Linux Distributions

The Big List of Active Linux Distros

Distro

Linux distributions combine the Linux kernel with user-space tools, package management, applications and, in many cases, a desktop environment. Different projects make very different choices about what to include, how software is delivered and updated, and the type of user or workload they target.

This is the LinuxLinks A-Z directory of actively maintained Linux distributions. It currently contains 613 distributions, ranging from general-purpose desktop systems to specialist distributions for servers, security, gaming, education, multimedia, embedded hardware and other uses.

Want a quicker way to narrow the field? Use our filterable list of active Linux distributions. You can also explore Linux software, distributions and hardware across LinuxLinks.

Know an actively maintained Linux distribution that is missing? Suggest a distribution.

Jump to:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 Non-Linux Discontinued

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Subscribe

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Notify of
guest
10 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Neil
Neil
1 year ago

Thanks for the list; it would be great if a short description of each distro could also be included. I.e. what each distro emphasizes or specializes in, such as: DAW, software development, entertainment, etc.

0
Reply
Erik Karlsson
Author
Erik Karlsson
1 year ago
Reply to  Neil

You can get a brief description from:

https://www.linuxlinks.com/category/distro/

1
Reply
James B
James B
6 months ago

Why don’t you call it GNU/Linux?

0
Reply
Lopsy
Lopsy
6 months ago
Reply to  James B

Ultimately common usage wins. Most users, journalists, vendors, developers, and distributions say “Linux.” Language is partly defined by usage, and “Linux” is the name people actually recognize.

GNU made essential contributions to many traditional Linux distributions, but ‘Linux’ is the conventional, widely understood name for the operating system family, and it’s more accurate across the whole ecosystem than ‘GNU/Linux’.

Here are other good reasons:

Not all Linux systems are GNU-based

Many major components come from outside GNU: the Linux kernel, X.Org or Wayland, KDE, GNOME, systemd, PipeWire, Mesa, LLVM, Firefox, LibreOffice, Docker, Kubernetes, and so on.
Calling the whole system “GNU/Linux” highlights one contributor while excluding many others.

For communication, especially with non-specialists, “Linux” is easier to say, easier to search, and less likely to require an explanation.

Across distributions, desktop environments, init systems, package managers, C libraries, shells, and userlands, the Linux kernel is the one defining technical component shared by the family.

GNU/Linux can sound politically prescriptive – Some people use “GNU/Linux” to make a philosophical point about GNU’s role and free software. That’s legitimate, but it doesn’t mean everyone else has to use the term in ordinary technical or editorial writing.

Distribution names already provide precision.

Linux is the kernel, but also the ecosystem shorthand.

Last edited 6 months ago by Lopsy
2
Reply
Ken
Ken
18 days ago

A couple of perplexities on my mind. One: ChaletOS is indeed still active; numerous sources online confirm this. But it isn’t on this list?
Two: Sometimes info sites for Linux simply aren’t really there, I guess? Nobody Home?
Your list can be very helpful, nevertheless! A computer tech guy, who wiped my hard drive to replace the old stuff with a fresh Linux Mint Cinnamon, didn’t know about WINE. He did know about Emulators. He was highly impressed with Mint…he put it on a dual boot for his personal PC. At my suggestion. 🙂

1
Reply
Erik Karlsson
Author
Erik Karlsson
18 days ago
Reply to  Ken

Hi Ken

Thanks for your kind words.

Regarding ChaletOS, all I found is the last official release dates back to 2016. I haven’t seen evidence the project is still maintained, but you might be referring to a different project with the same name. If there is an actively maintained distro that’s not on the list, please complete our distribution submission form, and I’ll look into it.

On your point about info sites, I mainly cover Linux distributions. If there’s outdated information on LinuxLinks, drop us a note on our contact form. We publish tons of material and reader feedback is invaluable in helping us keep it accurate.

Your anecdote about the computer technician is interesting!

Last edited 18 days ago by Erik Karlsson
0
Reply
Ken
Ken
18 days ago
Reply to  Erik Karlsson

I was just now searching the internet, and I discovered that all the ChaletOS posts were old! Lesson to Self: Don’t assume info is current just because it’s plentiful. 🙁
Yes, and to elaborate. Because he’s a tech, and he now knows that Linux has a plethora of Distros, he’ll probly be engrossed in checking ’em all out! I’ll give him your list if opportunity presents. ;D

0
Reply
Erik Karlsson
Author
Erik Karlsson
18 days ago
Reply to  Ken

Thanks Ken!

0
Reply