Distributions of Linux – Linux Distros

In this article, we will learn about Linux distribution and look into some of the most famous and commonly used distributions of Linux.

What is a Linux distribution?

Linux distributions are most commonly called Distros. A Linux Distro is an operating stent that is a modified version of Linux. All Distros always share the Linux kernel, and most have a package management system and a package manager. For example, Debian-related Distros have DEB, and Red hat related Distros have RPM as their package management system. All the distros of Linux share most features of Linux.

How are Linux distributions made?

We all know that Linux is an open-source operating system where the source code is freely available under a GPL (General Public License). Hence users or companies can modify or improve the source code according to their needs. Moreover, Linux’s source code can also be modified to suit specific requirements like high security, mediocre hardware, high performance, lightweight operating system, etc.

One such example is when the company Canonical modified the source code of Debian Linux and distributed it as Ubuntu.

Linux, unlike Windows, is not just made up of a single organisation. Instead, several organisations are working on different parts like the kernel, GNU shell, the desktop interface, etc. Later, all these improved parts are combined to give birth to a brand-new distro.

Bear in mind that all distros are, in turn, open-source, which means you can further modify these distros and make different flavours out of them. For example, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, and Xubuntu are flavours of Ubuntu.

Why does Linux have distributions?

As mentioned above, different distros are created to handle different conditions. For example, Manjaro OS is for gaming, and Kali Linux is used by more advanced users who are into professional network security.

Some examples of Linux distributions

Now that you know what a distro is and why there are different distros let us take a look at some of the hundred distros of Linux.

1. Ubuntu

Let us start with the most commonly used Linux distro: Ubuntu. Ubuntu is the gateway to Linux for most users. It is simple for beginners to understand and technical enough for experts to run technical commands in the terminal. Ubuntu’s focus is primarily on GUI rather than the terminal.

Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment, providing a decent work interface. Moreover, it provides many essential functions like switching between different application windows, having an app drawer, presence of widgets and shortcuts.

Ubuntu itself is based on another Linux distro called Debian. Ubuntu was written and developed by Mark Shuttleworth. Mark later founded the company ‘Canonical’ to distribute the user-friendly version of Debian: Ubuntu. The rest is history, and today Ubuntu runs on over a billion devices around the globe.

The word Ubuntu itself means “humanity to others”, as it had been derived from a word in the Zulu language from Africa.

Just like Linux had many distros, Ubuntu also comes in many flavours.
Some of them are Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Kylin, Linux Mint, Ubuntu Budgie, and many more. In addition, Ubuntu is also offered for different ecosystems like Ubuntu desktop, Ubuntu server, Ubuntu core, and Ubuntu cloud.

If you wish to know Ubuntu in even greater depth, you can read my article “the tutorial of Ubuntu”.

2. Debian

Debian is the mother language of Ubuntu in greater detail and is one of the oldest operating systems based on the Linux kernel. It is another distro of Linux developed by the community-supported Debian project. Debian, The first version of Debian, was released on 15 September 1993. The latest version of Debian is 11.2 was released on 18 December 2021.

More than 1000+ programmers developed Debian from all over the world. These programmers form the community-supported Debian project, which Ian Murdock established. Debian is called Debian because it combines the creator’s first name: Ian, and his wife’s name: Debra; hence, Deb + Ian.

Debian, as many know, is based on the Linux kernel. However, the Debian project has been working on two other kernels also:

a. Debian GNU/FreeBSD: this version of Debian is based on the FreeBSD kernel and the regular Debian package. However, this version was short-lived as it was not officially supported. It was only available for a few earlier releases.

b. Debian GNU/Hurd: this version of Debian is based on the GNU Hurd microkernel and the regular Debian package. This distribution is currently active but is not stable enough for production.

Since Debian’s code is also free under a GPL (General Public License), so many other Linux distros are based on Debian’s code. Some examples are Fedora Linux, Sparky Linux, Kali Linux, Zorin Linux, etc.

3. Kali Linux

One look at the name and the menacing logo, and anyone will know that kali means proper technical and sinister work, which is precisely what kali is used for. Kali Linux, just like Ubuntu, is based on Debian. However, unlike Ubuntu, kali is designed for penetration testing and digital forensics. In simple words, it is used by more advanced users who are into professional network security.

