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The LWN.net Linux Distribution List

You have found the LWN.net Linux Distributions List. LWN has been tracking Linux distributions since 1999. Early versions of the list consisted of links on the side bars of the weekly Distribution page. By 2001 the list had grown to fill both sidebars of the weekly page, often trailing far below any actual mid-page content. So the list was moved to a flat file and released on October 11, 2001.

The next major release was on February 7, 2002. Additional information was added to each entry, and in the process links were fixed, entries moved to different categories and dead distributions were removed. Minor revisions have been made almost every week since then. A table of contents was added on May 9, 2002. There have been no major releases since then, however new distributions are added when found, dead distributions are removed when found, and link checking remains an ongoing process.

Someday this list will hopefully move to a searchable database, making it easier than ever to find what you are looking for. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy this celebration of Linux diversity, with over 500 distributions; large and small, specialized and generalized, old and new.

Table of Contents

    Leading Distributions

    Leading distributions have usually been around for a while and are well-established. They will support several architectures from low-end x86 versions to high-end versions for IBM mainframes and the latest 64-bit technology. Some come from companies that supply service and support contracts for their products, others are community projects. Leading distributions usually support many languages.

  1. Debian GNU/Linux
    http://www.debian.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/debian/
    The Debian Project is one of the oldest distributions and is currently the largest volunteer based distribution provider. The distribution supports many languages and hardware platforms, for example the Etch release supports i386, amd64, powerpc, alpha, arm, hppa, ia64, mips/mipsel, sparc and s390. Several architectures offer a choice between 32-bit and 64-bits kernel.. The old stable version (still supported) is Debian 3.1 (sarge) - initial release June 6, 2005 - now at revision 8 released April 13, 2008. The current stable version 4.0 (etch) was released April 8, 2007 - now at revision 3 released February 18, 2008. Debian users who want a more current desktop distribution are encouraged to use the testing branch, which is where the next stable release (currently codenamed Lenny) is prepared and which should normally be quite stable. Debian Developers and users who want to live on the bleeding edge can run the unstable branch (Sid) or even try packages from experimental.

  2. Fedora
    http://fedoraproject.org/
    Fedora Project wiki
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/fedora_project/
    The Fedora Project is Red Hat's community distribution. It is intended to be a fast-paced distribution for those that like to stay on the leading edge of technology. It is also a test-bed for Red Hat's Enterprise Linux products. The Fedora contains all the packages necessary to run a functional desktop or small server. The first Fedora Core release was dated November 5, 2003. Fedora strives for a new release every 6 months and releases will be supported for 13 months. The old stable version is Fedora 8, released November 8, 2007. The current stable version is Fedora 9, released May 13, 2008.

  3. Gentoo Linux
    http://www.gentoo.org/
    Gentoo Linux is a source-based distribution that can be optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Gentoo offers extreme performance, configurability and a top-notch user and developer community. Users keep their systems up-to-date using Portage, which is based on BSD Ports. Gentoo is a meta-distribution with a large number of packages available (nearly 11,000 as of April 2006). Gentoo Linux 2005.1 is currently available for Alpha, AMD64, PPC, PPC64, SPARC, X86, IA64 and SPARC32. Gentoo Linux 2006.0 was released February 27, 2006. Gentoo Linux 2006.1 was released August 30, 2006. Gentoo Linux 2007.0 was released May 7, 2007. Gentoo Linux 2008.0 was released July 6, 2008. Gentoo 2008.0-r1 fixes some live CD issues.

  4. Mandriva Linux
    http://www.mandrivalinux.com/
    Mandriva
    Mandriva Brazil
    Mandriva is a new name for two popular distribution companies resulting from the merger of the French company Mandrakesoft and the Brazilian company Conectiva. Mandriva has also acquired Lycoris assets and hired Lycoris founder and CEO, Joesph Cheek on June 15, 2005. Mandriva Linux 2006 merged technology from MandrakeSoft, Conectiva and Lycoris. This version became generally available on October 13, 2005 and reached an end of support on April 13, 2007. Mandriva Linux One is a combined live and install CD, first released in March 2006. The Mandriva Corporate Server 4.0 was released September 19, 2006. Mandriva Corporate Desktop 4.0 was released June 21, 2007. Mandriva Linux 2008 was released October 9, 2007. ML 2008.1 was released April 9, 2008. ML 2008.1 Xfce edition was released May 1, 2008. Mandriva Linux 2009 Alpha 2 was released July 10, 2008.

  5. Red Hat Enterprise
    http://www.redhat.com/
    Red Hat, Inc. provides one of the the best known distributions in the world. In 2003 the company announced its decision to drop its popular Red Hat Linux in order to concentrate on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux line. The Fedora Project (see above) has replaced the Red Hat Linux line for the home user or small business. Red Hat Linux 9 was released April 7, 2003, and official Red Hat support ended on May 1, 2004. Red Hat Enterprise Linux comes with service and support contracts for those Red Hat customers who require a stable, supported system. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 was released October 22, 2003. The seventh update for RHEL 3 was released March 15, 2006. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 (Nahant) was released February 15, 2005. The sixth update for RHEL 4 was released November 15, 2007. Version 4.7 beta was released May 28, 2008. RHEL 5 was released March 14, 2007. RHEL 5.1 was released November 7, 2007. Version 5.2 was released May 21, 2008.

  6. Slackware Linux
    http://www.slackware.com/
    Slackware German forum: http://www.slackforum.de/
    Slackware (Italian style) http://www.slack.z00.it/slack/slack.html
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/slackware/
    The Slackware project is headed by Patrick J. Volkerding, with a cast of volunteers and a loyal following. It is the oldest active Linux distribution with the first release dated July 16, 1993. The official Slackware project supports only x86 platforms, however others have made ports to other platforms. Slackware 10.2 was released September 14, 2005. Slackware 11.0 was released October 3, 2006. Slackware 12.0 was released July 1, 2007. Slackware 12.1 was released May 2, 2008.

  7. SuSE Linux
    http://www.novell.com/linux/
    openSUSE
    Nuremberg based SuSE Linux AG is one of the older Linux distributions. It became the the European UnitedLinux partner, and supplied much of the code base for UnitedLinux and for Sun's Java Desktop System (both now unsupported). SuSE was later acquired by US company Novell (finalized January 12, 2004). SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) supports x86, x86-64, IPF (ia64), POWER (32 & 64bit, ppc & ppc64) and Mainframes (32 & 64bit, s390 & s390x). OpenSUSE is the community distribution beginning with SUSE Linux 10.0, released October 6, 2005. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) are available for enterprise customers. SLES/SLED 10 became generally available July 17, 2006, now at Service Pack 2, released May 21, 2008. openSUSE 10.3 was released October 4, 2007. The 10.3 Live edition is also available. SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time 10 was released November 27, 2007. openSUSE 11.0 was released June 19, 2008.

  8. Ubuntu
    http://www.ubuntu.com/
    Kubuntu
    Edubuntu
    Xubuntu
    Mythbuntu
    Ubuntu Studio
    Supported by Canonical Ltd. and the Ubuntu Foundation. Ubuntu and its close cousins are freely available distributions. Ubuntu takes a snapshot of Debian unstable and then creates a small fork, recompiling and stabilizing the code to get a final stable release. It usually takes 6 months between the snapshot and the release. Ubuntu comes with the GNOME desktop, Kubuntu with the KDE desktop, Xubuntu features XFCE and Edubuntu comes with educational packages. Mythbuntu integrates the MythTV package. Ubuntu Studio integrates packages for multimedia creation. Gobuntu (announced July 10, 2007) aims to be completely free (as defined by the FSF) will be merging with gNewSense. The first Ubuntu release (4.10 Preview released September 15, 2004) supported Intel x86 (IBM-compatible PC), AMD64 (Hammer) and PowerPC (Apple iBook and Powerbook, G4 and G5) architectures. SPARC64 support was added for v6.06 LTS. Supported versions: 6.06 LTS "Dapper Drake", 7.04 "Feisty Fawn", 7.10 "Gutsy Gibbon" and 8.04 LTS "Hardy Heron". V6.06.2 LTS (the second maintenance release) was made available January 21, 2008. "Hardy Heron" aka v8.04 LTS was released April 24, 2008, available in desktop and server editions. Ubuntu 8.04.1 LTS was released July 3, 2008. Edubuntu is now available as an add-on to Ubuntu. Kubuntu 8.04 is available with KDE 3 or KDE 4. Other available 8.04 variants include Xubuntu, UbuntuStudio and Mythbuntu. The next development branch, Intrepid Ibex Alpha 2 was released July 12, 2008.

    Also well-known

    There is often a fine line between "leading" and "well-known" distributions. Some polls now show that a few of these "well-known" distributions are currently more popular than some of the "leading" distributions.

  9. ASPLinux
    http://www.asplinux.ru/en/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/asplinux/
    ASPLinux is an RPM-based general purpose Linux distribution. It features an intuitive GUI install with integrated partition resizer (supported types are ext2fs, fat16, fat32, and ntfs) and comprehensive packages set. The distribution provides full compatibility with Red Hat RPMs, and it is available in English, Russian, Korean, and Chinese languages. ASP 7.3 (vostok) was released August 13, 2002. ASPLinux 11 was released March 6, 2006.

  10. MEPIS Linux
    http://www.mepis.org/
    MEPIS Linux is a Debian-based system for the desktop or as a dedicated server. It is designed for both personal and business purposes. MEPIS is a member of the DCC Alliance. The first official release was version 2003.0, dated May 10, 2003. The live CD allows installation or functions as a recovery CD. SimplyMEPIS 3.4-3 was released February 9, 2006. SimplyMEPIS started using Ubuntu packages starting with 6.0-beta, but with 6.9.51prebeta came another change. SimplyMEPIS will use its own binary packages, compliled from Debian and Ubuntu sources. Also available: MEPISLite 3.3.2. SimplyMEPIS 6.0-1 Linux Bootable DVD was released September 9, 2006. SimplyMEPIS 6.5 was released April 4, 2007. AntiX, an Ultra-Lite MEPIS Derivative. released v6.5 "Spartacus" on July 9, 2007. SimplyMEPIS 7.0 was released December 23, 2007. AntiX 7.2 was released May 14, 2008.

  11. PCLinuxOS
    http://www.pclinuxos.com/
    GetPCLinuxOS TinyMe
    Forum
    PCLinuxOS 2K4 started out as a live CD based on Mandriva. These days it's popular KDE-centric desktop distribution in own right. The 2007 release has been rebuilt from the ground up with Gcc 4.1.1 and contains lots of cutting edge software. PCLinuxOS 2K4 Preview 4 was the current version as of December 17, 2003. PCLinuxOS 0.93a MiniME was released August 4, 2006. PCLinuxOS 0.93a Junior was released August 9, 2006. PCLInuxOS Full Edition aka Big Daddy was released August 21, 2006. PCLinuxOS 2007 was released May 20, 2007. TinyMe is a smaller version of PCLOS (less than 200 MB on a live CD). TinyMe 2008.0 was released May 23, 2008. PCLOS Gnome 2008 was released April 1, 2008. PCLinuxOS MiniMe 2008 was released January 7, 2008.

  12. Rock Linux
    http://www.rocklinux.org/
    ROCK Linux is a source-based Linux distribution and a Distribution Build Kit. You can configure your personal build of ROCK Linux to get the distribution you want. ROCK Linux supports i686, Generic Sparc, Server PPC and Router ARM architectures. ISO images are available for Crystal ROCK, the general purpose distribution, and the ROCK Linux LiveCD. The ROCK Linux Live CD incorporates a full KDE desktop and other applications like mplayer and xine in the last release, dated October 16, 2005. ROCK 3 was released July 27, 2006.

