Information about List Of 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.

Linux

History

GNU Project • Linux kernel (history • portability and supported architectures) • Naming controversy • Windows and Linux • Adoption • Linus's Law • Tux • SCO and Linux

Distribution

Linux distribution (list • comparison) • Linux package formats • LiveDistro (list • comparison) • Live USB • Mini Linux

Applications

Server • Desktop • Embedded • Gaming • Thin client This box:  •  • [ edit]

Debian-based

Debian is a distribution that emphasizes free software. It is supported on many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the .deb package format and the dpkg package manager.

Distribution	Description
64 Studio	Attempts to specialize in audio and video production on AMD64 workstations.
AbulÉdu	For education purposes
Baltix	For Lithuanian and Latvian languages
Bayanihan Linux 2006	A Linux server distribution from the Philippines.
BeatrIX	A compact distribution from the Czech Republic that focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop environment.
Bharat Operating System Solutions	A Linux distribution with Indian language support. It focuses on providing applications for use in government.
Bonzai Linux	180 MB distribution, KDE desktop. Documentation is mostly in German.
DeMuDi	For multimedia production
Dreamlinux	A Brazilian Linux distribution based on Morphix, Elive, Debian and Kanotix. It has a GUI has a strong similarity to that of Apple Computer's Mac OS X.
	LiveCD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (eg: word processor, desktop publisher).
eBox	Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC
Elive	A LiveCD and Distribution featuring Enlightenment as the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use.
Feather Linux	Sharing similar goals as Damn Small Linux, but not based on it (Feather is more closely related to Knoppix). Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager. Compatible with Debian packages (.deb).
Finnix	A small system administration Live CD that is available for multiple architectures.
Gibraltar	Router/firewall distribution.
gnuLinEx	A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain.
Knoppix	The first Live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux.
Linspire	Desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows. Focuses on proprietary software applications.
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.
Musix	A Knoppix/Debian based distribution, intended for music production, graphic design, audio, video editing, and other tasks.
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.
Paipix	Based on Knoppix and Kanotix for desktop usage. Developed in Portugal, but with localizations in other languages.
Parsix GNU/Linux	Parsix is an installable live CD based on Kanotix and Debian sid.
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.
Rxart	Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software.
Skolelinux	A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools.
sidux	Based on Debian unstable.
Symphony OS	Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.
The Linux Router Project	Router distribution
Trisquel	A Debian based distribution, created in Galicia (Spain). It has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with Compiz.
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. It was never published.
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.
Xebian	a distribution for the Xbox home gaming console, Fluxbox.
Zen Linux	A Live CD. Desktops available are GNOME and KDE.

Knoppix-based

Knoppix is itself based on Debian.

Distribution	Description
Buildix	For agile developers.
Bioknoppix	A customized distribution of Knoppix live CD containing open source applications and tools for molecular biology [1].
Kaella	The French translation of Knoppix.
Kalango	Another Brazilian Knoppix-based distribution designed to have strong visual appeal.
Kanotix	Known for its excellent hardware support and desktop integration among laptops. KDE desktop, optional other desktops.
KnoppMyth	Specialized Knoppix distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software.
Kurumin	A version of the Knoppix distribution designed for Brazilian users.
Mediainlinux	LiveCD multimedia (audio and video) production | Knoppix based.
PAIPIX	A Debian "live" distribution based on Knoppix and Kanotix for desktop usage. Developed in Portugal, but with localizations in other languages.

More distributions based on Knoppix are listed in the Knoppix article.

Ubuntu-based

Ubuntu is based on Debian.

Distribution	Description
	Based on Xubuntu. Runs on Windows using coLinux.
Edubuntu	Official derivative; designed for use in classroom
EHUX	Ubuntu-based, created as an initiative of the University of the Basque Country
Freespire	Distribution that focuses on obtaining streaming media from the Internet.
gNewSense	Free general purpose operating system
Gnoppix	Intended to offer the GNOME desktop environment on a Live CD. Discontinued.
Gobuntu	Free general purpose operating system. Formerly gNewSense.
Guadalinex	An Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalucia, Spain for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux).
Hiweed	A distribution for the Chinese language.
Ichthux	Christian oriented, originally based on Knoppix
ImpiLinux	A South African based distribution that targets users in Africa
Kubuntu	Official derivative; uses the KDE desktop environment.
LinuxMCE	Distribution designed to allow a computer to act as a Home Theater PC.
Linux Mint	Distribution focused on multimedia. Contains Beryl.
MEPIS	Focuses on ease of Installation.
Mythbuntu	Designed to simplify the installation of MythTV on a home theater PC.
nUbuntu	Includes tools used for penetration testing of servers and networks.
Olá! Dom	Kubuntu-based and Polish
Ubuntu Christian Edition	Oriented towards Christians
Ubuntu Muslim Edition	Oriented towards Muslims
Ubuntu Studio	Geared toward multimedia applications
Vacarm Linux	A security and law enforcement oriented distribution of Linux
Xubuntu	Official derivative; uses the Xfce desktop environment.
	Not to be confused with Xubuntu, a port of Ubuntu to the XBOX.

