| Distribution |
Description |
| 64 Studio |
Attempts to specialize in audio and video production on x86-64 workstations. |
| AbulÉdu |
French. Designed for data processing in educational establishments. |
| AGNULA |
Former DeMuDi for multimedia production |
| Baltix |
For Lithuanian and Latvian languages |
| BeatrIX |
A compact distribution from the Czech Republic that focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop environment. |
| Corel Linux |
Commercial. Short-lived desktop distribution, bought by Xandros Linux |
| Damn Small Linux |
A desktop Linux distribution designed to be extremely lightweight and run on less powerful hardware. |
| Dreamlinux |
A Brazilian Linux distribution. |
| eBox |
Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC |
| Elive |
A Live CD and Distribution featuring Enlightenment as the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use. |
| Finnix |
A small system administration Live CD that is available for multiple architectures. |
| Gibraltar |
Commercial. Router/firewall distribution. |
| gnuLinEx |
A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain. |
| grml |
Live CD for system recovery |
| Kanotix |
An installable live CD for desktop usage using KDE, focusing on convenient scripts and GUI for ease of use. |
| Knoppix |
The first Live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux. |
| Kurumin |
Earlier, it was a version of the Knoppix distribution, modified with Debian and designed for Brazilian users. |
| LEAF Project |
The Linux Embedded Appliance Framework. A tiny primarily floppy-based distribution for routers, firewalls and other appliances. |
| LiMux |
An ISO 9241 industry workplace certified Linux distribution, deployed at the City of Munich, Germany. |
| Linspire |
Commercial. Desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows. Focuses on a proprietary software application manager obtained via a paid (CNR) subscription. Bought by Xandros Linux. |
| Maemo |
A development platform for hand held devices such as the Nokia N800 and N810 Internet Tablets and other Linux-based devices. |
| MEPIS |
Focuses on ease of use. Also includes lightweight variant called antiX. |
| Neopwn |
Debian based network penetration-testing distribution for mobile phones. |
| NepaLinux |
A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing. |
| OpenZaurus |
Debian packages and ROM image for the Sharp Zaurus PDA. Replaced by Ångström distribution. |
| Outernet Server |
A modified version of Debian that installs preconfigured and is specifically meant for a High speed multimedia Networks. |
| Parsix |
Optimized for personal computers |
| Progeny Componentized Linux |
Distribution from Progeny Linux Systems which was also founded by Debian founder Ian Murdock. |
| Pure:dyne |
pure:dyne is a Debian based operating system developed to provide media artists with a complete set of tools for realtime audio and video processing. |
| Rxart |
Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software. |
| Salgix |
Distribution developed and maintained by GMSI (Gemini Microsystems International) for its line of Visual Computing workstations. |
| sidux |
Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable. |
| Skolelinux |
A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools. |
| Sunwah Linux |
A Chinese distribution |
| Symphony OS |
Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix. |
| The Linux Router Project |
A defunct floppy-based distribution for routers and firewalls. Supplanted by LEAF Project. |
| Tuquito |
Created in Argentina. |
| Ubuntu |
A distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd as well as receiving major funding from South African Mark Shuttleworth. Aims to offer a complete and polished desktop on a single CD. |
| UserLinux |
Commercial distribution that would have included GNOME. Short-lived. |
| Voyage Linux |
Oriented for embedded routers on multiple platforms |
| Xandros Open Circulation Edition |
Based on Xandros 3.0 Standard Edition. DVD burning is disabled and CD burning is restricted to a maximum speed of 4X. |
| Xebian |
For the Xbox home gaming console. |
These Ubuntu variants simply install a set of packages different from the original Ubuntu, but since they draw additional packages and updates from the same repositories as Ubuntu, all of the same software is available for each of them.