  13. Turbolinux
    http://www.turbolinux.com/
    Turbolinux supports a variety of platforms and Asian languages. They were the Asian arm of UnitedLinux. March 15, 2004 Turbolinux became a wholly owned subsidiary of Livedoor, a large Japanese ISP. Turbolinux 10 Desktop was released October 2, 2003. Turbolinux 10 F, designed for home computer users, was released April 27, 2004. Turbolinux 10 Server (10S) was released October 5, 2004. Turbolinux 10 for AMD64/EM64T preview edition was released February 16, 2005. Turbolinux FUJI Desktop Version 11 was released November 2005. Turbolinux FUJI Version 11 became generally available May 30, 2006. Turbolinux 11 Server was released November 29, 2007. Turbolinux 12 Client edition was released June 10, 2008.

    Non-technical desktop

    These are designed to be user-friendly, easy to install distributions with plenty of desktop applications.

  14. AltimatOS
    http://www.altimatos.com/
    AltimatOS is an easy to use desktop with the K Desktop Environment. The project was announced April 9, 2008 and is currently is under heavy internal development by the core development team, as we build the various components and create numerous new tools to make the desktop experience friendlier to use. An installable live DVD is expected to be released in late April or early May.

  15. Ark Linux
    http://www.arklinux.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/arklinux/
    Ark Linux is a Linux distribution designed especially for desktop use, primarily for people without prior Linux experience. Its main goal is ease of use, and the inclusion of many tools end users will need. Early Ark Linux was based on Red Hat 7.3 / 8.0, with KDE, with the initial Freshmeat announcement of version 1.0-0.alpha7.1, released March 14, 2003. Ark Linux 2006.1 and Ark Linux Live 2006.1 were released August 3, 2006. Ark Linux 2008.1 was released May 14, 2008.

  16. Athene Operating System
    http://www.rocklyte.com/athene/
    Athene is a commercial operating system developed by Rocklyte Systems for use in the home and office. Athene combines years of Rocklyte's R&D with the latest Linux technology to create one of the fastest operating systems available today. With boot times as fast as four seconds and advanced graphics technology not available in standard Linux distributions. Athene 5.0 Beta 4 was released February 22, 2007.

  17. BabelDisc
    http://www.babeldisk.com/
    BabelDisc is a Linux live CD distribution aimed at Windows users. The company provides BabelBank, online, password protected storage data, for a small monthly fee.

  18. DARKSTAR
    http://www.darkstarlinux.ro/
    DARKSTAR Linux is a desktop oriented, easy to install, configure and use, distribution that targets the beginners in Linux. This Slackware based distribution has a lot of easy to use GUI tools, a lot of applications of office, multimedia and games. The operating system is designed to work out of the box. DARKSTAR Linux 2008.1 was released January 8, 2008.

  19. DeLi Linux
    http://www.delilinux.org/
    http://delilinux.de/
    http://delili.lens.hl-users.com/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/delilinux/
    DeLi Linux stands for "Desktop Light" Linux, a desktop distribution for older computers, from 486 to Pentium MMX 166 or so. Slackware 7.1-based DeLi includes plenty of desktop software such as email clients, a graphical Web browser, an office package with word processor and spreadsheet, etc. A full install, including XFree86 and development tools, needs no more than 300 MB of harddisk space. DeLi uses the 2.2.19 kernel for a smaller footprint and rocksolid stability on older hardware. Initial version 0.1 was released November 3, 2002. Version 0.7.2 was released May 17, 2007. DeLi Linux 0.8.0 was released May 28, 2008.

  20. eAR OS
    http://www.earos.dk/
    eAR OS is a state-of-the-art Operating System. It can run directly from a Live-CD and optionally be installed to a hard disk. eAR OS comes with the eAR Media Center. Furthermore, eAR OS comes with the newest version of following applications: Wine for using Windows applications, Audacity Sound and Recording Editor, Audio CD extractor with FLAC and MP3 support, k3B CD- and DVD Burner, Kaffeine for DVB-S and DVB-T TV and DVD playback, VLC for Broadband TV, Firefox 3.0 Webbrowser, Thunderbird E-mail/News, Pidgin internet Messenger for MSN, F-Spot Photo Manager, GIMP Image Editor, and several utilities and accessories. With its package manager you can further install more than 15000 applications. eAR was added to the list May 20, 2008 with the release of eAR OS Free Edition version 1.08. eAR OS Free Edition v1.10b was released June 23, 2008.

  21. ELX, Everyone's Linux
    http://www.elxlinux.com/
    Elx provides an easy-to-use desktop (BizDesktop) distribution and a server offering (ISPserver). BizDesktop 4.0 is based on kernel 2.4.20 and contains a variety of applications suitable for business and home usage. ELX BizDesktop 4.0 became available for free download January 10, 2005. This site shows several products for sale, from desktops to servers, but no download area that I found on April 24, 2008.

  22. FoX Desktop
    http://www.foxlinux.org/
    FoX Desktop is based on Fedora Core and designed for the desktop. It offers a single CD install with a KDE desktop and lots of other desktop software, optimized for i686. FoX joins the list with FoXDesktop 1 released December 25, 2005. FoX Desktop 1.0 Professional was released April 4, 2006. FoXLinux Community 2.0 was released August 4, 2007.

  23. Freezy Linux
    http://www.freezylinux.com/
    Freezy Linux is a free, easy-to-use Linux-based operating system for the home. The initial version was based on Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron and the GNOME desktop environment. It comes as a live CD which can be installed to the hard drive if desired. FreezyLinux 1.0 was released in late April 2008.

  24. GKLinuxOS
    http://www.gklinuxos.net
    GKLinuxOS is based on PCLinuxOS 2007 and comes with lots of applications including OpenOffice.org and other office software, graphics and drawing, multimedia audio-video programs, programs for web-browsing, email and chat, and much more. GKLinuxOS 2008 was released May 14, 2008.

  25. OpenGEU
    http://opengeu.intilinux.com/
    Formerly called Geubuntu, OpenGEU is an Ubuntu-based desktop distribution that uses parts of GNOME with Enlightenment DR17. OpenGEU 7.10 Luna Nuova was released December 6, 2007. OpenGEU 8.04 Luna Crescente Alpha was released June 2, 2008.

  26. gOS
    http://www.thinkgos.com/
    gOS is an Ubuntu based distribution that aims to be a simple, user friendly, beautiful desktop for normal people. It features the Enlightenment window manager. The initial version was based on Ubuntu 7.10 and Enlightenment E17. gOS 2.0 "Rocket" was released January 7, 2008.

  27. Granular Linux
    http://www.granularproject.org/
    Granular is a Linux operating system that is easy to use, user-friendly and filled with lots of fun. Designed for both newbies and experienced Linux users, Granular is based on PCLinuxOS and features easy switching between the KDE and XFCE desktop environments. Granular 0.90, code-named Esto Vello, was released July 3, 2007. Granular FunWorks 2007 was released October 7, 2007. Granular 1.0 RC was released July 1, 2008.

  28. Ignalum Linux OS
    http://www.ignalum.com/index.php
    Ignalum Linux OS is an intuitive graphical environment that works right out of the box and offers compatibility with Microsoft Windows and Ignalum's Internet-sharing and IPv6-over-NAT capabilities. Currently at version 9.0b, released September 13, 2004. Ignalum 9.2 Yum Repository went live April 7, 2006.

  29. Klikit-Linux
    http://klikit.org/
    Klikit-Linux is a non-formal project oriented on developing a modern, free, user-friendly and fun Linux desktop. It is based on Kubuntu and uses KDE (K Desktop Environment). Klikit-Linux can run as a LIVE-CD on practically any PC (x86), and can be installed to your hard drive in just a few minutes. It features the Klikit-Linux Storehouse, a free, easy, one-click on-line service to install and remove Linux programs (packages), libraries and drivers. Klikit joins the list at version 0.1-7B (beta), released October 17, 2007. DVD image: 0.1-9 (release candidate 1) was released February 27, 2008.

  30. Linspire
    http://www.linspire.com/
    LinspireEspanol
    Freespire
    Linspire (once known as Lindows) was first announced in October 2001 as LindowsOS. The distribution was renamed Linspire in April 2004 and the company was renamed the following September. Linspire is a Debian-based distribution targeted at non-technical Windows users and it comes in a live CD version as well as a fully installable desktop. Some proprietary software is bundled into Linspire, easily available with CNR.com (Click and Run). Version 4.5, released December 16, 2003, supports English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese. Freespire Linux OS 1.0 was released August 7, 2006. Freespire 2.0 was released August 8, 2007. Freespire 2.0.3 was released Septmeber 24, 2007. Linspire 6.0 was released October 10, 2007. Linspire was acquired by Xandros, announced July 2, 2008. So far no changes are planned for Linspire/Freespire.

  31. Linux Mint
    http://linuxmint.com/
    Linux Mint aims to produce an elegant, up to date and comfortable GNU/Linux desktop based on Ubuntu. Linux Mint is like a customized version of Ubuntu. It uses the same repositories and the same packages. It follows the Ubuntu releases and innovations. Basically, it is 98% Ubuntu, with a few differences, notably the default inclusion of patented or proprietary technologies for an easy-to-use desktop out of the box. Linux Mint 2.0 "Barbara", based on Ubuntu 6.10, was released November 13, 2006. Linux Mint 4.0 Daryna is based on its predecessor, Celena, and Ubuntu Gutsy. Daryna is also available in the XFCE Community Edition, the KDE Community Edition, Fluxbox CE, and the Debian Edition. Linux Mint 5 Elyssa was released June 8, 2008. Linux Mint 5 Elyssa XFCE CE RC1 (BETA 025) was released July 17, 2008.

  32. Linux XP Desktop
    http://www.linux-xp.com/
    Linux XP Desktop is a full-featured PC operating system like Windows but based on Linux. Thousands of Windows applications have been tested for compatibility, so you can run them on your Linux XP Desktop. If you dual boot you can use data from your Windows data drives, share folders or even logon to Windows. The Linux XP Desktop was first developed as a simple, friendly OS for the Russian market. Some proprietary software is included in this distribution. The first version was released in December 2005. Linux XP Desktop 2006 SR2 was released September 21, 2006. Linux XP Desktop 2008 was released April 8, 2008.

  33. Myah OS
    http://myah.org/
    Myah OS is a performance destkop operating system originally based on Slackware, but more recently it has been rewritten from the ground up. Myah OS joined the list at version 2.2, released September 19, 2006, which used Slackware 11.0 packages. Now Myah OS is made for home use with a focus on Internet, Office, and multimedia. It has been optimized for i686 processors for fast performance. Myah OS is now an original Linux distribution, compiled from build scripts written by Jeremiah Cheatham. Myah OS 3.0 beta 2 Box Edition was released April 12, 2008. Myah OS 3.0 Mouse Pro with Xfce 4.4, was released June 1, 2008. Myah OS 3.0 Box was released June 12, 2008. Myah OS 3.0 Dragon (with KDE 3) was released June 26, 2008.

  34. PCFluxboxOS
    http://pcfluxboxos.wikidot.com/
    TinyFlux
    PCFluxboxOS is a remaster series of PCLinuxOS with Fluxbox as the window manager. PCFluxboxOS gives you all the power of PCLinuxOS through Synaptic and the Control Center, whilst delivering a lightning fast operating system, even on older hardware. TinyFlux is a related project with an even lighter footprint. MidiFlux 0.6.1 beta was released September 27, 2007. TinyFlux 1.0 was released November 2, 2007.

