List of Linux distributions
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The following is a list of Linux distributions.
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Foreword
If you're interested in one of the distributions below, you should consider the popularity and longevity in the long run. There is dedicated page DistroWatch (http://www.distrowatch.com) which keeps track of the current status of the Linux and BSD distributions.
.deb-based distributions
- Adamantix: A Debian-based distribution focusing on security.
- Amber Linux: A Debian-based distribution tailored specifically to the needs of Latvian users.
- Debian GNU/Linux: A distribution assembled by a large community of volunteers. Debian has a large selection of packages (over 15000) and supports a large number of hardware platforms. It has a reputation for being more difficult to install than others, and for being somewhat politically motivated.
- Gnoppix: A version of the Knoppix distribution that uses the GNOME desktop environment.
- Guadalinex: A Debian and Metadistros based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalusia, Spain for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux).
- Hiweed GNU/Linux: An easy-to-use distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux.
- Kanotix: A live CD version of Debian based on Knoppix that can also be installed to a hard-drive as a complete and ready-to-use system.
- Knoppix: A live CD version of Debian GNU/Linux that is usable after booting from the CD image and comes with a large amount of software.
- Kurumin: A version of the Knoppix distribution designed for Brazilian users.
- LinEx: A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain.
- Rays Linux: A linux distribution based on Debian and optimised for the Asian market.
- Skolelinux: A Debian-based distribution started in Norway as an affordable thin client distribution for schools (cf. EduLinux, Guadalinex).
- Symphony OS: A new Debian-based user friendly Linux distro.
- Ubuntu Linux: A distribution based on Debian and sponsored by Canonical Ltd.
- Kubuntu Linux: A version of the Ubuntu distribution that uses the KDE desktop enviroment.
- Xandros Desktop OS: Another Debian-based distro.
RPM-based distributions
- ALT Linux: A collection of popular Cyrillic-based distributions, such as Master, Compact, Junior, and Castle.
- Ark Linux: A distribution that is focused on ease of use and ease of learning, while remaining technically sane.
- ASPLinux: A distribution that provides support for Russian and other Cyrillic languages.
- Blag Linux: A distribution designed to provide many features while remaing small.
- Caixa Mágica: "The Portuguese distribution of Linux".
- CentOS: Community supported distribution which aims to be 100% compatible with the Red Hat Enterprise Linux distribution without Red Hat branding and various copyrighted software
- Cobind Desktop
- Conectiva: A Brazilian distribution and founding member of the now-defunct United Linux. The supporting company has now merged with Mandriva Linux.
- EduLinux: A distribution for educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux ).
- Fedora Core: A general purpose distro for workstation, desktop and server use. Developed by Red Hat and the community.
- Linux Mobile System: A Fedora Core-based distribution designed to boot from USB Mass Storage devices, such as keydrives.
- Magic Linux: An easy-to-use distribution for Chinese users.
- Mandriva Linux: Mandriva is considered among the easiest Linux distributions for novice users. Originally a Red Hat variant optimized for Pentium-class CPUs, it has since diverged to form its own "user-friendly" distribution, while retaining compatibility. While remaining entirely free software with active community support, Mandriva does, via a subscription basis or the selling of boxed products, provide enterprise-class support and services, as well as a some incentives to paying-members of their club (http://www.mandrivaclub.com).
- Novell Linux Desktop: since Novell acquired SUSE, their Linux product line are based off both former (separate) distributions.
- PCLinuxOS: An easy-to-use LiveCD distribution, with a reputation for a well-polished "look and feel"; also crafted for effortless installation to a local hard drive. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2, PCLinuxOS has since pursued its own course of development, focusing on desktop users. While remaining an RPM-based distribution, PCLinuxOS does stand-out through its use of the APT package management tool (from Debian fame) together with its Synaptic GUI frontend.
- PCQLinux2004: A distribution made by the Indian magazine PCQuest, based on Fedora Core.
- PLD Linux Distribution: A Polish distribution intended for more advanced users, while remaining more convenient than Slackware or Gentoo.
- QiLinux: made in Italy, completely from scratch. The QiLinux staff has developed a desktop and live version as well as a server and advanced server version.
- Red Flag Linux: A distribution developed in China and optimised for the Chinese market.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux: The solely-commercial fork from Red Hat Linux (in RPM-based distributions).
- SUSE: Based in Nürnberg, Germany, SUSE (previously SuSE) is one of the most popular distributions in Europe. Like Red Hat, it is a large distribution (on 7+ CDs and, recently, 2 DVDs as well). It features a unique configuration tool named YaST. Founding member of United Linux. Recently purchased by Novell.
- Tinfoil Hat Linux: A distribution for the security-conscious and paranoid.
- Trustix: A somewhat-hardened distribution focused on security. Contrast SELinux, from NSA, which is a set of kernel modifications, not a distribution, and cannot be used alone, however.
- Turbolinux: A popular distribution in Asia, based on Red Hat. Member of United Linux.
- Vine Linux: A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat.
