Open source Linux OS’s: 3

Others (RPM-based)


TinyMe
A lightweight distribution based on PCLinuxOS
aLinux
A distribution for home use designed to be equivalent to Windows XP Home (formerly known as Peanut Linux).
ALT Linux
Several distributions including Master, Compact, and Junior. Provides support for Cyrillic languages.
Annvix
A security-focused server distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2 but has diverged a lot.
Ark Linux
A distribution focused on ease of use and ease of learning.
Berry Linux
A medium-sized Fedora-based distribution that provides support in Japanese and English.
Caixa Mágica
A Portuguese distribution.
Caldera Linux
Caldera bought SCO then took the SCO name and no longer produces a Linux distribution. Last release: 3.1.1 - Jan. 30, 2002
cAos Linux
A general purpose distribution. Designed to have low overhead, run on older hardware, and be easily customizable
EduLinux
A distribution for educational purposes (cf. Guadalinex, Skolelinux).
EnGarde Secure Linux
Server-only distribution designed to be secure.
Linkat
A distribution promoted by the government of Catalonia, Spain.
Mandriva Linux Free
Free
MCNLive
A Mandriva-based distribution designed to run from CD or USB Flash Drive, focused on multimedia, internet, graphics.
PCLinuxOS
A Live CD distribution. Originally based on Mandrake 9.2. Later rebased on Mandriva 2007.
Red Flag Linux
A distribution developed in China and optimized for the Chinese market.
Red Hat Linux
Split into Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The last official release was Red Hat Linux 9 in March 2003.
SAM Linux
A live and installation CD based on PCLinuxOS 2007 and Xfce.
SUSE Linux
A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc.. SUSE is one of the most popular distributions in Europe. Like Red Hat Linux, it is a large distribution on several CDs/DVDs. Free Eval versions are available for the SUSE Linux Enterprise versions.
· openSUSE - A branch developed by the community and sponsored by Novell. openSUSE maintains a strict policy of ensuring all code in the standard installs will be from Free/Libre/Open-Source Software solutions, including Linux kernel Modules. Novell's enterprise Linux products are all based on the codebase that comes out of the openSUSE project.
· SUSE Linux Enterprise Server - A server-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc. and targeted at the business market.
· SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (previously branded Novell Linux Desktop) - A desktop-oriented Linux distribution supplied by Novell, Inc. and targeted at the enterprise market.
· SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time - A specialized version of the SUSE distribution from Novell designed to support low latency for time critical operations.
Trustix
A distribution focused on security.
Turbolinux
Based on Red Hat Linux.
Vine Linux
A Japanese distribution based on Red Hat Linux.
YOPER
A desktop distribution from New Zealand that focuses on optimizing system performance for workstation use.
Slackware-based
Slackware is known as a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting edge software and automated tools. Generally considered a distribution for advanced users, it is often suggested to those who want to learn the inner workings of a Linux operating system.


Austrumi
A business card size (50 MB) bootable live CD
BasicLinux
A mini linux designed to run in old PCs (386). Has a certain degree of compatibility with Slackware packages.
Frugalware
A general purpose Linux distribution designed for intermediate users.
GoblinX
A live CD that features multiple customizable desktop environments.
HostGIS
HostGIS Linux is a Slackware based distribution specifically made for handling GIS information.
Slackintosh
An unofficial port of Slackware to the PowerPC architecture.
Slamd64
An unofficial port of Slackware to the x86-64 architecture.
SLAX
A very popular 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.
SMS - Slack Mini Server
A full feature preconfigured server (inc. dovecot, postfix, mailscanner, clamav, spamassassin, openldap), manageable through webmin interface or kde enviroment. Also features TorrentFlux (a php bittorrent client).
Topologilinux
Designed to run from within Microsoft Windows, Topologilinux can be installed without any changes to the user's hard disk.
Vector Linux
A lightweight distribution designed to be easy to use even for new users. Generally considered well suited for older hardware.
Zenwalk Linux
Originally a minimal version of Slackware, Zenwalk has evolved into a very different operating system; however, compatibility with Slackware is still maintained.
SLAX-Based
SLAX's modularity and reputation of quality have made it a popular base for other live CD projects.