  35. Pioneer Linux
    http://www.tapioneer.com/
    Pioneer Linux by Technalign is a desktop distribution for home or business. It is based on Kubuntu and MEPIS. You can download the distribution for free, but Technalign is also selling box sets, Pioneer Linux OnTheGo on a USB key and, of course support and customization. Available for x86 and x86_64 now, with PPC in the works. The initial release of Pioneer Linux in 32 and 64 bit versions is dated December 4, 2006. Pioneer Rifleman Alpha 2 (eye candy edition) was released April 13, 2007. Pioneer Explorer 1.1 community edition was released September 7, 2007, followed by the Server Final release on September 12, 2007. Pioneer Basic 3.0, including MigrationSERVER and Stagecoach, was released September 21, 2007. Pioneer Basic and Pioneer Explorer 3.2 were released June 17, 2008.

  36. Shift Linux
    http://www.shiftlinux.net/
    Shift Linux is an attempt by the Neowin community to create a Linux distribution. It's based on Morphix/Debian and the project was started in late June of 2006. Shift Linux 0.3.1 Gnome was released October 17, 2006. Shift Linux 0.5 was released November 25, 2007. This version includes GNOME, KDE or Fluxbox. Shift Linux 6.0 was released January 26, 2008. Shift Linux 0.6.5 was released March 24, 2008.

  37. SaxenOS
    http://saxenos.de/
    SaxenOS (formerly STX Linux) is a desktop Linux distribution especially targeted to older hardware. It also works quite well on new PC's. Version 1.0 is based on Slackware 10.2 with a hard disk installer borrowed from Pocketlinux. STX Linux joined the list at 1.0 rc3, released December 29, 2005. STX Linux 1.0 final was released January 9, 2006. Zenwalk 4.2-based SaxenOS Desktop 1.1 RC2 was released January 26, 2007. English 1.1 rc2 iso with a graphical installer was released February 13, 2007. There will be no 1.1 final release. SaxenOS 2.0 was released March 17, 2007. SaxenOS 2008 Beta 2 was released March 30, 2008.

  38. Symphony OS
    http://www.symphonyos.com/
    Symphony OS is based on Debian and KNOPPIX. It uses a lightweight window manager, includes its own package mangement system that can install deb packages, source packages and Symphony binary packages, and includes the Orchestra application development environment. Beta 1 Preview 1 was released October 25, 2005. SymphonyOS 2006-12 was released December 13, 2006. Symphony OS 2007.06 (the first Ubuntu-based release) was released June 6, 2007. SymphonyOne 2008.1 (based on Ubuntu 7.10) was released April 11, 2008.

  39. Ulteo
    http://www.ulteo.com/
    Ulteo strives to be the easiest system to use on computers. Ulteo is a new concept of an easy-to-use open-source operating system which could change the way we all use computers. The project was founded by Mandrake/Mandriva founder Gaël Duval, in late 2006. Ulteo currently consists of the Ulteo Online Desktop (Ulteo OD, version 1 - released March 18, 2008) and the Ulteo Application System. Ulteo AS "Sirius" was released July 22, 2008.

  40. Vidalinux Desktop OS
    http://desktop.vidalinux.com/
    http://www.vidalinux.com/
    Vidalinux Desktop OS aims to be a powerful, stable and easy-to-use Linux distribution. It comes from Puerto Rico. The desktop OS is based on Gentoo Linux and uses the GNOME desktop environment, OpenOffice, Ximian productivity suite with Evolution mail and calendar client, and Mozilla browser. Vidalinux features Porthole, a GUI front-end for and the portage package manager. Vidalinux Desktop OS also includes additional multimedia and productivity applications for the home user including media players, browser plugins for Flash, RealPlayer, PDF viewer, media, graphics design and administration tools. Vidalinux was still in its first beta edition when added to the list on July 14, 2004. VLOS 1.2, based on Gentoo Linux and Red Hat's anaconda graphical installer, was released August 2, 2005. VLOS 1.3 was released October 18, 2006. VLOS 1.3.1-rc1 was released December 2, 2006. Got to a CentOS/Apache test page for the desktop page, on May 30, 2008. Let's see if it comes back.

  41. Vixta.org
    http://vixta.sourceforge.net/
    Vixta.org is Linux distribution that tries to capture the look and feel of Windows Vista. The project goals include: Absolutely free, in every sense, spread linux to the "masses", ABN - Absolutely No Config, User-Frendly, Eye-catching, and Familiar look and Feel. Vixta joins the list at v094, released October 6, 2007. 099 PRO Edition, Live DVD (Beta2) is available as of May 30, 2008.

  42. Webconverger
    http://webconverger.com/
    Webconverger uses Debian Live technology to provide a Web platform for kiosks, thin clients, or anywhere else you want a secure, dedicated web browser. It runs from a live CD or USB device. A hard drive install option will probably be available in the future. The maxi version of Webconverger has good support for CJK languages, such as Korean. This entry was added to the list April 23, 2008 when the latest version was Webconverger 3 beta with Firefox 3 beta. Webconverger 3.2 with Iceweasel 3 was released July 19, 2008.

  43. Xandros Linux
    http://www.xandros.com/
    Xandros Desktop OS (formerly Corel's Debian-based distribution) is a desktop system designed to peacefully co-exist and inter-operate with Windows desktop and server systems. The first version of the Xandros Desktop OS was released October 22, 2002. Xandros Server is also out. Xandros released an enterprise package with the Xandros Business Desktop and OS on March 11, 2004. Xandros Desktop OS version 3.0 was released December 8, 2004, and went into open circulation February 14, 2005. Version 3 of the Xandros Business Desktop OS was released June 8, 2005. The Xandros Server, Standard Edition began shipping on May 1, 2006. Xandros Server for 64-bit processors was released June 1, 2006. Xandros Desktop 4 Home Edition and Home Edition - Premium were released June 21, 2006. Xandros Desktop 4 Professional was released November 28, 2006. Note: May 30, 2008 - products seem current, but without version numbers or dates. Xandros acquired Linspire July 2, 2008.

    General Purpose

    These distributions should be suitable for desktop and server applications. Most should have current versions available.

  44. Absolute
    http://www.pcbypaul.com/absolute/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/absolute-os/
    Absolute is a customized Slackware distribution, assembled to make installation and maintenance of Slackware easier. It's built for speed, stability, security, ease of use and development. It is lightweight and should run on older hardware. Absolute joined the list with the release of v12.0, July 16, 2007. Absolute Linux 12.0.7 was released October 12, 2007. Absolute 12.1.04 was released July 19, 2008.

  45. ALT Linux
    http://www.altlinux.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/alt-linux/
    LWN distribution survey completed May 3, 2002.
    ALT Linux got its start as a Linux-Mandrake Russian Edition Spring 2001. Designed to be a universal distribution, suitable for server organization, for user workstations and for software development, ALT Linux has diverged from its roots and split into several projects, all with the same code base. For example, there's Castle, a secured, RSBAC-enabled, server distribution; and ALT Linux Junior, a single-disk distribution for home computers, designed especially for beginners, easy to install and use. The unstable Sisyphus branch changes daily. ALT Linux Master 2.2 was released March 7, 2003. ALT Linux Junior 2.2 (Plum) was released March 26, 2003. ALT Linux Junior 2.3 beta was released September 26, 2003. ALT Linux Compact 3.0.4 was released June 28, 2007. ALT Linux Server 4.0.1 was released June 27, 2007. ALT Linux 4.0 Personal Desktop was released August 29, 2007.

  46. Arch Linux
    http://www.archlinux.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/archlinux/
    Arch Linux is an i686-optimized Linux distribution. It is lightweight and contains the latest stable versions of software. Packages are in .tar.gz format and are tracked by a package manager that is designed to allow easy package upgrades. Arch is designed to be streamlined while allowing for a customized configuration, with newer features such as reiserfs/ext3 and devfs. The inital version, 0.1, was released March 11, 2002. Arch Linux released Pacman 2.1 (package manager) on August 22, 2002. Arch released an x86_64 edition April 12, 2006. Arch 0.8 (Voodoo) for i686 and x86_64 was released March 31, 2007. Archlinux 2007.08-2 "Don't Panic" was released October 7, 2007. Archlinux 2008.06 "OverLord" was released June 24, 2008.

  47. Aurox Linux
    http://www.aurox.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/aurox/
    Aurox Linux is an international distribution, hailing from Poland. It is available in several european countries, in different language versions, including Polish, Czech, German, French and Spanish. Aurox is based on Red Hat, with Aurox 9.0 the most recent stable offering. Added to list June 11, 2003. Aurox 10.0 (Amber) was released October 6, 2004. Aurox Live 1.4.2 was released March 29, 2004. Aurox 11.1 was released March 2006.

  48. Bent Linux
    http://bent.latency.net/
    Bent Linux is a compact Linux distribution. It's inspired by Linux From Scratch, but uses Busybox, uClibc, and static linking. It's particularly suited to building dedicated servers, initrds for custom installers and rescue disks, and systems with a nice crisp mid-1980s mouthfeel to satisfy the mid-life crises of crusty curmudgeons. Bent works on older systems without much processing power or RAM. Entry added November 16, 2005.

  49. BLAG Linux and GNU
    http://www.blagblagblag.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/blag/
    BLAG Linux and GNU by the Brixton Linux Action Group is an operating system. It comes with everything you need to get a computer up and running--it needs no other software. It has Internet, graphics, video, sound, office, security, file sharing, and more applications. It's fast, reliable, runs on older machines, and flies on fast boxes. You can install miniblag (the smallest install at less than 350 Megs), deskblag (includes a Gnome desktop with all the typical apps), serverblag (all the server daemons but no GUI) or get it all with blagblagblag. BLAG starts with Fedora and adds applications from Dag, Freshrpms, NewRPMS, and includes custom packages. BLAG9000 was the current version when the entry was added, November 11, 2003. BLAG 60001 was released May 10, 2007. BLAG 70000 (sugarwater) was released November 12, 2007. BLAG 90001 (oxygen) was released July 21, 2008.

  50. Bluewall GNU/Linux
    http://bluewall.es.gnu.org/
    Bluewall is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian and pkgsrc. It aims to create a complete pkgsrc-based GNU/Linux distribution. Bluewall 1.2 was released February 5, 2006.

  51. Buffalo Linux
    http://www.mcalesterlinux.net/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/buffalo/
    Buffalo Linux is a derivative distribution based on Vector/Slackware. It is targeted for the small business workstation market. This is the free base version. Enhanced versions with pre-installed database access (DB2 and Oracle) and Microsoft product execution using Codeweavers products are available. Buffalo joins the list at version 1.0.3, released December 7, 2003. Version 1.7.3-9 was released June 3, 2005. Buffalo now comes as a Live CD which can be used for regular installation.

  52. cAos
    http://caos.caosity.org/
    http://www.caosity.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/caos/
    cAos is a Linux distribution created by the community, for the community. The purpose is to provide a stable Linux solution for organizations and individuals that do not need or want to purchase their Linux solution. The kernel and almost every application that makes up a Linux distribution are free and supported by their respective development groups. cAos is simply a project that allows them to integrate together into a usable product. This distribution is focused on becoming an enterprise level community produced solution. The project was announced November 8, 2003, followed by the first alpha release on December 1, 2003. cAos 2 was released May 13, 2005 for ia32 & x86_64. Caos Server 3.0 BETA-1 was released September 20, 2006.

