How many Linux distributions are there? Let’s take a stab at listing as many as we can….
Debian-Based Distributions
Debian
Debian is one of the oldest and most stable Linux distributions. It emphasizes free software and supports numerous hardware platforms. Debian and its derivatives use the .deb package format, with the dpkg package manager and various frontends like apt and synaptic.
Ubuntu and its Derivatives
Ubuntu
Ubuntu, based on Debian, is designed for ease of use, regular releases, and consistent user experience. It offers both desktop and server versions with commercial support.
Edubuntu
Targeted for primary and secondary education, Edubuntu was built with the principles of free and accessible software. Although no longer actively maintained, it remains available with community support.
Kubuntu
A variant of Ubuntu that uses the KDE desktop environment instead of GNOME, providing a different user interface and experience.
Lubuntu
A lightweight Ubuntu derivative using the LXQt desktop environment, aimed at users with older or less powerful hardware.
Ubuntu Budgie
This flavor of Ubuntu uses the Budgie desktop environment, known for its simplicity and elegance.
Ubuntu Cinnamon
An official Ubuntu derivative that uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, offering a traditional desktop layout.
Ubuntu Kylin
Aimed at the Chinese market, Ubuntu Kylin offers features and software tailored for Chinese users.
Ubuntu MATE
Using the MATE desktop environment, a fork of the now-defunct GNOME 2, Ubuntu MATE provides a traditional desktop experience.
Ubuntu Server
Designed for servers and IBM mainframes, Ubuntu Server supports mail services, file servers, LAMP stacks, and more.
Ubuntu Studio
Aimed at multimedia creators, Ubuntu Studio includes a variety of tools for audio, video, and graphic editing.
Ubuntu Unity
This variant brings back the Unity desktop environment, offering a unique user interface compared to other Ubuntu flavors.
Xubuntu
Xubuntu is designed for users who need a more efficient and lightweight desktop environment, using Xfce.
Knoppix-Based Distributions
Knoppix
Knoppix is a live distribution that can run from a CD or USB drive without installation, known for its automated hardware configuration and a wide range of pre-installed software.
Damn Small Linux
A small, lightweight Linux distribution designed to run on older hardware, Damn Small Linux is often used on virtual machines due to its low memory requirements.
Pacman-Based Distributions
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is an independently developed, minimalist distribution that follows a rolling-release model. It is known for its simplicity, configurability, and use of the pacman package manager.
Manjaro
Manjaro is based on Arch Linux but provides its own repositories and ships with a variety of desktop environments, including Xfce, KDE, GNOME, and more.
RPM-Based Distributions
Fedora
Fedora is a community-supported distribution that emphasizes the latest software while maintaining a completely free software system.
CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution that serves as a midstream between Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, sponsored by Red Hat.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercially supported distribution that focuses on enterprise environments with long-term support.
Gentoo-Based Distributions
Gentoo
Gentoo is a source-based distribution that emphasizes customization and performance. It uses the Portage package management system with emerge to build packages from source.
Calculate Linux
Calculate Linux is a family of distributions based on Gentoo, offering both desktop and server versions with a focus on customization.
Slackware-Based Distributions
Slackware
Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions, known for its simplicity and stability. It is generally considered a distribution for advanced users due to its manual configuration requirements.
Slax
Slax is a live CD that aims to provide a complete desktop environment for general use, with a focus on low-powered computers.
Other Distributions
Solus
Solus is a desktop Linux distribution offering the Budgie, GNOME, MATE, and KDE Plasma desktop environments, using the eopkg package manager.
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl and BusyBox, with a derivative (postmarketOS) aimed at mobile devices.
Tiny Core Linux
Tiny Core Linux is a minimalist Linux distribution with a focus on providing a base system that can be expanded with additional applications, all in a small package.
Void Linux
Void Linux is an independent distribution using the XBPS package management system and runit init system, focusing on simplicity and efficiency.
Here’s the continuation of the links for the remaining distributions in your article:
Other Debian-Based Distributions
antiX
antiX is a lightweight distribution suitable for older computers, providing a Debian-compatible environment with updates and additions via the Aptitude package manager.
Astra Linux
A Russian Linux-based operating system developed for the Russian military and intelligence agencies, Astra Linux is certified for protecting data up to the “top secret” level.
Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS)
An Indian Linux distribution, BOSS is aimed at supporting Indian languages and providing a platform for government use.