Arudius
An information assurance suite that includes many vulnerability assessment utilities and source code auditing tools.
ParsLinux
Pars Linux is a live and installation CD derived from Slax and based on slackware. It is a complete Kde centric desktop oriented distribution. Beside of the dozens supported languages, Pars Linux also supports Persian keyboard. You can install and use Pars Linux as your PC's operating system.
BackTrack
A network security suite developed by RemoteExploit.org. It includes many penetration testing utilities and development tools. While BackTrack is principally used as a live CD, it can also be installed permanently.
DNALinux
A small distribution designed for running bioinformatics software, including BLAST and EMBOSS.
SLAMPP
Designed to be used on a home server.
Others
The following distributions either use another packaging system, do not use any, or are simply not categorized.


Arch Linux
An i686- and x86-64-optimized, independently developed distribution targeted at experienced users. Arch runs on a rolling release system and uses the pacman utility for package management. Extra software to customize the system is added via pacman from the Arch repositories.
Coyote Linux
Router/firewall distribution.
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
DD-WRT
Embedded firewall distribution.
DeLi Linux
A desktop based mini distribution with office suite, web browser and other graphical programs to run on a 486. Built from scratch with some influences from Slackware and CRUX.
Devil-Linux
firewall/router/server distribution running from CD.
DSLinux
Version of Linux designed for the Nintendo DS.
dyne:bolic
Live CD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (eg: word processor, desktop publisher). It is completely free software as defined by the Free Software Foundation.
Familiar Linux
Distribution for iPAQ handhelds.
Fli4l
a single floppy ISDN, DSL and Ethernet-Router.
Foresight Linux
A distribution built around the Conary package manager.
FREESCO
A free replacement for proprietary routers supporting up to 10 network cards and up to 10 modems.
Fedora
A free workstation for home or company workers.
GeeXboX
Live CD media center distribution, mainly to play special-encoded video files (eg: .ogg, XVID) on home theater.
GoboLinux
An alternative Linux distribution which redefines the entire 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.
Hikarunix
A distro solely for studying and playing the game of Go.
IPCop
Router/firewall distribution.
iPodLinux
Embedded Linux firmware for the Apple iPod based on the µCLinux kernel.
Jlime
Distribution for the HP Jornada 6xx and 7xx and NEC MobilePro 900(c) handhelds.
Lunar Linux
A source code-based distribution descended from Sorcerer GNU/Linux.
Lycoris
Desktop/LX: Fell down to one employee and then acquired by Mandriva.
MCC Interim Linux
MCC Interim Linux, possibly the first Linux distribution. Created by the Manchester Computing Centre in February 1992.
MkLinux
A 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 systems distro by MontaVista Software.
NASLite
a floppy-based Linux designed to turn an old computer into a simple Network Attached Storage device.
Nitix
Developed by Net Integration Technologies Inc., Nitix claims to be the first autonomic Linux-based server operating system.
OpenWrt
Embedded firewall distribution.
Pardus
Developed in Turkey. It uses PISI as package manager, COMAR as configuration framework.
PS2 Linux
Sony Computer Entertainment distribution released officially for the PlayStation 2 video game console.
Puppy Linux
A mini distribution which runs well under low-end PCs - even under 32 MB RAM. Includes Slackware 12 support (since version 3).
Rocks Cluster Distribution
A distribution for building a High-performance computing computer cluster.
rPath
A distribution built around the Conary package manager.
Sentry Firewall
A firewall, server or intrusion detection system distribution.
SliTaz GNU/Linux
A small desktop distro. The ISO is 25 MB; runs entirely in RAM.
Smallfoot
Developed by the Santa Cruz Operation ( SCO UNIX / SCO Group ), formerly Caldera.
SmoothWall
Router/firewall distribution.
Softlanding Linux System
One of the earliest distributions, developed from 1992-1994; Slackware was originally based on it.
Sorcerer
A source code-based distribution.
Source Mage GNU/Linux
A source code-based distribution, descended from Sorcerer.
Tinfoil Hat Linux
Bootable floppy distribution focusing on extreme security
tomsrtbt
Root boot disk.
Tuga
Commercial desktop distribution made in Italy, based on QiLinux.
Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X
One of the oldest Linux distributions, not updated since 1995.

Open source Linux OS’s: 2

Knoppix-based
Knoppix, itself, is based on Debian.
Buildix
For agile developers.
Damn Small Linux
Generally considered as the starter of mini distributions. A live CD designed for MiniCD with a hard drive install option.
Kaella
The French translation of Knoppix.
Feather Linux
Knoppix-based Linux distribution which currently fits in under 128 MB. It boots from either a CD or a USB Flash Drive, with a size suitable for a bootable business card.
Kalango
Another Brazilian Knoppix-based distribution designed to have strong visual appeal.
KnoppMyth
Specialized Knoppix distribution for easy setup of the MythTV PVR software.
Kurumin
A version of the Knoppix distribution designed for Brazilian users.
Morphix
A Live CD distribution with different flavours, including GNOME. Used as a base for many other custom live distribution such as Clusterix, PHlAK or Gnix.
Musix
A Knoppix/Debian based distribution, intended for music production, graphic design, audio, video editing, and other tasks. It is built with only free software.
More distributions based on Knoppix are listed in the Knoppix article.