    Catapulta
    http://www.catapulta.org/
    Catapulta is an Ubuntu-based server platform that is designed and packaged specifically for high-performance network monitoring applications using commodity hardware. Catapulta distinctly incorporates enhancements tailored for high-speed packet capture, including kernel modifications and software optimizations. It integrates PF_RING, a zero-copy packet capture technology, and Streamline, a fast stream reassembler and filter -- as standard kernel features. Catapulta RC2 was released February 19, 2008.

  53. CCux Linux
    http://ccux-linux.de/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/ccuxlinux/
    CCux Linux is especially optimized for i686 and higher processor architectures. For package management it uses the RPM format in connection with the apt tools, which give it automatic dependency resolving when installing new software and therefore makes the installation of new software much easier. CCux Linux joins the list with the Alpha 0.9.4 release, dated October 14, 2004. CCux Linux 0.9.8 (Alibaba) was released April 20, 2006.

  54. CentOS
    http://www.centos.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/centos/
    CentOS, the Community ENTerprise Operating System, is an Enterprise-class Linux Distribution derived from sources freely provided to the public by a prominent North American Enterprise Linux vendor. CentOS conforms fully with the upstream vendors redistribution policy and aims to be 100% binary compatible. (CentOS mainly changes packages to remove upstream vendor branding and artwork.) Support is provided by the cAos Foundation. This project dates back to late 2003. CentOS 3.9 was released on July 26, 2007. CentOS 4.5 was released for i386, x86_64, and ia64 on May 17, 2007. The CentOS 5.1 i386 Live CD was released February 18, 2008. CentOS 4.6 was released for i386, x86_64, s390, s390x and ia64 on December 16, 2007. CentOS 5.2 for i386 and x86_64 was released June 24, 2008. The CentOS 5.2 i386 Live CD was released July 17, 2008.

  55. CRUX
    http://www.crux.nu/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/crux/
    CRUX is a lightweight, i686-optimized Linux distribution targeted at experienced Linux users. The primary focus of this distribution is "keep it simple", which is reflected in a simple tar.gz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages. The secondary focus is utilization of new Linux features and recent tools and libraries. Version 1.1 was released March 24, 2003. CRUX 1.3.1 for PowerPC was released February 25, 2004. CRUX 2.2 was released April 9, 2006. Crux PPC 2.2.0.2rc1 was released February 10, 2007. CRUX 2.3 was released March 20, 2007. CRUX 2.4 was released December 22, 2007.

  56. DCC Alliance
    http://dccalliance.org/
    The DCC Alliance (Debian Common Core Alliance) is a diverse group of Linux vendors and nonprofits with strong Debian ties that have partnered to assemble a common, standards-based core for Debian-based distributions. Founding members are credativ, Knoppix, LinEx, Linspire, MEPIS, Progeny, Sun Wah, UserLinux, and Xandros, with membership open to additional organizations with an interest in a strong commercial presence for Debian and Debian-based solutions. The initial release, DCC 3.0 PR1, was made available September 15, 2005. The LSB 3.0 based DCC 3.0 was released December 6, 2005.

  57. Draco GNU/Linux
    http://www.dracolinux.org/
    Draco is a semi source based GNU/Linux distribution. It has roots in Slackware and uses pkgsrc, a package management system from NetBSD. Draco separates the system from the third-party packages, for a simple and clean distribution to use as you see fit. Draco joined the list at v0.3.0, released April 10, 2008.

  58. Eadem Enterprise Linux
    http://www.eadem.com/
    Eadem is a Canadian company providing service and support for Eadem Enterprise Linux. Eadem Enterprise V3.0 was released March 17, 2004.

  59. EzPlanet One Linux
    http://www.EzPlanetOne.com/
    EzPlanet One is a Linux distribution tuned for Enterprise solutions. EzPlanet One integrates advanced technologies, flexibility, quality and security. Built with the Enterprise in mind, it features also several tools for the Professionals and Individual users, that make its use more fun. EzPlanet One version 2.0 was released January 2005.

  60. FaunOS
    http://www.faunos.com/
    FaunOS is a portable (easy-to-carry), fully integrated Linux operating system with over 500 preinstalled packages. It is specifically designed to run from a portable USB Memory Device (USB Flash Drive). It can also run from a DVD. Hard drive install is also supported. FaunOS fortytwo-0.3.2 was released September 5, 2007.

  61. Fluxbuntu
    http://fluxbuntu.org/
    Fluxbuntu is a LPAE-standard compliant, Ubuntu-based distribution. It is lightweight, swift and efficient. These features support the Fluxbuntu Linux Project's Goal of running on a wide range of mobile devices and computers (low-end & high-end). The first test release is expected July 19, 2007, timed with the Gutsy Tribe 3 release.

  62. Foresight Desktop Linux
    http://foresightlinux.com/
    http://www.foresightlinux.org/
    Foresight Linux is a Distribution which showcases some of the latest and greatest from GNOME. Some of the things that may not be mature enough for some of the other distros. As of March 10, 2005 Foresight includes GNOME 2.10, Mono 1.1.4 and many Mono applications, GNOME Office, Howl, Conary and more. Foresight 0.9.3 was released December 15, 2005. The first Foresight LiveCD, released March 7, 2007, includes GNOME 2.18.0 Release Candidate (2.17.92). Foresight 1.4.1 was released October 19, 2007. Foresight Linux 2.0.3 (with GNOME 2.22.3) was released July 2, 2008.

  63. free-EOS
    http://free-eos.org/modules/news/
    Free-EOS is a French distribution with the aim of being incredibly easy to set up and get a set of services running. Version 1.1 was released June 14, 2003. Version 1.3-1a was released November 27, 2004.

  64. Frugalware Linux
    http://frugalware.org/news.php
    Frugalware is general purpose Linux distribution, designed for intermediate users. It has a current, a testing and a stable branch. The current branch is updated daily, with packages pushed to testing about every two months, and plans to update the stable branch every 6 months. Frugalware Linux 0.3-i686 was released October 13, 2005. Frugalware 0.8 (Kalgan) was released March 11, 2008. Frugalware 0.9pre2 (Solaria) was released July 8, 2008.

  65. FullPliant
    http://fullpliant.org/
    http://pliant.cx/
    Uses Pliant as an whole operating system on top of a Linux kernel. Release 93 is dated November 7, 2004.

  66. GenieOS
    http://genieos.toluenterprises.com/
    GenieOS is a Debian based system that aims to provide a new-user-friendly install while remaining compatible with Debian repositories. Version 0.5 was released December 18, 2005.

  67. gNewSense
    http://www.gnewsense.org/
    gNewSense is a GNU/Linux project that aims to remove all the binary blobs out of a rather popular distribution and make it all free. So far the project has produced a set of scripts to create a GNU/Linux Distribution based on Ubuntu. Version 0.91 (beta) was released August 23, 2006. gNewSense 1.1 was released January 22, 2007. gNewSense 2.0 "DeltaH", was released May 1, 2008. This version is based on Ubuntu Hardy, with Blag's deblob scripts for removing binary blobs from the kernel.

  68. G-ZyX
    http://www.g-zyx.com/
    G-Zyx is a Fedora based distribution with a collection of open source software that runs from a single CD/DVD. Optional configurationless installation (smart caching) to available hard disk or flash based storage is supported. G-ZyX is the flagship manifestation of the ViROS distribution generation platform. ViROS leverages popular open and free RPM based *nix distributions to generate custom purpose live-CDs. G-ZyX's predecessor cousin TVOS is suited for home theater applications, while G-ZyX is suited for general purpose computing and development. G-ZyX was still in alpha development when this entry was added, November 15, 2005.

  69. H3Knix
    http://h3knix.open-element.net/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/h3knix/
    H3Knix is a small, source-based, desktop Linux distribution. It provides a custom package management system based on "capsules", which allows the user to select the functionality they require (e.g., "Dialup Internet access"), and it will automatically retrieve all required applications, including relevant dependencies. H3Knix joins the list at version 1.2 released July 14, 2004. Version 2.2 was released May 27, 2005.

  70. Hedinux
    http://hedinux.org/
    Hedinux (formerly Octoz GNU/Linux) is inspired by Linux From Scratch. Version 0.1rc1 was released September 27, 2005. Hedinux GNOME live-cd 2006.1 alpha2 (with GNOME 2.14) was released March 27, 2006.

  71. Heretix GNU/Linux
    http://www.h-e-r-e-t-i-x.org/
    Heretix was once known as Rubyx. Heretix is a Gnu/Linux based operating system, built and maintained by heretix, a simple script written in the ruby language. The heretix script can download and build the entire os from source to your exact specifications, handle all subsequent package management and can even create a bootable iso image. Heretix is not for beginners, but it is designed to be simple and reliable. If you have a grasp of partitioning and formatting disks and some understanding of boot loaders, you can install Heretix.

  72. Hidden Linux
    http://www.hiddenlinux.com/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/hidden/
    Hidden Linux is an enterprise grade Linux distribution, created to address the needs of organizations wishing to develop a secure Internet presence. It is designed for experienced Linux administrators and can be used as a mail, Web, database, FTP, print, Samba (PDC), PPTP, IPSec gateway server and client, firewall, DHCP, cache/proxy, and time server. Hidden joins the list at version 1.2, released July 2, 2004.

  73. IBLS
    http://www.ibls.org/
    IBLS (Itty Bitty Linux Server) is a compact, easy to use webserver that you can run from a live CD, even on older hardware. It will run on a P133 with 32MB RAM, or possibly less. IBLS got its start in the UK, using Damn Small Linux as a base. It has since been rebuilt from scratch by an international community of developers. IBLS is modular and uses its own package management system, designed to run from the CD or from a hard drive. IBLS was updated December 31, 2005 to use the 2.6.14.5 kernel.

  74. IDMS Linux
    http://idms.lbsd.net/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/idms-linux/
    http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=30440
    IDMS Linux is NOT a home user distribution. It is intended solely as the base for high end server software. No GUI's, No X, No fancy stuff. The initial Freshmeat announcement was for version 2.0.25, dated June 22, 2002. Version 3.0.3 was released July 26, 2004.

  75. Kate OS
    http://www.kateos.org/
    Kate OS is a multitasking operating system from Poland. Kate OS aims for high efficiency, safety, reliability and low system requirements for programmers, webmasters, administrators and home users. Kate OS contains full support for generally used multimedia. Kate OS 2.3 was released December 7, 2005. KateOS 3.0 LIVE was released September 4, 2006. KateOS 3.2 was released December 21, 2006. KateOS LIVE 3.2 beta was released February 12, 2007. KateOS 3.6 was released September 17, 2007.

  76. Lineox
    http://www.lineox.com/
    Lineox Enterprise Linux is built from modified Red Hat Enterprise Linux sources. The Finnish company Lineox offers customers an enterprise level Linux operating system without bundled support options. The Always Current Lineox Enterprise Linux makes updates and errata available to customers. Lineox Enterprise Linux was first released January 29, 2004. Lineox Enterprise Linux Desktop v3.140 with Update 7 was released March 17, 2006. An Advanced Server 2.1 edition was released August 30, 2004. Lineox Enterprise Linux 4.0 was released February 25, 2005, Lineox Enterprise Linux 4.0 x86_64 and Always Current x86_64 Lineox Enterprise Linux 4.x Versions released March 14, 2005. Always Current Lineox Enterprise Linux 4.076 with Update 4 was released August 13, 2006.

  77. Linux4Geeks
    http://www.linux4geeks.de/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/linux4geeks/
    Linux4Geeks is a LFS-based small distro which works around several problems and issues mainstream Linux distributions have. It offers different versions compiled for each architecture and has all the packages required for a slim installation including a firewall and network administration tools, amongst others. Version 0.01 was released June 11, 2003.