Kali Linux is so dedicated to that field that it has an inbuilt wi-fi password cracker. You can activate the wi-fi tool by using the command: wifite.

Around 600 penetration testing applications come pre-configured on Kali. If you visit kali’s website, it is advertised as “our most advanced penetration testing distribution ever.”

Kali is funded and supported by Offensive Security, an information training company. It was written, developed, and designed by Devon Kearns and Mati Aharoni of Offensive Security.

The first version of Kali was released in march of 2013, using the GNOME environment. In 2019 the 2019.4 version replaced GNOME with an Xfce desktop interface for a more technical-focused GUI. Since they improved the GUI, they had to improve the shell too.

Kali is an open-source Linux distro that comes with predefined tools that help in the following tasks:
a. Information Gathering
b. Password attacks
c. Stress testing
d. Forensics tools
e. Wireless attacks
f. Exploitation tools
g. Vulnerability analysis
h. Web applications
i. Hardware tracking
j. Reporting tools
k. Reverse engineering
l. Maintaining access

When using an operating system that does penetration testing, you need to be sure that nobody is doing the same to you! Kali is a highly secure operating system. You don’t even need an antivirus. Like every Linux distro, the user must enter authentication as a password for an application to be executed or run.

4. Manjaro OS

For gamers who think windows are the best operating system for gaming, think again. Manjaro Os is a Linux distro that is the star of the show when it comes to gaming with its special features. One of the features is that upon installation, manjaro automatically detects the hardware (graphics card and chipset) of the PC you are using and will automatically install the necessary software (graphic drivers) required to enhance your system’s performance.

Manjaro OS is based on Arch Linux. In fact, Manjaro is so inclined to provide a better user-friendly environment that it is available with three desktop interface environments:

a. Manjaro Xfce:

Xfce is a lightweight operating system that is efficient yet gentle on your system’s resources. This version also features Manjaro’s own dark theme (which is very important for gamers!) and the Xfce desktop environment.

b. Manjaro KDE plasma

This version of manjaro uses the KDE Plasma desktop interface, which is very fresh and easy to access as it has a lot of widgets, themes, etc. This version is very customisable as it provides several different styles. You can always download them online if you need more themes and colours. This version features the latest KDE Plasma 5 framework and apps and also has Manjro’s own dark plasma theme. (ask a gamer how much important dark themes are to them!)

c. Manjaro GNOME

This is the 3rd official version, released in version 17.0 ‘Gellivara’. Manjaro features the most loved GNOME desktop environment, has desktop-specific applications, and makes the workflow much better.

These are the official versions available with different interfaces. They also offer interfaces like Mate, Sway, Budgie, Deepin, and Cinnamon.

The first version of manjaro 0.1 was released on 10 July 2011, and the subsequent version, 0.80, released on 20 August 2012, featured the Xfce and KDE interfaces.

One of the biggest reasons manjaro is suggested for gaming is because it has native intel and NVidia driver support. Manjaro can automatically update and configure your graphic drivers based on your PC setup, which is excellent for gaming. You also get Linux-supported steam games. You can even play window steam games with the help of proton. Apart from this, you can also play any windows games in manjaro with the help of Lutris.

5. Arch Linux

Since we touched on Arch Linux, Let us look into it. Holistically speaking, most distros of Linux are either based on Debian, arch Linux or fedora. Arch is a lightweight and flexible distro of Linux that follows the principle of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). This principle makes it a fantastic base code for many amazing distros like manjaro, Chakra, Bluestar, ArcoLinux, EndevourOS, and many more.

The first version of Arch Linux was released on 12 March 2002. Levente Polyak developed it. Some of the key characteristics that make Arch Linux desirable are:

a. Customisable

Like a DIY (Do It Yourself) Project, You can choose everything that happens on the operating system. I am not talking about wallpapers or themes. You can control what packages to install, the components you want in your machine, the desktop environment, and much more. You get to decide everything. Unfortunately, that arch does not even come with its native window manager or desktop.

b. Best in the class documentation

Arch wiki has one of the best documentation for any operating system. The arch wiki is where all the documentation is available and helps you clarify any queries. Furthermore, you can find not only documentation of Arch but also the latest news, statistics, and changes about Arch Linux.

c. Lets you know Linux better

Since Arch is like a bare, almost scratch, lightweight, and easy-to-use operating system where you are in charge of everything, you will better understand how Linux functions rather than having everything spoon-fed to you. In addition, the fact that you control the operating system exactly how you want it makes understanding Linux better.

