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List of Linux distributions
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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.
Contents
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 |
| BeatrIX | A compact distribution from the Czech Republic that focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop environment. |
| Corel Linux | Shortlived desktop distribution |
| DeMuDi | For multimedia production |
| Dreamlinux | A Brazilian Linux distribution based on Morphix, Elive, Debian and Kanotix. It has a GUI that bears a strong similarity to that of Apple Computer's Mac OS X.It uses XFCE as Graphical Interface. |
| eBox | Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC |
| Elive | A Live CD and Distribution featuring Enlightenment as the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use. |
| Feather Linux | Shares 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. |
| G2Linx | Realtime distribution for industrial automation |
| Gibraltar | Router/firewall distribution. |
| gnuLinEx | A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain. |
| Kanotix | An installable live CD for desktop usage using KDE, focusing on convenient scripts and GUI for ease of use. |
| Knoppix | The first Live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux. |
| LEAF Project | The Linux Embedded Appliance Firewall. 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 | Desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows. Focuses on a proprietary software application manager obtained via a paid (CNR) subscription. |
| The Linux Router Project | A defunct floppy-based distribution for routers and firewalls. |
| Maemo | A development platform for hand held devices such as the Nokia N800 and N810 Internet Tablets and other Linux-based devices. Parts of maemo (particularly the Hildon UI) are also planned to be used in the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded Edition. |
| MEPIS | Installable live CDs |
| 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. |
| Outernet Server | A modified version of Debian that installs preconfigured and is specifically meant for a High speed multimedia Networks. |
| Parsix GNU/Linux | Installable live CD based on Kanotix and Debian[unverified] |
| PingOO | 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. |
| PSUbuntu | A Ubuntu distribution intended for the Playstation 3. |
| Progeny Componentized Linux | Distribution from Progeny Linux Systems which was also founded by Debian founder Ian Murdock. |
| Rxart | Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software. |
| Salgix | Distribution developed and maintained by GMSI (Gemini Microsystems International) for its line of Visual Computing workstations. |
| Skolelinux | A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools. |
| sidux | Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable (Sid)[1] providing a graphical installer. It is a rolling release, so once installed, it can be kept up-to-date with updates from the Debian Sid and sidux repositories. |
| Storm Linux 2000 | Distribution from Stormix[unverified] |
| Symphony OS | Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix. |
| Trisquel | Created in Galicia (Spain). It has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with Compiz. |
| Linux Tiger | Designed to be similar to Mac OS X. |
| 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 | For the Xbox home gaming console. |
Knoppix-based
Knoppix, itself, is based on Debian.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Buildix | For agile developers. |
| Damn Small Linux | Generally considered as the starter of mini distributions. A live CD designed for MiniCD with a hard drive install option. |
| Damn Vulnerable Linux | A full scaled IT Security and Anti-Security platform will development and auditing tools, including training packages. A live DVD designed for running into a Virtual Machine, with a hard drive install option. |
| Kaella | The French translation of Knoppix. |
| Feather Linux | Knoppix-based Linux distribution which currently fits in under 128 MB. It boots from either a CD or a USB Flash Drive, with a size suitable for a bootable business card. |
| Kalango | Another Brazilian Knoppix-based distribution designed to have strong visual appeal. Now, merged into Kurumin. |
| KnoppMyth | Specialized Knoppix distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software. |
| Kurumin | Earlier, it was a version of the Knoppix distribution, modified with Debian and designed for Brazilian users.
New versions are based on Debian an on Kubuntu, and no more on Knoppix. |
| Morphix | A Live CD 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. It is built with only free software. |
More distributions based on Knoppix are listed in the Knoppix article.
Ubuntu-based
Ubuntu is based on Debian. For a list of distributions based on Ubuntu, see List of Ubuntu-based distributions.
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. |
| 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 | For Sun's SPARC architecture |
| K12Linux and K12LTSP | A distribution for educational purpose. K12LTSP comes with LTSP support. |
| Linux XP | Focuses on ease of installation and use. |
| Linpus Linux | Focused on the Chinese market and EEE PC like computers (Linpus Lite). |
| Yellow Dog Linux | For the PowerPC platform. |
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 |
| 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. |
| White Box Enterprise Linux | A distribution designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
See Red Hat Enterprise Linux derivatives for a more complete list, as well as Commercial products based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Others (RPM-based)
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| TinyMe | A lightweight distribution based on PCLinuxOS |
| aLinux | A distribution for home use designed to be equivalent to Windows XP Home (formerly known as Peanut Linux). |
| ALT Linux | Several distributions including Master, Compact, and Junior. Provides support for Cyrillic languages. |
| Annvix | A security-focused server distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot. |
| Ark Linux | A distribution focused on ease of use and ease of learning. |
| Berry Linux | A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English. |
| Caixa Mágica | A Portuguese distribution. |
| Caldera Linux | Caldera bought SCO then took the SCO name and no longer produces a Linux distribution. Last release: 3.1.1 - Jan. 30, 2002 |
| cAos Linux | A general purpose distribution. Designed to have low overhead, run on older hardware, and be easily customizable |
| EduLinux | A distribution for educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux). |
| EnGarde Secure Linux | Server-only distribution designed to be secure. |
| 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. Later rebased on Mandriva 2007. |
| 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. |
| SUSE Linux | A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc.. SUSE is one of the most popular distributions in Europe. Like Red Hat Linux, it is a large distribution on several CDs/DVDs. Free Eval versions are available for the SUSE Linux Enterprise versions.
