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This page provides general information about notableLinux distributions in the form of a categorized list. Distributions are organized into sections by the major distribution orpackage management system they are based on.
Debian (aportmanteau of the names "Deb" and "Ian") Linux is a distribution that emphasizesfree software. It supports many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the.deb package format[2] and thedpkg package manager and its frontends (such asapt or synaptic).[3]
Ubuntu (named after theNguni philosophy ofubuntu) is a distribution based on Debian, designed to have regular releases, a consistent user experience and commercial support on both desktops and servers.
These Ubuntu variants, also known as Ubuntu flavours, 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.[4][5]
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Edubuntu | A complete Linux based operating system that was targeted forprimary andsecondary education. Outdated versions are freely available with community-based support.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 availablefree of charge and that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities.[6] |
| Gobuntu | Gobuntu was an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, aiming to provide a distribution consisting entirely offree 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.[7] |
| Kubuntu | An official derivative of Ubuntu Linux usingKDE instead of theGNOME (or Unity) desktop environment used by default in Ubuntu.[8] |
| Lubuntu | An official derivative of theUbuntuoperating system that is "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", using theLXQtdesktop environment (usedLXDE before 18.10).[9][10][11] |
| Mythbuntu | Based on Ubuntu andMythTV, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a media center.[12] On 4 November 2016 the development team announced the end of Mythbuntu as a separate distribution, citing insufficient developers. |
| Ubuntu Budgie | An official derivative of Ubuntu usingBudgie. |
| Ubuntu Cinnamon | An official derivative of Ubuntu using theCinnamon desktop environment.[13] |
| Ubuntu GNOME | Formerly an official Ubuntu variant,[14] but since the main Ubuntu 17.10, which usesGNOME Shell as its default desktop and GDM as its display manager, this distro has been merged into mainline releases.[15] |
| Ubuntu JeOS | "Just Enough OS" – was described as "an efficient variant [...] configured specifically forvirtual appliances".[16] Since the release of Ubuntu 8.10 it has been included as an option as part of the standard Ubuntu Server Edition. |
| Ubuntu Kylin | An official derivative aimed at the Chinese market. |
| Ubuntu MATE | An official derivative of Ubuntu usingMATE, a desktop environment forked from the now-defunct GNOME 2 code base, with an emphasis on thedesktop metaphor.[17] |
| Ubuntu Mobile | A discontinued embedded operating system designed for use onmobile devices. The operating system will useHildon frommaemo as itsgraphical frontend.Ubuntu Touch is a successor to Ubuntu Mobile. |
| Ubuntu Netbook Edition | Netbook Edition was an official derivative of Ubuntu designed fornetbooks using theIntel Atom processor. Starting fromUbuntu 11.04, Ubuntu Netbook Edition has been merged into the desktop edition.[18] |
| Ubuntu Server | An official derivative made for use in servers &IBM mainframes. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can hostLAMP and more.[19] |
| Ubuntu Studio | Based on Ubuntu, providing open-source applications formultimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors.[20] |
| Ubuntu TV | A discontinued distribution designed for use insmart TVs.[21] |
| Ubuntu Unity | An official derivative of Ubuntu using theUnity desktop environment.[22][23] |
| Xubuntu | An official derivative of Ubuntu usingXfce. Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems, and uses mostlyGTK applications.[24] |
Unofficial variants and derivatives are not controlled or guided byCanonical Ltd. and generally have different goals in mind.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| 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.[25] |
| Bodhi Linux | An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution featuring the Moksha Desktop environment and targeting users who want a minimum of preinstalled software or low system requirements.[26] |
| Cub Linux | Ubuntu-based distribution designed to mimic the desktop appearance and functionality of ChromeOS.[27][28][29] |
| 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)[30] |
| EasyPeasy | Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks[31] |
| Eeebuntu | Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks, based on Debian. Also rebranded as Aurora OS.[32] |
| Element OS | Based onXubuntu, made forHome theater PCs[33] |
| elementary OS | A distribution focusing mainly on non-technical users, has apay what you want model.[34] |
| Emmabuntüs | Based onXubuntu designed to facilitate the repacking of computers donated toEmmaüs Communities.[35] |
| GalliumOS | A Linux distribution for ChromeOS devices by the community-supported GalliumOS project. Gallium is based onXubuntu and maintains compatibility with theUbuntu repositories.[36] |
| GendBuntu | A version adapted for use byFrance'sNational Gendarmerie. |
