distribution 1. (software) A software source tree packaged for distribution; but see kit.
2. (messaging) A vague term encompassing mailing lists and Usenet newsgroups (but not BBS fora); any topic-oriented message channel with multiple recipients. 3. (messaging) An information-space domain (usually loosely correlated with geography) to which propagation of a Usenet message is restricted; a much-underused feature. [Jargon File]