6. Fedora Linux

Just like Debian and Arch, Fedora also is a mother code to many different Like Debian and Arch, Fedora is a mother code to many different distros like clear OS, Korora, Chapeau, Hanthana, Arquetype, and many more.

Just like Debian was created by a mass number of programs under the Debian project, Fedora was also developed by a group of developers belonging to the fedora project, which is sponsored and supported by Redhat (another Linux distro)

Fedora is basic by itself. It has good security, gives you a host of graphical tools to use, and has an excellent interface. The most highlighting feature of Fedora is that it is very stable. It does not hang or slow down as it is a very lightweight software that efficiently uses your computer’s resources.

Fedora also comes with many pre installed applications like office libre, file reader for PDF and word, Firefox, many different games, and many more.

Fedora core 1, the first version of Fedora and was released on 6 November 2003. The latest version of Fedora is Fedora Linux 34, released on 2 November 2021. The next version, Fedora Linux 36, is expected to be released on 19 May 2022. Fedora has a rolling release update, meaning there will be no drastic changes to the shell, GUI, or other features. Instead, the community will only improve the Operating system, bring it up to date, and fix major/minor bugs.

7. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Just like every Linux distro is created for a specific task or condition, Red hat is a distro of Linux used for business. Redhat is so commercial-focused that it supports flagship servers with high-end architectures like x86, x86-64, IBM System z, Itanium, and more. In addition, red hat provides a highly versatile, stable operating system, as it can be run on desktops, servers, or even in the cloud.

Red hat is an operating system based on Fedora and provides all the necessary tools to deliver application services and workloads rapidly. The community that works on fedora, the fedora project is supported by RedHat. Hence red hat takes features the fedora project develops and uses them in the red hat.

Previously Red hat was free, but today there are two versions of Redhat. One is a version with few releases, and the other is Fedora. So yes, you could say that fedora is redhat, in other words!

Redhat minimises deployment costs and accelerates the time to value critical workloads. Hence this helps development and operations teams seamlessly innovate and create across the business/company environments.

The red hat was founded on 26 March 1993. However, they released their first version: RHEL 2.1 GA, only on 23 March 2002. Their latest version is the RHEL 8.5 was released on 9 November 2021. The red hat got its name because the founder Marc Ewing wore a red Lacrosse hat given to him by his grandfather.

8. SLAX

SLAX is a distro of Linux meant for a certain condition rather than a particular field or task. It is a highly lightweight operating system that is intended for mediocre hardware. Slax is the deal if you want a portable PC in your Pendrive. The tagline of SLAX is “Packet operating system”!

Slax is a modern Linux-based operating system that is small, portable, and fast. It runs directly from the pen drive, and you have no need to install it into the computer you want to run it on, so you can carry it anywhere in your pocket! Like Ubuntu, Slax is also based on Debian.

Despite its small size, Slax offers a good GUI and comes with many preinstalled applications like the and terminal. In addition, SLAX comes with the GNOME desktop interface, and as we know by now, GNOME is simply the best desktop environment as it is simple, beautiful, and elegant.

Besides being portable and lightweight, one of the main features of SLAX is that it is easily customised, not in terms of wallpapers and themes (we know GNOME can do that anyway). Furthermore, SLAX allows you to add and remove software. We can do so by using SLAX modules. Since SLAX is based on Debian, it enables you to convert Debian’s .deb packages into SLAX modules. Slax was first introduced on 26 November 2006. It was developed by Tomáš Matějíček. The latest version of SLAX is 11.2.1.

9. Linux mint

Linux mint is one of the most popular Linux distros as it is an excellent all-rounder. Moreover, since Mint is based on Ubuntu, it feels very comfortable even for people who switch from windows.

The reason Mint is an excellent all-rounder is that it comes with a lot of preinstalled applications that help you in different fields:

a. Graphic design

Apps like blender, in which you can work in 3D; Gimp, in which you can draw and edit pictures; Inkscape for vector graphics; and many more apps come preinstalled.

b. Multimedia

You can enjoy music, TV, movies, radio, and podcasts. You can always download more from the app store using preinstalled apps like Spotify and radio.

c. Gaming

In Mint, you have over 8000 games using steam, and if you install GOG, you get access to countless more.

d. Productivity

Like most of Linux’s distros, Mint also comes with Firefox and LibreOffice’s complete office suite. You can create word documents, presentation spreadsheets, databases, and more.