| Goobuntu | An Ubuntu-based distribution that was used internally byGoogle (until changing to non-Ubuntu, Debian-basedGLinux); not available outside of Google |
| gOS | Used the GNOME desktop environment with user interface enhancements to make it work more likeMac OS X, it also featuredGoogle Apps,Picasa,Google Gadgets and other web-based applications, and came withWine 1.0 pre-installed. Now discontinued. |
| 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.[37] |
| Karoshi | A formerlyPCLinuxOS-based distribution designed for use in schools.[38] |
| KDE neon | Focused on the development of KDE. The emphasis is onbleeding edgesoftware packages sourced directly fromKDE and offersprogrammers early access to newfeatures, but potentially at the cost of greater susceptibility tosoftware bugs.[39] |
| LiMux | A project by the city council ofMunich,Germany |
| Linux Caixa Mágica | Portuguese Linux distribution.[40] |
| Linux Lite | The purpose of Linux Lite is to introduceWindows users toLinux, and provide them with a comfortable and useful user experience. It is designed to be simple and suitable for newLinux users who want a lightweight, highly responsive, and fully functional environment.[41] |
| Linux Mint | Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu's long-term support, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users.[42] Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is Mint's Debian stable based version. Its purpose is to use Debian base packages/kernel under the hood should Ubuntu ever disappear. It's also used by Mint developers to develop their Cinnamon desktop. |
| LinuxMCE | Linux Media Center Edition, a Kubuntu-based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation.[43] |
| LinuxTLE | A Thai Linux distribution. Not maintained.[44] |
| LliureX | A distribution by theGeneralitat Valenciana[45] |
| LXLE Linux | Alight-weight Linux distribution based on Lubuntu, using theLXDE desktop environment.[46] |
| MAX | Stands for MAdrid LinuX. Used in education.[47] |
| Maya OS | A distribution developed byIndian Ministry of Defence.[48] |
| Molinux | Ubuntu based initiative to introduce theCastile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society.[49] |
| Netrunner | Kubuntu based distribution with complete software and codecs installed, developed byBlue Systems (also sponsoring Kubuntu and LinuxMintKDE).[50] |
| Nova | Cuban state-sponsored distribution developed at theUniversity of Information Science,Havana. Formerly based on Gentoo. |
| OpenGEU | Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu.[51] |
| Peppermint OS | A light-weight LXDE distribution forcloud applications through its own Ice Framework using the Chromium Web Browser. Based onLubuntu[52] |
| 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.[53] |
| Pop!_OS | An Ubuntu-based distro developed bySystem76 predominantly for use on hardware that they manufacture. |
| Poseidon Linux | For academic and scientific use. Based on Ubuntu, but enhanced by GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages. |
| Sabily | Ubuntu based distribution for Muslims (formerly Ubuntu Muslim Edition)[54] Unmaintained |
| SuperGamer | ALive DVD distribution focused ongaming formerly based onVectorLinux. |
| Trisquel GNU/Linux | Fullyfree-software system without proprietary software or firmware and uses theLinux-libre kernel deblob script, based on Ubuntu LTS Releases[55] |
| UberStudent | For higher education and advanced secondary students, those who teach them, and lifelong learners[56] |
| Uncom OS | An open-source Linux distribution based onUbuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux.[57] |
| Ututo | Ututo UL ("Ubuntu-Libre") Distributes Simusol, a system to simulate Solar Energy projects, returned to the heart of the project. Discontinued.[58] |
| Vinux | A Linux distribution designed forvisually impaired users[59] |
| Wubuntu | Formerly LinuxFX. Also known as "Windows Ubuntu". The distribution aims to imitate Microsoft operating systemWindows 11.[60][61] |
| Zorin OS | Zorin OS is a user-friendly distribution that can emulate the look and feel ofMicrosoft Windows ormacOS. It is meant for users unfamiliar with Linux.[62] |
Knoppix (aportmanteau of the surnameKnopper fromKlaus Knopper andUnix) itself is based on Debian. It is a live distribution, with automated hardware configuration and a wide choice of software, which is decompressed as it loads from the drive.[63]
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Damn Small Linux | A small Linux distro designed to run on older hardware. It is commonly used onvirtual machines due to low memory requirements.[64] |
| Feather Linux | Boots from either a CD or aUSB flash drive. UsesKnoppix-based hardware detection and theFluxbox window manager.[65] |
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| antiX | A comparatively lightweight distribution suitable for older computers, while also providingkernel and applications, as well as updates and additions via theAptitude and Debian-compatiblerepositories. |
| Astra Linux | A Russian distribution developed to meet the needs of the Russian army and other armed forces and intelligence agencies.[66] It provides data protection up to the level of "top secret" in Russian classified information grade. It has been officially certified by Russian Defense Ministry, Federal Service for Technical and Export Control[67] and Federal Security Service.[68] |
| Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS) | An Indian Linux distribution[69] |