- White Box Linux: A distribution designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 3.
- Yellow Dog: A Red Hat-based distribution for the PowerPC platform.
- YOPER: "Your Operating System", a desktop distribution from New Zealand.
Slackware
- Plamo Linux: A Japanese distribution based on Slackware.
- Slackware: An older distribution, maintained by Patrick Volkerding. Slackware is known for its focus on simplicity and security.
- Ultima Linux: Customized distro by Martin Ultima; based on Slackware.
- SLAX: A small bootable CD made by Tomas Matejicek.
Distributions using other packaging systems
- Arch Linux: A distribution primarily for advanced users.
- Foresight Linux: A distribution built around the quite new packaging system Conary, which aims on switchers by providing an easy to use and at the same time innovative Linux distribution.
- Gentoo: A distribution intended for enthusiasts and professionals. Gentoo focuses on the compilation of source code rather than the distribution of binary packages.
- GoboLinux: An alternative Linux distribution which redefines the entire file system hierarchy by installing everything belonging to one application in one subfolder under /Programs, and using symlinks from /System and its subfolders to point to the proper files.
- Heretix: The successor of RubyX, management of this distribution is done via the Ruby programming language. Packagement is handled via Ruby as well, with packages being installed in one folder under /pkg. (Currently, June 2005, in very very early beta stage)
- Impi Linux: A South African distribution that focuses on the needs of African users.
- Jedi GNU/Linux: A source-based GNU/Linux Metadistribution which is built around the force-get package manager. It is currently in a beta-state (as of June 2005) but is in constant development.
- Linux From Scratch: A document specifying the process of compiling an entire Linux system from scratch, adjusted by whoever creates "his/her own personal Linux system". (not a distribution).
- Lunar Linux: A source code-based destribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
- MkLinux: A distribution for PowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on top of the Mach microkernel.
- Onebase Linux: A distribution intended for a broad range of users.
- Sorcerer GNU/Linux: A source code-based distribution.
- Source Mage GNU/Linux: A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
- Ututo: A Gentoo based distribution, made in Argentina.
Small or lightweight distributions for use with older machines
Most of the mini distributions offer both harddisk and USB stick installation choices.
- Austrumi: A Latvian Live-CD mini-distribution. Supports English. Similar to Puppy, but more professional looking and includes a richer set of features. Uses the Fvwm95 window manager, and is based on Slackware.
- Basic Linux (BL). Aimed at very low end and limited hardware, such as the 386/486. Comes on 2 floppies instead of the more normal CD. Slackware based and extendable with programs directly from the Slackware repository.
- Damn Small Linux (DSL): Grandfather of mini distributions. A live distro designed for mini-cds. The design goal was to see how many usable desktop applications could fit inside a 50MB CD. It was at first just a personal tool/toy. But over time Damn Small Linux grew into a community project with hundreds of development hours put into refinements including a fully automated remote and local application installation system and a very versatile backup and restore system which may be used with any writable media including a hard drive, a floppy drive, or a USB device. Uses Knoppix hardware detection which - although detecting most hardware selection - takes a relatively long time to boot (for a lightweight distribution). Includes own *.dsl packaging system, BUT offers options to use Debian repositories to extend the system (use with caution). Fluxbox is the default Window manager. There is a considerably active community around DSL. (.deb).
- Feather Linux: Sharing similar goals as Damn Small Linux, but not based on it (Feather is more closely related to Knoppix). Includes more software packages than DSL raising the "small" limit to about 115MB. Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager. Compatible with Debian packages (.deb).
- Flonix USB Edition: a light distro for nomad desktop that runs from USB Keydrive. This is a pure commercial distribution that can only be purchased pre-installed on USB sticks.
- Knopperdisk: New kid in the block. Aimed purely at USB sticks. (Gentoo based).
- Puppy Linux: Completely different than other mini distribution. Fast (boots 2-3 times faster than any other mini distribution). Boots well under low end PCs (even under 32MB RAM) with its ultra-minimalistic approach, where Damn Small Linux or Feather Linux would crawl. Contains very minimal set of utilities; e.g. uses busybox, instead of bash. Managing the system to install new software requires more experience from average user. Uses Fvwm95 windows-a-like window manager.
- SPBLinux: Mini-distribution for floppies and USB keydrives.
- Vector Linux: A medium-lightweight distribution. Designed to provide the user with a simplified installer and small, fast applications that function well on older computers as well as new ones. There are several editions of which the SOHO (Small office, Home office) is the full blown 2G installation and "Dynamite" is around 800M. SOHO offers KDE/IceWM window managers that have been themed to look very professional. Dynamite offers subset of utilities and IceWM only. Includes simple package management updater. (Slackware based).
Entirely- or partially-commercial distributions
- Libranet: A Debian-based desktop distribution based upon and 100% compatible with Debian. The installation has hardware detection and the desktop has an 'adminmenu' (in both text and gui mode) to ease hardware and software configuration.