|
| 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 (85.9 MB as of Version 1.7.2) bootable live CD |
| BasicLinux | A mini linux designed to run in old PCs (386). Has a certain degree of compatibility with Slackware packages. |
| Frugalware | A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. |
| GoblinX | A live CD that features multiple customizable desktop environments. |
| HostGIS | HostGIS Linux is a Slackware based distribution specifically made for handling GIS information. |
| 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. |
| SMS - Slack Mini Server | A full feature preconfigured server (inc. dovecot, postfix, mailscanner, clamav, spamassassin, openldap), manageable through webmin interface or kde enviroment. Also features TorrentFlux (a php bittorrent client). |
| 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. |
| Zenwalk Linux | Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; however, compatibility with Slackware is still maintained. |
SLAX-Based
SLAX's modularity and reputation of quality have made it a popular base for other live CD projects.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Arudius | An information assurance suite that includes many vulnerability assessment utilities and source code auditing tools.[unverified] |
| Parslinux | Pars Linux is a live and installation CD derived from Slax and based on slackware. It is a complete Kde centric desktop oriented distribution. Beside of the dozens supported languages, Pars Linux also supports Persian keyboard. You can install and use Pars Linux as your PC's operating system. |
| 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. |
| 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- and x86-64-optimized, independently developed distribution targeted at experienced users. Arch runs on a rolling release system and uses the pacman utility for package management. Extra software to customize the system is added via pacman from the Arch repositories. Arch is now one of the most used Linuxes, and it is based on the CRUX (see below) Distro. |
| Coyote Linux | Router/firewall distribution. |
| CRUX | CRUX is a lightweight, i686-optimized Linux distribution targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is "keep it simple", which is reflected in a simple tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages |
| DD-WRT | Embedded firewall distribution. |
| DeLi Linux | A desktop based mini distribution with office suite, web browser and other graphical programs to run on a 486. Built from scratch with some influences from Slackware and CRUX. |
| Devil-Linux | firewall/router/server distribution running from CD. |
| DSLinux | Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS. |
| dyne:bolic | Live CD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (eg: word processor, desktop publisher). It is completely free software as defined by the Free Software Foundation. |
| Familiar Linux | Distribution for iPAQ handhelds. |
| Fli4l | a single floppy ISDN, DSL and Ethernet-Router. |
| Foresight Linux | A distribution built around the Conary package manager. |
| FREESCO | A free replacement for proprietary routers supporting up to 10 network cards and up to 10 modems. |
| Fedora | A free workstation for home or company workers. |
| GeeXboX | Live CD media center distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files (eg: .ogg, XVID) on home theater. |
| GoboLinux | An alternative Linux distribution which redefines the entire file system hierarchy by installing everything belonging to one application in one folder under /Programs, and using symlinks from /System and its subfolders to point to the proper files. |
| Hikarunix | A distro solely for studying and playing the game of Go. |
| IFALinux | A miniature barebones distro for learning about operating systems and building your own. |
| IPCop | Router/firewall distribution. |
| iPodLinux | Embedded Linux firmware for the Apple iPod based on the µCLinux kernel. |
| Jlime | Distribution for the HP Jornada 6xx and 7xx and NEC MobilePro 900(c) handhelds. |
| Lunar Linux | A source code-based distribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux. |
| Lycoris | Desktop/LX: Fell down to one employee and then acquired by Mandriva. |
| MCC Interim Linux | MCC Interim Linux, possibly the first Linux distribution. Created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992. |
| MkLinux | A distribution for PowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on top of the Mach microkernel. |
| Mobilinux | By Montavista for smartphones. |
| MontaVista Linux | Embedded systems distro by MontaVista Software. |
| NASLite | a floppy-based Linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attached Storage device. |
| Nitix | Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system. |
| OpenWrt | Embedded firewall distribution. |
| Pardus | Developed 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 runs well under low-end PCs - even under 32 MB RAM. Includes Slackware 12 support (since version 3). |
| 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. |
| SliTaz GNU/Linux | A small desktop distro. The ISO is 25 MB; runs entirely in RAM. |
| Smallfoot | Developed by the Santa Cruz Operation ( SCO UNIX / SCO Group ), formerly Caldera. |
| SmoothWall | Router/firewall distribution. |
| Softlanding Linux System | One of the earliest distributions, developed from 1992-1994; Slackware was originally based on it. |
| Sorcerer | A source code-based distribution. |
| Source Mage GNU/Linux | A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer. |
| 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/GNU/X | 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.