| Canaima | A Venezuelan Linux distribution.[70] |
| Corel Linux | Short-lived commercial desktop Linux distribution, bought byXandros Linux.[71] |
| CrunchBang Linux | A small distribution andLive CD based on Debian Stable, featuring theOpenbox window manager and tint2 panel withGTK+ applications.[72] Development has ended for CrunchBang as of February, 2015.[73] |
| Deepin | A Chinese Linux Distribution developed by Wuhan Deepin Technology Co. |
| Devuan | A fork of Debian begun in 2014 with the primary goal of allowing user choice ininit systems, by decoupling software packages fromsystemd.[74] |
| DoudouLinux | A discontinued distribution intended for children. |
| Dreamlinux | A discontinued Brazilian distribution. |
| Elive | Alight-weight Linux distribution featuring theEnlightenment desktop, designed to be simple and suitable for new Linux users who want a fully functional environment. |
| Emdebian Grip | A small-footprint distribution based on and compatible with Debian, intended for use on resource-limited embedded systems.[75] |
| Finnix | A small system-administrationLive CD that is available for multiple architectures[76] |
| gLinux | gLinux is aLinux Distro used forGoogle Employees. |
| gNewSense | Originally based onUbuntu and later uponDebian, and developed with sponsorship from theFree Software Foundation. Its goal is user-friendliness, but with allproprietary (e.g.binary blobs) and non-free software removed. |
| grml | Live CD for system recovery[77] |
| HandyLinux | Designed forsenior citizens running old computers for whichWindows have become too slow[78] |
| Kali Linux | A completely customizable distribution used for penetration testing. Kali is based on Debian and is used mostly by security experts.[79] Originally namedBackTrack (named after the homonym class of backtracking algorithms), it is developed byOffensive Security.[80] In March 2013, the Offensive Security team rebuilt BackTrack on Debian and released it under the name Kali Linux.[81] |
| Kali NetHunter | Mobile version of Kali Linux available for rooted and non-rooted devices. |
| Kanotix | An installable live DVD/CD for desktop usage using KDE and LXDE, focusing on convenient scripts andGUIs for ease of use.[82] |
| LEAF Project | The Linux Embedded Appliance Framework. A tiny primarily floppy-based distribution for routers, firewalls and other appliances.[83] |
| Libranet | A discontinued operating system based on Debian. |
| LiMux | AnISO 9241 industry workplace certified Linux distribution, deployed at theCity of Munich, Germany.[84] |
| LMDE | A Debian-based version ofLinux Mint that does not use any elements ofUbuntu, maintained to ensure continuity should Ubuntu stop being maintained or other issue affecting the core Mint distribution.[85] |
| Maemo | A development platform for hand held devices such as theNokia N800,N810, andNokia N900 Internet Tablets and other Linux kernel–based devices.[86] |
| MEPIS | A discontinued OS that focused on ease of use. Significant derivatives includeantiX andMX Linux. |
| MintPPC | For PowerPC computers. Although MintPPC uses some Linux Mint Debian Edition code, it is not Linux Mint.[87] |
| Musix GNU+Linux | Intended for music production, graphic design, audio, video editing, and other tasks. It is built with onlyfree software.[88] |
| MX Linux | A midweight OS based on Debian Stable with core components fromantiX and usingXfce, offering simple configuration, high stability, solid performance and medium-sized footprint.[89] |
| NepaLinux | A Debian- and Morphix-based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing.[90] |
| OpenZaurus | Debian packages and ROM image for theSharp ZaurusPDA. Replaced byÅngström distribution.[91] |
| Pardus | Developed byTurkish National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology. Prior to 2013 it used PISI as the package manager, with COMAR as the configuration framework. Starting with Pardus 2013, it is Debian-based. |
| Parrot OS | A Linux distribution based on Debian used by penetration testers. |
| Parsix[92] | Optimized for personal computers and laptops. Built on top of Debian testing branch and comes with security support.[93] |
| PelicanHPC | Dedicated to setting up acomputer cluster.[94] |
| PureOS | A Linux distribution based on Debian with a focus on privacy, security, and convenience.[95][96][97][98] |
| Q4OS | Alight-weight Linux distribution withTrinity andPlasma desktop environments.[99] |
| Raspberry Pi OS | Desktop-oriented distribution, formerly known as Raspbian. Developed by theRaspberry Pi Foundation as the official OS for their family of low-powerRaspberry Pi single-board computers. |
| SolydXK | Xfce andKDE desktop focused on stability, security and ease of use.[100] |
| SparkyLinux | A Debian-based Linux distribution which provides ready to use, out of the box operating system with a set of slightly customized lightweight desktops. Sparky is targeted to all the computer's users who want replace existing, proprietary driven OS to an open-sourced.. |
| Sunwah Linux | A Chinese Linux distribution[101] |
| Tails | Tails or The Amnesic Incognito Live System' is aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity, with all outgoing connections forced to go throughTor.[102] |
| TurnKey Linux | Open source project developing a family of free, Debian-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type usage scenarios.[103] Based on Debian since 2012; previously based on Ubuntu. |
