A Linux distribution (Sometimes abbreviated as a 'distro') consists of some form of the Linux Kernel, an init system (Such as systemd), GNU tools and libraries, documentation, a Package Manager and several other types of software. Often to provide a desktop experience a display server (Such as Xorg or a Wayland Compositor like Kwin), a Desktop Environments or Window Managers (Such as GNOME) and other programs may be included with the distribution or are installable from Repositories.
List of Linux Distributions
This is in no way an all inclusive list of Linux distributions and mostly covers those that are most popular. 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. |
| Manjaro Linux | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Debian Based
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Debian | An independent distribution developed by the community-supported Debian Project which is developed openly and distributed freely. |
| 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. |
| Ubuntu | A distribution based on Debian developed by Canonical who provides commercial support for releases on desktops, servers and IOT devices. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Devuan | A fork of Debian, which avoids the usage of systemd. |
Gentoo Based
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Gentoo | A highly flexible source-based distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software. |
| ChromeOS | A locked up operating system developed by Google. It was initially designed to be used on Chromebooks. |
| Funtoo | A Gentoo fork, meant to make the usage of Gentoo simpler. |
Red Hat Enterprise Based
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) | A commercial - once open to the public and now proprietary [citation] - distribution developed by Red Hat for the enterprise market. |
| Fedora | A community supported distribution sponsored by RHEL. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completely Free Software system. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Slackware Based
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Slackware | A highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools. |
openSUSE Based
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Other Independent Distributions
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| NixOS | A distribution built around the Nix package manager, which provides atomic upgrades, rollbacks, and a declarative configuration model. |
| 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. |
| Void Linux | A distribution that focuses on quickly installing, updating and removing software, the main feature being support for the musl and glibc implementations. |