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.

Distribution	Description
Gentoox	An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox.
Calculate Linux	A distribution for workstations.
epiOS	A distribution designed and optimised for VIA Epia Mini-ITX systems.
Knopperdisk	A new distribution aimed at USB sticks.
Kororaa	A distribution which aims at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration.
Pentoo	Penetration-testing Live CD distribution.
Sabayon Linux	Live DVD which includes a wide range of desktop environments and open-source software applications. Like Knoppix, Sabayon Linux can be installed on the hard drive.
SystemRescueCD	System rescue Live CD version of Gentoo.
Ututo	A distribution made in Argentina.
VidaLinux	A distribution which uses Anaconda as its installer.

RPM-based

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.

Fedora-based

Distribution	Description
Aurox	Young Polish distribution with emphasis for multimedia, graphics, localization and education.
Aurora SPARC Linux	A distribution that brings a modified Fedora to Sun's SPARC architecture
BLAG Linux and GNU	A Free Software-based distribution designed for basic home computing tasks.
Fox Linux	An Italian distribution designed for basic home computing tasks.
K12Linux and K12LTSP	A distribution for educational purpose. K12LTSP comes with LTSP support.
Linux XP	Distribution that focuses on ease of installation and use. Last release December 19 2005.
Yellow Dog Linux	A Fedora-based distribution for the PowerPC platform. Also the offical supported Linux for the PlayStation 3

Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based

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 supports.
CentOS	Community-supported distribution that aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux without the inclusion of proprietary software.
ClarkConnect	Router/firewall distribution
Pie Box Enterprise Linux	Aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux by introducing minimal changes to the upstream packages.
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.
White Box Enterprise Linux	A distribution designed to be 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.

Others (RPM-based)

Distribution	Description
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.
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.
ASPLinux	A distribution that provides support for Russian and other Cyrillic languages.
Berry Linux	A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English.
blackPanther OS	A user friendly, Windows like distribution. The primary focus of this distribution is easy using. :* Desktop - this variant of blackPanther OS makes a tremendous visual impact, effort to preserve high confidence. :* Notebook OS - A static variant for blackPanther brand Notebooks :* mS - A frugal version for blackPanther brand miniServer :* SS - A other hard version for blackPanther brand SecurityServer
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.
Linkat	A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain.
Mandriva Linux Free	Free
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.
Pingo Linux	A Slovenian version of Red Hat and Fedora
PLD Linux Distribution	Targets advanced users.
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 optimized for the Chinese market.
Red Hat Linux	Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003.
SAM Linux	A live and installation CD based on PCLinuxOS 2007 and Xfce.
Sharif Linux	A bilingual Persian-English distribution for the Iranian market.
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.
Tinfoil Hat Linux	A distribution stated to be aimed at the security-conscious and paranoid.
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.

Slackware-based

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	A business card size (50MB) bootable live CD Linux distribution developed by Latvian programmers.
Bluewhite64	An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture.
easys GNU/Linux	Slackware based enterprise Desktop equipped with KDE.
Frugalware	A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users.
GoblinX	A live CD that features multiple customizable desktop environments.
OpenDevelop GNU/Linux	Development-desktop oriented live and installable Linux distribution based on Slackware and Linux Live scripts, fully optimized for development purposes.
Plamo Linux	A Japanese Linux distribution designed for reliability and simplicity.
Slackintosh	An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture.
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.
Topologilinux	Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk.
Vector Linux	A lightweight distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well suited for older hardware.
Wolvix	A live distribution designed for desktop and multimedia applications. Can be run from a CD or USB device, and also supports installation.
Zenwalk Linux	Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; though compatibility with Slackware is still maintained.