| TrueNAS | Designed fornetwork-attached storage (NAS) and derived from theFreeBSD-based FreeNAS (later known as TrueNAS Core or TrueNAS Legacy). |
| Twister OS | Raspberry Pi OS based distribution usingXfce with themes based on other OSes intended for theRaspberry Pi,RK3399 CPU, andx86-64 architecture. |
| 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 for free.[104] |
| Uruk GNU/Linux | Uruk GNU/Linux is aPureOS-based Linux distribution utilizing theLinux-libre kernel. |
| Webconverger | Debian Live-based browser only distribution, similar to ChromeOS. However based onFirefox anddwm, with no user sign-in, no special hardware required and designed for public places.[105] |
| Whonix | An anonymity focused Linux distribution consisting of two virtual machines, a workstation and aTor gateway running Debian. |
| Vyatta | Commercial open source network operating system includes routing, firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention and more. Designed to be an open source Cisco replacement.[106] |
| VyOS | Free routing platform. Because VyOS is run on standard amd64, i586 and ARM systems, it is able to be used as a router and firewall platform for cloud deployments. |
Pacman is a package manager that is capable of resolving dependencies and automatically downloading and installing all necessary packages. It is primarily developed and used byArch Linux and its derivatives.
Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system—configured by the user to only add what is purposely required.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Antergos | Antergos is a discontinued Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. |
| Arch Linux ARM | Port of Arch Linux for ARM processors. |
| ArchBang | Based on Arch Linux, but also provides Live CDs with working system and graphical installation scripts; usesi3 as default window manager. |
| Artix Linux | Based on Arch Linux, but usingDinit,OpenRC,Runit, ors6 asinit system instead ofsystemd. |
| ArchLabs | ArchLabs is a discontinued Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with a custom installer, offers many choices of desktop environments and window managers. |
| BlackArch | A cybersecurity-focused OS based on Arch Linux. It is designed to test security and run penetration tests. It includes window managers preconfigured, but no desktop environment. |
| EndeavourOS | Continuation ofAntergos, featuring a graphical installer capable of installingKDE Plasma (default, offline),Budgie,Cinnamon,Deepin,GNOME,i3,Xfce,LXQt, andMATE. |
| Garuda Linux | A distribution based on gaming.[107] |
| LinHES | LinHES (Linux Home Entertainment Server) designed for use on home theater PCs (HTPCs), providing applications for recording TV and acting as a sound and video center. |
| Manjaro | Based on Arch Linux, using its own repositories and ships with eitherXfce,Plasma,GNOME, or the CLI as the default desktop environment. Additional community-driven editions are available that useMATE,Cinnamon,Openbox,Awesome,i3, BSPWM, orBudgie as a base. |
| Parabola GNU/Linux-libre | An Arch derivative without anyblobs, plus various added packages. Packages are also built for ARMv7 in addition to i686 and x64.MATE and text-mode distributions available. |
| SteamOS | Arch-based and gaming-focused distribution developed byValve and designed for theSteam digital distribution platform andSteam Deck. Before version 3.0, was previously based on Debian. |
| SystemRescue | Linux System rescue toolkit. Previously based on Gentoo, it has been based on Arch Linux since version 6.0.0 |
| Zenned | A minimalist lightweight distro, based on theKDE Plasma desktop, aimed to be both simple to use and powerful. |
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Chakra Linux | Originally derived from Arch Linux, with the latestKDE. For now uses thePacman utility for package management. Strives to be Qt-only. Discontinued.[108] |
| Frugalware Linux | A general-purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. Has some influences from Slackware, and uses a heavily modified version of Pacman, Pacman-G2, a fork of aCVS version of the complete rewrite of Pacman-G1 by Aurelien Foret (the old monolithic Pacman-G1 is written byJudd Vinet). The packages aretar archives compressed usingXZ Utils.[109] |
| Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre | Originally a free software derivate from Arch with usage of Debian patchsets, Hyperbola is now an independent Linux distribution without anyblobs, without systemd support and withOpenRC as its default init system. Packages are built for i686 and x64. Hyperbola uses the long-term support model like Debian and is heading towards being a fully BSD-descendant operating-system named HyperbolaBSD. |
| KaOS | An independent 64-bit only rolling-release Linux distribution inspired by Arch that features the latest KDE Plasma environment and the Qt toolkit.[110] |
Red Hat Linux andSUSE Linux were the original major distributions that used theRPM Package Manager, which today is used in several distributions. Both of these were later divided into commercial and community-supported distributions. Red Hat Linux was divided into a community-supported butRed Hat-sponsored distribution namedFedora, and a commercially supported distribution calledRed Hat Enterprise Linux, whereas SUSE Linux was divided intoopenSUSE andSUSE Linux Enterprise.
