List of Linux distributions
This page provides general information about notable Linux distributions in the form of a categorized list. Distributions are organized into sections by the major distribution they are based on, or the package management system they are based around.
RPM-based
and SUSE Linux were the original major distributions that used the.rpm file format, which is today used in several package management systems. Both of these were later divided into commercial and community-supported distributions. Red Hat Linux was divided into a community-supported but Red Hat-sponsored distribution named Fedora, and a commercially supported distribution called Red Hat Enterprise Linux, whereas SUSE was divided into openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise| Distribution | Description |
| Red Hat Linux | Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release of the unsplit distribution was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003. |
| CentOS | Community-supported Linux distribution designed as an OpenSource version of RHEL and well suited for servers. |
| Fedora | Community-supported Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat. |
| openSUSE | A community-developed Linux distribution, sponsored by SUSE. It maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the standard installs will be from FOSS solutions, including Linux kernel Modules. SUSE's enterprise Linux products are all based on the codebase that comes out of the openSUSE project. |
| Mandrake Linux | The first release was based on Red Hat Linux and KDE 1 in July 1998. It had since moved away from Red Hat's distribution and became a completely separate distribution. The name was changed to Mandriva, which included a number of original tools, mostly to ease system configuration. Mandriva Linux was the brainchild of Gaël Duval, who wanted to focus on ease of use for new users. |
CentOS/RHEL-based
| Distribution | Description |
| Asianux | A Linux distribution co-developed between Red Flag Software Co., Ltd., Miracle Linux Corp. and Haansoft, INC., focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean support. |
| ClearOS | Small Business Server. File, Print, Messaging, UTM, VPN. |
| Fermi Linux LTS | Based on Scientific Linux. |
| Miracle Linux | Developed by Japanese software vendor Miracle Linux Co., Ltd |
| Oracle Linux | Supported by Oracle. Aims to be fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| Red Flag Linux | A Linux distribution developed in China and optimized for the Chinese market. Based on Asianux. |
| Rocks Cluster Distribution | A Linux distribution for building a High-Performance Computing computer cluster, with a recent release supporting Cloud computing. It is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux but with extensions to support large multi-node heterogeneous systems for clusters, Cloud, and Data Warehousing. |
| Scientific Linux | A discontinued Linux distribution co-developed by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the European Organization for Nuclear Research, which aims to be compatible with and based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
Fedora-based
is a community supported distribution. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completely Free Software system.| Distribution | Description |
| Berry Linux | A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English. |
| BLAG Linux and GNU | A completely free software distribution. |
| EnGarde Secure Linux | Server-only Linux distribution designed to be secure. |
| Fuduntu | Designed to fit in somewhere between Fedora and Ubuntu. |
| Hanthana | Designed to cater the needs of Sri Lankan computer users who are unable to access Internet frequently, with many most-wanted applications built in. |
| K12LTSP | A distribution for educational purpose. Comes with LTSP support. |
| Korora | Initially aimed at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration. Now based on Fedora. |
| Linpus Linux | Focused on the Chinese market, along with Linpus Lite focused on the netbook market. |
| Linux XP | Fedora-based shareware distribution designed to imitate the windows environment using GNOME. |
| MeeGo | Built by Intel and Nokia, intended for mobile phones and tablets. It is based on Moblin together with Maemo. |
| Moblin | Built around the Intel Atom processor; supplanted by Meego when Intel and Nokia combined activities |
| Network Security Toolkit | A Live CD/DVD with security and networking tools to perform routine security and networking diagnostic and monitoring tasks. |
| Qubes OS | Focused on security for desktop users. Based on an "ancient" Fedora release which we are somewhere said it to upgrade under YUM. |
| Russian Fedora Remix | A remix of Fedora. |
| Sugar-on-a-Stick Linux | An educational operating system for the children of the OpenMandriva world, originally designed for the One-Laptop-Per-Child project. |
| Trustix | A Linux distribution focused on security. |