| Distribution |
Description |
| Ubuntu Server Edition |
An official derivative made for use in servers. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can host LAMP and more. |
| Kubuntu |
An official derivative of the Ubuntu Linux distribution using the KDE environment instead of the GNOME environment which is used by default in Ubuntu. It has a predictable 6 month release cycle and is part of the Ubuntu project. |
| Xubuntu |
An official derivative of the Ubuntu open source operating system, using the Xfce desktop environment. Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems[1], and uses mostly GTK+ applications. |
| Edubuntu |
A complete Linux-based operating system targeted for primary and secondary education. It is freely available with community based support. The Edubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Edubuntu Manifesto: that software, especially for education, should be available free of charge and that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities. Since version 8.04, Edubuntu has now been named Ubuntu Education Edition and has been made as an add-on for the Ubuntu operating system.[2] |
| Gobuntu |
Was an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, aiming to provide a distribution consisting entirely of free software, it was officially announced by Mark Shuttleworth on July 10, 2007, and daily builds of Gobuntu 7.10 began to be publicly released. The project ended around the release of 8.04 and has since merged into Ubuntu as a 'free software' option. |
| Ubuntu JeOS (pronounced as "juice") |
Described as "an efficient variant [...] configured specifically for virtual appliances".[3] |
| Ubuntu Mobile |
An embedded operating system designed for use on mobile devices. The operating system will use Hildon from maemo as its graphical frontend. |
| Ubuntu Netbook Remix,[4] |
Released in 2008,[5] Netbook Remix is an official derivative of Ubuntu designed for netbooks using the Intel Atom processor. |
| Distribution |
Description |
| Alinex |
Portuguese Linux distribution, from Évora university, used as OEM from some Portuguese computer manufacturers. |
| Baltix |
Ubuntu based distribution for Lithuanian and Latvian people. Supported languages are Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Russian, English, Norwegian and other around Baltic region. Main language is Lithuanian. |
| Buddhabuntu |
Ubuntu based distribution for Buddhists to complement Ubuntu Christian Edition and Muslim Editions |
| CrunchBang Linux |
An Ubuntu based distribution featuring the lightweight Openbox window manager and GTK+ applications developed from a minimal Ubuntu install and has been designed to offer a good balance of speed and functionality. |
| Eeebuntu |
Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks |
| Fluxbuntu |
Light-weight and featuring the Fluxbox window manager |
| gNewSense |
Designed for users who wish to use only free software. It is officially sponsored and recommended by the Free Software Foundation. The project has also produced a set of scripts that allow anyone to create a free distribution. |
| Goobuntu |
An Ubuntu-based distribution used internally by Google. |
| gOS |
Uses the GNOME desktop environment with user interface enhancements to make it work more like Mac OS X, it also features Google Apps, Picasa, Google Gadgets and other web-based applications, and comes with Wine 1.0 pre-installed |
| Guadalinex |
Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalucia, Spain, for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux). |
| Hiweed |
Chinese Linux distribution, based on Ubuntu. Its features include preconfigured Chinese applications, such as Chinese (simplified) input method, Chinese-English and English-Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese (simplified) true-type fonts. |
| HP Mi (MIE) |
Based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, designed by Canonical and HP for use on the HP Mini 1000 and 110 series netbooks.[6] |
| Impi Linux |
South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector. |
| Kiwi Linux |
Kiwi Linux is an Ubuntu derivative primarily made for Romanian, Hungarian and English speaking users.[citation needed] |
| Kuki Linux |
Lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution founded by João Ferro, built to be a replacement for the Linpus Linux Lite distribution on the Acer Aspire One. |
| Linux4One |
Based on Ubuntu, specially designed to work on the Acer Aspire One series |
| Linux Mint |
Based on Ubuntu |
| LinuxMCE (Linux Media Center Edition) |
Kubuntu based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation. |
| LOUD (LCSEE Optimized Ubuntu Distribution) |
An Ubuntu distribution used at West Virginia University. It contains several specialized educational packages as well as its own themes and login manager. |
| Maryan Linux |
Uses the Enlightenment 17 window manager as default window manager, also has Fluxbox and Pekwm ready to use. It is aimed at users migrating from Microsoft Windows. |
| Molinux |
Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society. |
| moonOS |
moonOS is an Ubuntu derivative designed by Cambodian artist Chanrithy Thim. It features E17 and LXDE, along with original and imaginative artwork.[citation needed] |
| Mundus OS |
An unofficial derivative of Ubuntu |
| nUbuntu or Network Ubuntu |
A project to take the existing Ubuntu distribution and remaster it as a Live CD and Full Install with tools needed for penetration-testing servers and networks. The main idea is to keep Ubuntu’s ease of use and mix it with popular penetration testing tools. Besides usage for network and server testing, nUbuntu will be made to be a desktop distribution for advanced Linux users. |
| openArtist |
creative tools for creative people. While the goal of openArtist is quite the same of UbuntuStudio, it diggs a bit deeper in that it provides a more configured and documented System. Not only Audio is deeply featured, also extensive 3D, 2D, Video, VJ categories as well as HardwareInterfacing (wii, reactable e.g), collaboration and programming.[citation needed] |
| OpenGEU |
Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu. |
| Poseidon Linux |
Distribution designed for academic and scientific use. Although based on Ubuntu, it enhances its parent by adding a large number of applications for GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages and more. The usual software for daily use, such as office suite, Internet browser, instant messaging and chat clients are also included. |
| PSUbuntu |
Ubuntu distribution intended for the PlayStation 3. |
| Qimo |
Qimo had an intuitive interface with large icons and comes with educational games for children aged three and up. |
| Sabily |
Ubuntu based distribution for Muslims (formerly Ubuntu Muslim Edition). |
| Super OS |
Aiming to provide an ‘Out of the Box’ experience, containing various enhancements over Ubuntu. |
| TOSS |
