List of Linux distributions

This page provides general information about each of the notable Linux distributions in the form of a categorized list. General-purpose distributions are organized into sections by the major distribution they are based on, or the package management system (generally, installation format and updating system) they are based around (and thus are, to varying degrees, more compatible and similar). Other distributions are organized by the purpose for which they are designed or other properties about them.

For a more technical approach see the page "Comparison of Linux distributions". For a less descriptive list see: Category:Linux distributions.

Linux Distro Genesis, timeline representing the development of various Linux distributions.

Distributions based on others

Debian-based

Debian is a distribution that emphasizes free, unencumbered software and is known for having highly stable, carefully packaged software. Distributions based on Debian use the .deb package format and the dpkg and apt-get systems.

Adamantix

A distribution focusing on security.

Amber Linux

A distribution tailored specifically for Latvian users.

Amiga Linux

Aquamorph

A distribution based on Knoppix, built with Morphix.

Baltix

Linux preconfigured for Lithuanian and Latvian languages.

Bayanihan Linux 2006

Distribution from the Philippines. An easy-to-use Linux server for government agencies, school and SMEs.

BeatrIX

a compact (200M) distribution from the Czech Republic. Providing a user-friendly desktop is a chief design goal.

Big Linux

Big Linux is a Brazilian distro based on Debian Linux.

Bonzai Linux (formerly known as miniwoody, or tinyboner)

180 MB distribution, KDE desktop. Documentation is mostly in German.

Boss (Indian Version of Gnu/Linux distribution)

Bharat Operating System Solutions is a Linux distribution based on Debian with Gnome Desktop environment coupled with Indian language support and other packages that are most relevant for use in the government domain.

Catix

A Catalan distribution created by people from Catalonia, Spain.

Debian GNU/Linux

A distribution assembled by a large community of volunteers. Debian has a large selection of packages (over 18000) and supports a large number of hardware platforms. Debian is known for being somewhat politically motivated; works which do not meet Debian's codified standards for freedom are not permitted to be included in Debian's archive (e.g. LAME and other audio/video codecs).

Debian-BR-CDD

A Brazilian Custom Debian Distribution. GNOME desktop.

DeveLinux

A small Live CD for developers, students and teachers based on a Debian snapshot. It contains programming languages, compilers and a web development environment using Apache, MySQL and PHP.

Dreamlinux

A Brazilian Linux distribution based on Morphix, Elive, Debian and Kanotix. It can boot as a live CD or can be installed. Uses a customized Xfce environment with exclusive icons done for this distro. The GUI has a strong similarity to that of Apple Computer's Mac OS X.

Elive

A LiveCD and Distribution with featuring Enlightenment by the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use.

Finnix

A small system administration Live CD, available for multiple architectures.

Freespire

A CD that can be run directly from the CD in "live" mode or used to install to a hard drive. Two versions are available, including one that contains drivers, codecs and applications to support MP3, Windows Media, Java, Flash, QuickTime, Real, and so on. (Starting with version 2.0, it will no longer be Debian-based, it will be Ubuntu-based)

GNUSTEP

A development oriented distribution with a lot of GNUstep based software.

Julex

A lightweight Knoppix based distro, used for system recovery.

Kanotix

A Live CD based on Knoppix that can also be installed to hard disk. Known for its excellent hardware support and desktop integration among laptops. KDE desktop, optional other desktops.

Knoppix

The first Live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux. 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.

Kurumin

A version of the Knoppix distribution designed for Brazilian users.

Kalango

Another Brazilian Knoppix-based distribution designed to have strong visual appeal.

LinEx

A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain.

Loco Linux

An Argentine distribution.

MeNTOPPIX

An Indonesian Knoppix based distribution designed to have strong visual appeal.

Morphix

A LiveCD distribution with different flavours, including GNOME. Used as a base for many other custom live distribution such as Clusterix, PHlAK or Gnix (to name three).

Musix

A knoppix/Debian based distribution, intended for music production, graphic design, audio and video edition, and all kind of tasks.

NepaLinux

A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing.