- Linspire: Another desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows, based on licensed Xandros code and Debian. Additional software is available from Linspire or via Debian's apt command, although compatibility with Debian is not guaranteed. Has significant proprietary content.
- Lycoris Desktop/LX: Targeted for the desktop market, comparable to Mandrake for ease of installation and use.
- Mandrakelinux: now referred to as Mandriva Linux (following the merger of Mandrakesoft and Conectiva). Their various products (for servers, workstations, small businesses as well as individuals) are considered among the easiest Linux distributions to maintain for novice users. Originally a Red Hat variant optimized for Pentium-class CPUs, Mandriva Linux has since diverged to form its own "user-friendly" distributions. While remaining entirely free software, Mandriva's business model adds further enterprise-class support and services, mainly through a subscription basis, as well as a delayed release strategy for individual non-members of their club (http://www.mandrivaclub.com).
- MEPIS: An easy-to-use Debian-based distribution which also runs as a LiveCD, allowing you to try out MEPIS before you decide to install it on your hard drive.
- Mobilinux- By Montavista for smartphones.
- Nitix: Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system.
- Novell Linux Desktop: since Novell acquired SUSE, their Linux products are based off both former distributions.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux: The solely-commercial fork from Red Hat Linux (in RPM-based distributions).
- SUSE: Based in Nürnberg, Germany, SUSE (previously SuSE) is one of the most popular distributions in Europe. Like Red Hat, it is a large distribution (on 7+ CDs and, recently, 2 DVDs as well). It features a unique configuration tool named YaST. Founding member of United Linux. Recently purchased by Novell.
- Xandros: Canadian based Xandros (based on the defunct Corel Linux) focuses on the desktop market and Windows compatibility. The Xandros distribution, unlike most others, may not be freely copied, as it contains proprietary software. Xandros is based on Debian and is designed to be compatible with Debian's dpkg package management system.
- YES Linux (http://www.yeslinux.org): YES Linux (http://www.yeslinux.org) is a turnkey distribution that is specifically targeted to the SOHO. YES Linux provides SOHO's a way to have a complete internet presence including but not limited to a web and email server up and running in under 10 minutes.
Inactive or discontinued distributions
- Beehive. Last release 2002.
- College Linux: A Slackware-based distro from Robert Kennedy College, Delemont, Switzerland. Last release 2003.
- Icepack Linux: A user-friendly, full-featured operating system, pre-configured, well structured and easy to work with (RPM-based). Last release 2003.
- LinuxXP: An easy-to-use distribution without the hassle of re-partitioning the hard drive and going through complicated processes of hardware configuration. Last release February 2004.
- Mastodon Linux [1] (http://www.pell.portland.or.us/~orc/Mastodon/): The last a.out Linux distribution.
- Morphix: A LiveCD Debian distribution with different flavours, including GNOME. Last release 2003.
- Red Hat Linux: Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release was Red Hat Linux 9.0 in March 2003.
- Sun Wah RAYS LX: A Debian-based desktop distribution, developed in China.
- ThizLinux: ([2] (http://www.thizlinux.com)) A HongKong based distribution provide services to Great China. Last release 2003.
- United Linux: A group of distributors who banded together to build a common base distribution, based on SuSE. United Linux has now ceased.
- Yggdrasil: One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.
Special-purpose distributions
Some groups compile special purpose Linux distributions as turnkey firewalls, for embedded systems, and for other special purposes.
- Bootable business card distros
- Cooperative Linux: A distribution for running Linux on Microsoft Windows natively
- Coyote Linux: Router/firewall distribution
- Demudi: Multimedia distribution
- Dynebolic: Multimedia distribution
- ELKS Linux: The Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset
- Embedded Debian
- Embedix
- Familiar Linux: Distribution for iPAQ handhelds
- Flightlinux: A distribution for spacecraft
- GeeXboX: Multimedia distribution
- Linux floppydistro
- Gibraltar: Router/firewall distribution
- Hard Hat Linux: see MontaVista Linux
- IPCop: Router/firewall distribution
- iPodLinux (http://www.ipodlinux.org/): Embedded Linux firmware for the Apple iPod based on the µCLinux kernel
- The Linux Router Project: Router distribution
- MontaVista Linux: embedded systems distro by MontaVista Software
- SELinux: Security-Enhanced version of the Linux kernel (i.e., no distro as such) created by the NSA
- Sentry Firewall: A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution
- SmoothWall: Router/firewall distribution
- Tinfoil Hat Linux: Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security
- Trinux: Security tools distribution
Alternate platforms
Linux started life as an operating system for X86-compatible systems but has expanded to include numerous other computer processors. Various distributions cater to those other computer architectures.
- Linux on zSeries: IBM mainframes
- penguinppc.org (http://www.penguinppc.org): Linux/ppc (POWER-based systems, e.g. IBM pSeries, iSeries, and newer Apple Macintosh)
- Linux/m68k (http://www.linux-m68k.org/): Motorola 680x0 series (older Apple Macintosh, NeXT, etc.)cs:Seznam distribucí linuxu