Distributions

This is a listing of known Linux distributions. If you are aware of another distribution that is not listed here, please send details to the Linux hostmaster. (hostmaster@linux.co.uk)

FlashLinux

FlashLinux is a customised Linux distribution designed to be run directly off a USB key or other (similar) forms of bootable flash memory. It should work within the contraints of 256Mb of (flash) memory although larger devices may also be used. Flash Linux is based on Gentoo Linux and new versions / bugfixes should track the stable Gentoo tree. Distributions

Gentoo

We produce Gentoo Linux, a special flavor of Linux that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Extreme performance, configurability and a top-notch user and developer community are all hallmarks of the Gentoo experience.

Redhat

What began as a better way to build software--openness, transparency, collaboration--soon shifted the balance of power in an entire industry. The revolution continues. Today Red Hat is the world's most trusted provider of Linux and open source technology. And that technology is pervasive, running systems of all sizes, and, more than ever, powering mission-critical computing in the enterprise.

Mandriva

Mandrakesoft (now Mandriva) provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and open technologists. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a set of GNU Linux and Open-Source software and related services, user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies.

Debian

What is Debian? Debian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer. An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. Debian uses the Linux kernel (the core of an operating system), but most of the basic OS tools come from the GNU project; hence the name GNU/Linux.

SuSe

Established in 1992, SUSE LINUX is one of the world's leading providers of Linux software and services. With the largest dedicated Linux research and development team, SUSE delivers enterprise-ready software and services that harness the innovation, speed-to-market and independence of the open source community.

Xandros

Xandros Desktop OS is an intuitive graphical environment that works right out of the box and offers unrivaled compatibility with Microsoft Windows. The new Xandros Business Desktop OS adds enterprise-class Active Directory and PDC authentication to the peer-to-peer Windows networking found in the consumer editions.

Linspire

Started by Michael Robertson, founder and former CEO of MP3.com, Lindows, Inc., is a leading developer and vendor of affordable Linux-based operating systems, applications software and computer services, designed specifically for desktop and laptop computers in homes, schools and businesses. At the cornerstone of Lindows, Inc. is LinspireTM, a new and exciting operating system that delivers the power, stability and cost-savings of Linux® with the ease of a windows environment. Linspire is easy to experience because it supports popular Microsoft® Windows file types and because of our exclusive CNR technology that allows the installation, updating and management of thousands of software programs with just one click of your mouse.

Slackware

Slackware Linux is a complete 32-bit multitasking "UNIX-like" system.i It's currently based around the 2.4 Linux kernel series and the GNU C Library version 2.3.2 (libc6). It contains an easy to use installation program, extensive online documentation, and a menu-driven package system. A full installation gives you the X Window System, C/C++ development environments, Perl, networking utilities, a mail server, a news server, a web server, an ftp server, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, Netscape Communicator, plus many more programs. Slackware Linux can run on 486 systems all the way up to the latest x86 machines (but uses -mcpu=i686 optimization for best performance on i686-class machines like the P3, P4, and Duron/Athlon). Distributions

Knoppix

KNOPPIX is a bootable CD with a collection of GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. KNOPPIX can be used as a Linux demo, educational CD, rescue system, or adapted and used as a platform for commercial software product demos. It is not necessary to install anything on a hard disk. Due to on-the-fly decompression, the CD can have up to 2 GB of executable software installed on it.

TurboLinux

Turbolinux is the leading supplier of Linux operating systems and applications in Asia Pacific. Our product portfolio includes everything from 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems to a wide range of enterprise-class products to bring high-availability and throughput to the enterprise. Distributions

SmoothWall Linux

The SmoothWall project was founded by Lawrence Manning, Richard Morrell, Jon Fautley and Tom Ellis in Summer 2000, with the first version — version 0.9 — released via the SourceForge open source collaboration site in August of that year. The intention was to create a firewall operating system distribution based on Linux, enabling a low-end, possibly otherwise redundant, Intel and compatible PC to become a hardened Internet firewall. The SmoothWall team created a real alternative to hardware routers with costs beyond the financial reach of most individuals.

XBox Linux

A full Linux distributionwith X-Window and KDE/Gnome turns the Xbox into a desktop computer. Using USB connector adaptors, standard PC components can be connected, such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners and cameras. With a VGA converter, the Xbox can be connected to a standard PC monitor.

Fedora

The Fedora Project is a Red-Hat-sponsored and community-supported open source project. It is also a proving ground for new technology that may eventually make its way into Red Hat products. It is not a supported product of Red Hat, Inc. The goal of The Fedora Project is to work with the Linux community to build a complete, general purpose operating system exclusively from free software. Development will be done in a public forum. The project will produce time-based releases of Fedora Core about 2-3 times a year with a public release schedule. The Red Hat engineering team will continue to participate in the building of Fedora Core and will invite and encourage more outside participation than was possible in Red Hat Linux. By using this more open process, we hope to provide an operating system that uses free software development practices and is more appealing to the open source community. Distributions

GoboLinux

GoboLinux is an alternative Linux distribution which redefines the entire filesystem hierarchy. In GoboLinux you don't need a package manager because the filesystem is the package manager: each program resides in its own directory, such as /Programs/Xorg/6.7.0/ and /Programs/KDE/3.2.2

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a complete Linux-based operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. The Ubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Ubuntu Manifesto: that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customise and alter their software in whatever way they see fit. Distributions

EzPlanet One

Is the Linux distribution tuned for the Enterprise and the Professional. A Linux distribution tuned for Enterprise solutions; EzPlanet One integrates advanced technologies, flexibility, high availability, security, quality. Built with the Enterprise in mind, it features also several tools for the Professionals and Individual users, that make its use more fun.

Linux From Scratch

Whilst it's not really a distribution, Linux From Scratch allows you to build your own distro, and it's the best way to learn Unix (by building it). The Beyond LinuxFromScratch resource is excellent for building those hard-to-get-a-[rpm,deb,whatever] applications too.

Frugalware

Frugalware is a general purpose linux distribution, designed for intermediate users (who are not afraid of text mode). We try to make Frugalware as simple as possible while not forgetting to keep it comfortable. We try to ship fresh and stable software, as close to the original source as possible, because in our opinion most software is the best as is, and doesn't need patching.

Damn Small Linux

50mb of penguin power, Including a full gui, media player, various servers, graphical text editor etc.

IPCop

Linux firewall distribution that runs on low end hardware, and can provide features such as VPN, DMZ and can be expanded with many freely available modifications such as antispam and antivirus, as well as an OpenVPN plugin.

Monowall

Extremely lightweight (8mb!) linux firewall distribution designed to provide lightweight rocksolid protection that runs on a variety of obsolete hardware. Less features than IPcop, although still has a vpn.

INside SEcurity Rescue Toolkit (INSERT)

CD bootable linux distribution. Includes a graphical user interface, and sevral security based programs as well as some rescue programs. Includes NTFS write support using the Captive NTFS thingy.

PCLinuxOS

Based on Mandrake (now Madriva) Linux, PCLinuxOS is one of the world’s up and coming providers of a Linux Desktop Solution. With a small but dedicated development team, PClinuxOS delivers Desktop Ready Software that harnesses the power of the Open Source Community.

Mepis

MEPIS is a Ubuntu based Linux distribution developed by Warren Woodford and tested by Team MEPIS. Generally releases as "SimplyMepis".