Paipix

A Debian "live" distribution based on Knoppix and Kanotix for desktop usage. Developed in Portugal, but with localizations in other languages.

PingOO

A French distribution aimed at local communities, public organizations, schools, etc. It comes in three editions: PingOO Communication Server, PingOO Secure Server and PingOO File Server. Includes GNOME or KDE desktops.

Parsix

Parsix GNU/Linux is a live CD Linux distro and it's installable. Parsix is based on KANOTIX and Debian sid.

Pumix

A Mexican distribution developed at the UNAM.

sidux

An operating system based on the Linux kernel, Debian's most modern branch (called "Sid") and many free and open source applications.

Storm Linux

A Debian-based distribution.

Sun Wah RAYS LX

A desktop distribution developed in China.

Symphony OS

A Debian-based distribution which includes the innovative Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.

Tuquito

A distribution based on Debian created in Argentina.

Trisquel (linux)

A Debian based distribution, created in Galicia (Spain), and 100% free, it has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with compiz.

Ubuntu

A distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd as well as receiving major funding from South African Mark Shuttleworth. Uses its own package repositories seeded from snapshots of Debian Unstable taken at six-month intervals. Aims to offer a complete and polished desktop on a single CD.

Edubuntu: Edubuntu is a version of Ubuntu Linux distribution designed for use in classroom
Kubuntu: Kubuntu is Ubuntu with KDE used as the desktop environment.
Xubuntu: Xubuntu An Ubuntu derivative which uses the Xfce desktop environment.

The following are other Linux Distributions based on Ubuntu

AndLinux: A Xubuntu based Linux running on Windows using coLinux and enabling clipboard and pipes exchange between Windows and Linux.
Freespire: Currently it is Debian-based, but starting with version 2.0 it will be Ubuntu-based.
gNewSense: An entirely free/libre general purpose operating system, derived from Ubuntu.
Gnoppix: A version of the Knoppix distribution that uses the GNOME desktop environment. This distribution is now based on the Live CD architecture used for Ubuntu.
Hiweed: A distribution for the Chinese language with simplified Chinese input, Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese TrueType fonts.
ImpiLinux: A South African distribution that focuses on the needs of African users.
Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu.
Mepis: A sophisticated easy-to-install right out-of-the-box distribution using ubuntu packages for bulletproof usability.
SLinux: A usability spurred Meta-Distro for the 'SScreen' Device. Includes Beryl and Custom packages.
Uberyl: A Ubuntu based distribution that has Beryl and Automatix installed by default.
Ubuntu Christian Edition: Christian Edition of Ubuntu. Made for the administration of church-congregations.

Xandros Open Circulation Edition: based on Xandros 3.0 Standard Edition with the exception of DVD burning being disabled and CD burning restricted to a maximum speed of 4X.
Zen Linux: A Live CD. Desktops available are GNOME and KDE.

Gentoo-based

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.

BinToo: A distribution which contains a large set of pre-built software for those without a constant Internet connection.
EpiOS: A distribution for EPIA based systems.
Fantoo: A distribution that aims to contain bleeding-edge packages.
Flash Linux: A distribution that can fit onto a 256MB USB pen drive.
Gentoo: A distribution intended for enthusiasts and professionals with its own package management system called Portage. By default applications are compiled from source code on the user's system, rather than distributed as pre-compiled binary packages.
Gentoox: An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox.
Kororaa: A distribution which aims at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration. Kororaa gained attention early in March 2006, when it was the first available Live CD which utilised Xgl for graphics.
Knopperdisk: A new distribution aimed purely at USB sticks.
Medeix: A distribution based on the idea of one, unified PC from multiple networked machines. It uses distcc to dramatically cut down compile times across a network.
Navyn OS: A Live CD distribution. Most applications included with Navyn OS have very low resource requirements.
Pentoo: Penetration-testing Live CD distribution.
SabayonLinux: SabayonLinux is a Live DVD originally released under the names "RR4 Linux" (For the 32 bit platform version) and "RR64 Linux" (For the 64 bit platform) released on March 18, 2006. They include a wide range of desktop environments and open-source software applications. Like Knoppix, SabayonLinux can be installed on the hard drive.
SystemRescueCd: System rescue Live CD based on the Gentoo Live CD.
Ututo: A distribution made in Argentina.
VidaLinux: A distribution which is based on Gentoo but uses Anaconda as its installer.

