Debian-based

Debian GNU/Linux is a distribution that emphasizes free software. It supports many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the .deb package formatand the dpkg package manager and its frontends.

Distribution	Description
64 Studio	Attempts to specialize in audio and video production on x86-64 workstations.
aptosid	Multilingual desktop-oriented Live CD based on Debian unstable. Formerly sidux.
Bharat Operating System Solutions	This software is also known by the acronym BOSS GNU/Linux or simply BOSS Linux.
Canaima	A Venezuelan distribution.
Caixa Mágica	A Portuguese distribution.
Corel Linux	Commercial. Short-lived desktop distribution, bought by Xandros Linux.
CrunchBang Linux	A small Distro and Live CD based on Debian Stable, featuring the Openbox window manager and tint2 panel with GTK+ applications.
Dreamlinux	A Brazilian Linux distribution (not active anymore).
Elive	A Live CD and Distribution featuring Enlightenment as the only window manager. Aims to be intuitive and easy to use.
Emdebian Grip	A small-footprint Linux distribution based on and compatible with Debian, intended for use on resource-limited embedded systems.
Finnix	A small system administration Live CD that is available for multiple architectures.
gNewSense	gNewSense is a computer operating system, originally based on Ubuntu and later upon Debian, and developed with sponsorship from the Free Software Foundation. Its goal is user-friendliness, but with all proprietary (e.g. binary blobs) and non-free software removed.
grml	Live CD for system recovery.
HandyLinux	A Debian derivative, designed for seniors equipped with old computers which have become too slow for Windows.
Instant WebKiosk	Live, browser only operating system for use in web kiosks and for digital signage.
Kali Linux	Made to be a completely customizable OS, used for penetration testing.
Kanotix	An installable live DVD/CD for desktop usage using KDE and LXDE, focusing on convenient scripts and GUI for ease of use.
Knoppix	The first Live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux.
Kurumin	Earlier, it was a version of the Knoppix distribution, modified with Debian and designed for Brazilian users.
LEAF Project	The Linux Embedded Appliance Framework. A tiny primarily floppy-based distribution for routers, firewalls and other appliances.
LiMux	An ISO 9241 industry workplace certified Linux distribution, deployed at the City of Munich, Germany.
LinuxBBQ	LinuxBBQ is a plethora of releases for various targets and goals based on Debian Sid.
Linux Mint Debian Edition	Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a rolling distribution based on Debian Testing. It is available in both 32 and 64-bit as a live DVD with a Cinnamon or MATE desktop. The purpose of LMDE is to look identical to the main Linux Mint edition and to provide the same functionality while using Debian as a base.
Maemo	A development platform for hand held devices such as the Nokia N800, N810, and Nokia N900 Internet Tablets and other Linux kernel–based devices.
MEPIS	Focuses on ease of use. Also includes a lightweight variant called antiX. antiX is meant to be used on older computers with limited hardware.
MintPPC	For PowerPC computers. Although MintPPC uses some Mint LXDE code, it is not Linux Mint.
Musix GNU+Linux	A Debian based distribution, intended for music production, graphic design, audio, video editing, and other tasks. It is built with only free software.
NepaLinux	A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for desktop usage in Nepali language computing.
OpenZaurus	Debian packages and ROM image for the Sharp Zaurus PDA. Replaced by Ångström distribution.
Pardus	Developed by Turkish National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology. Prior to 2013 it used PISI as the package manager, with COMAR as the configuration framework. Starting with Pardus 2013, it is Debian-based.
Parsix	Optimized for personal computers and laptops. Built on top of Debian testing branch and comes with security support.
PureOS	Based on Debian Testing.
Rxart	Desktop-oriented distribution. Focused on providing proprietary software.
Sacix	A Debian Pure Blend originally created to support the educational and free software diffusion goals of the Telecentres project of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
Siduction	Derived from aptosid, siduction is a distro based on debian sid with a friendly community.
Skolelinux	A distribution from Norway. It is provided as a thin client distribution for schools.
SolusOS	Based on the Stable branch of Debian with updated software applications from Debian backports. Improved media support. Features the Gnome desktop with usability patches and customized applications.
SolydXK	Xfce and KDE desktop with a semi-rolling release model.
SteamOS	Debian-based and gaming-focused distribution developed by Valve Corporation and designed around the Steam digital distribution platform.
Sunwah Linux	A Chinese distribution
Symphony OS	Includes the Mezzo desktop environment. Previous versions were based on Knoppix.
SalineOS	Lean, stable and easy-to-use distribution with XFCE as graphical interface.
TAILS	The Amnesic Incognito Live System’ or Tails is aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity, with all outgoing connections forced to go through Tor.
Ubuntu	A distribution sponsored by Canonical Ltd. and receiving major funding from South African Mark Shuttleworth. Aims to offer a complete and polished desktop on a single DVD.
Ulteo	Virtual desktop project.
Univention Corporate Server	Enterprise distribution with integrated IT infrastructure and identity management system by the company Univention GmbH, Germany. A full version for up to 5 users for tests and for private use can be downloaded.
Webconverger	Debian Live based browser only distribution, similar to Google Chrome OS. However based on Firefox & dwm, with no user sign-in, no special hardware required and designed for public places.
Vyatta	Commercial open source network operating system includes routing, firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention and more. Designed to be an open source Cisco replacement.