Canaima
A Venezuelan Linux distribution designed to promote free software use in the country.
Corel Linux
A short-lived commercial desktop Linux distribution, Corel Linux was eventually bought by Xandros Linux.
CrunchBang Linux
A minimalistic Debian-based distribution featuring the Openbox window manager, CrunchBang was known for its simplicity and efficiency before its discontinuation in 2015.
Deepin
A Debian-based Chinese Linux distribution developed by Wuhan Deepin Technology Co., Deepin is known for its visually appealing and user-friendly desktop environment.
Devuan
A fork of Debian that was created to provide users with an alternative to systemd, Devuan aims to maintain user choice in init systems.
Dreamlinux
A discontinued Brazilian Linux distribution, Dreamlinux was known for its sleek design and ease of use.
Emdebian Grip
Emdebian Grip was a small-footprint Linux distribution based on Debian, intended for use on resource-limited embedded systems.
Finnix
A small system-administration live CD, Finnix is available for multiple architectures and is used primarily for system recovery and maintenance.
gLinux
gLinux is a Linux distribution used internally by Google employees, based on Debian.
gNewSense
Originally based on Ubuntu and later Debian, gNewSense is a free software distribution sponsored by the Free Software Foundation, removing all proprietary and non-free software.
grml
A live CD designed for system recovery and network testing, grml includes a collection of tools for system administrators.
HandyLinux
HandyLinux is a Debian-based distribution designed for senior citizens running older computers, providing a simple and accessible user interface.
Kali Linux
A Debian-based distribution used for penetration testing and security auditing, Kali Linux is highly customizable and includes a wide range of security tools.
Kanotix
An installable live DVD/CD based on Debian, Kanotix focuses on ease of use with convenient scripts and a graphical user interface.
LEAF Project
The Linux Embedded Appliance Framework (LEAF) is a tiny distribution designed for routers, firewalls, and other network appliances.
Libranet
A now-discontinued distribution based on Debian, Libranet was known for its ease of use and graphical configuration tools.
LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition)
Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a version of Linux Mint that uses Debian as its base, maintained to ensure continuity should Ubuntu ever be discontinued.
Maemo
A development platform for handheld devices, Maemo was used on Nokia Internet Tablets and other Linux kernel-based devices.
MX Linux
MX Linux is a midweight distribution based on Debian Stable, offering simple configuration, high stability, and solid performance.
Parrot OS
Parrot OS is a Debian-based distribution used by penetration testers, offering a wide range of security tools and privacy features.
Raspberry Pi OS
Formerly known as Raspbian, Raspberry Pi OS is the official operating system for Raspberry Pi devices, optimized for the ARM architecture.
SparkyLinux
A Debian-based distribution that provides an out-of-the-box operating system with lightweight desktops, SparkyLinux is designed for users who want to replace their existing OS with an open-source alternative.
TAILS
The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS) is a Debian-based distribution aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity by routing all connections through Tor.
TurnKey Linux
TurnKey Linux is a project that develops free, Debian-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type scenarios.
VyOS
A free routing platform, VyOS is designed for cloud deployments and can run on standard amd64, i586, and ARM systems.
Other Fedora-Based Distributions
Asahi Linux
Asahi Linux is a port of Linux to Apple Silicon-powered Macs, focusing on maximizing performance on this new architecture.
Amazon Linux 2
Amazon Linux 2 is designed for use on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is available as an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) for use in cloud environments.
Berry Linux
A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution, Berry Linux offers support in both Japanese and English.
ClearOS
ClearOS is designed for use in small and medium enterprises, offering a simple web-based interface for managing server applications.
Korora
Initially aimed at easy installation of a Gentoo system, Korora is now based on Fedora and provides a user-friendly desktop environment.
Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a security-focused desktop operating system based on an older version of Fedora, designed to compartmentalize applications into isolated virtual machines.
openSUSE-Based Distributions
openSUSE
openSUSE is a community-developed distribution sponsored by SUSE, focusing on providing a stable and user-friendly desktop environment.
GeckoLinux
A distribution focused on polish and out-of-the-box usability, GeckoLinux is available in static and rolling versions, based on openSUSE Leap and Tumbleweed.
SUSE Linux Enterprise
SUSE Linux Enterprise comes in desktop and server variations, targeting enterprise users with long-term support and stability.