Red Hat Enterprise-based

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a commercially supported distribution offered by Red Hat Linux. Distributions based on Red Hat use the RPM Package Manager (.rpm format).

Adminsparadise VoIP: Offers both regular and LiveCD versions focused on automated setup of VoIP server and fax solution for home and businesses based on Asterisk and Hylafax.
Asianux: A distribution co-developed between Red Flag Software Co., Ltd., Miracle Linux Corp. and Haansoft, INC., focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean supports based upon Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
CentOS: Community supported distribution which aims to be 100% compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux without Red Hat branding and various non-free software
GENtOS: Generating ENterprise Operating Systems to be 100% binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
GnYOUlinux: Emphasising who's important while creating 100% binary-compatible operating systems.
Pie Box Enterprise Linux: Pie Box Enterprise Linux aims to be 100% binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux by introducing minimal changes to the upstream packages.
Pingo Linux: A Slovenian version of Red Hat and Fedora^[1]
Scientific Linux: A distribution solely recompiled from the Red Hat Enterprise Linux source distributed under GPL.
White Box Enterprise Linux: A distribution designed to be 100% binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
YOUrOS: YOUr Operating System or YOUr Own System - 100% binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

See Red Hat Enterprise Linux clones for a more complete list, as well as Commercial products based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Slackware-based

Slackware is known for being more openly customizable and for that reason is also suitable for learning the innards of Linux.

AliXe: A SLAX-based, desktop-oriented live CD with the goal of promoting Linux among the French-speaking public.
Austrumi: business card size (50MB) bootable live CD Linux distribution developed by Latvian programmers
BackTrack: a network security suite developed by RemoteExploit.org. It includes many penetration testing utilities and code development tools. <<Back|Track also features a hard disk installer in addition to being a live CD.
Bluewhite64 Linux: A Slackware port for AMD-64/EM64T architectures.
College Linux: A distribution meant to be used for the common college student. It was discontinued in 2003, but resurrected in 2006.
Cytrun Linux: Security Server.
DARKSTAR: a very configurable Linux based on Slack made in Romania.
DeepStyle: Ukrainian/Russian l10n of Slackware.
easys GNU/Linux: Slackware based enterprise Desktop equipped with KDE.
Frugalware: general purpose Linux distribution, designed for intermediate users. See track record.
Hardened Linux: A security-focused distribution for firewalls, VPNs and intrusion detection systems based on Slackware x86.
Kate OS: A Slackware based lightweight distribution. Newer versions are done completely from scratch, not backwardly Slackware compatible. With many improvements such as updateos, update-notifier, KatePKG and overall scripts. See track record.
Linomad: A lightweight and fast French live (and install) CD based on Slackware, equipped with OroboROX, ROX-Filer and LxPanel, and provided by a teacher to his IT students under a CeCILL V2 license for educational purposes. You can get it on his site. It handles many network, system, office and multimedia tools.
Mutagenix: A Slackware based live CD with the KDE desktop package.
Plamo Linux: A Slackware based Japanese distribution.
RUNT: A Slackware based distribution which is designed to be installed on keydrive.
Salocin: Salocin Linux is an advanced distribution that caters to both beginners and pros. It is based on Slackware and adds features such as Portage from Gentoo and many other useful tools and features. They include a wide range of desktop environments and open-source software applications. This distribution can also be run as a live DVD.
Sauver: Sauver is a "Live CD", so no installation is required. The whole Operating System runs right off any removable media (USB or CD) , putting whatever system files it needs into RAM only. A simple to use and very useful for recovering deleted files & perform various other day to day activities. Includes GUI tools for Installing Wi-fi Drivers, Creating SWAP Files, Recovering Deleted files, Partition Manager and various others.
Slackintosh: A Slackware port for PPC architecture. See track record.
Slackware: The oldest Linux distribution still maintained. Slackware packages are tar/gziped files with the extension .tgz.
Slamd64: A Slackware port for x86-64 architecture. See track record.
SLAX: A Slackware based small live CD which can also be installed on keydrive. No hard drive install. See track record.
Splack Linux: A Slackware port for SUN SPARC based architecture, both SPARC32 and SPARC64.
Topologi: Designed to run on top of Microsoft Windows. Does not need any partition changes.
Truva Linux: A Slackware based Turkish Linux distro
Ultima Linux: Customized distro by Martin Ultima.
Vector Linux: A user-friendly lightweight distribution.
Wolvix: Wolvix is a Linux distribution based on Slax. Version 1.0.5, comes in two editions, Cub and Hunter. Wolvix Cub is designed to fit on a 256 MB USB stick. Wolvix Hunter fits on a 512 MB USB stick.
Zenwalk Linux (formerly MiniSlack): A Slackware based optimized distribution featuring Xfce as the default desktop, Gnome libraries, the xfs filesystem and new kernel. See track record.
0x7F GNU/Linux: A Slackware based Linux distro.