Knoppix-based

Knoppix, itself, is based on Debian.

Distribution	Description
Damn Small Linux	It is a small distro designed to run on older hardware. It is commonly used on virtual machines due to low memory requirements.
Feather Linux	It boots from either a CD or a USB flash drive. Uses Knoppix-based hardware detection and the Fluxbox window manager.
Hikarunix	A distribution solely for studying and playing the game of Go. Based on Damn Small Linux.
Kaella	The French translation of Knoppix.

Ubuntu-based

Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian, designed to have regular releases, a consistent user experience and commercial support on both desktop and server.

Official distributions

These Ubuntu variants simply install a set of packages different from the original Ubuntu, but since they draw additional packages and updates from the same repositories as Ubuntu, all of the same software is available for each of them.

Distribution	Description
Edubuntu	A complete Linux kernel–based operating system targeted for primary and secondary education. It is freely available with community based support. The Edubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Edubuntu Manifesto: that software, especially for education, should be available free of charge and that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities.
Kubuntu	An official derivative of Ubuntu using KDE instead of the GNOME or Unity interfaces used by default in Ubuntu.
Lubuntu	Lubuntu is a project that is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system that is “lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient”, using the LXDE desktop environment.
Mythbuntu	Based on Ubuntu and MythTV, providing applications for recording TV and acting as a media center.
Ubuntu for Android	Designed for use with Android phones.
Ubuntu GNOME	An official Ubuntu variant[59] that uses Gnome Shell as its default desktop and GDM as its display manager.
UbuntuKylin	An official derivative aimed at the Chinese market.
Ubuntu Server	An official derivative made for use in servers. Ubuntu Server handles mail, controls printers, acts as a fileserver, can host LAMP and more.
Ubuntu Studio	Based on Ubuntu, providing open-source applications for multimedia creation aimed at the audio, video and graphic editors.
Ubuntu Touch	Designed for use with touchscreen devices.
Ubuntu TV	Designed for use with TVs.
Xubuntu	An official derivative of Ubuntu using Xfce. Xubuntu is intended for use on less-powerful computers or those who seek a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems, and uses mostly GTK+ applications.

Old official distributions

Distribution	Description
Ubuntu JeOS	“Just Enough OS” – was described as “an efficient variant […] configured specifically for virtual appliances”. Since the release of Ubuntu 8.10 it has been included as an option as part of the standard Ubuntu Server Edition.
Ubuntu Mobile	An embedded operating system designed for use on mobile devices. The operating system will use Hildon from maemo as its graphical frontend. Ubuntu Touch is a successor to Ubuntu Mobile.
Ubuntu Netbook Edition	Netbook Edition was an official derivative of Ubuntu designed for netbooks using the Intel Atom processor. Starting from Ubuntu 11.04, Ubuntu Netbook Edition has been merged into the desktop edition.

Third-party distributions

Unofficial variants and derivatives are not controlled or guided by Canonical Ltd. and generally have different goals in mind.

