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.

Contents

Debian-based

Debian GNU/Linux 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 x86-64 workstations.
aptosid Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable. Formerly sidux.
BeatrIX A compact distribution from the Czech Republic that focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop environment.
Bharat Operating System Solutions This software is also known by the acronym BOSS GNU/Linux or simply BOSS Linux.
Canaima (operating system) A Venezuelan distribution.
Caixa Mágica A Portuguese distribution.
Corel Linux Commercial. Short-lived desktop distribution, bought by Xandros Linux.
CrunchBang Linux A formerly Ubuntu based distribution, now based on Debian Stable, featuring the Openbox window manager and tint2 panel with GTK+ applications.
Dreamlinux A Brazilian Linux distribution.
Elive A Live CD and Distribution featuring Enlightenment as the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use.
Finnix A small system administration Live CD that is available for multiple architectures.
Freespire A community-driven and -supported project tied to the commercial Linspire distribution. Defunct since 2007. Website offline since early 2011.
Gibraltar Commercial. Router/firewall distribution.
gnuLinEx A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain.
grml Live CD for system recovery
Hikarunix A distribution solely for studying and playing the game of Go. Based on Damn Small Linux.
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.
Kurumin Earlier, it was a version of the Knoppix distribution, modified with Debian and designed for Brazilian users.
LEAF Project The Linux Embedded Appliance Framework. A tiny primarily floppy-based distribution for routers, firewalls and other appliances.
LiMux An ISO 9241 industry workplace certified Linux distribution, deployed at the City of Munich, Germany.
Linspire Commercial. Desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows. Focuses on a proprietary software application manager obtained via a paid (CNR) subscription. Bought by Xandros Linux, and effectively defunct since 2007.
Linux Mint Debian Edition Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a rolling distribution based on Debian Testing. It is available in both 32 and 64-bit as a live DVD with a Gnome desktop. The purpose of LMDE is to look identical to the main Linux Mint edition and to provide the same functionality while using Debian as a base.[1]
Linux Router Project A defunct floppy-based distribution for routers and firewalls. Supplanted by LEAF Project.
Maemo A development platform for hand held devices such as the Nokia N800, N810 and Nokia N900 Internet Tablets and other Linux-based devices.
MEPIS Focuses on ease of use. Also includes lightweight variant called antiX. antiX is meant to be used on older computers with limited hardware.
MintPPC For PowerPC computers. Though MintPPC uses some Mint LXDE code, it is not Linux Mint.
Neopwn Debian-based network penetration-testing distribution for mobile phones.
NepaLinux A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing.
OpenZaurus Debian packages and ROM image for the Sharp Zaurus PDA. Replaced by Ångström distribution.
Parsix Optimized for personal computers and laptops. Built on top of Debian testing branch and comes with security support.
Progeny Componentized Linux Distribution from Progeny Linux Systems which was also founded by Debian founder Ian Murdock.
PureOS Based on Debian Testing.
Rxart Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software.
Sacix A Debian Pure Blend originally created to support the educational and free software diffusion goals of the Telecentres project of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
Skolelinux A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools.
Sunwah Linux A Chinese distribution
Symphony OS Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.
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.
Ulteo Virtual desktop project
UserLinux Commercial distribution that would have included GNOME. Short-lived.
Webconverger Debian Live based browser only distribution, similar to Google Chrome OS. However based on Firefox & dwm, with no user sign-in, no special hardware required and designed for public places.
Vyatta Commercial open source network operating system includes routing, firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention and more. Designed to be an open source Cisco replacement.
Xandros Open Circulation Edition Based on Xandros 3.0 Standard Edition. DVD burning is disabled and CD burning is restricted to a maximum speed of 4X.
Xebian For the Xbox home gaming console.

Knoppix-based

Knoppix, itself, is based on Debian.

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

Ubuntu-based

Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian.

Official distributions

These Ubuntu variants simply install a set of packages different from the original Ubuntu, but since they draw additional packages and updates from the same repositories as Ubuntu, all of the same software is available for each of them.