Fedora is a community supported distribution. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completelyFree Software system.[111]
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a commercial open-source Linux distribution developed byRed Hat for the commercial market.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| AlmaLinux | A 100% community owned and governed alternativeCentOS as aRed Hat Enterprise Linux rebuild. Governed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation. |
| Asianux | A Linux distribution co-developed betweenRed Flag Software Co., Ltd.,Miracle Linux Corp. andHaansoft, INC., focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean support. |
| CentOS | A community distribution, 100% functionally compatible with RHEL. JoinedRed Hat in 2014.[112] Terminated byRed Hat in 2024[113] in favor ofCentOS Stream, a distribution positioned upstream of RHEL.AlmaLinux andRocky Linux are two continuations of the CentOS distribution. |
| ClearOS | A Linux distribution designed for use in small and medium enterprises. |
| Fermi Linux LTS | Based on Scientific Linux.[114] |
| Miracle Linux | A Linux distribution developed by Cybertrust Japan Co., Ltd., aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| Oracle Linux | Supported byOracle. Aims to be fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| Red Flag Linux | A Linux distribution developed in China and optimized for the Chinese market. Based on Asianux. |
| Rocks Cluster Distribution | A Linux distribution for building a High-Performance Computing computer cluster, with a recent release supporting Cloud computing. It is based onRed Hat Enterprise Linux but with extensions to support large multi-node heterogeneous systems for clusters (HPC), Cloud, and Data Warehousing (in development). |
| Rocky Linux | A Linux distribution that is currently in development by the CentOS founder, Gregory Kurtzer, and aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| Scientific Linux | A discontinued Linux distribution co-developed byFermi National Accelerator Laboratory and theEuropean Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which aims to be compatible with and based onRed Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Asahi Linux | Port of Linux toApple silicon-poweredMacs. |
| Amazon Linux 2 | Amazon Linux 2 is available as anAmazon Machine Image (AMI) for use on Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2). It is also available as a Docker container image and as a virtual machine image for use on Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), Oracle VM VirtualBox, Microsoft Hyper-V, and VMware ESXi |
| Bazzite | A atomic gaming focused distribution developed withUniversal Blue. It is similar toSteamOS. |
| Berry Linux | A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English. |
| BLAG Linux and GNU | A completely free software distribution. |
| CentOS Stream | Community-supported Linux distribution designed as a midstream between Fedora and RHEL, and well suited for servers.[113] |
| EnGarde Secure Linux | Server-only Linux distribution designed to be secure.[115] |
| 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. |
| Korora | 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 thenetbook market. |
| Linux XP | Fedora-based shareware distribution designed to imitate the Windows environment usingGNOME. |
| MeeGo | Built by Intel and Nokia, intended for mobile phones (mainlyNokia N9) and tablets. It is based on Moblin together with Maemo. |
| Moblin | Built around the Intel Atom processor; supplanted by Meego when Intel and (temporarily) Nokia combined activities |
| Network Security Toolkit | A live CD/DVD with security and networking tools to perform routine security and networking diagnostic and monitoring tasks. |
| Nobara | A a modified version of Fedora Linux with user-friendly fixes added to it. Aims at offering a better gaming, streaming, and content creation experience out of the box. |
| Qubes OS | Focused on security for desktop users. Based on an "ancient" Fedora release which is said to be upgraded underYUM. |
| Red Star OS | A North Korean Linux distribution developed at the Korea Computer Center (KCC). It is offered only in a Korean language edition, localized with North Korean terminology and spelling. |
| Russian Fedora Remix | A remix of Fedora. |
| Sailfish OS | Built by Jolla,Sailfish OS is a 4th generation mobile Linux system ported to a line of Sony Xperia handsets, with community ports available to alternative devices. |
| Sugar-on-a-Stick Linux | An educational operating system, originally designed for theOne-Laptop-Per-Child project. |
| Yellow Dog Linux | For thePowerPC platform. |
openSUSE is a community-developed Linux distribution, sponsored bySUSE. It maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the standard installs will be fromFOSS solutions, includingLinux kernel Modules.SUSE's enterprise Linux products are all based on the codebase that comes out of the openSUSE project.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| GeckoLinux | A distribution with a focus on polish and out-of-the-box desktop usability. It is available inStatic andRolling versions, based on openSUSE Leap and Tumbleweed. |
| SUSE Linux Enterprise | Comes in two variations. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (previously branded Novell Linux Desktop) is a desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied bySUSE and targeted at the enterprise market. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is a server-oriented Linux distribution targeted at the business market. |