  78. Lunar-Linux
    http://www.lunar-linux.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/lunarlinux/
    Lunar-Linux began as a fork of Sorcerer GNU/Linux. Lunar-Penguin, the development group behind Lunar-Linux, say they plan for this fork to stay close to the bleeding edge. This is a source-based Linux distribution with a unique package management system that builds each software package or module for the machine it is being installed on. Although a complete installation can take some time, it tends to be quite fast once installed. The initial ISO image lunar-20020321.iso.bz2 was released March 21, 2002. Lunar-1.5.0 "Indium Phosphide" was released May 23, 2005. Lunar 1.6.1 installer iso "Moose Drool" was released for i686 and x86_64, February 18, 2007. Lunar 1.6.2-beta1 (i686) ISO was released July 29, 2007.

  79. MostlyLinux
    http://mostlylinux.com/
    MostlyLinux is a software company based in Jharkhand, India. The company does mostly the same things other Linux companies do including enterprise support and service, corporate training and custom distributions. They also are building a distribution called MostlyLinux. MostlyLinux 9.1 is the latest offering. The distribution is based on Fedora core 1 with lots of additional software, including multimedia applications, LTSP packages and more. This entry added August 24, 2004.

  80. MURIX Linux
    http://murix.sourceforge.net/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/murix/
    MURIX is a distribution based on LinuxFromScratch for building bootable CD-ROMs. Since you build it from source, MURIX should function on almost any hardware. Version 20020205, the initial release, became available on February 24, 2002. Version 1.1 was released November 24, 2002. Version 2004.2 was released December 25, 2004.

  81. NetMAX
    http://www.netmax.org/
    http://www.netmax.com/
    Cybernet Systems makes the NetMAX server and NetMAX Desktop. The server product does not appear to be available for download, but the NetMAX DeskTOP Live CD, 1.7 beta released May 18, 2005 is completely GNU GPL free software.

  82. Nitix
    http://www.net-itech.com/products/nitix.php
    Net Integration Technologies Inc. presents Nitix, a server OS with autonomic computing features -- self-management, self-healing, self-configuring and self-optimizing capabilities.

  83. NixOS
    http://nix.cs.uu.nl/nixos/
    NixOS is a Linux distribution based on Nix, a purely functional package management system. NixOS is an experiment to see if we can build an operating system in which software packages, configuration files, boot scripts and the like are all managaed in a purely functional way, that is, they are all built by deterministic functions and they never change after they have been built.

  84. OEone HomeBase
    http://www.axentra.com/
    Axentra provides Internet appliances for servers and desktops using the OEone Linux-based operating system.

  85. Onebase Linux
    http://www.ibiblio.org/onebase/
    Onebase Linux (OL) is an independent meta source distribution originally created in July 2003. It aims to be a free distribution, both powerful and easy to use. OL 2005 was released April 30, 2005. OnebaseGo 3.0 and GamesGo 1.0 were released July 12, 2005. Onebase DevelopGo is a live CD with plenty of software developement tools. DevelopGo 1.0 was released July 30, 2005. StudioGo 1.0 was released August 17, 2005.

  86. paldo
    http://www.paldo.org/
    paldo stands for "pure adaptable linux distribution". It is a Upkg driven GNU/Linux distribution and it's a mix of a source and a binary distribution. Even though it builds packages like a source distribution it provides binary packages. paldo joined the list at v1.12, released November 5, 2007. paldo 1.14 was released May 10, 2008.

  87. Peachtree Linux
    http://peachtree.burdell.org/
    Peachtree Linux is a Linux distribution being developed by several students/former students at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Since it's inception in the fall of 2002, Peachtree Linux has aimed to be a small system for the seasoned Linux user. In the interests of staying small, this distribution does not include GNOME or KDE and generally there is only one program per any task. Release 1 (Atlanta) is dated February 26, 2005, and it is available for Pentium II and higher x86 systems, NewWorld Power Macintosh systems, and Digital Alpha systems.

  88. Pie Box Enterprise Linux
    http://www.piebox.com/
    PixExcel is a UK company that seeks to provide a maintained, stable and trusted Linux distribution without costly support contracts. Pie Box Enterprise Linux is built from the source RPMs of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The initial release, Pie Box Enterprise Linux 3 AS, was made available in April 2004; AS 3 Update 9 was released June 15, 2007. Pie Box Enterprise Linux 4 AS was released February 28, 2005; version 4 Update 6 was released November 17, 2007.

  89. easys GNU/Linux
    http://easys.gnulinux.de/en/
    easys (formerly known as Pocketlinux) has been founded to offer custom Enterprise Linux solutions. The easys approach differs from most other companies. Our aim is to integrate open source software with your existing network to help you replace unstable and insecure closed source software. It is based on Slackware and uses KDE Light. The first public release of pocketlinux, version 1.1, was released August 21, 2005. easys GNU/Linux 2.1 was released May 6, 2006. easys GNU/Linux 3.0, based on Slackware 11.0, was released October 4, 2006. easys GNU/Linux 4.1 was released May 1, 2008.

  90. ROOT Linux
    http://www.rootlinux.org/
    http://rootlinux.sourceforge.net/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/rootlinux/
    ROOT Linux is an advanced GNU/Linux operating system. It aims to be fast, stable and flexible. ROOT Linux is not recommended as a first Linux distribution. People should have experience with Linux and computers in general. Version 1.3 was released August 27, 2002. Version 1.4 was released December 16, 2004.

  91. rPath Linux
    http://www.rpath.com/
    http://www.specifix.com/
    rPath Linux started out as Specifix, a Linux distribution built around the Conary package management system. rPath Linux is a freely-available Linux operating system distribution, built with the Conary distributed software management system, supported and maintained by rPath, Inc. The rPath Linux distribution contains high-quality, up-to-date software, and is the base development platform for creating software appliances and purpose-built distributions using rBuilder Online. rPath Linux is also a fully functioning Linux distribution in its own right. Installing rPath Linux is the easiest way to get familiar with using Conary to manage software and systems. Specifix Linux 0.13 (ALPHA) was released October 26, 2004. The distribution was renamed rPath Linux with version 0.24 (ALPHA) (x86 and x86_64), released June 2, 2005. rPath Linux 1 (x86 and x86_64) was released February 15, 2006. rPath 1.0.7 (x86 and x86_64) was released October 12, 2007. rPath Linux: Live Images Beta was released June 21, 2006. rPath Linux 2 was released May 16, 2008.

  92. Rubix
    http://www.rubixlinux.org/
    Rubix is a Slackware based distribution that uses the pacman package management from Arch Linux. Rubix 1.0 was released March 5, 2006.

  93. Sabayon
    http://www.sabayonlinux.org/
    Previously known as RR4 Linux and RR64 Linux, Sabayon provides Gentoo-based live DVD images that can be installed to a hard drive or run from the DVD. Version 2.65.1 was released November 28, 2005. RR64 Linux 3.0 RC1 was released May 3, 2006. RR4 Linux 3.0RC1 miniEdition was released May 14, 2006. RR4 Linux 3.0RC1 full edition was released June 18, 2006. RR4 Linux 3.0 RC1 miniEdition was released July 1, 2006. SabayonLinux x86/x86-64 miniEdition 3.3 was released March 25, 2007. Sabayon Linux x86/x86-64 1.0 "Business Edition" was released July 15, 2007. SabayonLinux x86/x86-64 3.4 Revision F (Stable) was released September 7, 2007. Sabayon Linux 3.4 x86/x86-64 miniEdition was released September 23, 2007. The Professional Edition was released October 23, 2007. Sabayon Linux 3.5 x86/x86-64 3.5 was released July 1, 2008.

  94. Server optimized Linux
    http://www.sol-linux.com/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/sol/
    SoL (Server optimized Linux) is a product of antitachyon, an Austrian company located in Vienna. Built from the ground up from original sources, SoL aims to be stable and fast server distribution. SoL 18.00 was released May 18, 2004. Antitachyon also provides the SoL-DESKTOP and XoL (Diskless X office Linux). SoL 25.00 was released June 26, 2007.

  95. Slack/390
    http://www.slack390.org/
    Slack/390 is port of Slackware Linux to IBM's S/390 hardware. Slack/390 10.0 was released February 11, 2005. The company Sine Nomine Associates will be offering commerical support for Slack/390.

  96. Slamd64
    http://www.slamd64.com/
    Slamd64 is an unofficial port of Slackware Linux to the x86_64 architecture; despite the name containing AMD64, Slamd64 should work both on K8 (AMD64) and EM64T (some Intel) processors. It was started from Slackware -current in 2004, and was created by cross-compiling from scratch, rather than using an existing 64-bit distribution as a base. Slamd64 is a multi-lib distribution, which means that you can run 32-bit applications easily, without a chroot. You can directly install most packages targeted at x86 Slackware. Slamd64 10.2 was released September 15, 2005. Slamd64 12.1 was released July 2, 2008.

  97. SLAMPP
    http://slampp.abangadek.com/
    SLAMPP is a generic Linux distribution which can boot and run directly off CD-ROM or installed to a hard drive. It is based on Slackware and SLAX and uses Linux Live Scripts to build the Live CD. SLAMPP is designed to be used as an instant home server. SLAMPP 1.1 was released November 18, 2005. SLAMPPLite 2.0 was released April 11, 2006.

  98. SME Server
    http://contribs.org/
    Once known as e-smith, this server and gateway distribution has gone through several owners, including Mitel Networks (where it became SME server), Lycoris and Resource Strategies, Inc. Mitel released version 5.5 of the SME Server on July 3, 2002. As of March 5, 2005 Ruffdogs has taken possession of Contribs.org and is developing a Roadmap for the rebuilding of the Contribs.org community. SME Server 7.0 was released July 1, 2006. SME Server 7.3 was released January 1, 2008.

  99. Source Mage GNU/Linux
    http://www.sourcemage.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/sourcemage/
    Source Mage GNU/Linux is a source-based GNU/Linux distribution based on a Sorcery metaphor of "casting" and "dispelling" programs, which are referred to as "spells". Sorcery 0.1.3 was released into cvs on March 26, 2002. Source Mage 0.9.6 for PPC and x86 was released March 13, 2006. Stable grimoire v0.21 was released May 20, 2008.

  100. StartCom Linux
    http://www.startcom.org/
    StartCom Ltd. is based in Eilat, Israel, offering Linux distributions, service and support. StartCom Linux distributions are based on Red Hat Advanced Server 3 source code, and modified to fit various tasks. StartCom plans to release four flavors of SmartCom Linux: Enterprise Linux, the MultiMedia Edition, the Office Edition and the Developer Edition. The first release was the StartCom Linux Enterprise AS-3.0.0 dated August 2, 2004. StartCom Enterprise Linux AS-3.0.6 was released August 29, 2006. The x86_64 edition of 4.0.0 was released May 27, 2005. StartCom Enterprise Linux AS-4.0.5 was released November 25, 2007. StartCom Enterprise Linux AS-5.0.2 was released June 11, 2008. StartCom MultiMedia Edition ML-5.0.6 (Kessem) was released October 31, 2007. StartCom MultiMedia Edition ML-5.0.7 (Kessem) Update RC1 was released January 15, 2008.