| Yellow Dog Linux | For the PowerPC platform. |
openSUSE-based
[urpmi]-based
| Distribution | Description |
| Mandriva Linux | Open-source distribution, discontinued in 2011. |
| Mageia | A community Linux distribution initially forked from Mandriva Linux in response to the discontinuation of free versions of Mandriva Linux. |
| ROSA Linux | A Russian distribution available in three different editions: ROSA Desktop Fresh, ROSA Enterprise Desktop and ROSA Enterprise Linux Server, with the latter two aiming at commercial users. Its desktop editions come bundled with proprietary software such as Adobe Flash Player, multimedia codecs and Steam. |
| OpenMandriva | The last release of Mandriva Linux was in August 2011. Most developers who were laid off went to Mageia. Later on, the remaining developers teamed up with community members and formed OpenMandriva, a continuation of Mandriva. |
| Unity Linux | Meant to be a base for custom distributions. |
[apt-rpm] based
Independent RPM distributions
Distributions using.rpm packages, excluding derivatives of zypp, Fedora, urpmi, and apt-rpm.| Distribution | Description |
| Caldera OpenLinux | A Linux distribution originally introduced by Caldera and later developed by its subsidiary Caldera Systems. It was later developed by Caldera International. The distribution is no longer produced. Last release: 3.1.1 – Jan. 30, 2002 |
| cAos Linux | A general purpose Linux distribution. Designed to have low overhead, run on older hardware, and be easily customizable. |
| Turbolinux | Originally based on Red Hat Linux. |
| YOPER | A rolling release desktop distribution from New Zealand that focuses on optimizing system performance for workstation use. Discontinued. |
Debian-based
Linux is a distribution that emphasizes free software. It supports many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the.deb package format and the dpkg package manager and its frontends.Debian (Testing) based
Ubuntu-based
is a distribution based on Debian, designed to have regular releases, a consistent user experience and commercial support on both desktops and servers.Official distributions
These Ubuntu variants simply install a set of packages different from the original Ubuntu, but since they draw additional packages and updates from the same repositories as Ubuntu, all of the same software is available for each of them.| Distribution | Description |
| Goobuntu | Goobuntu was a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS. It was used by almost 10,000 Google employees. |
| Kubuntu | An official derivative of Ubuntu Linux using KDE instead of the GNOME interface used by default in Ubuntu. |
| Lubuntu | Lubuntu is a project that is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system that is "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", using the LXQt desktop environment. |
| Ubuntu Budgie | An official derivative of Ubuntu using Budgie. |
| Ubuntu Kylin | An official derivative aimed at the Chinese market. |
| Ubuntu MATE | An official derivative of Ubuntu using MATE, a desktop environment forked from the now-defunct GNOME 2 code base, with an emphasis on the desktop metaphor. |
| Ubuntu Server | An official derivative made for use in servers & IBM mainframes. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can host LAMP and more. |
| Ubuntu Studio | Based on Ubuntu, providing open-source applications for multimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors. |
| Xubuntu | An official derivative of Ubuntu using Xfce. Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems, and uses mostly GTK+ applications. |
Discontinued official distributions
Third-party distributions
Unofficial variants and derivatives are not controlled or guided by Canonical Ltd. and generally have different goals in mind.| Distribution | Description |
| BackBox | BackBox is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It has been developed to perform penetration tests and security assessments. Designed to be fast, easy to use and provide a minimal yet complete desktop environment, thanks to its own software repositories, always being updated to the latest stable version of the most used and best known ethical hacking tools. |
| BackSlash Linux | BackSlash Linux is an Ubuntu and Debian-based operating system for AMD64 and Intel x64 based Personal Computers developed in India. It is based on free software and every release of the operating System is named after the characters of the Disney blockbuster, Frozen. |
| Bodhi Linux | An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution featuring the Moksha Desktop environment and targeting users who want a minimum of preinstalled software or low system requirements. |
| Cub Linux | Ubuntu-based distribution designed to mimic the desktop appearance and functionality of Chrome OS. |
| Live CD geared toward multimedia production, but comes with other non-media specific application | |
| EasyPeasy | Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks |
| Eeebuntu | Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks, based on Debian. Also rebranded as Aurora OS. |
| Element OS | Based on Xubuntu, made for Home theater PCs |
| elementary OS | A distribution focussing mainly on non-technical users, has a pay-what-you-want model. |
| Emmabuntüs | Based on Xubuntu designed to facilitate the repacking of computers donated to Emmaüs Communities. |
| GalliumOS | GalliumOS is a Linux distribution for Chrome OS devices, developed by the community-supported GalliumOS project. Gallium is based on Xubuntu and maintains compatibility with the Ubuntu repositories. |
| GendBuntu | A version adapted for use by France's National Gendarmerie. |
| Goobuntu | An Ubuntu-based distribution that was used internally by Google ; not available outside of Google |
| gOS | Uses the GNOME desktop environment with user interface enhancements to make it work more like Mac OS X, it also features Google Apps, Picasa, Google Gadgets and other web-based applications, and comes with Wine 1.0 pre-installed. |
| Impi Linux | South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector. |
| Iskolinux | A Linux distribution packaged and maintained by UP Manila's Information Management System as part of University of the Philippines' thrust to migrate to Linux. |
| Joli OS | Joli OS is in development and Pre-beta testing. Joli OS is built upon Debian and Ubuntu 9.10, but is tweaked to be more suitable for computers that have weaker specifications in terms of disk storage, memory and screen size. It is designed to run on relatively low-powered netbook computers. |
| Karoshi | A formerly PCLinuxOS-based distribution designed for use in schools. |
| KDE neon | Focused on the development of KDE. The emphasis is on bleeding edge software packages sourced directly from KDE and offers programmers early access to new features, but potentially at the cost of greater susceptibility to software bugs. |
| Kuki Linux | Lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution founded by João Ferro, built to be a replacement for the Linpus Linux Lite distribution on the Acer Aspire One. |
| LiMux | A project by the city council of Munich, Germany |
| Linux Lite | The purpose of Linux Lite is to introduce Windows users to Linux, and provide them with a comfortable and useful user experience. It is designed to be simple and suitable for new Linux users who want a lightweight, highly responsive, and fully functional environment. |
| Linux Mint | Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu's long term support, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users. Linux Mint Debian Edition is Mint's Debian stable based version. Its purpose is to use Debian base packages/kernel under the hood should Ubuntu ever disappear. it's also used by Mint developers to develop their Cinnamon desktop. |
| LinuxMCE | Linux Media Center Edition, a Kubuntu-based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation. |
| LinuxTLE | A Thai Linux distribution |
| LliureX | A distribution by the Generalitat Valenciana |
| MAX | Stands for Madrid LinuX |
| Molinux | Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society. |
| Netrunner | Kubuntu based distribution with complete software and codecs installed, developed by Blue Systems. |
| Nova | Cuban state-sponsored distribution developed at the University of Information Science, Havana. Formerly based on Gentoo. |
| OpenGEU | Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu. |
| Peppermint OS | A light-weight LXDE distribution for cloud applications through its own Ice Framework using Chromium Web Browser. Based on Lubuntu |
| Pinguy OS | An Ubuntu-based distro for people that have never used Linux before or for people that want an out-of-the-box working OS without having to tweak a fresh installation of Ubuntu or other Ubuntu-based distro. |
| Pop! OS | An Ubuntu-based distro developed by System76 predominantly for use on hardware that they manufacture |
| Poseidon Linux | For academic and scientific use. Based on Ubuntu, but enhanced by GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages. |
| PUD | A small distribution, aimed at being simple and usable |
| Qimo 4 Kids | Educational games for children aged three and up. Ubuntu-based with easy-to-use interface. |
| Sabily | Ubuntu based distribution for Muslims |
| Trisquel GNU/Linux | Fully free-software system without proprietary software or firmware and uses the Linux-libre kernel, based on Ubuntu LTS Releases |
| UberStudent | For higher education and advanced secondary students, those who teach them, and lifelong learners |
| Ubuntu Unity | Using the Unity |
| Ututo | Ututo UL Distributes Simusol, a system to simulate Solar Energy projects, returned to the heart of the project. |
| Vinux | A Linux distribution designed for visually impaired users |
| Zorin OS | Zorin OS is a user-friendly distribution that can emulate Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX. It is meant for users unfamiliar with Linux. |
