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List of Linux distributions

The following is a list of Linux distributions.

=Foreword=

If you re interested in one of the distributions below, you should consider the popularity and longevity in the long run. [http://www.distrowatch.com DistroWatch] is a dedicated page that keeps track of the current status of the Linux and BSD distributions. If you re wondering which of these distributions you could try , the best advice is to look at Distrowatch s hit counter (to the right) and go with the most popular. You re likely to find support in format of Wiki, IRC and FAQ pages more easier for most popular distributions than for the distbutions with lesser momentum or user base.

=deb (file format)-based distributions (Free) =

  • Adamantix: A Debian-based distribution focusing on security. See [http://distrowatch.com/adamantix track record].
  • Amber Linux: A Debian-based distribution tailored specifically to the needs of Latvian users. See [http://distrowatch.com/amber track record].
  • ASLinux Desktop: A Spanish Debian&KDE-based distribution targeted to any kind of desktop user, from home to office, from education to gaming, from science to software development. Its main strength is its great usability. See [http://distrowatch.com/aslinux track record].
  • desktop. Documentation mostly in Deutch. See [http://distrowatch.com/bonzai track record]
  • BeatrIX: a simplified distribution aiming for maximal user-friendliness from Czech. See [http://distrowatch.com/beatrix track record].
    • *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 previously had a reputation of being difficult to install but latest releases include very good and easy to use text based installer. To bring system up to usable desktop requires previous experience and effort. Debian is known to for being somewhat politically motivated; software that is not free is not usually tolerated in core Debian (e.g. LAME and other audio/video codecs). See [http://distrowatch.com/debian track record].
  • dekstop. See [http://cdd.debian-br.org/ homepage].
  • desktops. See [http://www.debianpure.com/ homepage].
  • desktop environment. This distribution has long release cycle and may integrate with Ubuntu in the future. See [http://distrowatch.com/gnoppix track record]. See [http://www.debianpure.com/ homepage].
  • , Spain for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux). See [http://distrowatch.com/guodalinex track record]. (POSSIBLY INACTIVE: last release 2004)
  • Hiweed: An easy-to-use, Chinese distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux. See [http://distrowatch.com/hiweed track record].
  • dekstop. See [http://distrowatch.com/kanotix track record].
  • (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux whom many have copied since. Usable after booting from the CD image and comes with a large amount of software. Boot time is somewhat lengthy in all Knoppix based distributions due to extensive hardware detection. See [http://distrowatch.com/knoppix track record].
  • users. See [http://distrowatch.com/kurumin track record].
  • , Spain. See [http://distrowatch.com/linex track record]. (POSSIBLY INACTIVE: last release 2004)
  • Linux distrubution based on Debian GNU/Linux. See [http://distrowatch.com/loco track record].
  • . Often found being used as a base for other custom live distribution such as Clusterix, PHlAK or Gnix (to name three). See [http://distrowatch.com/morphix track record].
  • desktops. See [http://www.pingoo.org/ homepage].
  • distribution for schools (cf. EduLinux, Guadalinex). See [http://distrowatch.com/skolelinux track record].
  • .
  • desktop which is unlike anything seen before; it uses corners for tasks and background for menus (something like SuperKaramba). See [http://distrowatch.com/symphony track record].
  • available as package. See [http://fridge.ubuntu.com/ portal] and [http://distrowatch.com/ubuntu track record].
    • ::* Ubuntu Linux Server: A version of the Ubuntu distribution designed especially for server environments. It is slim installation occupying just 400 megabytes with no Window managers. First [http://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-announce/2005-October/000042.html anounced] in 2005. ::* Edubuntu Linux: [http://www.edubuntu.org/ A version] of the Ubuntu distribution for Education incuding LTSP. ::* desktop enviroment. ::* De2: Debian Depok. A 3rd party Ubuntu derivate in Indonesian. See [http://komo.vlsm.org/de2/ homepage].
  • desktop. See [http://www.ludos.org/ homepage]
  • . See [http://distrowatch.com/zen track record].