Distributions by primary software packaging method

Conary-based

Conary (package manager) is an open source package management system created by rPath Inc.

Foresight Linux: A distribution built around the quite new packaging system Conary.
Oz Enterprise: An advanced user-friendly Linux distribution utilizing Conary.
rPath: A distribution built around the quite new packaging system Conary.

RPM-based

Fedora Core (originally Red Hat) and SUSE are the original major distributions that used this package system.

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. Valued for strong Cyrillic support, security (related to Owl GNU/*/Linux) and community.
Annvix: A security-focused server distribution using tools like runit, urpmi, SSP-enhanced GCC, and more. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot.
Ark Linux: A distribution 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.
ATmission: A live CD distribution, based on Fedora core. Uses the cowloop (Copy On Write) driver.
Aurox: A distribution with emphasis on support for several European languages.
Berry Linux: A medium-sized Fedora Core-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English.
BLAG Linux and GNU: An entirely Free Software-based distribution intended for the home desktop user designed to provide many features while remaining within the size of one CD.
Caixa Mágica: A Portuguese distribution.
cAos Linux: A general purpose distribution managed by the community. Designed to be lightweight (fast and can be suitable for running on older hardware) and easily customizable
Cobind: A distribution meant for the home computer which uses Xfce and Nautilus.
EnGarde Secure Linux: EnGarde Secure Linux is a highly-secure, server-only community distribution built on a foundation of SELinux policies and sponsored by Guardian Digital, Inc. of Allendale NJ.
Fedora Core: A general purpose distribution for workstation, desktop and server use. Developed by Red Hat and the community.
Fox Linux: A Fedora Core-based distribution made in Italy, designed for basic home computing tasks such as browsing the Web, writing and printing documents, using multimedia and burning discs.
Linkat: A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain.
Linux Mobile System: A Fedora Core-based distribution designed to boot from USB Mass Storage devices, such as keydrives.
Llama Linux: A distribution based on PcLinuxOs with new graphics and different package selection.
Magic Linux: A distribution for Chinese users designed to be easy to use.
Mandriva Linux Free: Formerly known as Mandrakelinux, Mandriva Linux Free is entirely free software. Mandriva is developing and supporting x86 and X86_64 architectures, and providing CDs (three or four discs) and DVD editions. Mandriva Linux Free
MCNLive: A Mandriva-based distribution designed to run from CD or USB Flash Drive, focused on multimedia, internet, graphics.
NOPPENLINUX: The first user-made Live CD based on SUSE Linux, targeted at system rescue and software development.
PCLinuxOS: A Live CD distribution by Texstar, which can be installed to hard disk. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged since, while remaining RPM-based.
PCQLinux2005: A distribution made by the Indian magazine PCQuest, based on Fedora Core.
PhoeNUX OS: A distribution developed to be easy to use, stable, and cohesive in design. Based originally off Ark Linux, Mandriva LE2005, and SuSE Linux, however has diverged into its own flavour.
PLD Linux Distribution: A 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.
SAM Linux: A live and installation CD based on PCLinuxOS 2007 and Xfce.
Sesco Linux: A secure distribution by Sesco information Systems Inc.
Sharif Linux: A bilingual Persian-English distribution for the Iranian market.
Tinfoil Hat Linux: A distribution stated to be aimed at 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.
ValEnt Linux: Based on Mandrake 9.1, comes with every software package that you will use from day to day. The aim of ValEnt Linux is to create a Linux OS that everybody can install and use with ease.
Vine Linux: A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat Linux.
Yellow Dog: A Fedora Core Linux-based distribution for the PowerPC and PS3 platform.
YOPER: "Your Operating System", a desktop distribution from New Zealand that focuses on optimizing system performance for workstation use.

