List of Linux distributions

Timeline representing the development of various Linux distributions.

This page provides general information about notable Linux distributions in the form of a categorized list. Distributions are organized into sections by the major distribution they are based on, or the package management system they are based around.

Debian-based

Debian family tree

Debian GNU/Linux is a distribution that emphasizes free software. It supports many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the .deb package format and the dpkg package manager and its frontends.

Distribution	Description
64 Studio	Attempts to specialize in audio and video production on x86-64 workstations.
aptosid	Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable. Formerly sidux.
Bharat Operating System Solutions	This software is also known by the acronym BOSS GNU/Linux or simply BOSS Linux.
Canaima	A Venezuelan distribution.
Caixa Mágica	A Portuguese distribution.
Chitwanix OS	Chitwanix OS is an Operating System developed from Nepal focusing the daily computing of the user and new Nepali Linux Taste and requirement.
Corel Linux	Commercial. Short-lived desktop distribution, bought by Xandros Linux.
CrunchBang Linux	A small Distro and Live CD based on Debian Stable, featuring the Openbox window manager and tint2 panel with GTK+ applications.
Dreamlinux	A Brazilian Linux distribution (not active anymore).
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.
Freespire	A community-driven and -supported project tied to the commercial Linspire distribution. Defunct since 2007. Website offline since early 2011.
Gibraltar	Commercial. Router/firewall distribution.
grml	Live CD for system recovery.
Instant WebKiosk	Live, browser only operating system for use in web kiosks and for digital signage.
Kali Linux	Made to be a completely customizable OS, used for penetration testing.
Kanotix	An installable live DVD/CD for desktop usage using KDE and LXDE, 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, and effectively defunct since 2007.
LinuxBBQ	LinuxBBQ is a plethora of releases for various targets and goals based on Debian Sid.
Linux Mint Debian Edition	Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a rolling distribution based on Debian Testing. It is available in both 32 and 64-bit as a live DVD with a Gnome desktop. The purpose of LMDE is to look identical to the main Linux Mint edition and to provide the same functionality while using Debian as a base.
Linux Router Project	A defunct floppy-based distribution for routers and firewalls. Supplanted by LEAF Project.
Maemo	A development platform for hand held devices such as the Nokia N800, N810, and Nokia N900 Internet Tablets and other Linux-based devices.
MEPIS	Focuses on ease of use. Also includes a lightweight variant called antiX. antiX is meant to be used on older computers with limited hardware.
MintPPC	For PowerPC computers. Although MintPPC uses some Mint LXDE code, it is not Linux Mint.
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.
Pardus	Developed by Turkish National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology. Based on Debian.
Parsix	Optimized for personal computers and laptops. Built on top of Debian testing branch and comes with security support.
PureOS	Based on Debian Testing.
Rxart	Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software.
Sacix	A Debian Pure Blend originally created to support the educational and free software diffusion goals of the Telecentres project of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
Siduction	Derived from aptosid, siduction is a distro based on debian sid with a friendly community.
Skolelinux	A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools.
SolusOS	Based on the Stable branch of Debian with updated software applications from Debian backports. Improved media support. Features the Gnome desktop with usability patches and customized applications.
SolydXK	Xfce and KDE desktop with a semi-rolling release model.
Sunwah Linux	A Chinese distribution
Symphony OS	Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.
SalineOS	Lean, stable and easy-to-use distribution with XFCE as graphical interface.
TAILS	The Amnesic Incognito Live System' or Tails is aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity, with all outgoing connections forced to go through Tor.
Ubuntu	A distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd. and receiving major funding from South African Mark Shuttleworth. Aims to offer a complete and polished desktop on a single DVD.
Ulteo	Virtual desktop project.
Univention Corporate Server	Enterprise distribution with integrated IT infrastructure and identity management system by the company Univention GmbH, Germany. A full version for up to 5 users for tests and for private use can be downloaded.
Webconverger	Debian Live based browser only distribution, similar to Google Chrome OS. However based on Firefox & dwm, with no user sign-in, no special hardware required and designed for public places.
Vyatta	Commercial open source network operating system includes routing, firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention and more. Designed to be an open source Cisco replacement.