Distribution Description
Edubuntu A complete Linux-based operating system targeted for primary and secondary education. It is freely available with community based support. The Edubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Edubuntu Manifesto: that software, especially for education, should be available free of charge and that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities. Since version 8.04, Edubuntu has now been named Ubuntu Education Edition and has been made as an add-on for the Ubuntu operating system.
Gobuntu Gobuntu was an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, aiming to provide a distribution consisting entirely of free software. It was officially announced by Mark Shuttleworth on July 10, 2007, and daily builds of Gobuntu 7.10 began to be publicly released. The project ended around the release of 8.04 and has since merged into mainline Ubuntu as a 'free software' option.
Kubuntu An official derivative of Ubuntu using KDE instead of the GNOME or Unity interfaces used by default in Ubuntu.
Lubuntu Lubuntu is a project that is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system that is "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", using the LXDE desktop environment.[2][3] Requires cmov instruction capable processor to run (not all older machines support this).
Ubuntu JeOS "Just Enough OS" - described as "an efficient variant [...] configured specifically for virtual appliances".
Ubuntu Mobile An embedded operating system designed for use on mobile devices. The operating system will use Hildon from maemo as its graphical frontend.
Ubuntu Netbook Edition[4] Released in 2008, Netbook Edition is an official derivative of Ubuntu designed for netbooks using the Intel Atom processor. Starting from Ubuntu 11.04, Ubuntu Netbook Edition has been merged into the desktop edition.
Ubuntu Server Edition An official derivative made for use in servers. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can host LAMP and more.
Xubuntu An official derivative of Ubuntu using Xfce. Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems, and uses mostly GTK+ applications.

Contributed distributions

Distribution Description
Mythbuntu Based on Ubuntu and MythTV, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a media center.
Ubuntu Studio Based on Ubuntu, providing open-source applications for multimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors.