TCE Operating System Services is a distribution derived from Ubuntu which targets users ranging from developers to laymen. TOSS has a variety of engineering applications required by the Engineers of all branches. TOSS has a completely different look and feel. It has been developed and released by Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai,India. |
| Ubuntu Christian Edition (CE) |
An Ubuntu based distribution for Christians. Development now discontinued.[7] |
| Trisquel |
Created in Galicia (Spain). It has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with Compiz. |
| TurnKey Linux |
Open source project developing a family of free, Ubuntu-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type usage scenarios. |
| U-lite |
Has the main goal to be very light consuming hardware resources. The last version uses the LXDE desktop environment. It was previously called Ubuntulite. |
| Ultimate Edition |
Formerly Ubuntu Ultimate, it is based on Ubuntu and contains various software not included in the official Ubuntu repositories. |
| XBMC Live |
An embedded operating system with XBMC Media Center designed to make any computer into a dedicated media center appliance. |
| Distribution |
Description |
| TinyMe |
A lightweight distribution based on PCLinuxOS |
| aLinux |
A distribution for home use designed to be equivalent to Windows XP Home (formerly known as Peanut Linux). |
| ALT Linux |
Several distributions including Master, Compact, and Junior. Provides support for Cyrillic languages. [8] |
| Annvix |
A security-focused server distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot. |
| Ark Linux |
A distribution focused on ease of use and ease of learning. |
| Berry Linux |
A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English. |
| Caixa Mágica |
A Portuguese distribution. |
| Caldera Linux |
Caldera bought SCO then took the SCO name and no longer produces a Linux distribution. Last release: 3.1.1 - Jan. 30, 2002 |
| cAos Linux |
A general purpose distribution. Designed to have low overhead, run on older hardware, and be easily customizable. |
| EduLinux |
A distribution for educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux). |
| EnGarde Secure Linux |
Server-only distribution designed to be secure. |
| Fedora |
Community-supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat. It usually features cutting-edge Linux technologies. |
| Granular Linux |
Based on PCLinuxOS and features two desktop environments - KDE & Enlightenment |
| Linkat |
A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain. |
| Mandriva Linux |
Easy to use system through its unique Control Center. |
| MCNLive |
A Mandriva-based distribution designed to run from CD or USB Flash Drive, focused on multimedia, internet, graphics. |
| PCLinuxOS |
A Live CD distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2. Later rebased on Mandriva 2007. |
| PLD Linux Distribution |
Aimed at advanced users and administrators. Favors requiring manual tweaking in exchange for much flexibility. Non-conservative approach to RPM usage provides a consistent environment on almost all available architectures. [9] |
| Red Flag Linux |
A distribution developed in China and optimized for the Chinese market. |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux |
Red Hat's officially supported distribution. Meant for enterprise use. |
| Red Hat Linux |
Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003. |
| SUSE Linux |
A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc.. SUSE is one of the most popular distributions in Europe. Like Red Hat Linux, it is a large distribution on several CDs/DVDs. Free Eval versions are available for the SUSE Linux Enterprise versions.
-
-
- openSUSE - A branch developed by the community and sponsored by Novell. openSUSE maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the standard installs will be from Free/Libre/Open-Source Software solutions, including Linux kernel Modules. Novell's enterprise Linux products are all based on the codebase that comes out of the openSUSE project.
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server - A server-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc. and targeted at the business market.
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (previously branded Novell Linux Desktop) - A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc. and targeted at the enterprise market.
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time - A specialized version of the SUSE distribution from Novell designed to support low latency for time critical operations.
|
| Trustix |
A distribution focused on security. |
| Turbolinux |
Based on Red Hat Linux. |
| Vine Linux |
A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat Linux. |
| YOPER |
A desktop distribution from New Zealand that focuses on optimizing system performance for workstation use. |
| Distribution |
Description |
| Absolute Linux |
A lightweight desktop-oriented distribution. It is version-compatible with Slackware.[citation needed] |
| Austrumi |
An 86 MB bootable live CD |
| BasicLinux |
A mini Linux designed to run in old PCs (386). Has a certain degree of compatibility with Slackware packages. |
| Frugalware |
A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. |
| GoblinX |
A live CD that features multiple customizable desktop environments. |
| HostGIS |
HostGIS Linux is a Slackware based distribution specifically made for handling GIS information. |
| KateOS |
A desktop distribution aimed at intermediate users. It uses Xfce as its default desktop environment. |
| Kwort |
Kwort is a desktop-oriented distribution that uses a custom package manager called kpkg. It is based on Xfce. |
| MuLinux |
Floppy-based distribution with replaceable modules. |
| NimbleX |
Completely customizable through the NimbleX website. |
| Slackintosh |
An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture. |
| SMS - Slack Mini Server |
A full-featured server distribution (inc. dovecot, postfix, MailScanner, ClamAV, SpamAssassin, OpenLDAP), manageable through webmin interface or kde environment. Also features TorrentFlux (a php bittorrent client). [10] |
| Slamd64 |
An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture. |
| SLAX |
A very popular live CD which aims to provide a complete desktop for general use. Permanent installation of SLAX is not recommended or supported; it is designed for "live" use only. |
| STUX |
A live CD distribution. |
| Topologilinux |
Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk. |
| VectorLinux |
A lightweight distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well-suited for older hardware. |
| Wolvix |
A desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on Slackware, mainly targeted at home users, featuring Xfce. |
| Zenwalk Linux |
Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; however, compatibility with Slackware is still maintained. |
SLAX's modularity and reputation of quality have made it a popular base for other live CD projects.
