List of Linux distributions

This list contains a selection of Linux distributions, listed in alphabetical order derivatives. A keyword -like description gives only the most important USPs again. More information, such as distribution, versions, languages, or license to the individual distributions can be found in the respective main articles. A Linux distribution is a collection of software based on the Linux kernel. For other Unix operating systems such as BSD or Solaris, there are separate distribution lists. As always numerous insignificant derivatives and recompose be founded by well-known distributions, only established distributions are called. Different editions of the same distribution - for example with other installation methods, a different desktop environment or optimize for different hardware - only once called, even if they have a different name. For distributions that result in the "Linux" as a suffix, this is omitted.

• 4.1 Fedora derivatives 4.1.1 RHEL derivatives

• 5.1 SUSE derivatives

Arch derivatives

Arch is an independently developed Linux distribution that strictly adheres to the KISS principle; Rolling releases, ie, releases are respectively the current inventory of package archives. Since the distribution waived graphical device tools, Arch is more likely to find in advanced Linux users. Most Arch derivatives use the pacman package management software.

Debian derivatives

Debian is a distribution with a large selection of software and supports a total of twelve processor architectures than any other binary Linux distribution.

Knoppix derivatives

Knoppix was the first live distro, which gained a lot of popularity. Today, it has, for a live distribution, a large software periphery. Thus, both the GNOME and KDE desktop environment on the DVD are included, for example.

Ubuntu derivatives

Ubuntu is a Debian derivative, which has been optimized for home computers. In Ubuntu also some proprietary drivers are included. It is available as Ubuntu with Unity as the default desktop environment, Kubuntu with KDE, Gnome and Ubuntu Xubuntu with Xfce. There are also diverse, partly highly specific variants. Canonical Ltd. be published. Example of this is: Ubuntu Server Edition, Edubuntu, Ubuntu TV, Mythbuntu or Ubuntu Studio. Derivatives that are not of Canonical Ltd.. are published, are often referred to as the " unofficial Ubuntu derivatives".

Gentoo derivatives

Gentoo is a source- based Linux distribution for advanced Linux users who want to set up their system completely customized. On Gentoo -based distributions often use the developed Gentoo package manager Portage.

Red Hat derivatives

Red Hat Linux ( RHL, not to be confused with RHEL) was from 1994 to 2003 by the company Red Hat developed. Although this distribution is no longer being developed today, various still tended distributions are based on it. As a direct successor of RHL Fedora can be seen. The widespread use RPM Package Manager, which is the common at many Red Hat derivatives today, is originally from Red Hat Linux.

Fedora derivatives

Fedora is the only direct descendant of Red Hat Linux ( RHL ) are seen. It uses just content with completely free licenses, so it does not contain, for example, programs with MP3 support (can be easily installed later though). Many former RHL derivatives today are based on Fedora.

RHEL derivatives

Red Hat Enterprise Linux ( RHEL, not to be confused with RHL ) is a commercial, fee-based distribution of the company Red Hat. Mainly used on servers. RHEL versions respectively, are derived from a recent Fedora release.

Mandriva derivatives

Mandriva is a commercial, but free distribution ( also paid versions available ). It is user-friendly and based directly on RHL.

Slackware derivatives

Slackware is the oldest still existing distribution. It strictly adheres to the UNIX principles and is in high degree configurable.

SUSE derivatives

OpenSUSE ( formerly SuSE ) is (formerly Novell ), developed in Nuremberg from SUSE, an independent business unit of the company The Attachmate Group. The distribution can be administered entirely using the YaST tool.

Other

Some Linux distributions were created from scratch and can not therefore be regarded as a derivative of another distribution. Others took parts from various other distributions, which is why a clear assignment is impossible.

Historical distributions

There are numerous Linux distributions, whose development has been established, but had a great influence on the history of Linux itself and / or the subsequent distributions. Distributions that have not been maintained for more than three years by the developers, or where the development was officially discontinued, are considered historical.