Debian (Stable) based
MEPIS-based
Knoppix-based
, itself, is based on Debian. It is a live distribution, with automated hardware configuration and a wide choice of software, which is decompressed as it loads from the drive.| Distribution | Description |
| Damn Small Linux | A small Linux distro designed to run on older hardware. It is commonly used on virtual machines due to low memory requirements. |
| Feather Linux | Boots from either a CD or a USB flash drive. Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager. |
| Hikarunix | A Linux distribution solely for studying and playing the game of Go. Based on Damn Small Linux. |
Pacman-based
is a package manager that is capable of resolving dependencies and automatically downloading and installing all necessary packages.| Distribution | Description |
| ArchBang | Based on Arch Linux, but also provides Live CDs with working system and graphical installation scripts; uses Openbox as default window manager. |
| Arch Linux | An x86-64-optimized distribution targeted at experienced users. Arch runs on a rolling release system and uses the Pacman utility for package management. |
| Artix Linux | Based on Arch Linux, but using OpenRC, Runit or s6 as init system instead of systemd. |
| ArchLabs | Based on Arch Linux, with a custom installer, offers many choices of desktop environments and window managers. |
| BlackArch | A cybersecurity-focused OS based on Arch Linux. It is designed to test security and run penetration tests. It includes window managers preconfigured, but no desktop environment. |
| Chakra Linux | Originally derived from Arch Linux, with the latest KDE. For now uses the Pacman utility for package management. Strives to be Qt-only. |
| EndeavourOS | Continuation of Antergos. |
| Frugalware Linux | A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users. Has some influences from Slackware, and uses a heavily modified version of pacman, Pacman-G2, a fork of a cvs version of the complete rewrite of Pacman-G1 by Aurelien Foret. The packages are tar archives compressed using xz. |
| Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre | An Arch and Debian derivative without any blobs, without systemd support and with OpenRC as its default init system. Packages are built for i686 and x64. Unlike Arch, Hyperbola uses the long-term support model like Debian. |
| LinHES | LinHES designed for use on home theater PCs, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a sound and video center. |
| Manjaro | Based on Arch Linux, using its own repositories and ships with either Xfce, KDE, GNOME, or the CLI as the default desktop environment. Additional community-driven editions are available that use MATE, Cinnamon, Openbox, Awesome, i3, BSPWM, or Budgie as a base. |
| Parabola GNU/Linux-libre | An Arch derivative without any blobs, plus various added packages. Packages are also built for ARMv7 in addition to i686 and x64. MATE and text-mode distributions available. |
Gentoo-based
is a distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software. Distributions based on Gentoo use the Portage package management system with emerge or one of the alternative package managers.| Distribution | Description |
| Calculate Linux | Calculate Linux is a family of distributions. |
| Chrome OS | Chrome OS is used on various Chromebooks, Chromeboxes and tablet computers. It is primarily Internet-based, launching each app within the Chrome browser. The OS features a user interface that looks very similar to Chrome instead of GNOME, Cinnamon, LXQt, Xfce, etc. |
| Chromium OS | Chromium OS is a free and open-source operating system designed for running web applications and browsing the World Wide Web. It is the development version of Chrome OS, a Linux distribution made by Google. |
| Container Linux | Linux distribution by CoreOS designed for clustered and containerized deployments with update subscription |
| Gentoox | An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox |
| Knopperdisk | A Linux distribution aimed at USB sticks. |
| Pentoo | Penetration-testing Live CD. |
| Sabayon Linux | Made in Italy. It is a European Linux distribution based on Gentoo. However, it follows the "out of the box" philosophy, aiming to give the user a wide number of applications ready to use and a self-configured operating system. Like Gentoo, Sabayon uses the rolling release model; it uses a customized version of Red Hat's Anaconda Installer and includes a Media Center application. |
| SystemRescueCD | System rescue Live CD version of Gentoo. |
| Tin Hat Linux | Based on hardened Gentoo, this distribution is based primarily on security. |
| Ututo | Made in Argentina. |
Slackware-based
is known as a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools. It is generally considered a distribution for advanced users.| Distribution | Description |
| Absolute Linux | Absolute Linux is a Light-weight Linux distribution based on Slackware |
| Austrumi Linux | A 108 MB bootable live CD as of version 1.9.3 |