Ubuntu-based
Ubuntu is based on Debian. For a list of distributions based on Ubuntu, see List of Ubuntu-based distributions.

Gentoo-based
Gentoo is a distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software. Distributions based on Gentoo use the Portage package management system with emerge.

Gentoox
An adaptation of Gentoo for the Xbox.
Knopperdisk
A new distribution aimed at USB sticks.
Kororaa
A distribution which aims at easy installation of a Gentoo system by using install scripts instead of manual configuration.
Pentoo
Penetration-testing Live CD distribution.
Sabayon Linux
Live DVD which includes a wide range of desktop environments and open-source software applications. Like Knoppix, Sabayon Linux can be installed on the hard drive.
SystemRescueCD
System rescue Live CD version of Gentoo.
Ututo
A distribution made in Argentina.
VidaLinux
A distribution which uses Anaconda as its installer.

RPM-based
Red Hat Linux 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 later divided into commercial and community-supported distributions. Red Hat Linux divided into a community-supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat called Fedora, and a commercially supported distribution called Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Fedora-based
Aurox
Young Polish distribution with emphasis for multimedia, graphics, localization and education.
Aurora SPARC Linux
For Sun's SPARC architecture
K12Linux and K12LTSP
A distribution for educational purpose. K12LTSP comes with LTSP support.
Linux XP
Focuses on ease of installation and use.
Linpus Linux
Focused on the Chinese market and EEE PC like computers (Linpus Lite).
Yellow Dog Linux
For the PowerPC platform.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based
Asianux
A distribution co-developed between Red Flag Software Co., Ltd., Miracle Linux Corp. and Haansoft, INC., focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean supports.
CentOS
Community-supported distribution that aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux without the inclusion of proprietary software.
ClarkConnect
Router/firewall distribution
Scientific Linux
A distribution co-developed by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which aims to be compatible with and based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
SME Server
Based on CentOS and targeting Small and Medium Enterprises.
White Box Enterprise Linux
A distribution designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
See Red Hat Enterprise Linux derivatives for a more complete list, as well as Commercial products based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Open source Linux OS’s: 1

Courtesy: wikipedia
Debian-based
Debian is a distribution that emphasizes free software. It is supported on many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the .deb package format and the dpkg package manager.

64 Studio
Attempts to specialize in audio and video production on AMD64 workstations.
AbulÉdu
For education purposes
Baltix
For Lithuanian and Latvian languages
BeatrIX
A compact distribution from the Czech Republic that focuses on providing a user-friendly desktop environment.
Corel Linux
Shortlived desktop distribution
DeMuDi
For multimedia production
Dreamlinux
A Brazilian Linux distribution based on Morphix, Elive, Debian and Kanotix. It has a GUI that bears a strong similarity to that of Apple Computer's Mac OS X.
eBox
Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC
Elive
A Live CD and Distribution featuring Enlightenment as the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use.
Feather Linux
Shares similar goals as Damn Small Linux, but not based on it (Feather is more closely related to Knoppix). Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager. Compatible with Debian packages (.deb).
Finnix
A small system administration Live CD that is available for multiple architectures.
G2Linx
Realtime distribution for industrial automation
Gibraltar
Router/firewall distribution.
gnuLinEx
A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain.
Kanotix
An installable live CD for desktop usage using KDE, focusing on convenient scripts and GUI for ease of use.
Knoppix
The first Live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux.
LEAF Project
The Linux Embedded Appliance Firewall. A tiny primarily floppy-based distribution for routers, firewalls and other appliances.
LiMux
An ISO 9241 industry workplace certified Linux distribution, deployed at the City of Munich, Germany.
Linspire
Desktop-oriented distribution, previously called Lindows. Focuses on a proprietary software application manager obtained via a paid (CNR) subscription.
The Linux Router Project
A defunct floppy-based distribution for routers and firewalls.
Maemo
A development platform for hand held devices such as the Nokia N800 and N810 Internet Tablets and other Linux-based devices. Parts of maemo (particularly the Hildon UI) are also planned to be used in the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded Edition.
MEPIS
Installable live CDs
NepaLinux
A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing.
OpenZaurus
Debian packages and ROM image for the Sharp Zaurus PDA.
Outernet Server
A modified version of Debian that installs preconfigured and is specifically meant for a High speed multimedia Networks.
Parsix GNU/Linux
Installable live CD based on Kanotix and Debian
PingOO
French distribution aimed at local communities, public organizations, schools, etc. It comes in three editions: PingOO Communication Server, PingOO Secure Server and PingOO File Server.
PSUbuntu
A Ubuntu distribution intended for the Playstation 3.
Progeny Componentized Linux
Distribution from Progeny Linux Systems which was also founded by Debian founder Ian Murdock.
Rxart
Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software.
Salgix
Distribution developed and maintained by GMSI (Gemini Microsystems International) for its line of Visual Computing workstations.
Skolelinux
A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools.
sidux
Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable (Sid)[1] providing a graphical installer. It is a rolling release, so once installed, it can be kept up-to-date with updates from the Debian Sid and sidux repositories.
Storm Linux 2000
Distribution from Stormix
Symphony OS
Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.
Trisquel
Created in Galicia (Spain). It has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with Compiz.
Linux Tiger
Designed to be similar to Mac OS X.
Tuquito
Created in Argentina
Ubuntu
A distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd as well as receiving major funding from South African Mark Shuttleworth. Aims to offer a complete and polished desktop on a single CD.
UserLinux
Commercial distribution that would have included GNOME. It was never published.
Xandros Open Circulation Edition
based on Xandros 3.0 Standard Edition with the exception of DVD burning being disabled and CD burning restricted to a maximum speed of 4X.
Xebian
For the Xbox home gaming console.