Mandriva Linux is open-source distribution (with exceptions), discontinued in 2011. The first release was named Mandrake Linux and based on Red Hat Linux (version 5.1) andKDE 1 in July 1998. It had since moved away from Red Hat's distribution and became a completely separate distribution. The name was changed to Mandriva, which included a number of original tools, mostly to ease system configuration. Mandriva Linux was the brainchild ofGaël Duval, who wanted to focus on ease of use for new users. The last stable version was in 2011. Mandriva's developers moved toMageia[116] andOpenMandriva.[117]
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Mageia | A community Linux distribution initially forked from Mandriva Linux in response to the discontinuation of free versions of Mandriva Linux. |
| OpenMandriva Lx | A fork of Mandriva Linux by the OpenMandriva Association. |
| ROSA Linux | A Russian distribution available in three different editions: ROSA Desktop Fresh, ROSA Enterprise Desktop and ROSA Enterprise Linux Server, with the latter two aiming at commercial users. Its desktop editions come bundled withproprietary software such asAdobe Flash Player, multimediacodecs andSteam. |
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| ALT Linux | ALT Linux is a set ofRPM-based operating systems built on top of the Linux kernel and Sisyphus packages repository. ALT Linux has been developed collectively by ALT Linux Team developers community and ALT Linux Ltd. |
| Caldera OpenLinux | A Linux distribution originally introduced byCaldera and later developed by its subsidiaryCaldera Systems. It was later developed byCaldera International (which bought SCO and was renamedThe SCO Group). The distribution is no longer produced. Last release: 3.1.1 – Jan. 30, 2002 |
| PCLinuxOS | Arolling release Linux Live CD distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2. Later rebased onMandriva 2007. |
| Red Hat Linux | Split intoFedora Core andRed Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release of the unsplit distribution was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003. |
| Think Blue Linux | A port of Linux to IBM S/390 (later, zSeries) mainframe computers, done by the Millenux subsidiary of German company Thinking Objects Software GmbH. Discontinued in 2006. |
| Turbolinux | Originally based on Red Hat Linux. |
| Vine Linux | A Japanese distribution originally based on Red Hat Linux. |
Gentoo is a distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software.[118] Distributions based on Gentoo use thePortage package management system withemerge[119] or one of the alternative package managers.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Calculate Linux | Calculate Linux is a family of distributions. |
| ChromeOS[120] | Google's Linux-based operating system used on variousChromebooks,Chromeboxes andtablet computers. It is primarily Internet-based, launching each app within theChrome browser. The OS features a user interface that looks very similar to Chrome instead ofGNOME,Cinnamon,LXQt,Xfce, etc. A version called ChromeOS Flex was released in 2022 to replace Windows and Mac on older devices. |
| ChromiumOS | Free and open-source version of ChromeOS. |
| Clip OS | Created byANSSI, the National Cybersecurity Agency of France and based on hardened Gentoo, it's aimed to secure sensitive information which meets the needs of the French Administration. |
| Container Linux | Linux distribution byCoreOS designed for clustered and containerized deployments with update subscription |
| Funtoo Linux | Discontinued derivative created byDaniel Robbins, founder of Gentoo. Designed to improve upon core Gentoo technologies. |
| Pentoo | Penetration-testing Live CD. |
| Sabayon Linux | Discontinued Italian made Linux distribution based on Funtoo. It followed the "out of the box" philosophy, aiming to give the user a wide number of applications ready to use and a self-configured operating system. Like Gentoo, Sabayon used therolling release model; it used a customized version of Red Hat's Anaconda Installer and included a Media Center application. |
Slackware is a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools. It is generally considered a distribution for advanced users.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Absolute Linux | ALight-weight Linux distribution based onSlackware |
| Austrumi Linux | Slackware-basedLive CD distribution. Dormant as of 2023.[121] |
| Damn Vulnerable Linux | Damn Vulnerable Linux (DVL) is a discontinued Linux distribution geared toward computer security students. |
| KateOS | A desktop distribution aimed at intermediate users. It usesXfce as its default desktop environment. No longer in development. |
| MuLinux | Floppy-based Linux 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. |
| Porteus | A small and portable Linux distro focused on speed. |
| Salix OS | Originally a fork of Zenwalk, Salix is a complete Linux distribution fully backwards compatible with Slackware. It usesXfce,KDE,LXDE,Fluxbox orRatpoison as its default desktop environment. Salix OS is available as 32 and 64bit version, and also as Live CD versions. |
| Sentry Firewall | A firewall, server, orintrusion detection system distribution |
| Slackintosh | An unofficial port of Slackware to thePowerPC architecture |