| Freenix | A free and libre derivative of Slackware for x86_64 systems. |
| Frugalware Linux | A general-purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users who are familiar with command-line operations. Early versions were based on Slackware, but it is now an independently developed distribution. |
| HostGIS | A Slackware-based distribution specifically made for handling GIS information |
| KateOS | A desktop distribution aimed at intermediate users. It uses Xfce as its default desktop environment. No longer in development. |
| MuLinux | Floppy-based Linux distribution with replaceable modules |
| NimbleX | Completely customizable through the NimbleX website. Now no longer producing new versions. |
| Platypux | A French Linux distribution of the Slackware family |
| Salix OS | Originally a fork of Zenwalk, Salix is a complete Linux distribution fully backwards compatible with Slackware. It uses Xfce, KDE, LXDE, Fluxbox or Ratpoison as its default desktop environment. Salix OS is available as 32 and 64bit version, and also as Live CD versions. |
| Sentry Firewall | A firewall, server, or intrusion detection system distribution |
| simpleLinux | simpleLinux uses LZMA compression to compress its system files. The project was started in 2007 by a group of Malaysian developers. simpleLinux is a Slackware-based distribution that comes in both Live CD or Persistence version that can be installed to a medium. simpleLinux is a multi-tasking operating system that runs the X Window System. |
| Slackintosh | An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture |
| Slamd64 | An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture |
| Slax | A live CD which aims to provide a complete desktop for general use. Permanent installation of Slax is not recommended or supported; it is designed for "live" use only. Also can be run from a USB flash drive. |
| SuperGamer | A Live DVD distribution focused on gaming |
| Topologilinux | Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk. Outdated. |
| VectorLinux | A lightweight Linux distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well-suited for older hardware. |
| WinLinux | A Linux distro that runs on a FAT32 filesystem |
| Wolvix | A desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on Slackware, mainly targeted at home users, featuring Xfce. No longer available. |
| Zenwalk | Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; however, compatibility with Slackware is still maintained. |
| ZipSlack | A lightweight and portable version of Slackware |
Slax-based
| Distribution | Description |
| DAVIX | A Linux Live CD for data analysis and visualisation. |
| DNALinux | A small Linux distribution designed for running bioinformatics software, including BLAST and EMBOSS. |
| Porteus | A small Linux distro based on Sector |
source-based
Independent
The following distributions can not be categorized under the preceding sections.| Distribution | Description |
| Alpine Linux | A security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl and BusyBox. Has a derivative, postmarketOS, for mobile devices. |
| Android | Android is a mobile operating system bought and currently being developed by Google, based on a Google modified Linux kernel and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. |
| Billix | A live CD or live USB system administration toolkit and multi-boot distribution with the ability to install any of the included distributions. |
| Coyote Linux | A router and firewall Linux distribution |
| CRUX | CRUX is a lightweight, x86-64-optimized Linux distribution targeted at experienced users. The focus is "keep it simple", which is reflected in a simple tar.xz-based package system, BSD-style initscripts, and a relatively small collection of trimmed packages |
| CyanogenMod/CyanogenOS | CyanogenMod is a discontinued open-source operating system for mobile devices, based on the Android mobile platform. |
| DD-WRT | Embedded firewall Linux distribution |
| Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre | A Linux distribution written entirely from scratch and sharing some similarities with Slackware. Approved by the GNU Project as a free operating system. |
| ELinOS | Linux distribution for embedded systems by SYSGO. ELinOS focuses on industrial application and provides real-time extensions. |
| Familiar Linux | Linux distribution for iPAQ handhelds. |
| Fire OS | Amazon Fire OS is an Android-based mobile operating system produced by Amazon for its Fire Phone and Kindle Fire range of tablets, Echo and Echo Dot, and other content delivery devices like Fire TV; the tablet versions of the Kindle e-readers are the Fire range. |
| Firefox OS | Firefox OS is a discontinued open-source operating system – made for smartphones, tablet computers and smart TVs – designed by Mozilla and external contributors. |
| fli4l | A router and firewall Linux distribution |
| Foresight Linux | A rolling release Linux distribution built around the Conary package manager. |