These are just a few fields that Linux Mint excels in. Mint also comes with the cinnamon desktop environment, which is even better than GNOME. Cinnamon is even used in the X windows system, which makes the GUI almost similar to windows (as you can choose apps from the app drawer on the bottom left corner of the screen). Apart from cinnamon, Mint also offers you MATE and Xfce, where Mate is more stable, and Xfce is lightweight.

Mint is extremely easy for beginners. A few Linux distros boast of being too hardcore, but Mint is intended for your daily tasks on the computer. Mint’s main feature is the user interface and ease of interactivity.

Mint is a community-based operating system. Hence users are encouraged to send their feedback to the project. The very first version of Mint: 1.0. codenamed:’ Ada’ was based on Kubuntu (an Ubuntu flavour) and used the KDE environment. The 2nd version was based on Ubuntu and used the GNOME environment. The latest version of Linux Mint is 20.3, codenamed ‘Una’, based on the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS version and was released on 7 January 2022.

Mint does not need a very powerful computer to run on. Unlike windows 11, it can run even on an old PC, and if you opt for the Xfce desktop environment, you can even use your computer’s resources better.

10. OpenSuse

Like Ubuntu, open SUSE also has two famous distributions: Tumbleweed and Leap. Just like Fedora and Debian, OpenSUSE is also a community-based project. The project is sponsored by Tuxedo computer, B1-Systems, SUSE, and others.

Let us look at the two distros of SUSE:

a. Open SUSE: LEAP

Open SUSE is aimed at a vast audience and is an all-rounder. Leap has a release cycle of r months. Its first version was SUSE Linux:10.0, released on 9 October 2005, and its current version of Leap is open SUSE 42.1. Leap is on such an operating system that you forget about it after installing it. Leap is mainly used in Libraries and schools.

b. Open SUSE: Tumbleweed

Tumble is mainly for advanced users. However, it is recommended for developers and tech-savvy people who want the newest of everything in their operating system. Tumbleweed, unlike Leap, has a rolling release where further improvements keep coming with the latest technology. As a result, tumbleweed is one of the most bleeding-edge stable Linux distros.

Apart from Leap and Tumbleweed, open SUSE also provides Micro OS and Kubic.

By default, SUSE uses the desktop environment of Delta’s RPM. However, you can also choose from KDE and GNOME.

11. Peppermint

Peppermint is another distro of Linux based on Debian Linux, just like Ubuntu. It uses the Xfce desktop environment. It aims at providing a familiar environment for newcomers to Linux.

Since Peppermint uses the Xfce desktop environment, it is lightweight and uses your system’s resources wisely. As a result, Peppermint requires very low hardware resources to run.

Peppermint’s approach to creating a hybrid desktop that integrates both cloud and local applications was unique. In the place of traditional apps you use for everyday tasks, it comes with the custom ice applications, which allow the user to create site-specific browsers (SSB)

The open-source browser Firefox in Peppermint is used as a way to enable site-specific browsers (SSB) for cloud applications. Instead of opening a browser and then visiting an application site, a dedicated browser window is integrated into the system for a specific application.

Peppermint OS comes with all the necessary and traditional but minimalistic Linux software. You get applications like VLC, chromium, Gparted, Firefox, and many more. With the help of the SSB manager, you create site-specific applications like Google drive, google mail, Microsoft office, etc.

On 9 May 2010, the first version of Peppermint was released. In less than a week, it got over 25000 downloads. It released a new version for the first time in 2 years on 2 February 2022. In the latest version, LXDE is also offered in place of Xfce.

12. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is the most recommended Linux distro for newbies. The GUI is, in fact, even better than windows. In addition, it comes with many GIU-based applications that make you feel instantly comfortable with Zorin.

Linux is based on Ubuntu (which, in turn, is based on Debian). You can choose from GNOM 3 or XFCE 4 desktop interface. The desktop is heavily customised to help windows and macOS users transition to Linux seamlessly.

Zorin OS, by default, comes with the ever-popular GNOME interface familiar to countless Ubuntu users. It also offers several alternatives direct from the proprietary world. In addition, the operating system features a unique “look changer” program that lets users change the software’s interface at the touch of a button.