| Slax | Alive CD which aims to provide a complete desktop for general use for low-powered computers. Its download size is about 300 MB, almost the same as Puppy Linux's. It can run from RAM, from Live CD, USB or hard drive. 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. Originally based on Slackware, then switched toDebian since v9.2.1. Returned to a Slackware base as of v15.0. |
| Topologilinux | Designed to run from withinMicrosoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk. Outdated. |
| VectorLinux | A lightweight Linux distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well-suited for older hardware. |
| 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. |
Android is a mobile operating system bought and currently being developed byGoogle, based on a Google modifiedLinux kernel and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such assmartphones andtablets.[122] Despite Android's core mobile focus, some laptop oriented derivatives likeAndroid-x86 have come out over the years since its initial release.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| /e/ | /e/ (also known as /e/ OS and /e/OS, formerly Eelo) is an Android-based mobile operating system and associated online services. The operating system is a fork of LineageOS and Android. |
| Android-x86 | Android-x86 is an open source project which produces an unofficial port of the Android mobile operating system. It is made to run on devices powered by x86 processors, rather than RISC-based ARM chips. Respective mods of CyanogenMod and LineageOS for x86 were and are available. |
| CalyxOS | CalyxOS is an operating system for smartphones based on Android with mostly free and open-source software. It is produced by theCalyx Institute as part of its mission to "defend online privacy, security and accessibility." |
| CopperheadOS | CopperheadOS is a mobile operating system for smartphones, based on the Android mobile platform. It adds privacy and security features to the official releases of the Android Open Source Project by Google. |
| CyanogenMod | A discontinued open-source operating system for mobile devices, based on theAndroid mobile platform. LineageOS is an actively maintainedfork of CyanogenMod.[123][124] |
| DivestOS | DivestOS is a free operating system (OS) based on the Android mobile platform. It is a soft fork of LineageOS that aims to increase security and privacy, and support older devices. As much as possible it removes proprietary Android components and includes only free-software. |
| Fire OS | AnAndroid-based mobile operating system produced byAmazon for its Fire Phone and Kindle Fire range of tablets, Echo and Echo Dot, and other content delivery devices like Fire TV. |
| GrapheneOS | GrapheneOS (formerly Android Hardening or AndroidHardening) is an Android-based, open source, privacy and security-focused mobile operating system for selected Google Pixel smartphones. |
| LineageOS | Afree and open-sourceoperating system forsmartphones,tablet computers, andset-top boxes, based on theAndroid mobile platform. |
| OmniROM | OmniROM is an open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android mobile platform. It involves a number of prominent developers from other projects, including the discontinued CyanogenMod operating system.[125] |
| Paranoid Android | Paranoid Android is an open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android mobile platform. |
| Remix OS | Remix OS was a computer operating system for personal computers with x86 and ARM architectures that, prior to discontinuation of development, shipped with a number of 1st- and 3rd-party devices. Remix OS allowed PC users to run Android mobile apps on any compatible Intel-based PC. |
| Replicant | A free operating system (OS) based on theAndroid mobile platform that aims to replace all proprietary Android components with free-software counterparts. |
| Resurrection Remix OS | Resurrection Remix OS, abbreviated as RR, is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android mobile platform. |
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| CRUX | CRUX is a lightweight,x86-64-optimized Linux distribution targeted at experienced users. The focus is "keep it simple", which is reflected in a simpletar.xz-based package system,BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages. Inspiration forArch Linux. |
| GoboLinux | A Linux distribution which redefines thefile 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. |
| Linux from Scratch | Ado it yourself distribution built from the ground up using instructions in a book of the same name. Has no package manager, as the user is expected to build each package manually from source by following the book instructions. |
| Source Mage | A source code-based Linux distribution, descended from Sorcerer. |
| T2 SDE | A System Development Environment for building a Linux distribution. |
The following distributions are yet uncategorized under the preceding sections.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| 4MLinux | A lightweight Linux distribution made for both 32-bit and 64-bit. When installing programs with the distribution, the distribution will retrieve the Windows version rather than the Linux version due to it coming pre-installed with Wine (A compatibility layer for Windows applications), and not having any package manager. |
| Alpine Linux | A security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based onmusl andBusyBox. Has a derivative,postmarketOS, for mobile devices. |