  101. T2
    http://www.t2-project.org/
    T2 is a flexible open source System Development Environment or Distribution Build Kit. T2 allows the creation of custom distributions with bleeding edge technology. Currently the Linux kernel is normally used, but there are plans to expand to Hurd, OpenDarwin and OpenBSD, and more. T2 started as a community driven fork from the ROCK Linux Project with the aim of creating a decentralized development and clean a framework for spin-off projects and customized distributions. Live CD 2.2.0-beta was released May 21, 2005. T2 2.1.1 "lychee punch" was released January 14, 2006. The T-Resc target provides a tiny rescue system based on uClibC and K-drive Xvesa/Xfb for minimal size, released January 20, 2007. T2 6.0.3 "Spring Fever" was released March 28, 2007. T2 SDE 7.0-rc2 "autumn leaves" was released November 12, 2007.

  102. tinysofa
    http://www.tinysofa.org/
    tinysofa classic server
    tinysofa is an enterprise grade operating system based on the Linux kernel. Optimized for i586 and up, tinysofa aims to be stable, secure, well-supported, easily managed and free. Trustix Secure Linux was used as a base for tinysofa. Version 1.0 was released April 29, 2004. tinysofa enterprise server v2.0 Update 1 (Odin) was released February 21, 2005. tinysofa classic server (Ceara) 2.0 Update 6 was released October 17, 2006. Trustix Secure Linux 3.0.5 was released March 6, 2007.

  103. Tomahawk Desktop
    http://www.tomahawkcomputers.com/
    Singapore based Tomahawk Computers was launched in April 2005 with the goal of creating a modular operating system, in which most components are open source packages, and also incorporating in-house and third-party proprietary software. Currently the Tomahawk Desktop Lite and the Tomahawk Desktop Standard have been release. Yet to come are the Tomahawk Desktop Professional and the Tomahawk Server. Tomahawk Desktop 1.1 was released March 1, 2006.

  104. Ultima Linux
    http://www.ultimalinux.com/
    http://ultima-inet.kicks-ass.org/ultimalinux/
    Ultima Linux is a Slackware-based system that aims to be fast, powerful, stable, and secure, for Intel-compatible computers. Ultima Linux 4-SP1 was released September 24, 2005. The Ultima Linux 8.0.1 was released June 21, 2006. Ultima Linux 8.3 was released January 7, 2007.

  105. Univention Corporate Server (UCS)
    http://www.univention.de/ucs.html
    Univention GmbH offers a range of Linux-based products and services, including the Univention Corporate Server, Groupware Server and Corporate Desktop. This entry was added July 12, 2006.

  106. UserLinux
    http://userlinux.com/cgi-bin/wiki.pl
    UserLinux is a Debian Customized distribution for the enterprise. It is (or will be) available in server, desktop and soho versions. A beta version of a Morphix-based LiveCD of the desktop was released September 17, 2004. Ubuntu Hoary meta-packages became available April 2005. Project is currently stalled and possibly historical.

  107. Voltalinux
    http://www.sicurezzarete.com/voltalinux/
    Voltalinux is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Slackware GNU/linux and the pkgsrc package system from NetBSD. This project aims to deliver a prebuilt distribution with the clean design of Slackware and the availability of about 5400 ports (packages) ready to install. Version 1.0 was released June 9, 2006. Version 2.1 was released June 9, 2008.

  108. Webfish Linux
    http://webfish-linux.sourceforge.net/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/webfish-linux/
    Webfish Linux is a small, stripped down Linux distribution based on GNU source packages. Webfish is built with the more experienced user in mind and is aimed at small, fast, secure server and workstation systems with a minimum of installed packages. The initial release of Webfish Linux, version 0.9b, was released June 20, 2002. Version 2.0pre3 was released on April 21, 2004. The Webfish Linux Firewall-1 branch released its initial verion, 1.1, on July 24, 2002. Fishwall 1.2 was released August 27, 2002. Webfish-2.0pre3 was released April 15, 2004.

  109. White Box Linux
    http://whiteboxlinux.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/wbel/
    White Box Linux is an effort to rebuild Red Hat's Enterprise product from source, including only Free/Open source software. The first set of Release Candidate ISO images were released November 17, 2003. Version 4.0 was released May 6, 2005. Version 4 Respin 2 was released June 20, 2007.

  110. Xline
    http://www.xline.fr/
    Xline is a European distribution of Linux, an advanced operating system based on the GNU/Linux core with many additional packages. It is compatible with the architectures x86 (included Pentium and Athlon), amd64 (included Opteron, Athlon 64 and EM64T), Alpha/AXP, IA-64, PC-98, UltraSPARC and PowerPC. Development is open to everyone; developers, testers, translators, etc. GNOME is the default desktop, at least in the initial development of Xline. Xline joins the list March 16, 2005.

  111. X/OS Linux
    http://www.xoslinux.org/
    X/OS Linux is a GNU/Linux distribution for business and enterprise users. It's based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux sources and the company offers long term availability of security updates and software enhancements. X/OS Linux 3 was updated October 7, 2004 to include updates from RHEL3 update 3. X/OS Linux 5.1 was released January 1, 2008.

  112. YES Linux
    http://www.yeslinux.org/
    YES (YourESale) provides the YES business appliance, an easy-to-use Business in a Box designed specifically for the small businesses and non-profits to be able compete with the larger businesses. YES Linux, at the core of the appliance, contains the tools needed to create a website, set up email and more. YES Linux joins the list at version 2.0.8, released May 23, 2004. YES Linux 2.2.2 was released September 11, 2005.

  113. Yoper
    http://www.yoper.com/
    Yoper (Your Operating System) is a product of Yoper, Ltd., a New Zealand based consulting company. Yoper is a fast and stable operating system for the business user's i868 desktop. Ydesktop-3.2.1 Release Candidate 3 released January 12, 2003. Yoper Ydesktop V2 was released July 12, 2004. Yoper Linux 2.1.0 was released August 25, 2004. Yoper 3.0.1 'TITANIUM' was released October 4, 2007. Yoper 3.1 beta was released April 22, 2008.

    Education

    This is mix of distributions used by educational institutions, and distributions that are designed to be educational to install and use.

  114. AbulEdu
    http://www.abuledu.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/abuledu/
    AbulEdu is a Mandrake-based distribution for primary schools. It is currently in French but most of the tools can be translated. An AbulEdu server can handle Mac (netatalk), Windows (samba), GNU/Linux and X terminal (with LTSP) clients. The server acts as a central gateway for Web, mail, and printing, and facilitates the management of classes, pupils, and teachers. Everybody can publish Web pages on an intranet using Apache and all administration tasks are performed using a browser. The result is that a teacher who is not a computer specialist can install and manage a school network. Stable version 1.0.7-II was released May 26, 2003.

  115. Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS)
    http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/blfs/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/beyondlinuxfromscratch/
    Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS) is a project with the aim of assisting LFS users to go beyond the base system. It contains a broad range of instrutions for installing and configuring various packages on top of a base LFS system. If you are wondering why you would want an LFS system or what one is, see the entry for LinuxFromScratch below in this list. BLFS 1.0 was released April 28, 2003 under the original BSD License. Version 6.1 (based on LFS 6.1) was released August 20, 2005. BLFS 6.2.0 was released February 14, 2007. BLFS 6.3 RC1 was released May 12, 2008.

  116. BU Linux
    http://linux.bu.edu/
    Created at/for Boston University, BU Linux is based on Red Hat Linux, but specifically tailored for the BU environment. They have added security updates, made modifications to make software work better with their setup, and added some applications. BU Linux 2.5 (a.k.a Gigantic) was released August 27, 2002. Fedora-based BU Linux 4.0 (Bossanova) was released July 14, 2004. BU Linux 4.6 (Stormy) was released August 21, 2006.

  117. College Linux
    http://www.collegelinux.org/
    CollegeLinux is a Debian based live CD that promises to be a fully capable PHP5, Perl and Ruby web server, pre-loaded with GEdit and Vim for editing scripts with syntax highlighting. College Linux includes tools to back up and restore your web site from a USB pen drive or from your collegelinux.org account. CollegeLinux Live Server is a Debian based live CD, first released July 13, 2006. As soon as you start, it is a fully capable PHP5, Perl and Ruby webserver, preloaded with GEdit and Vim for editing scripts with syntax highlighting.

  118. Cross Linux From Scratch
    http://cross-lfs.org/
    Cross Linux From Scratch (CLFS) is a project that provides you with step-by-step instructions for building your own customized Linux system entirely from source. Building CLFS teaches you how to make a cross-compiler and the necessary tools, to build a basic system on a different architecture. For example you would be able to build a Sparc toolchain on an x86 machine, and utilize that toolchain to build a Linux system from source code. CLFS-1.0.0 "Bender" was released September 26, 2006.

  119. Debian-Jr.
    http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-jr/
    This is an internal project to make Debian an OS that children of all ages will want to use. Our initial focus will be on producing something for children up to age 8. Once we have accomplished this, our next target age range is 7 to 12. By the time children reach their teens, they should be comfortable with using Debian without any special modifications.

  120. Eagle Linux
    http://www.safedesksolutions.com/eaglelinux/
    Eagle Linux is distributed as a how-to manual that walks the user through the steps necessary to create a customized live CD distribution. Eagle Linux can be downloaded in ISO format as well (as of version 2.2). Eagle Linux announced version 1.0 on November 2, 2002. The distribution was removed from our list in October 2004, but now it's back at version 2.3, released April 25, 2006.

  121. EduLinux
    http://www.edulinux.cl/index.php?id=1&L=1
    http://www.edulinux.cl/
    EduLinux is developed at the Instituto de Informática Educativa in Universidad de La Frontera university and the Chilean Educational Ministry. EduLinux is specially designed for Enlaces Educational Network computing labs. EduLinux 2006 is based on Fedora Core 4 and was released June 27, 2006.

  122. eLearnix
    http://freeloaderlinux.sourceforge.net/
    http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeloaderlinux/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/elearnix/
    eLearnix is a free, self contained, Linux operating system that runs from CDROM or Compact Flash card. It creates a desktop environment that will help people learn Linux. The newest version is also Wireless enabled, with a 2.6 Linux kernel, GNOME 2.4, lots of applications, and an install script to install to a dedicated hard drive or a 256MB+ Compact Flash card. Once upon a time a distribution called Embedded Freedom Linux was in the embedded section of this list; version 1 released December 15, 2002. EFL turned into FreeLoader Linux before morphing into eLearnix. eLearnix 2.6.6 was released May 16, 2004.

  123. elpicx
    http://www.elearnit.de/live_cds/elpicx/
    elpicx is a live CD Linux system that will help you prepare for the exams of the Linux Professional Institute Certification Program LPIC. elpicx 1.1 Dual-Boot-DVD (based on Knoppix and CentOS) was released October 15, 2007. Supported languages are German and English.

  124. Freeduc
    http://sourceforge.net/projects/ofset
    The Organization for Free Software in Education and Teaching (OFSET) has produced Freeduc, a Knoppix/Debian-based Linux system with educational software, all on one bootable CDROM. Version 1.1 of the Freeduc CD-ROM was released November 5, 2002. Freeduc-cd 1.5 was released May 15, 2005.

  125. Karoshi
    http://karoshi.linuxgfx.co.uk/
    Karoshi is a server operating system designed for schools. Karoshi provides a simple graphical interface that allows easy installation, setup and maintenance of your network. Karoshi is based on PCLinuxOS. Version 5.1.3 was released June 11, 2007. Karoshi Beta 6.0 was the current version July 14, 2008.

  126. kmLinux
    http://www.lernnetz-sh.de/kmlinux/
    kmLinux is developed by the [German] national education server Schleswig-Holstein in co-operation with the association free software and education. It's a complete Linux system for the personal computer, which can be installed easily. Web site in German. Version 5.1 was released December 7, 2004.

