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.

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.
AbulÉdu	French. Designed for data processing in educational establishments.
AGNULA	Former DeMuDi for multimedia production
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.
BeatrIX	A compact distribution from the Czech Republic that focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop environment.
Behördendesktop	A Debian-based public Linux distribution developed by the German Federal Office for Information Security.
BLLOS Linux	A Debian-based public Linux distribution developed by Myanmar Software Engineer. Supported Languages are burmese, english and other asian languages.A development platform for Thin Client & Desktop users.
Corel Linux	Commercial. Short-lived desktop distribution, bought by Xandros Linux.
Damn Small Linux	A desktop Linux distribution designed to be extremely lightweight and run on less powerful hardware.
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 Debian-based, community-driven and -supported project tied to the commercial Linspire distribution.
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.
IT@School	A distribution developed by Kerala education department solely for education purposes.
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.
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.
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.
Outernet Server	A modified version of Debian that installs pre-configured and is specifically meant for a High speed multimedia Networks.
Parsix	Optimized for personal computers
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.
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.
Salgix	Distribution developed and maintained by GMSI (Gemini Microsystems International) for its line of Visual Computing workstations.
Santa Fe Linux	A commercial distribution by New Mexico Software. Discontinued.
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.
Sunwah Linux	A Chinese distribution
Symphony OS	Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.
The Linux Router Project	A defunct floppy-based distribution for routers and firewalls. Supplanted by LEAF Project.
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.
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	Fits in under 64 MB. It boots from either a CD or a USB flash drive. Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager.
Kaella	The French translation of Knoppix.
Morphix	A Live CD distribution with different flavours, including GNOME. Used as a base for many other custom live distribution such as Clusterix, PHLAK or Gnix.
Musix	A Knoppix/Debian based distribution, intended for music production, graphic design, audio, video editing, and other tasks. It is built with only free software.
PHLAK	A Live security distribution based on Morphix.

Ubuntu-based

Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian. Each has a different release schedule: Debian's release cycle is about 1.5 years, and Ubuntu's is 6 months. Ubuntu's packages are downloaded from Debian, re-packaged with Ubuntu version numbers and integrated to the system with Ubuntu-specific patches as needed. Ubuntu officially only supports 2 computer architectures; Debian, about 10. Ubuntu has two maintenance lines (stable, in development); Debian has several suites (stable, testing, unstable, experimental).

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
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.
Kubuntu	An official derivative of Ubuntu using KDE instead of the GNOME which is used by default in Ubuntu.
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.
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.
Ubuntu JeOS (pronounced as "juice")	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 Remix	Released in 2008, Netbook Remix is an official derivative of Ubuntu designed for netbooks using the Intel Atom processor.
Lubuntu	Lubuntu is a project that is intended to lead to an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system that is "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", using the LXDE desktop environment..

Contributed distributions

Distribution	Description
Ubuntu Studio	An Ubuntu distribution providing -source applications for multimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors. It can either be installed by DVD or "upgraded" from Ubuntu using packages.
Mythbuntu	provides an Ubuntu-based and MythTV based distribution that is supposed to be easy to configure, maintain, and use.

Third-party distributions

Unofficial variants and derivatives are not controlled or guided by Canonical and are generally forks with different goals in mind:

Distribution	Description
ABC GNU/Linux	An Ubuntu based distribution for building Beowulf clusters developed by Iker Castaños Chavarri, University of the Basque Country (Spain)
BackTrack	Developed by Remote Exploit and designed for penetration testing.
Buddhabuntu	Ubuntu based distribution for Buddhists to complement Ubuntu Christian Edition and Muslim Editions
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.
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.
Cyvoc	This Ubuntu-based OS' aims to help users coming from Windows / Mac, further more it tries to be as ready as possible after the installation is finished.
easypeasy	Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks
eBox	Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC
Eeebuntu	Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks
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.
Goobuntu	An Ubuntu-based distribution used internally by 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 (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.
HP Mi (MIE)	Based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, designed by Canonical and HP for use on the HP Mini 1000 and 110 series netbooks.
Impi Linux	South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector.
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	Ubuntu based for Asus eee PC with 7" screen
Linux4One	Based on Ubuntu, specially designed to work on the Acer Aspire One series
Linux Mint	Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu's, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users.
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.
Maryan Linux	Based on Ubuntu. Uses Enlightenment as its default window manager, also has Fluxbox and Pekwm ready to use. It is aimed at users migrating from Microsoft Windows.
Masonux	A lightweight net-oriented distribution based on Ubuntu using LXDE. Very few applications are installed by default.
MAX	Stands for MAdrid LinuX.
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.
Mundus OS	Can install some Windows programs, mount some Apple DMG image files, play a variety of the audio and video codecs, and install LSB, Red Hat, Stampede, and Slackware Packages—all "out of the box".
nUbuntu or Network Ubuntu	Based on Ubuntu. Available as a Live CD and Full Install with tools needed for penetration-testing servers and networks.
OpenGEU	Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu.
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.
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 ageing and low powered computer hardware.
Super OS (formerly: Super Ubuntu)	Aiming to provide an ‘Out of the Box’ experience, containing various enhancements over Ubuntu.
Trisquel	Created in Galicia (Spain). It has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with Compiz.
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.
Tuquito	Created in Argentina.
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.
Ubuntu Christian Edition	Packaging together Ubuntu together with Christian software (Bible study tools, support for church worship) and parental control tools.
Ubuntu Rescue Remix	Ubuntu Rescue Remix is a GNU/Linux live system which runs from CD or USB flash device. It provides the data recovery specialist with a command-line interface environment equipped with the best free-libre, open source data recovery and forensics tools available.
Ubuntu Complete Remix	Ubuntu Complete Remix was created with the aim of offering a more 'complete' experience, it includes multimedia codecs and a large selection of software on the live DVD.
Ubuntu Satanic Edition	Created by some people as a reaction to Ubuntu Christian Edition, this one offers multimedia for the wicked. This one offers very gory and dark themes.
Ultimate Edition	Formerly Ubuntu Ultimate, it is based on Ubuntu and contains various software not included in the official Ubuntu repositories.
XBMC Live	An embedded operating system with XBMC Media Center designed to make any computer into a dedicated media center appliance.
Ylmf OS	An Window XP theme emulating one.
ZevenOS	A BeOS like distribution with some extra tools.

FSO-based

FSO (freesmartphone.org) is a collaboration platform for open source and open discussion software projects working on interoperability and shared technology for Linux-based SmartPhones. It offers a service layer (middleware) that allows developers to concentrate on their application business logic rather than dealing with device specifics and uses an okpg package manager.

Distribution	Description
SHR	Stable Hybrid Release is a distribution for smartphones offering Enlightenment's Illume user interface.

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.
Flash Linux	Customized to fit on a 256 MB flash drive
Gentoox	An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox.
iloog	For academic/student usage.
Knopperdisk	A new distribution aimed at USB sticks.
Kororaa	Aimed at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration.
Pentoo	Penetration-testing Live CD
Sabayon Linux	An installable Live DVD with multiple desktop environments. Uses a customized version of Red Hat's Anaconda Installer. 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.

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	A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. Has some influences from Slackware, and uses the Pacman package manager.

Arch Linux-based

Distribution	Description
KahelOS	Based on Arch Linux and GNOME. Owes its lightness, flexibility and basic rolling release model from Arch Linux kernel 2.6.29.
Chakra	Based on Arch Linux and KDE with Arch-specific graphical configuration utilities. Aims to be easy to install and use while retaining flexibility.

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	A distribution for home use designed to be equivalent to Windows XP Home (formerly known as Peanut Linux). Discontinued.
ALT Linux	Several distributions including Master, Compact, and Junior. Provides support for Cyrillic languages.
Ark Linux	A distribution focused on ease of use and ease of learning.
Caldera OpenLinux	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.
DeepspaceOS	A general purpose family of distribution with a graphical server.
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.
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 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.
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.