    • =RPM Package Manager-based distributions (Free)=

  • ALinux: A distribution for home use equivalent to Windows XP Home (formerly Peanut Linux).
  • .
  • Ark Linux: A distribution that is focused on ease of use and ease of learning, while remaining technically sane.
  • and other Cyrillic languages.
  • Aurox: a Linux distribution with emphasis on support for several European languages.
  • based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English.
  • Blag Linux: A distribution designed to provide many features while remaining within the size of 1 CD.
  • Caixa Mágica: The Portuguese distribution of Linux .
  • cAos Linux: Diversly managed by the community, general purpose, lightweight (fast and can be suitable for running on older hardware) and easily customizable
  • distribution without Red Hat branding and various copyrighted software
  • Cobind Desktop
  • .
    • *EduLinux: A distribution for educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux ).
  • and the community.
  • s.
  • Magic Linux: An easy-to-use distribution for Chinese users.
  • frontend.
  • , 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.
  • ).
  • Tinfoil Hat Linux: A distribution for the security-conscious and paranoid.
  • , 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.
  • Vine Linux: A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat.
  • White Box Enterprise Linux: A distribution designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 3.
  • platform.
  • .

    • =Slackware (Free)=

  • Frugalware: general purpose linux distribution, designed for intermediate users
  • language distribution based on Slackware design principles.
  • Plamo Linux: A Japanese distribution based on Slackware.
  • . Slackware is known for its focus on simplicity and security.
  • SLAX: A small bootable CD made by Tomas Matejicek.
  • .
  • Zenwalk Linux: A Slackware based optimized distribution featuring XFCE 4 as the default desktop, Gnome libraries, the reiser4 filesystem, and the 2.6 kernel.

    • =Distributions using other packaging systems=

  • Arch Linux: An i686-optimized linux distribution targeted at competent linux users.
  • CRUX: CRUX is a lightweight, i686-optimized Linux distribution targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is keep it simple , which is reflected in a simple tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages
  • 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.
  • rather than the distribution of binary packages, thus making applications work much faster.
  • 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.
  • . 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)
  • n distribution that focuses on the needs of African users. See [http://impilinux.co.za/ homepage] (inactive as of 2005-10-15)
  • 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 distribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
  • .
  • 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.

  • , but more professional looking and includes a richer set of features. Is based on Slackware. See [http://distrowatch.com/austrumi track record].
  • Basic Linux (BL). Aimed at very low end and limited hardware, such as the 386/486 with 4Mb memory. Comes on 2 floppies instead of the more normal CD. Slackware based and extendable with programs directly from the Slackware repository. Most likely the smallest Linux distribution capable of running X desktop.
  • cAos Linux: Diversly managed by the community, general purpose, lightweight (fast and can be suitable for running on older hardware) and easily customizable
  • is the default Window manager. There is a considerably active community around DSL. See [http://distrowatch.com/damnsmall track record].
  • packages (.deb).See [http://distrowatch.com/feather track record].
  • . 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). See [http://distrowatch.com/knopperdisk track record].
  • would crawl. Contains very minimal set of utilities; e.g. earlier versions used busybox instead of bash. Managing the system to install new software requires more experience from average user. Uses Jwm windows-a-like window manager. See [http://distrowatch.com/puppy track record]
  • packages to build desktop (Fvwm95). Designed for low end hardware (266Mh/64M/install on disk ~800M). Unlike other mini-distributions, this one does not have its own install CD. User needs to install stock Debian (aka Debian proper ) CD first and then run a custom text based install script which builds the rest through open network connection. See [http://www.freshmeat.net/projects/stem-desktop project page].
  • s. See [http://sourceforge.net/projects/spblinux/ project page].
  • 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). See [http://distrowatch.com/austrumi track record]