  127. Linux From Scratch
    http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/linuxfromscratch/
    Linux From Scratch (LFS) is a project that provides you with the steps necessary to build your own custom Linux system using the LFS book. The web site also contains links to other resources such as mailing lists, mailing list archives, newsgroups, search engine, faq and more. Released under the original BSD License. Development version 3.2-rc2 was released February 27, 2002. Stable version 3.3 was released April 7, 2002. LFS-6.2 was released August 4, 2006. LFS LiveCD x86-6.2-2 was released August 15, 2006. LiveCD Version x86-6.2-3 was released September 10, 2006. LFS 6.3 was released August 28, 2007. LFS LiveCD 6.3 was released September 1, 2007. LFS LiveCD 6.3-r2145, for x86 and x86_64 architectures, was released December 30, 2007.

  128. LormaLINUX
    http://linux.lorma.edu/
    LormaLINUX is Lorma Colleges' very own Linux Distribution that has been optimized and customized to meet the needs of educational institutions and its students. It is a full-featured Operating System specifically created for ease of installation, ease-of-use and functionality. LORMALinux 4, based on Fedora, was released December 9, 2003. LormaLinux 2005 beta 2 was released February 21, 2005. Lormalinux Web/MySQL Server Slackware Edition Beta 1 was released March 2005. Lormalinux LTSP-Server Slackware Edition Beta 2 was released April 29, 2005.

  129. Scientific Linux
    http://www.scientificlinux.org/
    Scientific Linux is a free community project that rebuilds the source packages for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and adds a handful of enhancements. Several scientific laboratories and universities in the United States, Switerland, and other countries are involved in this project. There are some sites that have tweaked the base distribution a bit further, like CERN Linux and Fermi Linux. Scientific Linux 3.0.4 Cern - i386 and x86_64 was released February 11, 2005. SL Fermi LTS v3.0.4 was released February 22, 2005. Scientific Linux Live CD 5.0 was released for i386 and x86_64 on May 25, 2007. Scientific Linux 5.1 - i386 & x86_64 - was released January 16, 2008.. Scientific Linux 5.1 Live CD and DVD (32bit and 64bit) was released February 19, 2008. Scientific Linux 5.2 - i386 & x86_64 - was released June 26, 2008.

  130. Skolelinux
    http://www.skolelinux.org/
    English: http://developer.skolelinux.no/projectinfo.html.en
    Skolelinux is a free software solution designed for the resources and needs of schools. It started in Norway, but it has become an international community, and is synonymous with the Debian Edu subproject. Skolelinux pr41 was released November 2, 2003. Skolelinux 1.0 (Venus) update 1 was released November 1, 2004. Debian Edu / Skolelinux 2.0 was released March 15, 2006. Etch-based Debian Edu / Skolelinux 3.0 (terra) was released July 22, 2007. The first maintenance release, v3.0r1, was released December 5, 2007. The first alpha release of a Debian-lenny version is available for testing.

  131. Tadpole Linux
    http://www.tadpolelinux.org/
    Tadpole Linux is a live CD distribution aimed toward K-6 elementary school students. It is based on Gentoo and features the KDE desktop.

  132. TrinityOS
    http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~dranch/LINUX/index-linux.html#trinityos
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/trinityos/
    TrinityOS is a step-by-step, example-driven HOWTO on building a very functional Linux box with strong security in mind. TrinityOS is well known for its strong packet firewall ruleset, Chrooted and Split DNS (v9 and v8), secured Sendmail (8.x), Linux PPTP, Serial consoles and Reverse TELNET, DHCPd, SSHd, UPSes, system performance tuning, the automated TrinityOS-Security implementation scripts, and much more. It was at version 04/08/2003 released April 8, 2003 when added to the list. Version 03/21/04 was released March 21, 2004.

  133. tuXlab GNU/Linux
    http://www.tuxlab-os.co.za/
    http://www.tuxlabs.org.za/
    tuXlab GNU/Linux is a derivative of Edubuntu and Xubuntu, used in computer labs in South Africa. An initial public release is expected in early 2007.

    Country-specific

    These may provide support for other languages. Most of the websites listed here will be in the appropriate language for the country of origin.

    Arabia

  134. Arabian Linux
    http://arabian.arabicos.com/
    Arabian Linux, also known as arl, is a bootable CD with a compilation of GNU/Linux software, full support for Arabic/English languages and automatic hardware detection. This Arabic live-CD uses KDE as the default GUI, and has Arabic language enabled in consoles, pre-compiled ready-for-use softmodem drivers and a control panel in both Arabic and English. Arabian is recommended for beginners. Version 0.6 (Brick in the Wall) was released April 17, 2006. Arabian Linux 0.7 Alpha 1 is out, based on Ubuntu 6.06 LTS.

    Argentina

  135. Ututo-e GNU/Linux
    https://www.ututo.org/
    Ututo-e is a Gentoo-based distribution developed in Argentina. This comes as one CD which contains only Free/Libre software. There are separate CD images for Intel 486, 586, and 686, as well as Athlon MP and XP and Duron. UTUTO XS 2005.1 was released June 20, 2005. UTUTO XS 2007 was released May 28, 2007.

    Austria

  136. WIENUX
    http://www.wien.gv.at/ma14/wienux.html
    WIENUX is a Debian-based distribution launched by the City of Vienna. It was announced January 2005, with an initial release in July 2005. Version 1.0 was released in October 2005.

    Bhutan

  137. Dzongkha Debian Linux
    http://dzongkha.sourceforge.net/
    in English
    The Dzongkha Localization Project has created a live CD based on Debian and localized into Dzongkha, the official language of Bhutan, a small country located between India and China. An entirely localized GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 was released July 19, 2006. An Etch-based version was released August 28, 2007.

    Brazil

  138. APLINUX.com.br Mail server
    http://www.aplinux.com.br/
    APLINUX.com.br Mail Server 2005 is aims to be the server distribution for mail and DNS servers, based on Debian Sarge. It was released June 15, 2005.

  139. Console Linux
    http://www.console.com.br/centro.htm
    A general purpose distribution in Portuguese.

  140. Dreamlinux
    http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/
    Dreamlinux aims to be a light, modern and functional free OS that runs as a live CD or installed to a hard drive. Dreamlinux Works edition includes plenty of desktop applications and the XGL Edition provides additional eye candy for people with Nvidia cards. It comes with the XFCE desktop environment. The MkDistro tool is included to help people create their own specialized distribution. Dreamlinux Works Edition 2.1 was released September 19, 2006. Dreamlinux 2.2 is the current release. Dreamlinux 2.2 Multimedia GL Edition, with BERYL-AIGLX, was released June 29, 2007. Dreamlinux 3.1 was released April 5, 2008.

  141. Epidemic GNU/Linux
    http://www.epidemiclinux.org/
    Epidemic GNU/Linux is an easy-to-use, Debian-based desktop distribution created in Brazil. Epidemic joined the list with the release of version 2.1 (Ice Diamond), May 27, 2008.

  142. Kurumin Linux
    http://www.guiadohardware.net/kurumin/
    Kurumin started out as a stripped down Knoppix, but it has since grown into a unique distribution. It can be run as a live CD, or installed to a hard drive. It comes with plenty of documentation written in Portuguese and has many scripts capable of doing all sorts of tasks from installing (hundreds of) programs to mounting pen drives. This entry was added February 25, 2004, at version 2.20. Kurumin 6.1 was released September 7, 2006. Kurumin Light, a stripped-down edition of version 6.1, was released September 24, 2006. Kurumin 7.0 Light was released January 16, 2007. Kurumin 7.0 was released February 22, 2007. Kurumin NG 8.06 Final was released June 17, 2008.

  143. Litrix
    http://www.litrixlinux.org/
    Early versions of Litrix were based on Slackware, but now Gentoo is used as a base. Litrix comes as a general purpose live DVD with a choice of desktops. Litrix 8.5 RC1 was released May 12, 2008.

  144. SACIX
    http://www.telecentros.sp.gov.br/
    SACIX is a Debian-based distribution for Sào Paulo's public computerlabs, the telecentros. This entry was added December 16, 2003.

    Canary Islands

  145. mEDUXa
    http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/medusa/contenidos/
    infraestructuras/meduxa.html
    mEDUXa is a Free Software GNU/Linux distribution developed for educational purposes that is part of the MEDUSA project. It is based on Kubuntu and conforms to Debian Free Software Guidelines. Version 1.0 was announced November 24, 2006.

    Chile

  146. WENDYX
    http://www.decurauma.cl/wendyx/
    WENDYX is a Knoppix-based distribution for the desktop. WENDYX 1.0, released September 22, 2006, is based on Knoppix 5.0-ES.

    China

  147. Chinese 2000 Linux
    http://chinese2000.sniic.com/index.php
    Chinese 2000 Linux comes from Hong Kong.

  148. Hiweed GNU/Linux
    http://linux.hiweed.com/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/hiweed/
    Hiweed GNU/Linux is a Chinese Linux distribution, based on Debian GNU/Linux. Its features include preconfigured Chinese applications, such as Chinese input method, Chinese-English and English-Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese true-type fonts. The Server edition is a pre-configured Debian-based server with Apache, PHP, MySQL, mail, DNS, and FTP. Hiweed joined the list with the Hiweed Desktop v0.3RC1, released June 29, 2004. Hiweed Desktop v0.55 was released September 25, 2004. The Hiweed LiveCD v0.55 was released October 25, 2004. Hiweed Server v0.3beta2 was released October 19, 2004. Hiweed-Debian Desktop 1.0 was released September 19, 2006.

  149. Red Flag
    http://www.redflag-linux.com/
    Red Flag claims to be the leading Linux OS provider in China. Redflag Linux Desktop 3.2 beta was released August 12, 2002. Version 4.1, based on Asianux 1.0, was released November 6, 2004. The "Workstation" release of 5.0 (based on Asianux 2.0) for i386 and x86_64 processors became available November 11, 2005. Red Flag Linux 6.0 (based on Asianux 3.0) was released October 1, 2007.

  150. Sun Wah Linux
    http://www.sw-linux.com/en/scripts/main/index.php
    Sun Wah uses Linux in servers, embedded devices and other products. The compay has joined the Debian Core Consortium. Sun Wah Linux released the RAYS ES, a Debian-based commercial Linux server platform, August 2005. Rays LX 1.5 desktop was released March 29, 2006. Sun Wah Rays 2.0 was released October 10, 2007.

  151. ThizLinux
    http://www.thizlinux.com/
    ThizLinux Labratory Ltd., home of the ThizLinux distribution, is based in Hong Kong. Products include Thiz Linux Desktop, Thiz Office, and Thiz Server . All products are localized for Hong Kong users. Entry added August 20, 2002.

  152. Tom Linux
    http://www.linuxaid.com.cn/
    Distribution and website are in Chinese.

  153. XTeamLinux
    http://www.xteamlinux.com.cn/
    Distribution and website are in Chinese. Version 5.0 was released December 17, 2003.

    Denmark

  154. Dappix
    http://tyge.sslug.dk/knoppix/
    Dappix is a Knoppix-based live CD. It uses the Danish language and contains some extra programs and a large number of Danish Linux books released under open licenses.

  155. Polippix
    http://itpol.dk/sager/polippix/polippix-den-politisk-cd-privatlivets-fred/
    Polippix is the Political Linux Distribution of Denmark. It was created to counter the increasing amount of surveillance in Denmark, where the ISP's will soon be required to log a lot of data. The CD has created quite a stir in Denmark during early 2007.