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	Made by the Brixton Linux Action Group.
EduLinux	For educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux)
EnGarde Secure Linux	Server-only distribution designed to be secure.
K12LTSP	A distribution for educational purpose. Comes with LTSP support.
Linpus Linux	Focused on the Chinese market, along with Linpus Lite focused on the netbook market.
Moblin	Built around the Intel Atom processor
MythDora	Specialized distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software, similar to KnoppMyth, based on Fedora.
Network Security Toolkit	A Linux Distribution Live CD/DVD that provides the Network Security Administrator with a comprehensive set of Open Source security and networking tools to quickly perform routine security and networking diagnostic and monitoring tasks within the enterprise network computing environment.
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.
Simplis	Simplis (formerly Vixta) is a distribution that tries to emulate the appearance of Windows Vista. It is based on KDE.
Trustix	A distribution focused on security.
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 supports.
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.
EVEREST Linux	Based on Red Flag Linux. Provides support for the Loongson architecture.
Fermi Linux LTS	Based on Scientific Linux.
Miracle Linux	Developed by Japanese software vendor Miracle Linux Co., Ltd
Oracle Enterprise 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.
White Box Enterprise Linux	A distribution designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Discontinued.

Mandriva Linux-based

Distribution	Description
Annvix	A security-focused server distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot. Discontinued.
Caixa Mágica	A Portuguese distribution.
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.
Trinity Rescue Kit	Aimed specifically at offline operations for Windows and Linux systems such as rescue, repair, password resets and disk cloning

PCLinuxOS-based

Distribution	Description
Granular Linux	Based on Mandriva Linux and features two desktop environments - KDE & Enlightenment
Karoshi	A PCLinuxOS-based distribution designed for use in schools.
TinyMe	A lightweight distribution based on PCLinuxOS (only for purchase at this time)

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 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.
GoblinX	A live CD that features multiple customizable desktop environments.
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.
Salix OS	A distribution fully backwards compatible with Slackware, so Slackware users can benefit from Salix repositories. It uses Xfce as its default desktop environment.
Sentry Firewall	A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution.
Slackintosh	An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture.
Slamd64	An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture.
SLAX	A very popular live CD which aims to provide a complete desktop for general use. Permanent installation of SLAX is not recommended or supported; it is designed for "live" use only.
SMS - Slack Mini Server	A full feature server distribution (inc. dovecot, postfix, mailscanner, clamav, spamassassin, openldap), manageable through webmin interface or kde environment. Also features TorrentFlux (a php bittorrent client) and Rtorrent with Wtorrent. DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 215, 13 August 2007 SMS FEATURES
STUX	Live CD
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 Linux	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
Esma	A modification of the SLAX operating system that uses Xfce as its primary desktop environment as opposed to KDE as one of its biggest features.
DAVIX	A live CD for data analysis and visualization.
DNALinux	A small distribution designed for running bioinformatics software, including BLAST and EMBOSS.
SLAMPP	Designed to be used on a home server.

Others

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

Distribution	Description
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.
Draco GNU/Linux	Uses pkgsrc for package management.
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).
Endian Firewall	Specializes in Routing/Firewalling and Unified Threat Management.
Exherbo	Distribution for advanced users and developers. Uses the paludis package manager.
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 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.
Google Chrome OS	Designed by Google to work exclusively with web applications. Not yet released in binary form, though source code and directions to manually build it (under the name "Chromium-Based OS") are available.
IPCop	Router/firewall distribution.
IPFire	Router/firewall distribution that was previously based on IPCop.
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.
KaeilOS	Embedded Linux distribution
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.
Microcore Linux	Small (6 MB), similar to Tiny Core Linux but with no GUI
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
tomsrtbt	Root boot disk.
UHU-Linux
xPUD	Small distribution, aimed at being simple and usable. Features "plate" interface
Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X	One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.

See also

• List of Linux router or firewall distributions
• List of live CDs
• Comparison of Linux distributions
• Comparison of netbook-oriented Linux distributions

External links

• DistroWatch.com - Compares all significant Linux distributions in detail.
• SEO Expert Consultants - Screen captures of most Linux distributions.