Binary distributions using other packaging systems

Arch Linux: An i686-optimized Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. Uses pacman utility to update packages.
Generations Linux: A live CDROM distribution based on the 2.6 Linux kernel with KDE and (default)Fvwm desktops.
IBLS: A modular mini Linux server distribution.
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.
MkLinux: A distribution for PowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on top of the Mach microkernel.
MyOS: myOS - Miniature, Linux based OpenGL development system.
NimbleX: A modular distribution intended for non-experienced users. It runs from the CD/USB.
Phrealon: A live CD distribution intended for making the imaging of workstations a simple procedure.
Underground Desktop: a desktop distribution based on Arch Linux, i686-optimized and with KDE desktop.
Pardus: A multilingual distribution, developed in Turkey. It uses PISI (a new package management system) as package manager, COMAR as configuration framework. Pardus 2007 will introduce a new, fast init system based on Python.

Source distributions with or without a packaging system

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
Dettu[Xx]: Billed as "the worlds nastiest Linux distribution" it is aimed at the "really masochistic Linux geeks".
Gentoo: Has its own package manager, Portage, and is the base for several other distributions.
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. Upstream source packages are installed using Compile.
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)
Lunar Linux: A source code-based distribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
Murix: A Linux From Scratch-based distribution created with the goal to function on all hardware platforms.
Onebase Linux: A distribution intended for a broad range of users.
ROCK Linux: A distribution build kit, or in other words, a software development toolkit for building OS solutions.
Sorcerer: A source code-based distribution.
Source Mage GNU/Linux: A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
T2 Linux: An open source system development environment (distribution build kit). T2 allows the creation of custom distributions. Currently, the Linux kernel is normally used, but Hurd, OpenDarwin and OpenBSD kernels are being ported to T2.
TA-Linux: A distribution with a small base installation that the end-users can expand to include the software they need. Plans to support different architectures, such as Alpha, Sparc, PPC and PA-RISC, but at this time only x86 is fully supported.
YaKa: An environment for describing and installing site wide systems. Describe your LAN with the YaKa language, launch the YaKa tools, reboot all your PXE based computers on your LAN

Small or lightweight distributions for use with older machines

Entirely or partially proprietary distributions

ASLinux Desktop

A Debian-based distribution with KDE desktop tailored for Spanish speaking persons. Includes office, gaming, science and software development programs. See track record.

Athene Operating System

Fast system boot, fast GUI.

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.

EZblue Linux

A Linux distribution that leverages a simple 5-minute install and configuration process. It was originally designed as a stand-alone mail, print, and web server for small businesses and is a direct competitor to Microsoft's Small Business Server.

FireCast

A Linux distribution for Kiosks and Digital Signage applications.

Haansoft Linux

A Red Hat based distribution with KDE desktop, and with GNOME desktop at 2006 Workstation, which has introduced many features of Asianux. 2005 Workstation and Server versions were previous release.

Libranet

A Debian-based desktop distribution based upon and mostly 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 died in 2005 and the future was undecided until it was officially discontinued 2006-03-15 by Tal Danzig. The story of this oldest Debian derived distribution is summed up in Libranet's last goodbye.

Linspire

Another desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows, based on Debian. Additional software is available from Linspire or via Debian's apt command, although compatibility with Debian is not guaranteed. Has significant proprietary software.

Linux XP

An easy-to-use distribution without the hassle of re-partitioning the hard drive and going through complicated processes of hardware configuration. Last release December 19 2005.

