General Purpose Debian distributions
| Distribution |
Description |
| AbulÉdu |
French. Designed for data processing in educational establishments. |
| AGNULA |
Former DeMuDi for multimedia production |
| 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 |
Commercial. Short-lived desktop distribution, bought by Xandros Linux |
| 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. |
| gNewSense |
A distribution of GNU/Linux focused on guaranteeing 100% Free Software |
| gnuLinEx |
A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain. |
| grml |
Live CD for system recovery |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| MEPIS |
Focuses on ease of use. |
| NepaLinux |
A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| sidux |
Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable. |
| Skolelinux |
A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools. |
| 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. |
| 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. Short-lived. |
| 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. |
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 |
| Alinex |
Portuguese Linux distribution, from Évora university, used as OEM from some Portuguese computer manufacturers. |
| andLinux |
Linux distribution running on Microsoft Windows natively |
| 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. |
| Buddhabuntu |
Ubuntu based distribution for Buddhists to compliment Ubuntu Christian Edition and Muslim Editions |
| CrunchBang Linux |
An Ubuntu based distribution featuring the lightweight Openbox window manager and GTK+ applications developed from a minimal Ubuntu install and has been designed to offer a good balance of speed and functionality. |
| Easy Peasy (formerly Ubuntu eee) |
Ubuntu based distribution customized for the ASUS Eee PC series [6]. |
| Elementary OS |
Ubuntu distro that gets rid of the bottom panel and adds docks[citation needed] |
| eeebuntu |
Ubuntu based distribution specially designed to work on the Asus eeepc netbook series[citation needed] |
| Estobuntu |
Remastered Kubuntu Live CD that uses Estonian by default where ever possible, includes media codecs, Java, Firefox plugins and modifications for the Estonian ID-card to work out of the box with the most common Smart card readers in Estonia.[citation needed] |
| Fluxbuntu |
Light-weight and featuring the Fluxbox window manager. The project’s primary goal is to develop an operating system that would run on a wide range of mobile devices and computers, both low-end and high-end (Discontinued). |
| 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. |
| Gnoppix |
Intended to offer the GNOME desktop environment on a Live CD. Discontinued. |
| 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 (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux). |
| 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. |
| Impi Linux |
South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector. |
| Kanotix |
Distribution based on current Debian "stable" aka "Etch", but uses the current "ubuntu" kernel with some patches.[7]. As a result of the cooperation between ubuntu Developers and Kanotix Developer Jörg Schirottke aka "Kano" most of the new patches are implemented in Hardy Heron's kernel, too. |
| KiwiLinux |
IA-32 distribution aimed for Romanian users. It supports localization for Romanian, Hungarian and German, and offers some extra tools that can be used to configure DSL modems for the main Romanian ISPs. Flash and Java are installed out of the box. |
| Linux4One |
Ubuntu based distribution specially designed to work on the Acer Aspire One series |
| Linux Mint |
Intended to produce an elegant, up to date and comfortable Linux desktop based on Ubuntu, with some added features. |
| LinuxICE |
Designed for implementation in transport applications for IVI (In Vehicle Infotainment) Supported by a number of proprietary hardware manufacturers.[citation needed] |
| LinuxMCE (Linux Media Center Edition) |
Kubuntu based distribution that provides in depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation. |
| 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. |
| Maryan Linux |
Uses the Enlightenment 17 window manager as default window manager, also has Fluxbox and Pekwm ready to use. It is aimed at users migrating from Microsoft Windows. |
| Molinux |
Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society. |
| nUbuntu or Network Ubuntu |
A project to take the existing Ubuntu distribution and remaster it as a Live CD and Full Install with tools needed for penetration-testing servers and networks. The main idea is to keep Ubuntu’s ease of use and mix it with popular penetration testing tools. Besides usage for network and server testing, nUbuntu will be made to be a desktop distribution for advanced Linux users. |
| OpenGEU |
Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu. |
| OzOS |
Is built on Xubuntu and utilizes the Enlightenment 17 Desktop. |
| Portable Ubuntu for Windows |
Uses Colinux to run Ubuntu "on top" of Windows |
| Poseidon Linux |
Distribution designed for academic and scientific use. Although based on Ubuntu, it enhances its parent by adding a large number of applications for GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages and more. The usual software for daily use, such as office suite, Internet browser, instant messaging and chat clients are also included. |
| PSUbuntu |
Ubuntu distribution intended for the PlayStation 3. |
| SUTLinux Desktop |
Server and in RAM distribution from Thailand. Optimize for easy install and quick ready to use. |
| Super Ubuntu |
Aiming to provide an ‘Out of the Box’ experience, containing various enhancements over Ubuntu. |
| TOSS |
Its a distribution derived from ubuntu which targets all engineering students. TOSS has a variety of engineering applications required by the engineers of all branches. TOSS has a completely different look and feel. It can also be used by other common people. Its released by Thiagarajar College of Engineering,Madurai,India. |
| Ultimate Edition |
An Ubuntu based distribution that is loaded with lots of software to make it an easier "out of the box" experience. It was previously called Ubuntu Ultimate Edition. |
| Ubuntu extras remix |
A simple remix of Ubuntu, only with updates, ubuntu-restricted-extras, and libdvdcss |
| Ubuntu Mini Remix |
A fully working Ubuntu livecd containing only the minimal set of software to make the system work. |
| TurnKey Linux |
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. |
| Vinux (formerly Vibuntu) |
Aimed for the use of the people with visual impairments. It is designed to log a user in automatically with start-up of Orca screenreader. |
| ZevenOS |
With a focus on a fast and easy to use system with a focus on a BeOS "feel". |
| 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. [8] |
| 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. |
| Granular Linux |
Based on PCLinuxOS and features two desktop environments - KDE & Enlightenment |
| Linkat |
A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain. |
| Mandriva Linux |
Easy to use system through its unique Control Center. |
| 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. |
| 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.
-
-
- openSUSE - A branch developed by the community and sponsored by Novell. openSUSE 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.
|
| 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. |
| Distribution |
Description |
| Austrumi |
An 86 MB 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. |
| MuLinux |
Floppy based distribution with replaceable modules. |
| NimbleX |
Completely customizable through the Nimblex website. |
| Slackintosh |
An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture. |
| SMS - Slack Mini Server |
A full feature server distribution (inc. dovecot, postfix, mailscanner, clamav, spamassassin, openldap), manageable through webmin interface or kde environment. Also features TorrentFlux (a php bittorrent client). [9] |
| Slamd64 |
An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture. |
| SLAX |
A very popular live CD which aims to provide a complete desktop for general use. Permanent installation of SLAX is not recommended or supported; it is designed for "live" use only. |
| Topologilinux |
Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk. |
| Vector Linux |
A lightweight distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well suited for older hardware. |
| Wolvix Linux |
A Slackware derivative featuring the Xfce desktop environment.. |
| 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's modularity and reputation of quality have made it a popular base for other live CD projects.
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 distribution targeted at experienced users. Arch runs on a rolling release system and uses the pacman utility for package management. |
| Billix |
A live CD or live USB system administration toolkit and multiboot distribution with the ability to install any of the included distributions. |
| 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 or USB. Configuration held on USB or floppy disk. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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. 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 |
| Thinstation |
Thin client distribution supporting all major connectivity protocols. |
| tomsrtbt |
Root boot disk. |
| Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X |
One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995. |