    Egypt

  156. Resala Linux
    http://resala.linux-egypt.org/
    The Resala Linux Project is a single CD distribution based on the Fedora Core Project. Its main objectives are: to make an Arabic ready distribution, make it easy for normal users to use Linux in Arabic speaking countries, open the doors for Arabic developers to participate positively in the OSS, to be a test bed for Arabic application and introduce these applications to other main stream distributions. Resala Linux Core 1 was released June 21, 2004.

    France

  157. Echelon Linux
    http://echelonlinux.free.fr/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/echelonlinux/
    Echelon Linux is a Knoppix based Linux distribution designed to monitor and to manage your network. It features IDS (intrusion detection system), vulnerability scanning, and services monitoring. Echelon Linux configuration can be defined via a Web interface. Initial version 0.1 was released August 26, 2003. Version 0.2 was released July 16, 2004.

  158. PingOO Linux
    http://www.pingoo.org/
    This a Debian based distribution intended for servers. Version 3.0 was released July 24, 2003. Version 3.0.3 was released November 14, 2003.

    Hungary

  159. Kiwi Linux
    http://kiwi.startx.ro/
    Kiwi is a modified Ubuntu live CD for the i386 architecture. It includes Romanian and Hungarian localization, multimedia codecs, encrypted DVD support, Flash and Java plugins for Firefox, PPPoE GUI for accessing local internet services (Clicknet and RDS) and write support for NTFS partitions. Kiwi uses the same software repositories as Ubuntu with one additional source added for the handful of artwork related or slightly modified packages. Hence it is easy to switch to and from Ubuntu and all the security and bugfix updates from Ubuntu are getting into Kiwi automatically. Kiwi 7.08, based on Ubuntu 7.04 with packages updated as of August 31, 2007. The Kiwi 7.10 LiveCD for i386 was released October 18, 2007. Kiwilinux 8.04 was released May 1, 2008.

  160. UHU-Linux
    http://www.uhulinux.hu/
    UHU-Linux is a Linux distribution from Hungary. It is an easily installable, dpkg-based distribution, with fully automatic hardware detection (based partly on Mandrake and other distros). It is primarily aimed at beginners. Version 1.0 was released April 18, 2003. Version 1.1 (Kamion) was released March 2, 2004. Version 2.2 (Eszter) was released November 28, 2004. UHU-Linux 1.2, Office edition, was released March 17, 2005. UHU-Linux 2.1 (Bumm) was released February 1, 2008.

    India

  161. Ankur Bangla Live
    http://www.bengalinux.org/
    https://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=43331
    The Ankur Bangla Project is working toward supporting the Bangla (Bengali) language on the GNU/Linux operating system. The project has created a Morphix-based Live CD with GNOME 2.4, localized into Bangla. Beta 2 of Ankur Bangla Live was released October 8, 2003. Version 1.0 was released December 23, 2003.

  162. BOSS
    http://nrcfoss.org.in/
    http://bosslinux.in
    Download
    BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions) is a Linux distribution developed by the National Resource Centre For Free/Open Source Software in India. It's based on Debian and made specifically for the Indian environment with a pleasing Desktop environment coupled with Indian language support (Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu and Tamil so far) and other packages that are most relevant for use in the government domain. Subsequent versions will support the educational domain as well. BOSS joins the list at verison 1.0 released January 2007. BOSS 2.0 was released September 19, 2007.

  163. IT@School GNU/Linux
    http://www.edugrid.ac.in/
    Download
    IT@School GNU/Linux is a customized, single CD distribution developed by the IT@School Project, in association with the Free Software Foundation of India. This Debian/GNOME system a variety of educational software for high school students and their teachers in Kerala, India.

  164. PunLinux
    http://punlinux.sourceforge.net/
    PunLinux is localized in the Punjabi dialect.

  165. Utkarsh
    http://www.utkarsh.org/
    Utkarsh is general desktop distribution localized in the Gujarati Language. Based on the IndLinux Milan version of Morphix, Utkarsh is live CD distribution. The initial version, 0.1 beta, was released May 27, 2004.

    Iran

  166. Karamad
    http://www.karamad.com/
    Karamad means Efficient in Farsi (Persian). Karamad is built at DPI (Data Processing of Iran-ext IBM). The Live CD also functions as an installtion media. It can show and play most sound & video files. Other software includes OpenOffice, Firefox, KDE 3.4, Persian Help, an English to Persian Dictionary, and more.

  167. Parsix GNU/Linux
    http://www.parsix.org/
    Parsix GNU/Linux is a live and installation CD based on Kanotix and Debian Sid . It is a complete GNOME-centric desktop. Parsix GNU/Linux supports Persian keyboard and users can switch to Persian (Farsi) with Alt+Shift keys. You can install and use Parsix GNU/Linux as your PC's operating system. Also included is the xFarDic multilingual dictionary and Persian free fonts from the FPF project. Parsix GNU/Linux 0.76 was released February 7, 2006. Parsix GNU/Linux 0.80.1 was released June 19, 2006. Parsix GNU/Linux 0.90r2 "Barry" was released October 5, 2007. Parsix GNU/Linux 1.0r1 "Ramon" was released March 13, 2008. Parsix GNU/Linux 1.5r0 'Viola' was released June 28, 2008.

  168. Sharif Linux
    http://www.farsiweb.ir/wiki/Sharif_Linux
    Sharif Linux is a bilingual English/Persian operating system maintained by Sharif FarsiWeb. It is based on GNU/Linux and is customized for the computing requirements of Iran and the Persian language, specially for enterprise-level and educational uses. The current version of Sharif Linux, version 1.4, includes GNOME 2.10, including Evolution 2.2.3 and Evince 0.4.0, OpenOffice.org 2.0.1, Firefox 1.0.7, FarsiWeb fonts 0.4, Linux kernel 2.6.15, and much more.

    Israel

  169. Boten GNU/Linux
    http://www.mpthrill.com/peanut/
    http://freshmeat.net/projects/bgl/
    Boten GNU/Linux is intended for home users and provides a fully-localized GNU/Linux environment in Hebrew. It's especially made for those new to Linux, though aimed to please all users, experts and newbies alike. It's currently based around the 2.4 Linux kernel series (USB supported) and the GNU C Library version 2.2.5 (libc6 ELF). Boten GNU/Linux could be installed in a UMSDOS partition as well and can run on 386 systems all the way up to the latest x86 machines. Version 9.5 h1/i1 was released April 21, 2003.

  170. Ehad Linux
    http://ehad.berlios.de/
    Ehad is based on Mandriva Linux. A single installation CD contains a useful assortment of Mandriva-compatible applications designed for Hebrew speakers. Ehad 2006 was released March 26,2006.

    Italy

  171. Bad Penguin Linux
    http://www.badpenguin.org/
    An Italian distribution, currently at version 0.99.5.

  172. QiLinux
    http://www.qilinux.org/
    QiLinux is made in Italy, completely from scratch. The QiLinux staff has offers a free version, the Tuga Desktop and Qiko Junior, a live CD with games and educational software. QiLinux 1.2pre2 was released March 16, 2005. QiLinux 2.0 was released August 1, 2006.

    Japan

  173. Berry Linux
    http://yui.mine.nu/berry/
    http://berry.sourceforge.jp/
    Berry Linux is a bootable CD Linux with automatic hardware detection and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. If you have network devices, auto-configure DHCP and you can use Internet. You will also find OpenOffice, GIMP and other free software applications. Berry Linux can be used as a Linux demo, educational CD or rescue system. It is not necessary to install anything on the hard disk, but installation is possible. The initial version of Berry Linux 0.01 Beta was released April 13, 2003. Berry Linux is based on Fedora and Knoppix. Version 0.87 was released December 5, 2007.

  174. HOLON Linux
    http://www.holonlinux.com/
    HOLON Linux is aimed at mass consumers. It is developed by HOLON Inc. (in Japan). They did a TV commercial, which was (and is) an unprecedented promotion in Japan. Their server version received a "Good Design Award" by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Japan. Their desktop version product includes 2.8GB of commercial and multimedia applications.

  175. LASER5
    http://www.laser5.co.jp/
    Originally based on Red Hat Linux.

  176. Linux MLD
    http://www.mlb.co.jp/
    There appears to be a full distribution from Media Lab. There is also a mini-distribution, as well as other Linux products. Version 7.0 was released August 14, 2003.

  177. Miracle Linux
    http://www.miraclelinux.com/
    Miracle Linux is a high reliability, scalability and availability server OS for the enterprise market, according to MIRACLE LINUX CORPORATION, the developer of the distribution. MIRACLE LINUX CORPORATION was originally founded by Oracle Corporation Japan. (Currently Oracle Japan owns about 60% of MIRACLE LINUX.) They offer not only "MIRACLE LINUX with Oracle," but also "MIRACLE LINUX for Samba" and "MIRACLE LINUX for PostgreSQL."

  178. Momonga Linux
    http://www.momonga-linux.org/
    Momonga Linux is the successor to Kondara. This general purpose distribution is developed mostly by Japanese programmers, but it supports English just as well and the Momonga web site provides English content, together with English-language mailing lists. One nice thing about Momonga is its support for 8 different Japanese input method servers, a selection of which is available directly from the GDM login screen. Best of all, these input servers work nicely even if you choose to keep your user interface in English (or any other language). The first stable release, Momonga Linux 1, was released August 6, 2004. Momonga Linux 4 was released August 19, 2007. Momonga Linux 4 Plus was released February 29, 2008.

  179. Nature's Linux
    http://www.n-linux.com/
    Nature's Linux was developed by IP Telecom to provide IP network managers with an easy to use operating system that reduces the total cost of ownership of maintaining IP networks. Added to list March 10, 2004. Version 1.3 was released March 23, 2005.

  180. Omoikane GNU/Linux
    http://www.omoikane.co.jp/ogl.html
    This appears to be a Debian based distribution translated to Japanese.

  181. Plamo Linux
    http://www.linet.gr.jp/~kojima/Plamo/
    This is a Slackware based distribution. Plamo 4.0 was released June 25, 2004. Plamo 4.2 was released April 1, 2006.

  182. Vine Linux
    http://www.vinelinux.org/index-en.html
    http://www.vinelinux.org/index.html
    "The Supreme Linux Distribution with Integrated Japanese Environment for Your Desktop PCs and Notebooks." Multiple platforms seem to be supported. Vine Linux 2.5 was released April 15, 2002. Vine Linux 3.2 was released September 17, 2005. Vine Linux 4.1 was released February 22, 2007. Vine 4.2 was released December 25, 2007.

    Korea

  183. Haansoft Linux
    http://www.haansoftlinux.com/
    Haansoft is an Asianux partner, offering both server and desktop distributions localized in Korean. Haansoft Linux 2006 Workstation was released March 2006.

  184. WOWLinux
    http://www.wowlinux.com/
    The current WOWLinux release appears to be dated May 26, 2005.

    Nepal

  185. NepaLinux
    http://www.nepalinux.org/
    NepaLinux is a live CD it can also be installed on the hard drive. The work for the installation process has been facilitated through the European Commission supported Bhasha Sanchar Project which is led by the Open University (UK). The first version features a 2.6.12 Linux kernel and a GNOME desktop localized in Nepali and lots more Free Software, released December 19, 2005. NepaLinux 2.0 was released June 20, 2007.

    Netherlands

  186. MCNLive
    http://home.tiscali.nl/berenstraat/
    MCNLive is a Mandriva-based live CD developed by MandrivaClub in the Netherlands. A graphical wizard is in