Mandriva Linux

Formerly known as Mandrakelinux. There are various products for servers, workstations, small businesses as well as individuals. Originally a Red Hat Linux variant optimized for Pentium-class CPUs, Mandriva Linux has since diverged to form its own distribution. While remaining entirely free software, Mandriva's business model adds further enterprise-class support and services, mainly through a subscription basis, as well as different release dates for individual members and non-members of their club.

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. There are several flavors to choose from.

MEPIS Lite - An entry level version of desktop MEPIS designed for home users with smaller hardware requirements (Pentium II/128MB/2G install).
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.

Mobilinux

By Montavista for smartphones.

Nitix

Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system.

Open CoLinux

Commercial version of virtualization engine of Linux for Windows called colinux. Runs Debian based Linux inside Windows with KDE desktop.

Oracle Unbreakable Linux

Pie Box Enterprise Linux

Pie Box Enterprise Linux aims to be 100% binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux by introducing minimal changes to the upstream packages.

Progeny Componentized Linux

A Linux distribution developed by Progeny, based on Debian, using Anaconda installer ported from Red Hat Linux.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

The solely-commercial distribution for server market. The inventor of the RPM-packaging system for RPM-based distributions.

RXART

Another desktop-oriented distribution, based on Debian. Additional software is available from Rxart repository or via Debian's apt command, although compatibility with Debian is not guaranteed. Has significant proprietary software.

Sun Wah RAYS LX

A Debian-based desktop distribution, developed in China.

SUSE Linux

A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc.. In 2004 Novell acquired SUSE which is based in Nürnberg (Nuremberg), Germany. 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. It includes a multipurpose configuration tool called YaST.

openSUSE - A branch developed by the community and sponsored by Novell. openSUSE maintains a strict policy of insuring 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.

Tuga: Commercial desktop distribution made in Italy, based on QiLinux.
Turbolinux: A popular distribution in Asia, based on Red Hat Linux.
Userful DiscoverStation: A locked down Linux distribution for Public Computers. See homepage.
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 like the file manager, which allows direct copy-to-CD etc. Based on Debian, Xandros is compatible with Debian's dpkg package management system. Professional, like Linspire and SUSE.
YES Linux: A turnkey distribution that is specifically targeted to the Small office and Home office (SOHO).

rPath Linux: rPath Linux is a commercial Linux distribution that comes with rBuilder and rPath Linux. The whole distribution is geared towards large scale software development. Using rBuilder, application providers can migrate to a high-value, software subscription model while reducing their development and QA costs. See homepage.

Special-purpose distributions

Some groups compile special purpose Linux distributions as turnkey firewalls, for embedded systems, and for other special purposes.

Network Oriented

Arudius: Linux live-CD for information assurance.
ClarkConnect: Router/firewall distribution
Coyote Linux: Router/firewall distribution
CryptoBox: an encrypting fileserver
Devil-Linux: firewall/router/server distribution running from CD
EBox: Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC
Echelon Linux: Designed to monitor and to manage a network - features vulnerability scanning and services monitoring. Based on DamnSmallLinux.
Eisfair: small easy to install Internet-server[1]
Endian: Router/firewall distribution [2]
Fli4l: a single floppy ISDN, DSL and Ethernet-Router
FREESCO: a free replacement for proprietary routers supporting up to 10 network cards and up to 10 modems.
Gibraltar: Router/firewall distribution. See track record.
IPCop: Router/firewall distribution
NASLite: a floppy-based Linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attached Storage device
nUbuntu: CD-based Linux with tools needed for penetrating testing servers and networks with a Fluxbox GUI.
Operator Linux: A CD-based Linux with tools for network administration and security testing. [3]
Peerix: Designed to run over a p2p network filesystem
Sentry Firewall: A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution
SmoothWall: Router/firewall distribution
The Linux Router Project: Router distribution
Tinfoil Hat Linux: Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security
Trinux: Security tools distribution
trixbox: Designed to easily set up a VOIP server based on Asterisk Open Source PBX.
ZeroShell: Web administrable router/firewall live CD with QoS features [4].

