List of Linux Distributions
This is in no way an all inclusive list of Linux distributions and mostly covers the most popular ones. For a more comprehensive list of distributions, see Distrowatch or the Wikipedia Article. Distributions are grouped by which distribution they are based on, and those in italics are abandoned.
Arch Based
| Distribution |
Description
|
| Arch Linux
|
An independent distribution focused on the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle that focuses on being lightweight and flexible. Inspired by CRUX.[1]
|
| Artix
|
A fork of Arch Linux, which avoids the usage of systemd. In its stead, it offers four alternative init systems in the pursuit of simplicity: OpenRC, runit, dinit, and s6. Each of them have their distinct differences, but the general goal stays the same: an init system should serve the purpose of an init system, complying to POSIX standards.
|
| CachyOS
|
CachyOS is an Arch-Based Distribution aimed to beginners and long-time Linux users, its focused on optimization and stability, it ships with its own Cachy Kernel and uses a Calamares installer.
|
| EndeavourOS
|
An Arch-based distribution that aims to be as user-friendly as Manjaro, but is closer in nature to Arch Linux overall. It aims to offer a decent amount of common applications used on Arch as well as including the Calamares installer.
|
| Manjaro
|
An Arch-based rolling release distribution with a focus on user-friendliness and accessibility. Its aim is to be easy to set up and use.
|
Debian Based
| Distribution |
Description
|
| Debian
|
An independent distribution developed by the community-supported Debian Project which is developed openly and distributed freely.
|
| Devuan
|
A fork of Debian, which avoids the usage of systemd.
|
| Kali Linux
|
A Debian-based distribution made for security auditing and penetration testing. Has multiple versions, all of which serve different discrete purposes - they offer a "full" ISO with all of their security tools available.
|
| ParrotOS
|
A Debian-based distribution comparable to Kali Linux, Parrot is designed for security, privacy, and development - one of its distinguishing features is that it is geared more towards daily use than Kali. ParrotOS has all the tools that are available in Kali Linux while also adding its own.
|
| Linux Mint
|
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that is targeted towards new Linux users, it also has a Debian-based version.
|
| Pop!_OS
|
Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution developed by computer retailer system76 designed to have minimal amounts of bloat.
|
| Slax
|
A portable persistent distribution based off Slackware or Debian meant to be ran on CDs/DVDs or USBs.
|
| TailsOS
|
A distribution focused towards maximizing privacy through anonymity using TOR. It is meant to be used - albeit responsibly! - to circumvent censorship in oppressive governments or even individual situations, allowing the user to regain control of their right to possess digital freedom.
|
| Trisquel
|
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that uses the Linux-libre kernel and avoids proprietary firmware.
|
| Ubuntu
|
A distribution based on Debian developed by Canonical who provides commercial support for releases on desktops, servers and IOT devices.
|
| ZorinOS
|
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux.
|
Gentoo Based
| Distribution |
Description
|
| ChromeOS
|
A locked up operating system developed by Google. It was initially designed to be used on Chromebooks. Can also be use on any computer via ChromeOS Flex.
|
| Funtoo
|
A Gentoo fork, meant to make the usage of Gentoo simpler. Discontinued since 2024.
|
| Gentoo
|
A highly flexible source-based distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software.
|
Red Hat Based
| Distribution |
Description
|
| Alma Linux
|
A community-grounded distribution for production use. It aims to be stable while offering easy server setup for those who need to get a system running as fast and easily as possible.
|
| Aurora
|
A rock solid atomic variant of Fedora with KDE Plasma provided by Universal Blue.
|
| Bazzite
|
A community-driven gaming distribution by Universal Blue.
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| Bluefin
|
A next generation bootc atomic distribution by Universal Blue.
|
| CentOS
|
A discontinued Linux distribution that provided a free and open-source community-supported computing platform.
|
| CentOS Stream
|
A rolling release distribution sponsored by Red Hat which is positioned as a midstream between Fedora Linux and RHEL.
|
| Fedora Linux
|
A community supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completely Free Software system. It serves as an upstream for RHEL.
|
| Fedora Silverblue
|
The official immutable/atomic variant of Fedora Linux, with the advantages of Fedora Linux, alongside being safe and reliable.
|
| Oreon Linux
|
An Alma Linux-based distribution, developed by The Oreon Foundation. The project's goal is to provide more packages than Alma Linux by porting missing packages over from Fedora.
|
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
|
A commercial - once open to the public and now source-available[2] - distribution developed by Red Hat for the enterprise market.
|
| Rocky Linux
|
A community managed distribution designed to be 100% compatible with RHEL. It aims to provide a production-grade enterprise operating system for users.
|
| Ultramarine Linux
|
A distribution based on Fedora Linux with preapplied tweaks and sane defaults.
|
Slackware Based
| Distribution |
Description
|
| Slackware
|
A highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools.
|
| Slax
|
A portable persistent distribution based off Slackware or Debian meant to be ran on CDs/DVDs or USBs.
|
| Zenwalk
|
A minimally modified version of Slackware. It aims to be a modern, multi-purpose Linux distribution.[3]
|
Other Independent Distributions
| Distribution |
Description
|
| AIX
|
A series of Unix-Based Operating systems for Power servers.
|
| Alpine Linux
|
An independent distribution centered around security through minimalism. Not only is it used for Docker containers, but it is entirely free of GNU utilities.
|
| Batocera
|
Batocera.linux is an open-source and completely free retro-gaming distribution.
|
| CRUX Linux
|
CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution for the x86-64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is keep it simple. The secondary focus is utilization of new Linux features and recent tools and libraries.[4]
|
| GNU Guix System
|
A rolling release distribution created by GNU built around the Guix package manager and based on the Linux-libre kernel.
|
| NixOS
|
A distribution built around the Nix package manager, which provides atomic upgrades, rollbacks, and a declarative configuration model.
|
| openSUSE
|
A community-developed distribution sponsored by SUSE. It maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the installations will be from FOSS solutions.
|
| Puppy Linux
|
A group of distributions designed to be small and full-featured.
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| Slitaz GNU/Linux
|
SliTaz is a secure and high performance operating system using the Linux Kernel and GNU software. [5]
|
| Solus Linux
|
A Semi-Rolling release distribution.
|
| Void Linux
|
An independent distribution which supports both Musl and GLIBC system C libraries, uses the Runit service manager and their own package management system (XBPS).
|
References