Knoppix-based

Knoppix family tree

Knoppix, itself, is based on Debian.

Distribution	Description
Damn Small Linux	It is a small distro designed to run on older hardware. It is commonly used on virtual machines due to low memory requirements.
Feather Linux	It boots from either a CD or a USB flash drive. Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager.
Hikarunix	A distribution solely for studying and playing the game of Go. Based on Damn Small Linux.
Kaella	The French translation of Knoppix.
Musix GNU/Linux	A Knoppix/Debian based distribution, intended for music production, graphic design, audio, video editing, and other tasks. It is built with only free software.

Ubuntu-based

Ubuntu family tree

Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian, designed to have regular releases, a consistent user experience and commercial support on both desktop and server.

Official distributions

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
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.
Kubuntu	An official derivative of Ubuntu using KDE instead of the GNOME or Unity interfaces used by default in Ubuntu.
Lubuntu	Lubuntu is a project that is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system that is "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", using the LXDE desktop environment.
Mythbuntu	Based on Ubuntu and MythTV, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a media center.
Ubuntu for Android	Designed for use with Android phones.
Ubuntu GNOME	An official Ubuntu variant that uses Gnome Shell as its default desktop and GDM as its display manager.
Ubuntu JeOS	"Just Enough OS" – was described as "an efficient variant [...] configured specifically for virtual appliances". Since the release of Ubuntu 8.10 it has been included as an option as part of the standard Ubuntu Server Edition.
UbuntuKylin	An official derivative aimed at the Chinese market.
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 Touch is a successor to Ubuntu Mobile.
Ubuntu Netbook Edition	Netbook Edition was an official derivative of Ubuntu designed for netbooks using the Intel Atom processor. Starting from Ubuntu 11.04, Ubuntu Netbook Edition has been merged into the desktop edition.
Ubuntu Server	An official derivative made for use in servers. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can host LAMP and more.
Ubuntu Studio	Based on Ubuntu, providing open-source applications for multimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors.
Ubuntu Touch	Designed for use with touchscreen devices.
Ubuntu TV	Designed for use with TVs.
Xubuntu	An official derivative of Ubuntu using Xfce. Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems, and uses mostly GTK+ applications.

Third-party distributions

Unofficial variants and derivatives are not controlled or guided by Canonical Ltd. and generally have different goals in mind.