The following distributions either use another packaging system, do not use any, or are simply not categorized.
| Distribution |
Description |
| Arch Linux |
An i686- and x86-64-optimized distribution targeted at experienced users. Arch runs on a rolling release system and uses the pacman utility for package management. |
| Billix |
A live CD or live USB system administration toolkit and multiboot distribution with the ability to install any of the included distributions. |
| Brazil FW |
A Brazilian router/firewall distribution. |
| Coyote Linux |
Router/firewall distribution. |
| 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 |
| DD-WRT |
Embedded firewall distribution. |
| DeLi Linux |
A desktop based mini distribution with office suite, web browser and other graphical programs to run on a 486. Built from scratch with some influences from Slackware and CRUX. |
| Devil-Linux |
Router/firewall/server distribution running from CD or USB. Configuration held on USB or floppy disk. |
| Draco GNU/Linux |
A distribution originally based on Slackware that uses pkgsrc for package management. |
| DSLinux |
Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS. |
| dyne:bolic |
Live CD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (eg: word processor, desktop publisher). It is completely free software as defined by the Free Software Foundation. |
| Familiar Linux |
Distribution for iPAQ handhelds. |
| Fli4l |
a single floppy ISDN, DSL and Ethernet-Router. |
| Foresight Linux |
A distribution built around the Conary package manager. |
| FREESCO |
A free replacement for proprietary routers supporting up to 10 network cards and up to 10 modems. |
| GeeXboX |
Live CD media center distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files (eg: .ogg, XVID) on home theater. |
| GoboLinux |
An alternative Linux distribution which redefines the entire file system hierarchy by installing everything belonging to one application in one folder under /Programs, and using symlinks from /System and its subfolders to point to the proper files. |
| Hikarunix |
A distro solely for studying and playing the game of Go. |
| IPCop |
Router/firewall distribution. |
| iPodLinux |
Embedded Linux firmware for the Apple iPod based on the µCLinux kernel. |
| Jlime |
Distribution for the HP Jornada 6xx and 7xx and NEC MobilePro 900(c) handhelds. |
| Lunar Linux |
A source code-based distribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux. |
| Lycoris |
Desktop/LX: Fell down to one employee and then acquired by Mandriva. |
| MCC Interim Linux |
MCC Interim Linux, possibly the first Linux distribution. Created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992. |
| MkLinux |
A legacy distribution for PowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on top of the Mach microkernel. |
| Mobilinux |
By Montavista for smartphones. |
| MontaVista Linux |
Embedded systems distro by MontaVista Software. |
| NASLite |
a floppy-based Linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attached Storage device. |
| Nitix |
Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system. |
| OpenWrt |
Embedded firewall distribution. |
| Pardus |
Developed by Turkish National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology. It uses PISI as package manager, COMAR as configuration framework. |
| PS2 Linux |
Sony Computer Entertainment distribution released officially for the PlayStation 2 video game console. |
| Puppy Linux |
A mini distribution which runs well under low-end PCs - even under 32 MB RAM. Includes Slackware 12 support (since version 3). |
| Recovery Is Possible |
Live CD for system maintenance and recovery. |
| rPath |
A distribution built around the Conary package manager. |
| ROCK Linux |
A distribution "build kit" that can be used to create other distributions. |
| Sentry Firewall |
A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution. |
| SliTaz GNU/Linux |
A small desktop distro. The ISO is under 30 MB; runs entirely in RAM; uses its own tazpkg package system. |
| Smallfoot |
Developed by the Santa Cruz Operation ( SCO UNIX / SCO Group ), formerly Caldera. |
| SmoothWall |
Router/firewall distribution. |
| Softlanding Linux System |
One of the earliest distributions, developed from 1992-1994; Slackware was originally based on it. |
| Sorcerer |
A source code-based distribution. |
| Source Mage GNU/Linux |
A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer. |
| T2 SDE |
A fork of ROCK Linux. |
| Tinfoil Hat Linux |
Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security. |
| Thinstation |
Thin client distribution supporting all major connectivity protocols. |
| tomsrtbt |
Root boot disk. |
| Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X |
One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995. |