| CHAOS | a small (6 MB) Linux distribution designed for creating ad hoc computer clusters. |
| Chimera Linux | An independent Linux distribution that usesFreeBSD utilities,LLVM andClang for compiling software, dinit init system, andmusl libc. |
| Clear Linux OS | Intel's rolling-release Linux distribution, optimized for Intel's own processors for performance and security. |
| DD-WRT | Embedded firewall Linux distribution. |
| Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre | A Linux distribution written entirely from scratch[126] and sharing some similarities withSlackware. Approved by the GNU Project as afree operating system.[127] |
| Firefox OS | A discontinued open-source operating system – made for smartphones, tablet computers and smart TVs – designed byMozilla and external contributors. |
| fli4l | A router and firewall Linux distribution[128] |
| Foresight Linux | Arolling release Linux distribution built around the Conary package manager. |
| GeeXboX | Live CD media center Linux distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files (e.g.: .ogg, XVID) on home theater. |
| GNU Guix System | A distribution built around theGNU Guix package manager, which providespurely functional package management with build automation, build isolation, easy system upgrades and rollbacks, and an emphasis on free software.[129] Supports amongst others unprivileged package management and per-user profiles. |
| Jlime | Linux distribution for theHPJornada 6xx and 7xx andNECMobilePro 900(c) handhelds. |
| KaiOS | A mobile operating system based onLinux, developed by KaiOS Technologies, a US-based company. |
| Kwort | A distribution originally based on CRUX. Contrary to CRUX, the user does not need to compile a new kernel. |
| Lightweight Portable Security (LPS) | ACRUX-based distribution created by theUnited States Department of Defense that boots entirely inRAM[130][131] |
| LinuxConsole | Independently developed lightweight distribution for old computers made with causal users and youth in mind. |
| Linux for PlayStation 2 | Sony Computer Entertainment Linux distribution released officially for thePlayStation 2video game console. |
| Linux Router Project | Embedded networking appliance progenitor (defunct). |
| MeeGo | A discontinuedLinux distribution hosted bythe Linux Foundation, using source code from the operating systems Moblin (produced byIntel) and Maemo (produced byNokia). |
| MkLinux | A legacy Linux distribution forPowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on aMach microkernel. |
| Nitix | Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the firstautonomic Linux kernel–based server operating system. |
| NixOS | Declarative Linux distribution with atomic upgrades and rollbacks built onpackage managerNix. Any package build can be edited and rebuilt from source freely. An official binary cache is available for unmodified packages. |
| MontaVista Linux | Embedded distribution byMontaVista Software. |
| OpenWrt | A router and firewall Linux distribution, also otherembedded systems, a lot of routing options viaopkg available. |
| postmarketOS | A security-oriented, lightweight distribution for mobile devices. |
| Prevas Industrial Linux | Embedded systems customizable Linux distribution byPrevas. |
| Puppy Linux | A mini Linux distribution which runs well under low-end PCs – even under 32 MB RAM. |
| rPath | A distribution built around the Conary package manager. Discontinued. |
| SliTaz | With less than 40 MB a very small Live-Distribution, which uses 256 MB RAM (or with a special edition only 24 MB[132]) for a completeGUI. |
| Smallfoot | Embedded, gaming and point-of-sale Linux distribution developed by the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), formerlyCaldera International andCaldera Systems – based on Caldera OpenLinux 3.x and 4.x binaries. |
| SmoothWall | A router and firewall Linux distribution. |
| paldo | Independently developed desktop operating system and package manager (upkg) with a rolling release format and standard Gnome environment. |
| Sailfish OS | A Linux-based operating system based on open source projects such as Mer and including a closed source UI. The project is being developed by the Finnish companyJolla. |
| Solus | Desktop Linux distribution offering Budgie, GNOME, MATE and KDE Plasma desktop environments, eopkg for package management. |
| Tinfoil Hat Linux | Bootable floppy Linux distribution focusing on extreme security. |
| Tiny Core Linux | A minimalist (around 10 MB) Linux system focusing on providing a base system with BusyBox, FLTK and other minimalist software. |
| Tizen | A Linux-based mobile operating system backed by theLinux Foundation but developed and used primarily bySamsung Electronics. |
| tomsrtbt | Root boot from floppy disk. Last update May 2002. |
| Void Linux | An independent Linux distribution based on the XBPS package management system andrunit, withoutsystemd dependency. |
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| MCC Interim Linux | Possibly the first Linux distribution, created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992. |
| Softlanding Linux System | One of the earliest Linux distributions, developed from May 1992 to late 1994 and one of the first to ship with theX Window System;[133]Slackware was originally based on it. |
| Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X | One of the oldest Linux distributions (December 1992), not updated since 1995. |
| Android |
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