Distribution	Description
Aurora	Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks, based on Debian. Previously named Eeebuntu and based on Ubuntu.
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.
BackBox	BackBox is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It has been developed to perform penetration tests and security assessments. Designed to be fast, easy to use and provide a minimal yet complete desktop environment, thanks to its own software repositories, always being updated to the latest stable version of the most used and best known ethical hacking tools.
BackTrack	Developed by Offensive Security and designed for penetration testing.
BlankOn	Ubuntu-based distribution for users in Indonesia.
Buildix	An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, developed by Global IT professional services firm, ThoughtWorks. For agile developers.
Bodhi Linux	An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution featuring the Enlightenment window manager and targeting users who want minimum of preinstalled software or low system requirements.
Linux Deepin	a Linux distribution based on the Ubuntu Linux Distribution. The Chinese version is tailored for Chinese language users and includes preconfigured Chinese applications such as simplified Chinese input methods, Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese TrueType fonts. From Version 11.12, Linux Deepin provides different ISO images for Chinese and English.
dyne:bolic	Live CD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (e.g.: word processor, desktop publisher).
EasyPeasy	Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks.
Element OS	Based on Xubuntu, made for Home theater PCs.
Elementary OS	A powerful, user-friendly distribution known for its well received user interface, proprietary software, and devoted community of developers and artists.
Emmabuntüs	Based on Xubuntu designed to facilitate the repacking of computers donated to Emmaüs Communities.
GendBuntu	A version adapted for use by France's National Gendarmerie.
Gobuntu	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 mainline Ubuntu as a 'free software' option.
Goobuntu	An Ubuntu-based distribution used internally by Google. Not available outside of 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.
Joli OS	Joli OS (formerly named Jolicloud) is in development and Pre-beta testing. Joli OS is built upon Debian and Ubuntu 9.10, but is tweaked to be more suitable for computers that have weaker specifications in terms of disk storage, memory and screen size. It is designed to run on relatively low-powered netbook computers.
HP Mi	Based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, designed by Canonical and HP for use on the HP Mini 1000 and 110 series netbooks.
Impi Linux	South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector.
Karoshi	A formerly PCLinuxOS-based distribution designed for use in schools.
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.
LiMux	A project by the city council of Munich, Germany.
Linux Mint	Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu's, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users. Also features a Debian-based edition.
LinuxMCE	Linux Media Center Edition, a Kubuntu based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation.
LinuxTLE	A Thai Linux distribution.
LliureX	A distribution by the Generalitat Valenciana
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.
MAX	Stands for MAdrid LinuX.
Molinux	Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society.
Moon OS	Moon OS uses the Enlightenment window manager and also has an LXDE version, and is based on the LTS release.
Nova	Cuban state-sponsored distribution developed at the University of Information Science, Havana. Formerly based on Gentoo.
Netrunner	Kubuntu based distribution with complete software and codecs installed, developed by Blue Systems (also sponsoring Kubuntu and LinuxMintKDE).
OpenGEU	Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu.
Peppermint OS	A light-weight LXDE distribution for cloud applications through Mozilla Prism. Based on Lubuntu
Pinguy OS	An Ubuntu-based distro for people that have never used Linux before or for people that want an out-of-the-box working OS without having to tweak a fresh installation of Ubuntu or other Ubuntu-based distro.
Poseidon Linux	For academic and scientific use. Based on Ubuntu, but enhanced by e.g. GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages.
Qimo 4 Kids	educational games for children aged 3 and up. Ubuntu-based with easy to use interface.
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.
Trisquel	Fully free software system without proprietary software or firmware and uses the Linux-libre kernel, based on Ubuntu LTS Releases.
TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library	Open source project developing a family of free, Ubuntu-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type usage scenarios.
UberStudent	For higher education and advanced secondary students, those who teach them, and lifelong learners.
Vinux	A Linux distribution designed for visually impaired users.
Zentyal	(Formerly named eBox) Ubuntu Server with web based interface targeted at small business ; Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC
ZevenOS	Similar to BeOS, with some extra tools.
Zorin OS	Made as a transition from Windows (or Mac OS X) to Linux.

Gentoo-based

Gentoo family tree

Gentoo is a distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software. Distributions based on Gentoo use the Portage package management system with emerge or one of the alternative package managers.

Distribution	Description
Calculate Linux	Calculate Linux is a family of distributions.
Chromium OS	Google's OS to be used on various tablet computers as well as netbooks and nettops. It is primarily Internet-based, launching each app within the Chrome browser. The OS uses a user interface very similar-looking to the Chrome internet browser instead of GNOME, KDE, etc.
funtoo	Based on Gentoo.
Gentoox	An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox.
Knopperdisk	A distribution aimed at USB sticks.
Pentoo	Penetration-testing Live CD.
Sabayon Linux	An installable Live DVD with multiple desktop environments. Like Gentoo, Sabayon uses the rolling release model; it uses a customized version of Red Hat's Anaconda Installer and includes a Media Center application.
SystemRescueCD	System rescue Live CD version of Gentoo.
Tin Hat Linux	Based on hardened Gentoo.
Ututo	Made in Argentina.
VidaLinux	Uses Anaconda as its installer.

Pacman-based

Arch family tree

Pacman is a package manager that is capable of resolving dependencies and automatically downloading and installing all necessary packages. In theory, a user need only run a single command to completely update the system.