| GeeXboX | Live CD media center Linux distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files on home theater. |
| Guix System Distribution | Declarative Linux distribution with atomic upgrades and rollbacks built on top of the GNU Guix package manager. Supports amongst others unprivileged package management and per-user profiles. |
| GoboLinux | An alternative Linux distribution which redefines the file system hierarchy by installing everything belonging to one application in one folder under /Programs, and using symlinks from /System and its subfolders to point to the proper files. |
| Jlime | Linux distribution for the HP Jornada 6xx and 7xx and NEC MobilePro 900 handhelds. |
| KaiOS | KaiOS is a mobile operating system based on Linux, developed by KaiOS Technologies, a US-based company. |
| Lightweight Portable Security | A distribution created by the United States Department of Defense that boots entirely in RAM |
| LineageOS | LineageOS is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones, tablet computers, and set-top boxes, based on the Android mobile platform. |
| Linux Router Project | Embedded networking appliance progenitor. |
| Lunar Linux | A source code-based Linux distribution descended from Sorcerer. |
| MCC Interim Linux | Possibly the first Linux distribution, created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992 |
| MeeGo | MeeGo is a discontinued Linux distribution hosted by the Linux Foundation, using source code from the operating systems Moblin and Maemo. |
| MkLinux | A legacy Linux distribution for PowerPC systems that runs the Linux kernel as a server on top of the Mach microkernel. |
| Mobilinux | By Montavista for smartphones |
| MontaVista Linux | Embedded distribution by MontaVista Software |
| Nitix | Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux kernel–based server operating system. |
| NixOS | Declarative Linux distribution with atomic upgrades and rollbacks built on top Nix package manager |
| OpenWrt | A router and firewall Linux distribution, also other embedded systems, a lot of routing options via opkg available |
| paldo | Independently developed desktop operating system and package manager with a rolling release format and standard Gnome environment. |
| Prevas Industrial Linux | Embedded systems customizable Linux distribution by Prevas. |
| PS2 Linux | Sony Computer Entertainment Linux distribution released officially for the PlayStation 2 video game console. |
| Puppy Linux | A mini Linux distribution which runs well under low-end PCs – even under 32 MB RAM. |
| Replicant | Replicant is a free operating system based on the Android mobile platform that aims to replace all proprietary Android components with free-software counterparts. |
| rPath | A distribution built around the Conary package manager. Discontinued. |
| Sailfish OS | Sailfish OS is a Linux-based operating system based on open source projects such as Mer and including a closed source UI. The project is being developed by the Finnish company Jolla. |
| SliTaz | With less than 40 MB a very small Live-Distribution, which uses 256 MB RAM for a complete GUI. |
| Smallfoot | Developed by the Santa Cruz Operation, formerly Caldera International and Caldera Systems – based on Caldera OpenLinux 3.x and 4.x binaries. |
| SmoothWall | A router and firewall Linux distribution |
| Softlanding Linux System | One of the earliest Linux distributions, developed from 1992–1994; Slackware was originally based on it. |
| Solus | Desktop Linux distribution offering Budgie, GNOME, MATE and KDE Plasma desktop environments, eopkg for package management. |
| Sorcerer | A source code-based Linux distribution. |
| Source Mage | A source code-based Linux distribution, descended from Sorcerer. |
| Stable Hybrid Release | For smartphones, offering Enlightenment's Illume user interface. It is based on FSO. |
| Thinstation | Thin client Linux distribution supporting all major connectivity protocols. |
| Tinfoil Hat Linux | Bootable floppy Linux distribution focusing on extreme security |
| Tiny Core Linux | Tiny Core Linux is a minimalist Linux system focusing on providing a base system with BusyBox, FLTK and other minimalist software. |
| Tizen | Tizen is a Linux-based mobile operating system backed by the Linux Foundation but developed and used primarily by Samsung Electronics. |
| tomsrtbt | Root boot disk. |
| Tor-ramdisk | An i686 uClibc-based micro Linux distribution that runs in system memory and whose only purpose is to host a Tor server in an environment that maximizes security and privacy. |
| Void Linux | Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel. Its package system allows you to quickly install, update and remove software; software is provided in binary packages or can be built directly from sources with the help of the XBPS source packages collection. |
| Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X | One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995. |