Difficulties of Initiating an OSS Development Project and Community

Increasingly, organizations might choose to release their code in anopen source fashion. However, simply making large tracts of source codeavailable to the general development community is unlikely to be suc-cessful, since there is then no organizational memory or persistent traceof the design decisions through which the code base evolved to that state.Thus, making the source code of Netscape available in the Mozilla projectwas not sufficient in itself to immediately instantiate a vibrant OSS project(although some very good OSS development tools have emerged as by-products). In most OSS projects, changelogs and mailing lists provide amechanism whereby new developers can read themselves into the designethos of the project, in itself perhaps not the most efficient mechanism toachieve this. Gorman (2003) describes the phenomenon in the Linuxvirtual memory (VM) management subproject whereby new developersmay complain about the use of the buddy allocator algorithm, which datesfrom the 1970s, for physical page allocation, as they feel the slab alloca-tor algorithm might be better, for example. However, they fail to appreci-ate the design rationale in the evolution of the project which led to thatchoice.

Furthermore, the principle of “having a taillight to follow,” which oftenguides OSS development as developers incrementally grow an initialproject, may perhaps not be robust enough for development if OSS prod-ucts are to be produced in vertical domains where domain knowledge iscritical (an issue discussed in the next section). Linus Torvalds’s apparentinability to successfully manage a small development team at Transmeta(Torvalds and Diamond 2001) suggests that the concept may be tooephemeral and individualistic to provide any continuities to general soft-ware project management.

Negative Implications of Excessive Modularity

Modularity is necessary in OSS for a number of reasons. Firstly, as previ-ously mentioned, it allows work to be partitioned among the global poolof developers. Also, as projects progress, the learning curve of the rationalebehind requirements, design decisions, and so on becomes extremelysteep. Thus, to facilitate the recruitment of new contributors, developersneed to be able to reduce their learning focus below the level of the overallproject. Modularity helps achieve this; thus, it is a sine qua non for OSS.Indeed, many OSS projects were rewritten to be more modular before theycould be successfully developed in an OSS mode, including Sendmail,Samba, and even Linux itself (Feller and Fitzgerald 2002; Narduzzo andRossi 2003). However, the cognitive challenge in designing a highlymodular architecture of autonomous modules with minimal interdepen-dencies is certainly not trivial (Narduzzo and Rossi 2003).

Also, the increase in modularity increases the risk of one of the well-known and insidious problems in software engineering: that of commoncoupling between modules, where modules make references to variablesand structures in other modules which are not absolutely necessary. Thus,changes to data structures and variables in seemingly unrelated modulescan have major follow-on implications. In this way, OSS systems evolve tobecome very difficult, if not impossible, to maintain in the long run. Someevidence of such a phenomenon being potentially imminent in the caseof Linux may be inferred from Rusovan, Lawford, and Parnas ( in this volume), and also in a study of the modularity of Linux (Schach,Jin, and Wright 2002).