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.
Chakra Linux	Originally derived from Arch Linux, with the latest KDE desktop. For now uses the pacman utility for package management. Strives to be Qt-only.
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.
Frugalware Linux	A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. Has some influences from Slackware, and uses a heavily modified version of the Pacman package manager, Pacman-G2, a fork of a cvs version of the complete rewrite of Pacman-G1 by Aurelien Foret (the old monolithic Pacman-G1 is written by Judd Vinet). The packages are tar archives that are compressed using xz.

Arch-based

Distribution	Description
Antergos Linux	Derived from Arch Linux, It is Cinnarch Re-Born Distro.
ArchBang	Based on Arch Linux, but also provides LiveCDs with working system and graphical installation scripts. Uses Openbox as default window manager.
KnoppMyth	Based on Arch Linux and MythTV, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a sound and video center.
Manjaro Linux	Based on Arch Linux, using its own repositories, Manjaro aims to be a user-friendly Arch system with very good out-of-the-box hardware support. The default desktop environment is XFCE, but many others are offered.
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre	Arch Linux without any proprietary software, plus various added packages. Packages are also built for mips64el in addition to i686 and x86_64.

RPM-based

Red Hat family tree

Red Hat Linux and SUSE Linux were the original major distributions that used the RPM file format, which is today used in several package management systems. Both of these later divided into commercial and community-supported distributions. Red Hat Linux divided into a community-supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat called Fedora, and a commercially supported distribution called Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Distribution	Description
aLinux	Formerly known as Peanut Linux
ALT Linux	Several distributions including Master, Compact, and Junior, Server, Terminal.
Caldera OpenLinux	A distribution originally introduced by Caldera and later developed by its subsidiary Caldera Systems, the later Caldera International, who bought SCO and then renamed into The SCO Group 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.
Fedora	Community-supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat. It usually features cutting-edge Linux technologies.
Linkat	A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain.
Lycoris Desktop/LX
Mageia	A community distribution initially forked from Mandriva Linux in response to the discontinuation of free versions of Mandriva Linux.
Mandriva Linux	Easy to use system through its unique Control Center.
PCLinuxOS	A rolling release Live CD distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2. Later rebased on Mandriva 2007.
Red Hat Linux	Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release of the unsplit distribution was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003.
SUSE Linux	openSUSE – A community-developed branch, sponsored by SUSE. It 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. SUSE'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 SUSE and targeted at the business market. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (previously branded Novell Linux Desktop) – A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by SUSE and targeted at the enterprise market. SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time – A specialized version of the SUSE distribution from SUSE designed to support low latency for time critical operations.
Turbolinux	Based on Red Hat Linux.
Vine Linux	A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat Linux.
YOPER	A rolling release desktop distribution from New Zealand that focuses on optimizing system performance for workstation use.

Fedora-based

Fedora family tree

Fedora is a community supported distribution based on Red Hat. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completely Free Software system.

Distribution	Description
Atomix	a Serbian desktop and server oriented Linux distribution
Aurora SPARC Linux	For Sun's SPARC architecture
Berry Linux	A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English.
BLAG Linux and GNU	Fully free software
EduLinux	For educational purposes
EnGarde Secure Linux	Server-only distribution designed to be secure.
Fuduntu	Designed to fit in somewhere between Fedora and Ubuntu.
Hanthana	Designed to cater the needs of Sri Lankan computer users who are unable to access Internet frequently, with many most-wanted applications built in.
K12LTSP	A distribution for educational purpose. Comes with LTSP support.
Kororaa	Initially aimed at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration. Now based on Fedora.
Linpus Linux	Focused on the Chinese market, along with Linpus Lite focused on the netbook market.
MeeGo	Built by Intel and Nokia, intended for mobile phones and tablets.
Moblin	Built around the Intel Atom processor; supplanted by Meego when Intel and (temporarily) Nokia combined activities
MythDora	Specialized distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software, similar to KnoppMyth, based on Fedora.
Network Security Toolkit	A Live CD/DVD with security and networking tools to perform routine security and networking diagnostic and monitoring tasks.
Ojuba Linux	Focused on providing the best Arabic support, as well as some Islamic tools such as Hijra (Hijri calendar) and Minbar (prayer time indicator).
Qubes OS	Focused on security for desktop users.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux	Red Hat's officially supported distribution. Meant for enterprise use.
Russian Fedora Remix	A remix of Fedora.
Trustix	A distribution focused on security.
Xange	Xange (formerly Simplis, formerly Vixta) is a distribution that tries to emulate the appearance of Windows Vista. It is based on KDE.
Yellow Dog Linux	For the PowerPC platform.

