Distribution list update [LWN.net]

The LWN.net Distributions List contains 355 active distributions at this writing. This number is always in flux as new distributions are added almost every week. Distributions are also deleted from the list during rounds of link checking. It takes quite a while to check the entire list (nearly 400 links counting both active and historical distributions), and we try to be conservative about removing distributions. When web sites time out they are checked periodically over a period of months. Smaller projects may go for long periods without updates, and still be very much alive. Domain names disappear, but that doesn't necessarily mean the distribution is gone, it might have moved. Google may find lost distributions, but following trails of links can also be prohibitively time consuming.

So periodically we like to mention those distributions that have been removed from this list. If you know that one of these deleted distributions is really alive and well, let us know and we'll put it back. Since we haven't done an update like this in over a year, the list is quite long, so let's get started.

Chinese company BluePoint Software might still have something. The domain name disappeared for a while, although now an old site seems to back with some embedded Linux appliances.

UK company Eridani Star System is alive and well, however they discontinued production of Eridani Linux in August 2003.

Source-based Darkstar Linux never seemed to get off the ground. The Flying Linux web site claimed the project would return for nearly two years before disappearing. The domain name must have finally expired. OpenClassroom was another project that never seemed to get going, and finally disappeared.

Go!Linux once came with the German magazine, PC!Linux. Happy Linux was a Chinese distribution. J-LINUX was an Italian distribution, based on Mandrake Linux. Lanthan Linux was from Germany. Linux/MNIS was from France. Monkey Linux supported the Czech language. Finnish company Probatus Oy once made Spectra Linux. TechLinux was from Brazil.

LNX System is gone (not to be confused with LNX-BBC which is still around). Netule still has a .com site, but the distribution's .org site is gone.

SCO Linux and Caldera OpenLinux are gone from the list. There's still a mention of UnitedLinux in the historical section.

Embedix was Lineo's Embedded Linux distribution and now belongs to Metrowerks. Metrowerks provides Board Support Packages, embedded Linux tools and other products based on and for Linux - but not a stand-alone distribution.

Midori Linux was created at Transmeta to demonstrate Linux on the company's new Crusoe processors. Linux should run on a laptop powered by Crusoe, but all mention of Midori Linux is gone from their site.

ClumpOS has been replaced by PlumpOS and TrX has been replaced by GNOPPIX.

Also gone: BanShee Linux/R, BYO Linux, Effort Linux, eLSD (Linux Society Distro), Floppix, IceLinux, Kaladix Linux, Keeper Linux, KSI-Linux, LEM, Linux Cyrillic Edition, Linux On A Floppy (LOAF), LSD, LuteLinux, Melon, MiniLinux, NeoLinux, PocketLinux, Proxyfloppy, Pygmy Linux, Rabid Squirrel Linux, Royal Linux, RU.nix, ShareTheNet, spyLinux, and Intimate (iPAQ).

(Log in to post comments)