When speed is of importance, Zorin really shines! Its latest version is now faster than Ubuntu and Windows 7. In the look changer program, all the users need to do is click on Windows 7 or Windows XP option, And BOOM, your Linux-based operating system, Zorin, starts to act like Windows. All the GUI is so similar to windows that you actually feel you are using windows 7, except better!

Many office productivity tools like LibreOffice, Firefox, and Thunderbird come preinstalled. In addition, the Zorin web browser manager made installing and uninstalling web browsers simple and quick. The ability to have multiple workspaces available at once is also very user-friendly and easy to use, just like windows.

The first version of Zorin was released on 1 July 2009, and on 10 June 2010, the look changer was added. The latest version, Zorin OS 16.1, was released on 10 March 2022.

13. Solus

Solus was previously known as Evolve OS, an independently developed operating system for the x86-64 architecture. It offers many desktop backgrounds, including GNOME, MATE, KDE Plasma, and the Budgie desktop environment.

Solus has a package manager called “eopkg”, based on the PiSi package management system from another Linux distro called Pardus Linux. It is mainly intended exclusively for personal computers and will not include software only useful in enterprise or server environments.

Solus has a semi-rolling release model, where new package updates land in the stable repository every Friday. Ikey Doherty announced on 20 September 2015 that Solus would be codenamed “Shannon”, named after the rover Shannon in Ireland.

Like most Linux distros, Solus also comes preinstalled with a wide range of software like Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, GNOME MPV and many more. You can also install additional software by using the included software centre. Solus also supports wireless chips and modems through optional non-free firmware packages.

14. MX Linux

MX Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution that uses core AntiX components along with additional software created or packaged by the MX community. It was collaboratively developed by antiX and MEPIS communities.

The name “MX Linux” comes from the M for MEPIS and the X from antiX – a tribute to its roots! The community behind MX Linux’s goal is to produce “a family of operating systems that are designed to combine elegant and efficient desktops with high stability and solid performance”.

The desktop interface used by MX Linux is Xfce. However, there is also a freestanding KDE Plasma version. In addition, MX Linux comes pre-packaged with essential tools like a graphic installer that handles UEFI computers, a GUI-based method to change a Linux kernel, and other core programs.

MX Linux also includes several MX tools, a set of user-oriented utilities. Many of these MX tools were explicitly developed for MX, while some were forked from existing antiX applications or are existing antiX applications. Most of these tools are also available in Debian Stable-based Linux distributions.

15. Elementary OS

Elementary OS is a Ubuntu LTS-based Linux distribution that promotes itself as a “thoughtful, capable, and ethical” replacement to macOS and Windows and has a pay-what-you-want model.

Elementary.Inc developed and maintained the desktop environment pantheon along with other accompanying software applications. Elementary OS is called “Elementary OS” because of its focus on immediate usability with a gentle learning curve rather than full-fledged customisation.

The desktop interface Pantheon’s main shell is deeply integrated with other elementary OS applications, like Plank, Web, and Code. In addition, the elementary OS uses Gala as its window manager, based on Mutter.

The developers set three main rules for themselves: concision, accessible configuration, and minimal documentation. Elementary OS received a lot of criticism and praise for its innovative design. Wired (an American Magazine) reported that Elementary OS closely resembled macOS, visually and in user experience.

The first ever stable version of Elementary OS debuted on 31 March 2011 and was codenamed “Jupiter”. This version was based on Ubuntu 10.10.

How many Linux distros are there?

The exact number is still being determined because distros are being created and developed even as you are reading this document. There are many private distros of Linux. For example, for their internal use, Google used Goobuntu, a distro based on Ubuntu. Recently they switched to G-Linux. Even India has its own Linux distro called the BOSS Linux.

Different studies say different numbers. Some say there are over 400; some say there are 700 distros, but only 500 are active. So to give a rough estimate, there are over a thousand distros out there based on the Linux kernel. When I say over a thousand, It even includes the different flavours of each distro (like Ubuntu has Kubuntu, Lubutu, Xubuntu, etc. and open SUSE has Kubic, Leap, etc.).

Summary

So if you are thinking of switching from your current operating system (which I presume is not Linux), there are many different options. Each distro is aimed to handle a specific task or condition. There is absolutely no doubt that there will not be a Linux-based operating system out there that does not satisfy your needs as long as you do your research!