Education Oriented

Guadalinex: An Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalucia, Spain for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux).
Skolelinux: A distribution started in Norway as an affordable thin client distribution for schools (cf. EduLinux, Guadalinex).
Edubuntu Linux: A version of the Ubuntu distribution for education, including LTSP support.
EduLinux: A distribution for educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux).
K12Linux and K12LTSP: A distribution for educational purpose. K12LTSP comes with LTSP support. Fedora core based.
AbulÉdu: A distribution for educational purposes. Debian based.
College Linux: A Slackware-based distro from Robert Kennedy College, Delemont, Switzerland. Discontinued in 2003, but resurrected in 2006.
EHUX: created as an inititiative of the University of the Basque Country

Media Oriented

64 Studio: A Debian-based distribution attempting to specialize in audio and video production on AMD64 workstations.
DeMuDi: multimedia (audio and video) production
dyne:bolic: LiveCD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (eg: word processor, desktop publisher). Capable of easy modifications; runs on low spec computer and Xbox
Firecast: A commercial distribution for Digital Signage and Kiosks.
GeeXboX: LiveCD media center distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files (eg: .ogg, XVID) on home theater.
JackLab: A openSUSE-based distribution for musicians/media artists.
mediainLinux: LiveCD multimedia (audio and video) production ; Knoppix based
MiniMyth: Net-bootable distribution to run frontend components of MythTV on diskless Via EPIA M hardware
Musix: LiveCD; music production oriented, Knoppix based
c't-VDR: Debian based digital video recorder distribution for DVB-S by German IT magazine "c't" (http://www.heise.de/ct/ftp/projekte/vdr/). Builds on Klaus Schmidinger's Video Disk Recorder (VDR) (http://www.cadsoft.de/vdr/)
Ubuntu multimedia center: Ubuntu-based distribution launched late 2006. In release candidate development stage, developed by Zach Thibeau. Future versions will include media applications such as MythTV and Songbird Media Player. Download only.

Security

Cytrun Linux: Security Server. See project page.

Other

AMiLDA: An embedded distribution for routers using the ADM5120 MIPS chipset.
AndLinux: A full Debian Unstable Linux using the coLinux kernel to run on Windows at nearly native speed.
Bootable business card: distros
Cooperative Linux: CoLinux is a virtualization effort to run Linux simultaneously along with Windows. CoLinux is similar to other virtualization projects like Open source Xen (virtual machine monitor) project and commercial VMware.
DeveLinux: A live CD distro for developers. It contains any kind of software which is useful to program and develop project. See project page.
DSLinux: Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS.
ELKS Linux: The Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset
Embedded Debian: Embedded Debian is a project to make Debian GNU/Linux a mainstream choice for embedded projects
Embedix
Familiar Linux: Distribution for iPAQ handhelds
FlightLinux: A distribution for spacecraft
GC-Linux: Linux made for Nintendo GameCube videogame console.
Hard Hat Linux: see MontaVista Linux
Hikarunix: A distro solely for studying and playing the game of Go
iPodLinux: Embedded Linux firmware for the Apple iPod based on the µCLinux kernel
Jlime: Distribution for the HP Jornada handhelds
KnoppMyth: Specialized Knoppix distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software
MontaVista Linux: embedded systems distro by MontaVista Software
Nethack Linux: floppy-based Linux for playing NetHack [5]
OpenZaurus: Debian packages and ROM image for the Sharp Zaurus PDA.
PS2 Linux: Sony Computer Entertainment distribution released officially for the PlayStation 2 video game console.
Rocks Cluster Distribution: A distribution for building a High-performance computing computer cluster.
SlugOS: an embedded system distro designed by the community for Linksys NSLU2 SAN device.
TimeSys Linux: embedded systems distro by TimeSys.
tomsrtbt: Root boot disk
[VigyaanCD]: A Knoppix customization for bioinformatics, computational biology and computational chemistry.
Xebian: a distribution for the Xbox home gaming console, Fluxbox. See homepage

Distributions targeting non-x86 platforms

Linux started life as an operating system for x86-compatible systems but has expanded to include numerous other computer processors. For more information, see Linux kernel portability and supported architectures.