Third-party distributions

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

Distribution Description
ArtistX ArtistX is a free live GNU/Linux DVD which turns a common computer into a full multimedia production studio.
Aurora Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks, based on Debian. Previously named Eeebuntu and based on Ubuntu.
ABC GNU/Linux An Ubuntu-based distribution for building Beowulf clusters
Asturix Ubuntu-based distribution dedicated to novel people in linux.
Baltix Ubuntu-based distribution for Lithuanian and Latvian people. Supported languages are Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Russian, English, Norwegian and other around Baltic region. Main language is Lithuanian.
BackTrack Developed by Remote Exploit and designed for penetration testing.
BlankOn Ubuntu-based distribution for users in Indonesia.
Buildix An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, developed by Global IT professional services firm, ThoughtWorks. For agile developers.
Bodhi Linux An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution featuring the Enlightenment window manager and targeting users who want minimum of preinstalled software or low system requirements.
Manux Ubuntu-based distribution with tagline a good OS from java.
Revamplinux All-in Ubuntu-based distribution meant to be easy for new user.
dyne:bolic Live CD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (e.g.: word processor, desktop publisher).
EasyPeasy Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks
Element OS Based on Xubuntu, made for Home theater PCs
Fluxbuntu Light-weight and featuring the Fluxbox window manager
gNewSense Designed for users who wish to use only free software. It is officially sponsored and recommended by the Free Software Foundation. The project has also produced a set of scripts that allow anyone to create a free distribution. In 2011, gNewSense will be based on Debian and no longer on Ubuntu.
Goobuntu An Ubuntu-based distribution used internally by Google. Not available outside of Google.
gOS Uses the GNOME desktop environment with user interface enhancements to make it work more like Mac OS X, it also features Google Apps, Picasa, Google Gadgets and other web-based applications, and comes with Wine 1.0 pre-installed
Guadalinex Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalucia, Spain, for home users and schools.
Hiweed Chinese Linux distribution, based on Ubuntu. Its features include preconfigured Chinese applications, such as Chinese (simplified) input method, Chinese-English and English-Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese (simplified) true-type fonts.
Joli OS Joli OS (formely named Jolicloud) is in development and Pre-beta testing. Joli OS is built upon Debian and Ubuntu 9.10, but is tweaked to be more suitable for computers that have weaker specifications in terms of disk storage, memory and screen size. It is designed to run on relatively low-powered netbook computers.
HP Mi Based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, designed by Canonical and HP for use on the HP Mini 1000 and 110 series netbooks.[5]
Impi Linux South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector.
Karoshi A formerly PCLinuxOS-based distribution designed for use in schools.
Kuki Linux Lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution founded by João Ferro, built to be a replacement for the Linpus Linux Lite distribution on the Acer Aspire One.
Leeenux Linux Based on Ubuntu, for Asus Eee PC with 7" screen
Linux Mint Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu's, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users. Also features a Debian-based edition.
LinuxMCE (Linux Media Center Edition) Kubuntu based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation.
LinuxTLE A Thai Linux distribution.
LliureX A distribution by the Generalitat Valenciana
LOUD (LCSEE Optimized Ubuntu Distribution) An Ubuntu distribution used at West Virginia University. It contains several specialized educational packages as well as its own themes and login manager.
Macbuntu Macintosh OS X style derivative.
MAX Stands for MAdrid LinuX.
Minimal Desktop for Ubuntu A slimmed version of the GNOME-based Ubuntu install, with a similar version for KDE and Fluxbox. It is targeted at experienced, but learning, Linux users.
Molinux Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society.
Moon OS Moon OS uses the Enlightenment window manager and also has an LXDE version, and is based on the LTS release.
Nova Cuban state-sponsored distribution developed at the University of Information Science, Havana. Formerly based on Gentoo.
nUbuntu (Network Ubuntu) Based on Ubuntu. Available as a Live CD and Full Install with tools needed for penetration-testing servers and networks.
OpenArtist Based on Ubuntu. Available as a Live CD and Full Install. It tries to combine free software into a suite for creative people. Driven by the fact that there are so many cool applications out there, but most people do not know them, openArtist tries to be a complete package of creative software, combined with a heavily customized and optimized user experience.
OpenGEU Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu.
PC/OS Its primary interface is Xfce but there is also a GNOME release available. There is also a release that is geared towards web centric applications.
Pear OS Pear OS Linux, a French distribution created by David Tavares, is a 64-bit operating system based on Ubuntu Linux Mini Remix. It was designed to present a complete out-of-box multimedia experience with a simple but powerful user interface. The latest release, Pear OS Panther v3.0, is the first to offer both 64-bit and 32-bit versions.
Peppermint OS A light-weight LXDE distribution for cloud applications through Mozilla Prism. Based on Lubuntu[6]
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.[7]
Poseidon Linux For academic and scientific use. Based on Ubuntu, but enhanced by e.g. GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages.
PSUbuntu Ubuntu distribution intended for the PlayStation 3.
puredyne puredyne is a live distro developed to provide media artists with a complete set of tools for realtime audio and video processing.
Qimo 4 Kids educational games for children aged 3 and up. Ubuntu-based with easy to use interface.
Sabily Ubuntu based distribution for Muslims (formerly Ubuntu Muslim Edition).
Spri Lightweight Ubuntu derivative replacing GNOME desktop environment with lightweight IceWM window manager. Designed for aging and low powered computer hardware. Evaporated by 2011
Super OS Aiming to provide an ‘out of the box’ experience, containing various enhancements over Ubuntu.
Trisquel Fully free software, based on Ubuntu.
TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library Open source project developing a family of free, Ubuntu-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type usage scenarios.
U-lite Has the main goal to be very light consuming hardware resources. The last version uses the LXDE desktop environment. It was previously called Ubuntulite.
UberStudent For higher education and advanced secondary students, those who teach them, and lifelong learners.
Vinux A Linux distribution designed for visually impaired users.
Ubuntu Rescue Remix A Linux distribution designed for rescuing damaged systems.
XBMC Live An embedded operating system with XBMC Media Center designed to make any computer into a dedicated media center appliance.
Ylmf OS Based on Ubuntu and uses a Windows XP-like design.
Zentyal (Formely named eBox) Ubuntu Server with web based interface targeted at small business ; Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC
ZevenOS Similar to BeOS, with some extra tools.

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 or one of the alternative package managers.

Distribution Description
Calculate Linux Calculate Linux is a family of distributions.
funtoo Based on Gentoo.
Gentoox An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox.
Knopperdisk A new distribution aimed at USB sticks.
Pentoo Penetration-testing Live CD.
Sabayon Linux An installable Live DVD with multiple desktop environments. Like Gentoo, Sabayon uses the rolling release model; it uses a customized version of Red Hat's Anaconda Installer and includes a Media Center application.
SystemRescueCD System rescue Live CD version of Gentoo.
Tin Hat Linux Based on hardened Gentoo.
Ututo Made in Argentina.
VidaLinux Uses Anaconda as its installer.
Chromium OS[8] Google's OS[9] to be used on various tablet computers as well as netbooks and nettops. It is primarily Internet-based, launching each app within the Chrome browser. The OS uses a user interface very similar-looking to the Chrome internet browser instead of GNOME, KDE, etc.
Google Chrome OS[8] Designed by Google. Available through submission of a pilot application, though source code and directions to manually build it (under the name "Chromium-Based OS") are available. The Cr-48 netbook-style prototype is now available for those interested in the pilot program. The company from which it was created is unknown, but uses intel processors. Both Chromium OS and Google Chrome OS are not directly based on Gentoo, but they use Gentoo's package managing system, portage.[8]