Mandriva-Based Distributions
Mageia
Mageia is a community-driven distribution that was forked from Mandriva Linux in response to its discontinuation.
ROSA Linux
ROSA Linux is a Russian distribution that comes in desktop and server editions, bundling proprietary software like Adobe Flash Player and multimedia codecs.
OpenMandriva
A fork of Mandriva Linux by the OpenMandriva Association, OpenMandriva continues the legacy of Mandriva with a focus on innovation and user-friendliness.
Gentoo-Based Distributions
Calculate Linux
Calculate Linux is a family of distributions based on Gentoo, offering both desktop and server versions with a focus on customization.
ChromeOS
Google’s Linux-based operating system, ChromeOS is used on Chromebooks and other devices, primarily launching apps within the Chrome browser.
Pentoo
Pentoo is a live CD based on Gentoo, tailored for penetration testing and security assessments.
Slackware-Based Distributions
Absolute Linux
A lightweight distribution based on Slackware, Absolute Linux is designed for users who need a minimal and efficient desktop environment.
Porteus
A small and portable Linux distribution, Porteus is designed for speed and can be run from a USB drive, CD, or hard drive.
Salix OS
Originally a fork of Zenwalk, Salix OS is fully compatible with Slackware and offers a variety of desktop environments, including Xfce, KDE, LXDE, and more.
Slax
Slax is a live CD that aims to provide a complete desktop environment for general use, with a focus on low-powered computers. It was originally based on Slackware but switched to Debian before returning to Slackware as of version 15.0.
Zenwalk
Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a different operating system while maintaining compatibility with Slackware.
Android-Based Distributions
Android
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, based on a modified Linux kernel. It is designed primarily for touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets.
CalyxOS
CalyxOS is a privacy-focused operating system for smartphones, based on Android and offering enhanced security features.
GrapheneOS
GrapheneOS is an open-source, privacy, and security-focused mobile operating system for Google Pixel devices.
LineageOS
A free and open-source operating system for smartphones, tablets, and set-top boxes, LineageOS is a direct successor to CyanogenMod.
Replicant
Replicant is a fully free software distribution based on Android, aiming to replace all proprietary Android components with free software.
Source-Based Distributions
CRUX
CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution optimized for x86-64 systems, targeting experienced users with a focus on simplicity and manual configuration.
GNU Guix System
Built around the GNU Guix package manager, this distribution emphasizes functional package management, build automation, and strict adherence to free software principles.
GoboLinux
GoboLinux redefines the traditional file system hierarchy by installing applications in their own directories, using symlinks to create a more intuitive structure.
NixOS
NixOS is a declarative Linux distribution that offers atomic upgrades and rollbacks, built on the Nix package manager. It allows users to freely edit and rebuild packages from source.
Other Distributions
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl and BusyBox, with a derivative (postmarketOS) aimed at mobile devices.
Chimera Linux
An independent distribution that uses FreeBSD utilities, LLVM, and Clang for software compilation, Chimera Linux is built around the musl C library.
Clear Linux OS
Developed by Intel, Clear Linux OS is a rolling-release distribution optimized for Intel processors, focusing on performance and security.
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is an embedded Linux distribution designed for routers and network appliances, providing extensive networking options via the opkg package manager.
Puppy Linux
A mini Linux distribution designed to run well on low-end PCs, Puppy Linux is known for its small size and ability to run from RAM.
Tiny Core Linux
Tiny Core Linux is a minimalist Linux distribution with a focus on providing a base system that can be expanded with additional applications, all in a small package.
Void Linux
Void Linux is an independent distribution using the XBPS package management system and runit init system, focusing on simplicity and efficiency.
Historical Distributions
MCC Interim Linux
Possibly the first Linux distribution, MCC Interim Linux was created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992.
Softlanding Linux System
One of the earliest Linux distributions, SLS was developed from 1992 to 1994 and served as the basis for Slackware.
Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X
One of the oldest Linux distributions, Yggdrasil was released in December 1992 and was not updated after 1995.
Conclusion
The Linux ecosystem is rich with diversity, offering distributions tailored to almost every conceivable use case. From lightweight distributions for older hardware to security-focused distros for penetration testing, the choices are vast. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just starting, there’s a distribution out there that’s perfect for your needs. This comprehensive guide highlights some of the most notable distributions, providing insights into their origins, features, and target audiences.
