A Linux distribution (Sometimes abbreviated as a 'distro') comprises 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 the more notable ones, for a more comprehensive list of distributions see Distrowatch or the Wikipedia Article. Distributions are grouped by which distribution they are based on. Distributions in italics are abanonded.
Arch Based
Arch Linux is an independent distribution focused on the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle that focuses on being lightweight and flexible.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Debian Based
Debian is an independent distribution developed by the community-supported Debian Project which is developed openly and distributed freely.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Fedora Based
Fedora is a community supported distribution sponsored by RHEL. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completely Free Software system.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Gentoo Based
Gentoo is a highly flexible source-based distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Red Hat Enterprise Based
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial distribution developed by Red Hat for the enterprise market.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Slackware Based
Slackware is a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
openSUSE Based
openSUSE is a community-developed distribution sponsored by SUSE. It maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the installs will be from FOSS solutions.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Ubuntu Based
Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian developed by Canonical who provides commercial support for releases on desktops, servers and IOT devices.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
Other Independent Distributions
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| NixOS | A distribution built around the Nix package manager, which provides atomic upgrades, rollbacks, and a declarative configuration model. |