Pacman-based

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

Distribution Description
Arch Linux An i686- and x86-64-optimized distribution targeted at experienced users. Arch runs on a rolling release system and uses the pacman utility for package management.
DeLi Linux A desktop based mini distribution with office suite, web browser and other graphical programs to run on a 486. Built from scratch with some influences from Slackware and CRUX.
Frugalware Linux A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. Has some influences from Slackware, and uses a heavily modified version of the Pacman package manager, Pacman-G2, a fork of a cvs version of the complete rewrite of Pacman-G1 by Aurelien Foret (the old monolithic Pacman-G1 is written by Judd Vinet). The packages are tar archives that are compressed using bzip2.
KnoppMyth Based on Arch Linux and MythTV, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a sound and video center.
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre Based on Arch Linux, but provides only free packages.[10]
Bridge Linux Based on Arch Linux and Xfce, provides an accelerated setup time and is easier for new users than vanilla Arch Linux.

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.

Distribution Description
aLinux Formerly known as Peanut Linux
ALT Linux Several distributions including Master, Compact, and Junior, Server, Terminal.
Ark Linux Ark Linux is meant to be easy enough for the new Linux user while powerful enough for long-time veterans and developers.
Caldera OpenLinux A distribution originally introduced by Caldera and later developed by its subsidiary Caldera Systems, the later Caldera International, who bought SCO and then renamed into The SCO Group and no longer produces a Linux distribution. Last release: 3.1.1 - Jan. 30, 2002
cAos Linux A general purpose distribution. Designed to have low overhead, run on older hardware, and be easily customizable.
Fedora Community-supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat. It usually features cutting-edge Linux technologies.
Linkat A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain.
Lycoris Desktop/LX
Mandriva Linux Easy to use system through its unique Control Center.
PCLinuxOS A rolling release Live CD distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2. Later rebased on Mandriva 2007.
PLD Linux Distribution Polish rolling release distribution. One of oldest, still-active, RPM-based linux distribution.
Red Hat Linux Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release of the unsplit distribution was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003.
SUSE Linux A desktop-oriented Linux distribution by Novell, Inc., popular in Europe.
  • openSUSE - A community-developed branch, sponsored by Novell. It maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the standard installs will be from Free/Libre/Open-Source Software solutions, including Linux kernel Modules. 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.
Subuntu Operating system created in SUSE Studio designed to feel like Ubuntu.
Turbolinux Based on Red Hat Linux.
Vine Linux A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat Linux.
YOPER A rolling release desktop distribution from New Zealand that focuses on optimizing system performance for workstation use.

Fedora-based

Distribution Description
Aurora SPARC Linux For Sun's SPARC architecture
Berry Linux A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English.
BLAG Linux and GNU Fully free software
EduLinux For educational purposes
EnGarde Secure Linux Server-only distribution designed to be secure.[11]
Fuduntu Designed to fit in somewhere between Fedora and Ubuntu.
Fusion Linux Distribution that has desktop usability, ease of use and latest features as top priority.[12]
Hanthana Designed to cater the needs of Sri Lankan computer users who are unable to access Internet frequently, with many most-wanted applications built in.
K12LTSP A distribution for educational purpose. Comes with LTSP support.
Kororaa Initially aimed at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration. Now based on Fedora.
Linpus Linux Focused on the Chinese market, along with Linpus Lite focused on the netbook market.
Moblin Built around the Intel Atom processor; supplanted by Meego when Intel and (temporarily) Nokia combined activities
MythDora Specialized distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software, similar to KnoppMyth, based on Fedora.
Network Security Toolkit A Live CD/DVD with security and networking tools to perform routine security and networking diagnostic and monitoring tasks.
Ojuba Linux Focused on providing the best Arabic support, as well as some Islamic tools such as Hijra (Hijri calendar) and Minbar (prayer time indicator).
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Red Hat's officially supported distribution. Meant for enterprise use.
Russian Fedora Remix A remix of Fedora.
Trustix A distribution focused on security.[13]
Xange Xange (formerly Simplis, formerly Vixta) is a distribution that tries to emulate the appearance of Windows Vista. It is based on KDE.
Yellow Dog Linux For the PowerPC platform.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based

