
cat5 - 100Mbs (100meter)
cat5e - 100/1000Mbs(100meter) I believe that 1Gb is limited to 6ft on cat5e but I could be wrong.
cat6 - 100/1000Mbs (100meter)
Fibre - 100/1000Mbs (100meter - atm155Mbs)
Thinnet - 10Mbs (coax - 185meter distance)
Thicknet - 10Mbs (coax - 500meter distance)
Welcome to the Forum!!!