Distributions
Since Linux is open-source, there have been created many diferent flavors of Linux during the existence of it. Mainly we can categorize them into categories based on their predecesors and package managers. Here is a list of most common categories and distributions which are worth mentioning from perspective. More comprehensive list can be found on the link above.
Debian-based distros
Debian1 also known as Debian GNU/Linux is one of the oldest distribution today and, as of September 2023, the second oldest Linux distribution still in active development, only behind Slackware. It celebrated 30 years of existence in 20232 and it's the most used distribution family of Linux on Earth. The Debian project has more than thousand active developers and contributors spread around the world.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Debian | Debian (/ˈdɛbiən/), also known as Debian GNU/Linux, is a Linux distribution composed of free and open-source software and optionally non-free firmware or software developed by the community-supported Debian Project, which was established by Ian Murdock on August 16, 1993. |
| Ubuntu | Ubuntu (/ʊˈbʊntuː/ uu-BUUN-too) is a Linux distribution derived from Debian and composed mostly of free and open-source software. Ubuntu is officially released in multiple editions: Desktop, Server, and Core for Internet of things devices and robots. |
| Kali Linux | Kali Linux (formerly known as BackTrack Linux) is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at advanced Penetration Testing and Security Auditing. It does this by providing common tools, configurations, and automations which allows the user to focus on the task that needs to be completed, not the surrounding activity. |
| Tails | Tails is a portable operating system that protects against surveillance and censorship. |
RPM-based distros
RPM-based distributions are called based on their usage of .rpm file format used in package management systems. Well known RPM-based distributions are original major distributions RedHat and SUSE Linux. Both of these were later divided into commercial and community driven distributions. Nowadays exist many distributions based on these distros. Commonly used commercial distribution based on RedHat is RHEL (Red Hat Entreprise Linux) and community driven projects are i.e. Fedora or Rocky Linux. SUSE Linux split into commercial SUSE Linux Enterprise and openSUSE
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| RHEL | Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial open-source Linux distribution developed by Red Hat for the commercial market. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is released in server versions for x86-64, Power ISA, ARM64, and IBM Z and a desktop version for x86-64. |
| CentOS | CentOS (/ˈsɛntɒs/, from Community Enterprise Operating System; also known as CentOS Linux) is a discontinued Linux distribution that provided a free and open-source community-supported computing platform, functionally compatible with its upstream source, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). In December 2020, Red Hat unilaterally terminated CentOS development. In March 2021, CloudLinux (makers of CloudLinux OS) released a RHEL derivative called AlmaLinux. Later in May 2021, one of the CentOS founders (Gregory Kurtzer) created the competing Rocky Linux project as a successor to the original mission of CentOS. |
| AlmaLinux | An Open Source, community owned and governed, forever-free enterprise Linux distribution, focused on long-term stability, providing a robust production-grade platform. AlmaLinux OS is binary compatible with RHEL®. |
| Rocky Linux | A Linux distribution that is currently in development by the CentOS founder, Gregory Kurtzer, aims to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| Fedora | Fedora Linux is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project. It was originally developed in 2003 as a continuation of the Red Hat Linux project. It contains software distributed under various free and open-source licenses and aims to be on the leading edge of open-source technologies. It is now the upstream source for CentOS Stream and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. |
| SUSE Linux | SUSE Linux (/ˈsuːsə, ˈsuːzə/ SOO-sə, SOO-zə, German: [ˈzuːzə]) is a computer operating system developed by SUSE. It is built on top of the free and open-source Linux kernel and is distributed with system and application software from other open source projects. SUSE Linux is of German origin, its name being an acronym of "Software und System-Entwicklung" (software and systems development), and it was mainly developed in Europe. The first version appeared in early 1994, making SUSE one of the oldest existing commercial distributions. It is known for its YaST configuration tool. |
| openSUSE | openSUSE ( /ˌoʊpənˈsuːzə/) is a free and open-source Linux distribution developed by the openSUSE project. It is offered in two main variations: Tumbleweed, an upstream rolling release distribution, and Leap, a stable release distribution which is sourced from SUSE Linux Enterprise. |
| GeckoLinux | A distribution with a focus on polish and out-of-the-box desktop usability. It is available in Static and Rolling versions, based on openSUSE Leap and Tumbleweed. |
Android-based Linux
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. Despite Andriod's core mobile focus, some laptop oriented derivatives like Android-x86 have come out over the years since its initial release.
| Distribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Android-x86 | Android-x86 is an open source project that makes an unofficial porting of the Android mobile operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance to run on devices powered by x86 processors, rather than RISC-based ARM chips. |
| CalyxOS | CalyxOS is an operating system for smartphones based on Android with mostly free and open-source software. It is produced by the Calyx Institute as part of its mission to "defend online privacy, security and accessibility." |
| GrapheneOS | GrapheneOS (formerly Android Hardening or AndroidHardening) is an Android-based, open source, privacy and security-focused mobile operating system for selected Google Pixel devices, including smartphones, tablets and foldables that is recommended by Edward Snowden. |
| LineageOS | LineageOS is an Android-based operating system for smartphones, tablet computers, and set-top boxes, with mostly free and open-source software. It is the successor to CyanogenMod, from which it was forked in December 2016, when Cyanogen Inc. announced it was discontinuing development and shut down the infrastructure behind the project. |