    • =Entirely- or partially-commercial distributions=

  • BlueCat Linux: An implementation of the Linux model enhanced for use in embedded systems ranging from small consumer-type devices to large-scale, multi-CPU systems.
  • -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. The founder Jon Danzig [http://www.libranet.com/newsletter20050930 passed away 2005].
  • command, although compatibility with Debian is not guaranteed. Has significant proprietary content.
  • Mandriva Linux formerly known as Mandrakelinux. Considered among the easiest Linux distributions for novice users together with Linspire and Xandros. 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 Linux 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 [http://www.mandrivaclub.com club]. See [http://www.mandriva.com homepage]
  • , allowing you to try out MEPIS before you decide to install it on your hard drive. There are several flavors to choose from. See [http://www.mepis.org homepage].
    • ::*MEPIS Lite - An entry level version of desktop MEPIS designed for home users with smaller hardware requirements (2 GB/Pentium II/128MB) of RAM. ::*SimplyMEPIS - The official name for the MEPIS distribution. ::*MEPIS SoHoServer - A general purpose server based on the recent release of Debian. Includes preconfigured Apache, PHP, Perl, Mysql, Proftpd, Bind, DHCPd, Postfix, Dovecot, Shorewall, Squid, DansGuardian, Webmin, Usermin etc.
  • for smartphones.
  • Linux-based server operating system.
  • . See [http://www.novell.com/linux/ homepage].
  • . Runs Debian based Linux inside Windows with KDE desktop.
  • .
  • ). See [http://www.redhat.com/ homepage]
  • .
  • . See [http://www.suse.com/ homepage].
    • ::* OpenSUSE - A branch which is open-source and community-based (2005). ::* SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server - A server-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc. and targeted at the business market.
  • package management system. Undoubtly the most professional together with Lindows and SUSE. See [http://www.xandros.com homepage].
  • YES Linux: 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. See [http://www.yeslinux.org homepage].

    • =Special-purpose distributions=

    Some groups compile special purpose Linux distributions as turnkey firewall (networking), for embedded systems, and for other special purposes.

    *: Basicly enables to quickly set up a VOIP server based on Asterisk Open Source PBX. *Bootable business card distros *ClarkConnect: Router/firewall distribution

  • .
    • *Cooperative Linux: A distribution for running Linux on Microsoft Windows natively *Coyote Linux: Router/firewall distribution *DeMuDi: Multimedia distribution *Devil Linux: firewall/router/server distribution running from CD
  • : Multimedia distribution
    • *ELKS Linux: The Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset *Eisfair [http://www.eisfair.org/english/eisfair.htm ]: small easy to install Internet-server *Embedded Debian *Embedix *Familiar Linux: Distribution for iPAQ handhelds *Fli4l: a single floppy ISDN, DSL and Ethernet-Router *Flightlinux: A distribution for spacecraft *FREESCO: a free replacement for commercial routers supporting up to 10 network cards and up to 10 modems. *GeeXboX: Multimedia distribution *Gibraltar (Linux distribution): Router/firewall distribution. See [http://distrowatch.com/gibraltar track record]. *Hard Hat Linux: see MontaVista Linux
  • *IPCop: Router/firewall distribution
  • Linux kernel
  • PVR software
    • *Linux floppydistro
  • *NASLite: a floppy-based linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attatched Storage device
  • *openMosix: a Linux kernel extension that links several single systems and forms one supercomputer
  • . See [http://www.openzaurus.org/ homepage].
  • console.
  • distribution
    • *SmoothWall: Router/firewall distribution *The Linux Router Project: Router distribution *Tinfoil Hat Linux: Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security *Tomsrtbt: The distro s motto is The most GNU/Linux on 1 floppy disk. Useful rescue floppy with support for most filesystems, network drivers, and scsi drivers. *Trinux: Security tools distribution *Xebian: a distribution for the Xbox home gaming console, Fluxbox. See [http://www.xbox-linux.org/ homepage]

    =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

  • )
  • , etc.)
    • *UltraLinux [http://www.ultralinux.org/]: SPARC and UltraSPARC based systems, e.g. Sun Fire servers.

    =Inactive or discontinued distributions=

  • Beehive (software). Last release 2002.
  • College Linux: A Slackware-based distro from Robert Kennedy College, Delemont, Switzerland. Last release 2003.
  • . Last release 2003.
  • , 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.
  • Lycoris Desktop/LX: Fell down to one employee and then acquired by Mandriva.
  • Mastodon Linux [http://www.pell.portland.or.us/~orc/Mastodon/]: The last a.out Linux distribution.
  • Randlix: A distribution fully compliant with the GPL but closed-source. Its whereabouts are unknown; the one English reference regarding it (according to Google) is located [http://librenix.com/inode=2973 here]
  • . The last official release was Red Hat Linux 9.0 in March 2003.
  • was originally based on it.
  • ThizLinux [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.
  • UserLinux: commercial, GNOME. Never produced a release after conceptual agenda. Was superceded by Ubuntu.
  • Yggdrasil Linux: One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.

    • =External links=

  • [http://www.debian.org/misc/children-distros List at Debian childrens at Debian s web page]
  • [http://distrowatch.org/stats.phpsection=independence Distribution statistics big picture at DistroWatch]
    		•