SLAX-Based

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

Distribution	Description
AliXe	A bilingual (English and French) distribution designed for office and multimedia applications.
Arudius	An information assurance suite that includes many vulnerability assessment utilities and source code auditing tools.
BackTrack	A network security suite developed by RemoteExploit.org. It includes many penetration testing utilities and development tools. While BackTrack is principally used as a live CD, it can also be installed permanently.
DNALinux	A small distribution designed for running bioinformatics software, including BLAST and EMBOSS.
LG3D LiveCD	A live CD used to demonstrate Sun Microsystems Project Looking Glass 3D desktop environment.
SLAMPP	Designed to be used on a home server.

Others

The following distributions either use another packaging system, do not use any, or are simply not categorized.

Distribution	Description
Arch Linux	An i686-optimized Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. Uses pacman utility to update packages.
BeatrIX	A discontinued compact (200M) distribution from the Czech Republic. Providing a user-friendly desktop is a chief design goal.
Bogus Linux	The first Linux distribution that featured a "pristine source" package management system.
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
CryptoBox	An encrypting fileserver
Damn Small Linux (DSL)	Generally considered as the starter of mini distributions. A live CD designed for MiniCD with a hard drive install option. Started as a personal project to see how many usable desktop applications could fit inside a business card size 50MB MiniCD. Over time it has grown into a considerably active community project. Refinements include a fully automated remote and local application installation system and a very versatile backup and restore system which may be used with any writable media including a hard drive, a floppy drive or a USB device. Uses Knoppix hardware detection which - although detecting most hardware selection - takes a relatively long time to boot. Includes own *.dsl packaging system, but offers options to use deb package from Debian repositories to extend the system (use with caution). Uses Fluxbox window manager.
DD-WRT	Embedded firewall distribution.
DeLi Linux	A desktop based mini distribution with office suite, webbrowser and other graphical programs to run on a 486. Built from scratch with some influences from Slackware and CRUX.
Devil-Linux	firewall/router/server distribution running from CD.
DSLinux	Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS.
Eisfair	small easy to install server.
Endian	Router/firewall distribution.
Familiar Linux	Distribution for iPAQ handhelds.
Finux	The name used by Neal Stephenson in his novel, Cryptonomicon, denoting a fictional 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.
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	LiveCD 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. Upstream source packages are installed using Compile.
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 handhelds.
Jurix	One of the earliest distributions, developed from 1993-1999; SuSE 4.2 was based on it.
Linux From Scratch	A book giving instructions on how to build a Linux system from source, a LiveCD containing the most recent stable version of both the book and the packages needed for a base system is also available.
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 of 1992.
MiniMyth	Net-bootable distribution to run frontend components of MythTV on diskless Via EPIA M hardware.
MkLinux	A 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.
MSVS	A general-purpose Linux-based operating system focused on security. It is designed in Russian VNIINS institute, certified and used by Russian military. There are also more narrowly specialised versions for mainframes and mobile complexes.
myOS	Miniature, Linux based OpenGL development system.
NASLite	a floppy-based Linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attached Storage device.
NimbleX	A modular distribution intended for non-experienced users. It runs from the CD/USB.
Nitix	Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system.
Operator Linux	A CD-based Linux with tools for network administration and security testing.
Pardus	Developed in Turkey. 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 boots 2-3 times faster than other mini distributions due to its own built-from-scratch boot procedure, rather than being based on Knoppix, as many other live CDs are. Runs well under low-end PCs - even under 32MB RAM - with its ultra-minimalistic approach. Contains very minimal set of utilities; e.g. earlier versions used BusyBox instead of bash to provide command line support. Uses JWM, a Windows 95-like window manager. As of version 3.00, now includes Slackware 12 support.
Rocks Cluster Distribution	A distribution for building a High-performance computing computer cluster.
rPath	A distribution built around the Conary package manager.
Sentry Firewall	A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution.
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.
Tinfoil Hat Linux	Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security.
tomsrtbt	Root boot disk.
Tuga	Commercial desktop distribution made in Italy, based on QiLinux.
Yggdrasil Linux	One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.

References

See also

• Comparison of Linux distributions
• List of Linux router or firewall distributions
• List of LiveDistros

External links

• DistroWatch.com - Compares all significant Linux distributions in detail.
• ReviewLinux.Com - A Web Site with Linux Reviews as well as Latest Linux News.