RHEL-based

See also: Red Hat Enterprise Linux derivatives and Commercial products based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Distribution	Description
Asianux	A distribution co-developed between Red Flag Software Co., Ltd., Miracle Linux Corp. and Haansoft, INC., focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean support.
CentOS	Community-supported distribution that aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux without the inclusion of proprietary software.
ClearOS	Small Business Server. File, Print, Messaging, UTM, VPN.
Fermi Linux LTS	Based on Scientific Linux.
Miracle Linux	Developed by Japanese software vendor Miracle Linux Co., Ltd
Oracle Linux	Supported by Oracle. Aims to be fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Red Flag Linux	A distribution developed in China and optimized for the Chinese market. Based on Asianux.
Rocks Cluster Distribution	A distribution for building a High-Performance Computing computer cluster, with a recent release supporting Cloud computing. It is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux but with extensions to support large multi-node heterogeneous systems for clusters (HPC), Cloud, and Data Warehousing (in development).
Scientific Linux	A distribution co-developed by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which aims to be compatible with and based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
SME Server	Based on CentOS and targeting Small and Medium Enterprises.
TrixBox	A Voice Over IP (VoIP) distribution based on CentOS.

Mandriva Linux-based

Mandriva family tree

Distribution	Description
Annvix	A security-focused server distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot. Discontinued.
Trinity Rescue Kit	Aimed specifically at offline operations for Windows and Linux systems such as rescue, repair, password resets and disk cloning
Unity Linux	Meant to be a base for custom distributions.

Slackware-based

Slackware family tree

Slackware is known as a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools. Generally considered a distribution for advanced users, it is often suggested to those who want to learn the inner workings of a Linux operating system.

Distribution	Description
AUSTRUMI	An 108 MB bootable live CD as of version 1.9.3
BasicLinux	A mini Linux designed to run in old PCs (386). Has a certain degree of compatibility with Slackware packages.
Frugalware	Frugalware Linux is a general-purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users who are familiar with command-line operations. Early versions were based on Slackware, but it is now an independently developed distribution.
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. No longer in development.
MuLinux	Floppy-based distribution with replaceable modules.
NimbleX	Completely customizable through the NimbleX website. Now no longer producing new versions.
Platypux	A French Linux distribution of the Slackware family
Salix OS	Originally a fork of Zenwalk, Salix is a complete distribution fully backwards compatible with Slackware. Uses Xfce, KDE, LXDE, Fluxbox or Ratpoison as its default desktop environment. 32 and 64bits version. Live versions are also available.
Sentry Firewall	A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution.
simpleLinux	simpleLinux uses LZMA compression to compress its system files. The project started on year 2007 by a group of Malaysian developer. simpleLinux is a Slackware-based distribution that comes in both Live CD or Persistence version that can be installed to a medium. simpleLinux comes to be a multi-tasking operating system that runs the X Window System.
Slackintosh	An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture.
Slamd64	An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture.
Slax	A 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. Also can be run from a USB flash drive.
SuperGamer	A Live DVD Linux Distribution focused on gaming.
Topologilinux	Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk. Outdated.
VectorLinux	A lightweight distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well-suited for older hardware.
WinLinux	A distro that runs at top of FAT32 FS.
Wolvix	A desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on Slackware, mainly targeted at home users, featuring Xfce. No longer available
Zenwalk	Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; however, compatibility with Slackware is still maintained.
ZipSlack	A lightweight and portable version of Slackware

Slax-based

Slax's modularity and reputation of quality have made it a popular base for other live CD projects.