Some of the general-purpose distributions include support for other computer architectures, notably Debian and Gentoo, but various special distributions also cater to those other computer architectures.

Linux on zSeries: IBM mainframes
penguinppc.org [6]: Linux/ppc (POWER-based systems, e.g. IBM pSeries, iSeries, newer Apple Macintosh, Pegasos and AmigaOne)
Linux/m68k [7]: Motorola 680x0 series (Amiga, older Apple Macintosh, NeXT, etc.)
UltraLinux [8]: SPARC and UltraSPARC based systems, e.g. Sun Fire servers.
ACCESS Linux Platform [9]: for Palm devices.

Inactive or discontinued distributions

Alzza Linux: This was most popular distribution in South Korea. First release was based on Slackware, but latest was Red Hat 6 based. Last release in 2000.
Beehive: Last release 2002.
Caldera Linux: RPM based, Caldera bought SCO then took the SCO name and no longer produces a Linux distribution. Last release: 3.1.1 - Jan. 30, 2002
EvilEntity: A Slackware-based alternative to Microsoft Windows. 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.
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 of 1992. [10]
Mastodon Linux: The last a.out Linux distribution.[11]
Peachtree Linux: Designed for the knowledgable Linux user.
Red Hat Linux: Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003.
Softlanding Linux System: One of the earliest distributions, developed from 1992-1994; Slackware was originally based on it.
Stampede Linux: One of the Stampede developers left and formed Enoch Linux which was later renamed to Gentoo.
TaoLinux: A Red Hat Enterprise Linux based distribution.[12] Updates to the system are available at CentOS.[13]
ThizLinux: A HongKong based distribution provide services to Great China. Last release 2003. [14]
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 superseded by Ubuntu.
Yggdrasil: One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.
Open Wall Linux: hardened Linux distribution.

Fictional distributions

Finux: The name used by Neal Stephenson in his novel, Cryptonomicon, denoting an operating system written by Finnish people. The name is a thinly-veiled reference to Linux, a kernel originally written by Helsinki, Finland native, Linus Torvalds.

Yellow Hat GNU/Linux: A distribution produced by the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism intended to allow the user to advance in programming skill and advance towards enlightenment. It was announced by Richard Stallman as an April Fool's joke in 2003.

Jesux: A distribution designed to be a pleasant environment for Christians to work in, free from worldly influences.

Omega: A distribution developed by the elusive underground cybervigilante group, DorkOPS. Omega includes tools for security and auditing, forensics, recovery, and hacking as well as NLP, subliminal training for manipulating loose women. ^{[citation needed]}

Penix: The operating system that pulls no punches. Contains packages such as "winge", "victimise" and "exorcise". ^{[citation needed]}

Dead Penguin Linux: Actively developed by Joshua Gigg, Dead Penguin Linux is a hassle-free way to re-use a penguin carcass (a reference to the Linux mascot Tux).

Lesbian GNU/Linux: A humorous (adult humor) parody of Debian GNU/Linux.

External links

^ http://www.pingo.org/

[1] ttp://www.pingo.org/

[1]

v t e Linux
Linux kernel	History Linus's law Linux-libre Booting process Kernel oops Tux more…
Controversies	Criticism of Linux Criticism of desktop Linux GNU/Linux naming controversy Tanenbaum–Torvalds debate SCO and Linux
Distributions	General comparison Distributions list Netbook-specific comparison Distributions that run from RAM Lightweight Security-focused operating system Package manager Package format List of software package managers
Organizations	LinuxChix Linux Counter Linux Documentation Project Linux Foundation Linux Mark Institute Linux User Group (LUG)
Adoption	Adopters Desktop Embedded Gaming Mobile Range of use Linux malware
Media	DistroWatch Free Software Magazine Full Circle Linux.com Linux Format Linux Gazette Linux Journal Linux Magazine LinuxUser Ubuntu User Linux Outlaws Linux Voice LugRadio LWN.net Phoronix Revolution OS The Code
Professional related certifications	CompTIA Linux+ Linux Foundation Red Hat Ubuntu
Linux portal Free and open-source software portal Category