Distribution	Description
Aurora	Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks, based on Debian. Previously named Eeebuntu and based on Ubuntu.
Baltix	Ubuntu-based distribution for Lithuanian and Latvian people. Supported languages are Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Russian, English, Norwegian and other around Baltic region. Main language is Lithuanian.
BackBox	BackBox is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It has been developed to perform penetration tests and security assessments. Designed to be fast, easy to use and provide a minimal yet complete desktop environment, thanks to its own software repositories, always being updated to the latest stable version of the most used and best known ethical hacking tools.
BackTrack	Developed by Offensive Security and designed for penetration testing.
BlankOn	Ubuntu-based distribution for users in Indonesia.
Buildix	An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, developed by Global IT professional services firm, ThoughtWorks. For agile developers.
Bodhi Linux	An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution featuring the Enlightenment window manager and targeting users who want minimum of preinstalled software or low system requirements.
Cubuntu	Ubuntu-based distribution with the Cinnamon interface.
Linux Deepin	a Linux distribution based on the Ubuntu Linux Distribution. The Chinese version is tailored for Chinese language users and includes preconfigured Chinese applications such as simplified Chinese input methods, Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese TrueType fonts. From Version 11.12, Linux Deepin provides different ISO images for Chinese and English.
dyne:bolic	Live CD geared toward multimedia (audio and video) production, but comes with other non-media specific application (e.g.: word processor, desktop publisher).
EasyPeasy	Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks.
Element OS	Based on Xubuntu, made for Home theater PCs.
Elementary OS	A powerful, user-friendly distribution known for its well received user interface, proprietary software, and devoted community of developers and artists.
Emmabuntüs	Based on Xubuntu designed to facilitate the repacking of computers donated to Emmaüs Communities.
GendBuntu	A version adapted for use by France’s National Gendarmerie.
Gobuntu	Gobuntu was an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, aiming to provide a distribution consisting entirely of free software. It was officially announced by Mark Shuttleworth on July 10, 2007, and daily builds of Gobuntu 7.10 began to be publicly released. The project ended around the release of 8.04 and has since merged into mainline Ubuntu as a ‘free software’ option.
Goobuntu	An Ubuntu-based distribution used internally by Google. Not available outside of Google.
gOS	Uses the GNOME desktop environment with user interface enhancements to make it work more like Mac OS X, it also features Google Apps, Picasa, Google Gadgets and other web-based applications, and comes with Wine 1.0 pre-installed.
Guadalinex	Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalucia, Spain, for home users and schools.
Iskolinux	A Linux distribution packaged and maintained by UP Manila’s (UPM) Information Management System as part of University of the Philippines’ thrust to migrate to Linux.
Joli OS	Joli OS (formerly named Jolicloud) is in development and Pre-beta testing. Joli OS is built upon Debian and Ubuntu 9.10, but is tweaked to be more suitable for computers that have weaker specifications in terms of disk storage, memory and screen size. It is designed to run on relatively low-powered netbook computers.
HP Mi	Based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, designed by Canonical and HP for use on the HP Mini 1000 and 110 series netbooks.
Impi Linux	South African and focuses on the enterprise and government sector.
Karoshi	A formerly PCLinuxOS-based distribution designed for use in schools.
Kuki Linux	Lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution founded by João Ferro, built to be a replacement for the Linpus Linux Lite distribution on the Acer Aspire One.
LiMux	A project by the city council of Munich, Germany.
Linux Mint	Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu’s, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users. Also features a Debian-based edition.
LinuxMCE	Linux Media Center Edition, a Kubuntu based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation.[88]
LinuxTLE	A Thai Linux distribution.
LliureX	A distribution by the Generalitat Valenciana
LOUD	LCSEE Optimized Ubuntu Distribution, an Ubuntu distribution used at West Virginia University. It contains several specialized educational packages as well as its own themes and login manager.
MAX	Stands for MAdrid LinuX.
Molinux	Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha community in Spain to the information society.
Moon OS	Moon OS uses the Enlightenment window manager and also has an LXDE version, and is based on the LTS release.
Nova	Cuban state-sponsored distribution developed at the University of Information Science, Havana. Formerly based on Gentoo.
Netrunner	Kubuntu based distribution with complete software and codecs installed, developed by Blue Systems (also sponsoring Kubuntu and LinuxMintKDE).
OpenGEU	Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu.
Peppermint OS	A light-weight LXDE distribution for cloud applications through its own Ice Framework using Chromium Web Browser. Based on Lubuntu
Pinguy OS	An Ubuntu-based distro for people that have never used Linux before or for people that want an out-of-the-box working OS without having to tweak a fresh installation of Ubuntu or other Ubuntu-based distro.
Poseidon Linux	For academic and scientific use. Based on Ubuntu, but enhanced by e.g. GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages.
PUD	Small distribution, aimed at being simple and usable.
Qimo 4 Kids	Educational games for children aged three and up. Ubuntu-based with easy-to-use interface.
Sabily	Ubuntu based distribution for Muslims (formerly Ubuntu Muslim Edition).
Super OS	Aiming to provide an ‘out of the box’ experience, containing various enhancements over Ubuntu.
Trisquel GNU/Linux	Fully free software system without proprietary software or firmware and uses the Linux-libre kernel, based on Ubuntu LTS Releases.
TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library	Open source project developing a family of free, Ubuntu-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type usage scenarios.
UberStudent	For higher education and advanced secondary students, those who teach them, and lifelong learners.
Vinux	A Linux distribution designed for visually impaired users.
ZevenOS	Similar to BeOS, with some extra tools.