Linux Distribution List - By Type

Written by: Jesma • Edited by: Lamar Stonecypher
Updated Aug 27, 2009 • Related Guides: Linux Mint | Package Manager | Linux

Here we list a plethora of Linux distributions broken down by type, be it RPM based, Ubunutu based, Knoppix, and more. We also include links to useful information about the distributions.

RPM-Based Linux Distributions

RPM stands for the Red Hat Package Manager. Variations of Red Had Enterprise Linux or Fedora core use RPM to retrieve and install various applications and perform other tasks. These distributions are said to be RPM based simply because they use the same package management and it has a profound influence on the way the operating system functions. Some RPM-based Linux distributions include:

Red Hat Enterprise Linux ♦ Fedora Core ♦ Yellow Dog Linux ♦ Linux XP

Aurora SPARC Linux ♦ CentOS ♦ ClarkConnect

White Box Enterprise Linux ♦ Scientific Linux ♦ SME Server

ALT Linux ♦ Caldera Linux ♦ Mandriva Linux

PCLinuxOS ♦ SUSE Linux

Debian-Based Linux Distributions

Debian is a Linux distribution that focuses on and emphasizes free software. It uses the .deb format with the dpkg package manager. All distributions based upon Debian do as well. Some Debian-based Linux distrubutions are:

Corel Linux ♦ gNewSense ♦ Kanotix

Linspire ♦ MEPIS ♦ Ubuntu ♦ Maemo

Ubuntu-Based Linux Distributions

Althought Ubuntu is based on Debian, it works on a different release cycle and supports fewer architectures. It draws packages from Debian, but repackages them with Ubuntu version numbers. There are several "official" versions, including:

Ubuntu Server Edition ♦ Kubuntu ♦ Xubuntu ♦ Edubuntu ♦ Ubuntu jeOS ♦ Ubuntu Mobile ♦ Ubuntu Netbook Remix

Unofficial versions of Ubuntu include:

Easy Peasy ♦ Fluxbuntu ♦ Gnoppix ♦ gOS ♦ Linux Mint ♦ LinuxMCE ♦ PSUbuntu

Knoppix-Based Linux Distributions

Knoppix is, itself, based on Debian. It championed the bootable CD/DVD Linux craze and several other Linux distributions have been based on it.

Damn Small Linux ♦ Buildix ♦ Feather Linux ♦ Kaella ♦ KnoppMyth ♦ Morphix ♦ Musix

Other Noteable Linux Distributions

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many more smaller versions of Linux than those listed or linked here. Those linked will provide you with a little bit more information on each of these Linux distributions, and we intend on adding to this list as we add more Linux distribution information and reviews to the site. For now, take a look at a few of these other notable Linux distributions:

Gentoo

Vector Linux