See also: Red Hat Enterprise Linux derivatives and Commercial products based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Distribution Description
Asianux A distribution co-developed between Red Flag Software Co., Ltd., Miracle Linux Corp. and Haansoft, INC., focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean support.
CentOS Community-supported distribution that aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux without the inclusion of proprietary software.
ClearOS Small Business Server. File, Print, Messaging, UTM, VPN.
Fermi Linux LTS Based on Scientific Linux.[14]
Miracle Linux Developed by Japanese software vendor Miracle Linux Co., Ltd
Oracle Linux Supported by Oracle. Aims to be fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Red Flag Linux A distribution developed in China and optimized for the Chinese market. Based on Asianux.
Rocks Cluster Distribution A distribution for building a High-Performance Computing computer cluster, with a recent release supporting Cloud computing. It is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux but with extensions to support large multi-node heterogeneous systems for clusters (HPC), Cloud, and Data Warehousing (in development).
Scientific Linux A distribution co-developed by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which aims to be compatible with and based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
SME Server Based on CentOS and targeting Small and Medium Enterprises.
TrixBox A Voice Over IP (VoIP) distribution based on CentOS.

Mandriva Linux-based

Distribution Description
Annvix A security-focused server distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot. Discontinued.
Mageia A community fork of Mandriva Linux
MCNLive A Mandriva-based distribution designed to run from CD or USB Flash Drive, focused on multimedia, internet, graphics.
Trinity Rescue Kit Aimed specifically at offline operations for Windows and Linux systems such as rescue, repair, password resets and disk cloning
Unity Linux Meant to be a base for custom distributions.

Slackware-based

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

Distribution Description
AUSTRUMI An 108 MB bootable live CD as of version 1.9.3
BasicLinux A mini Linux designed to run in old PCs (386). Has a certain degree of compatibility with Slackware packages.
HostGIS HostGIS Linux is a Slackware based distribution specifically made for handling GIS information.
KateOS A desktop distribution aimed at intermediate users. It uses Xfce as its default desktop environment.
MuLinux Floppy-based distribution with replaceable modules.
NimbleX Completely customizable through the NimbleX website.
Recovery Is Possible Live CD for system maintenance and recovery.[15]
Salix OS Simple, fast and easy to use distribution that is also fully backwards compatible with Slackware, so Slackware users can benefit from Salix repositories, which they can use as an "extra" quality source of software for their favorite distribution. Like a bonsai, Salix is small, light & the product of infinite care.

Uses Xfce, KDE, LXDE, Fluxbox or Ratpoison as its default desktop environment. 32 and 64bits version. Live versions are also available.
Sentry Firewall A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution.
simpleLinux GNU/Linux simpleLinux is a GNU/Linux distributions that uses LZMA compression to compress its system files. The project started on year 2007 by a group of Malaysian developer. simpleLinux is a Slackware-based distribution that comes in both Live CD or Persistence version that can be installed to a medium. simpleLinux GNU/Linux comes to be a multi-tasking operating system that runs the X Window.
Slackintosh An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture.
Slamd64 An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture.
Slax A live CD which aims to provide a complete desktop for general use. Permanent installation of Slax is not recommended or supported; it is designed for "live" use only. Also can be run from a usb flash drive.
STUX Live CD
SuperGamer A Live DVD Linux Distribution focused on gaming.
Superb Mini Server A Linux Distribution focused on Server.
Topologilinux Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk.
VectorLinux A lightweight distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well-suited for older hardware.
Wolvix A desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on Slackware, mainly targeted at home users, featuring Xfce.
Zenwalk Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; however, compatibility with Slackware is still maintained.
ZipSlack A lightweight and portable version of Slackware

Slax-based

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

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

Others

The following distributions are simply not categorized under the preceding sections.