Distribution	Description
DAVIX	A live CD for data analysis and visualization.
DNALinux	A small distribution designed for running bioinformatics software, including BLAST and EMBOSS.
Emnix	A Slax-based distribution focused around portability and practicality. Production has ceased and Emnix replaced with Project Esma.
Porteus	A small Linux distro based on Slax.

Others

The following distributions can not be categorized under the preceding sections.

Distribution	Description
Alpine Linux	A security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on uClibc and BusyBox.
Bifrost	Small, for networking
Billix	A live CD or live USB system administration toolkit and multi-boot distribution with the ability to install any of the included distributions.
Coyote Linux	Router/firewall distribution.
CRUX	CRUX is a lightweight, i686-optimized distribution targeted at experienced users. The focus 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.
Devil-Linux	Router/firewall/server distribution running from CD or USB. Configuration held on USB or floppy disk.
DSLinux	Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS.
ELinOS	Distribution for embedded systems by SYSGO. ELinOS focuses on industrial application and provides real-time extensions.
Familiar Linux	Distribution for iPAQ handhelds.
fli4l	Router/firewall distribution.
Foresight Linux	A rolling release 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 (e.g.: .ogg, XVID) on home theater.
GoboLinux	An alternative distribution which redefines the 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.
IPCop	Router/firewall distribution.
Iskolinux	A Linux distribution packaged and maintained by UP Manila's (UPM) Information Management System as part of University of the Philippines' thrust to migrate to Linux.
Jlime	Distribution for the HP Jornada 6xx and 7xx and NEC MobilePro 900(c) handhelds.
Lightweight Portable Security(LPS)	A distribution created by the United States Department of Defense that boots entirely in RAM
Lunar Linux	A source code-based distribution descended from Sorcerer.
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 distribution 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	Router/firewall distribution, also other embedded systems, a lot of routing options via opkg available
paldo	Independently developed desktop operating system and package manager (upkg) with a rolling release format and standard Gnome environment.
Pardus	Developed by Turkish National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology. Prior to 2013 uses PISI as package manager, COMAR as configuration framework. Starting with Pardus 2013, is Debian based.
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.
rPath	A distribution built around the Conary package manager.
SliTaz GNU/Linux	A small desktop distribution. 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 International and Caldera Systems – based on Caldera OpenLinux 3.x and 4.x binaries.
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	A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer.
Stable Hybrid Release	For smartphones, offering Enlightenment's Illume user interface. It is based on FSO.
Thinstation	Thin client distribution supporting all major connectivity protocols.
Tinfoil Hat Linux	Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security
Tiny Core Linux	Tiny Core Linux is a minimalist (around 10 MB) Linux system focusing on providing a base system with BusyBox, FLTK and other minimalist software.
TinyMe	Based on Unity Linux, targeted to be as lightweight as possible.
tomsrtbt	Root boot disk.
Tor-ramdisk	An i686 uClibc-based micro Linux distribution (about 5 MB) that runs in system memory and whose only purpose is to host a Tor server in an environment that maximizes security and privacy.
xPUD	Small distribution, aimed at being simple and usable.
Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X	One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.

See also

• Comparison of Linux distributions
• Comparison of netbook-oriented Linux distributions
• DistroWatch
• List of Linux distributions endorsed by the Free Software Foundation
• List of live CDs
• List of router or firewall distributions
• State-sponsored Linux distributions
• Linux on System z

External links

• Chris Haney Screenshot Directory – Screenshots of many Linux distributions.
• Operating-System.org – Lists all known Linux distributions at a glance.
• The LWN.net Linux Distribution List – Categorized list with information about each entry.
• Distrowatch – Announcements, information, links and popularity ranking for many Linux distributions.