A Linux distribution is a member of the Linux family of Unix-like software distributions. Such distributions consist of a Linux operating system and a collection of applications. The operating system will consist of the Linux kernel and, usually, a set of libraries and utilities from the GNU project, with graphics support from the X Window System. Distributions optimized for size may not contain X, and tend to use more compact alternatives to the GNU utilities such as busybox, uclibc or dietlibc. There are currently over three hundred Linux distributions. Most of those are in active development, constantly being revised and improved.
Because most of the kernel and supporting packages are some combination of free software and open source, Linux distributions have taken a wide variety of forms — from fully featured desktop and server operating systems to minimal environments (typically for use in embedded systems, or for booting from a floppy disk). Aside from certain custom software (such as installers and configuration tools) a distribution simply refers to a particular assortment of applications installed on top of a set of libraries married with a version of the kernel, such that its "out-of-the-box" capabilities meets most of the needs of its particular end-user base.
Main Linux Distributions
|
Distribution |
Purpose |
Distribution |
Purpose |
|
64 Studio |
multimedia |
MontaVista Linux |
embedded systems |
|
Alinex |
General purpose |
Musix GNU+Linux |
producing audio |
|
aLinux |
desktop |
NimbleX |
Desktop |
|
ALT Linux |
desktop, workstation, server |
Nitix |
server |
|
Annvix |
server |
Open Enterprise Server on Linux |
server |
|
Arch Linux |
general purpose |
openSUSE |
desktop |
|
Ark Linux |
desktop |
Paipix |
science |
|
Arudius |
information security |
Pardus |
general purpose |
|
Asianux |
workstation, server |
Parsix |
desktop |
|
Aurox |
general purpose |
PCLinuxOS |
desktop |
|
BLAG |
desktop |
Pie Box Enterprise Linux |
general purpose |
|
Caixa Mágica |
desktop, server |
Puppy Linux |
portable |
|
CentOS |
server |
QiLinux |
desktop, server |
|
Cross Linux from Scratch |
desktop, server, embedded |
Red Flag Linux |
general purpose |
|
CRUX |
general purpose |
Red Hat Enterprise Linux |
business workstation, server |
|
Damn Small Linux |
general purpose |
Red Hat Linux |
server, workstation |
|
Debian |
general purpose |
Rxart |
desktop, workstation, server |
|
Desktop Light Linux |
desktop |
Sabayon Linux |
desktop |
|
DeMuDi |
producing audio, video |
Satux |
desktop, end user |
|
dyne:bolic |
producing audio, video |
Scientific Linux |
science |
|
Elive |
desktop |
sidux |
desktop |
|
EnGarde Secure Linux |
server |
SimplyMEPIS |
desktop |
|
Fedora |
general purpose |
Slackware |
desktop, workstation, server |
|
Finnix |
server administration |
SLAX |
live CD |
|
Foresight Linux |
desktop, workstation, gnome |
SliTaz GNU/Linux |
live CD |
|
Frugalware |
general purpose |
Source Mage GNU/Linux |
general purpose |
|
Gentoo Linux |
general purpose |
SUSE Linux |
business desktop, server |
|
gNewSense |
desktop |
Symphony OS |
desktop |
|
Gnoppix |
live CD |
Trustix Secure Linux |
server |
|
gnuLinEx |
desktop |
Ubuntu |
desktop, server |
|
GoboLinux |
desktop |
Kubuntu |
desktop |
|
gOS |
desktop |
Xubuntu |
desktop |
|
Impi Linux |
desktop |
Edubuntu |
computer lab |
|
Kanotix |
live CD, desktop |
Gobuntu |
desktop |
|
Knoppix |
live CD |
Ubuntu Studio |
multimedia |
|
KnoppMyth |
Live Frontend, Desktop |
Ututo |
general purpose |
|
Kurumin Linux |
desktop, live CD |
VectorLinux |
desktop |
|
Linspire |
desktop |
Xandros |
desktop |
|
Freespire |
desktop |
Yellow Dog Linux |
desktop, workstation |
|
Linux Mint |
desktop |
Yoper |
desktop, workstation, server |
|
Lunar Linux |
desktop, workstation |
Zenwalk Linux |
desktop, server |
|
Mandriva Linux |
general purpose |
|
|