Distribution Description
Alpine Linux A security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on uClibc and BusyBox.
Bifrost Small, for networking
Billix A live CD or live USB system administration toolkit and multi-boot distribution with the ability to install any of the included distributions.
Coyote Linux Router/firewall distribution.
CRUX CRUX is a lightweight, i686-optimized distribution targeted at experienced users. The focus is "keep it simple", which is reflected in a simple tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages
DD-WRT Embedded firewall distribution.
Devil-Linux Router/firewall/server distribution running from CD or USB. Configuration held on USB or floppy disk.
DSLinux Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS.
ELinOS Distribution for embedded systems by SYSGO. ELinOS focuses on industrial application and provides real-time extensions.
Endian Firewall Specializes in Routing/Firewalling and Unified Threat Management.
Familiar Linux Distribution for iPAQ handhelds.
Foresight Linux A rolling release distribution built around the Conary package manager.
FREESCO A free replacement for proprietary routers supporting up to 10 network cards and up to 10 modems.
GeeXboX Live CD media center distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files (e.g.: .ogg, XVID) on home theater.
GoboLinux An alternative distribution which redefines the file system hierarchy by installing everything belonging to one application in one folder under /Programs, and using symlinks from /System and its subfolders to point to the proper files.
IPCop Router/firewall distribution.
Iskolinux A GNU/Linux distribution packaged and maintained by UP Manila's (UPM) Information Management System as part of University of the Philippines' thrust to migrate to Linux.
Jlime Distribution for the HP Jornada 6xx and 7xx and NEC MobilePro 900(c) handhelds.
Lunar Linux A source code-based distribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
MCC Interim Linux MCC Interim Linux, possibly the first Linux distribution. Created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992.
MkLinux A legacy distribution for PowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on top of the Mach microkernel.
Mobilinux By Montavista for smartphones.
MontaVista Linux Embedded systems distribution by MontaVista Software.
NASLite a floppy-based Linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attached Storage device.
Nitix Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system.
OpenWrt Embedded firewall distribution.
Paldo GNU/Linux Paldo GNU/Linux uses the UPKG Package manager. Using UPKG makes Paldo a mix of a source and a binary distribution.
Pardus Developed by Turkish National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology. 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.
rPath A distribution built around the Conary package manager.
SliTaz GNU/Linux A small desktop distribution. The ISO is under 30 MB; runs entirely in RAM; uses its own tazpkg package system.
Smallfoot Developed by the Santa Cruz Operation ( SCO UNIX / SCO Group ), formerly Caldera - based on Caldera OpenLinux 3.x and 4.x binaries.
SmoothWall Router/firewall distribution.
Softlanding Linux System One of the earliest distributions, developed from 1992–1994; Slackware was originally based on it.
Sorcerer A source code-based distribution.
Source Mage GNU/Linux A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer.
Stable Hybrid Release For smartphones, offering Enlightenment's Illume user interface. It is based on FSO.
Sugar Designed by Sugar Labs for the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative.
Thinstation Thin client distribution supporting all major connectivity protocols.
Tinfoil Hat Linux Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security
Tiny Core Linux Tiny Core Linux is a minimalist (around 10 MB) Linux system focusing on providing a base system with BusyBox, FLTK and other minimalist software.
TinyMe Based on Unity Linux, targeted to be as lightweight as possible.
tomsrtbt Root boot disk.
Tor-ramdisk An i686 uClibc-based micro Linux distribution (about 5 MB) that runs in system memory and whose only purpose is to host a Tor server in an environment that maximizes security and privacy.
xPUD Small distribution, aimed at being simple and usable.
Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.

See also

References

  1. ^ Linuxmint.com
  2. ^ Smart, Chris (May 2009). "Another day, another Ubuntu derivative.". http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20090511#news. Retrieved 2009-05-21. 
  3. ^ LXDE (February 2009). "Lubuntu? LXDE Meet up with Mark Shuttleworth in Berlin". http://blog.lxde.org/?p=208. Retrieved 2009-05-21. 
  4. ^ "Ubuntu to announce its mobile Linux in June". http://news.cnet.com/8301-13580_3-9950552-39.html. 
  5. ^ Brown, Eric (2008-10-29). "HP netbook boasts homegrown Linux distro". LinuxDevices.com. Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc.. http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/HP-netbook-boasts-homegrown-Linux-distro/. Retrieved 2009-07-12. 
  6. ^ "About Peppermint OS". http://www.peppermintos.com/release-notes/. 
  7. ^ [http://www.pinguyos.com/ Pinguy OS Homepage
  8. ^ a b c "Chromium OS Developers Guide". https://sites.google.com/a/chromium.org/dev/chromium-os/developer-guide. Retrieved May 22, 2011. 
  9. ^ "Chromium Project FAQ". http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/how-tos-and-troubleshooting/developer-faq. 
  10. ^ https://parabolagnulinux.org
  11. ^ DistroWatch.com: EnGarde Secure Linux
  12. ^ http://fusionlinux.org/
  13. ^ DistroWatch.com: Trustix Secure Linux
  14. ^ DistroWatch.com: Fermi Linux
  15. ^ DistroWatch.com: RIPLinuX

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