LinuxPlanet - Print - DistributionWatch: Your Guide to Linux Distributions

DistributionWatch: Your Guide to Linux Distributions

By: Sean Michael Kerner
Monday, September 27, 2004 03:25:10 PM EST
URL: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/1266/1/

Introducing Our Linux Distribution Guide

Linux is an interesting beast. It is not actually owned persay by any one vendor or particular group, though Linus Torvalds does hold ownership over the copyright of the name Linux. Beyond that, 'ownership' rests with the Free and Open Source (FOSS) community and free software users and developers themselves.

In its state of shared community development, Linux distributions continue to evolve alongside the packages that they are comprised of driven by the relentless pace of innovation and continuous improvement. Enterprise users crave rock solid stability and longer development cycles that typically are 18 months in length while bleeding edge 'enthusiasts' demand and receive a significantly faster distribution release cycle.

A Linux distribution as we know it today is essentially a Linux Kernel wrapped in 'distribution' of tools and applications that make for a full operating system. Most of those tools and applications are open source themselves and are in constant state of evolution and improvement. A Linux distribution is essentially a 'snapshot' of the Linux kernel and the included packages at the point when the particular distribution decided to freeze development for a full release.

This list is by no means exhaustive. At present it is intended to provide a 'snapshot' if you will of the some of the more popular mainstream distributions at the time this revision was written. By design, Linux is continually evolving and so will this list, as we update it section by section in the days to come.

Major Linux Distributions (Updated)

Distribution Details

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) Current Versions: 3, RHEL AS top of the line server, RHEL ES small to midrange servers, RHEL WS workstation deployments, Red Hat Desktop
October 2003
Web Site: www.redhat.com
Description: Though Linux was most likely used in enterprise environments before RHEL, Red Hat Enterprise Linux was arguably the first enterprise focussed Linux distribution, providing longer release cycles and a level of stability and support that had been demanded by enterprises. RHEL's progenitor was the venerable Red Hat Linux line, which was terminated at the end of 2003. Though RHEL 3 is based on the 2.4.x kernel, Red Hat back ported a number of key 2.6 kernel features (including NPTL) into the RHEL 3 kernel. RHEL is sold on a subscription basis and has multiple layers of support (all the way up to 24/7) and ISV certifications. Through its open source assurance program, Red Hat indemnifies its enterprise customers against any potential copyright and patent issues there may be with Linux. Red Hat in its various version and flavours has led Netcraft statistics for years as the most dominant Linux distribution on the planet.
Based on: RHEL is originally an offshoot of the now defunct Red Hat Linux, which itself in the beginning (arguably version 1) was based on Slackware. Though Red Hat has long since established itself as its own defining distribution.
Kernel: 2.4.x (with backported 2.6 features including NPTL)
Window Manager: includes both GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI - Anaconda
Update: Red Hat Network, Up2date
Architectures: AMD64, i386, ia64, PPC, s390, s390x
Download: ftp.redhat.com/pub/redhat/linux/enterprise/3/
Last Reviewed:

Fedora Core Current Version: Fedora Core 2
May 2004
Web Site: http://fedora.redhat.com/
Description: The Fedora Project is the Red Hat's sponsored 'community' version of Linux. It is also an heir to the legacy of Red Hat's venerable Red Hat Linux product line and currently has an aggressive release schedule of 2-3 versions per year. Fedora represents the bleeding edge of Red Hat's development cycle. FC2 includes SELinux, which is the US National Security Agency sponsored Linux security methodology that enforces mandatory access control on the Linux kernel providing for an extremely secure distribution.
Based On: Fedora Core is originally an offshoot of the now defunct Red Hat Linux, which itself in the beginning (arguably version 1) was based on Slackware. Though Red Hat has long since established itself as its own defining distribution.
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes both GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI - Anaconda
Update: Up2date
Architectures: i386, x86-64
Download: http://fedora.redhat.com/download/
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/5397/1/

SUSE Linux Current Versions: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, SUSE Linux 9.1 Personal, SUSE Linux 9.1 Professional
Release Date: SLES August 2004, SLP April 2004
Web Site: www.suselinux.com
Description: SUSE Linux is arguably the second largest commercial Linux vendor behind Red Hat, and offers the only other enterprise-focussed distribution (SLES). Novell acquisition of SUSE Linux last year has given SUSE tremendous exposure as Novell refocuses its whole business around Linux solutions. SUSE Linux's longstanding support of the KDE project has always given SUSE Linux implementations a well-defined and elegant desktop environment.
Based On: SUSE was originally based on Slackware (for SUSE Linux 1.0 which was released in 1994) though since S.u.S.E Linux 4.2 in 1996 it has really been is own unique and defining distribution.
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes both KDE (default) and GNOME (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI - YaST
Update: YaST
Architectures: AMD64, i386, ia64, s390, s390x
Download: ISO http://www.suse.com/us/private/download/suse_linux/index.html
Last Reviewed:

Mandrakelinux
Current Versions : Mandrakelinux 10
March 2004
Web Site: www.mandrakelinux.com
Description: Mandrake has always had a particular focus on being easy to use and focussed on the user desktop. Recent troubles forced Mandrakesoft into bankruptcy, though it has recovered and its latest release (version 10) is a testament to the companies continued viability. Mandrake also has a very unique development build known as Mandrake Cooker, which is a rapidly updated version of MDK that appeals to bleeding edge developer types.
Based On: Mandrakelinux was first released in 1998 was based on Red Hat Linux (version 5.1). It has since evolved into its own unique distribution.
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes both KDE (default), GNOME(optional) and IceWM (optional)
Package Manager: URPMI (which uses RPM packages)
Installer: GUI
Update: MandrakeUpdate
Architectures: I586, amd64
Download: http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/5314/1/

Gentoo Linux Current Version: 2004.2
July 2004
Web Site: www.gentoo.org
Description: Gentoo is different breed of Linux distribution. Rather that being a 'pre-packaged' distribution it aims to be a 'metadistribution' such that a user can customize a version of Gentoo Linux that is particular for their environment and operational needs. There is also a special 'hardened Gentoo' version that is the only other maintream distribution beyond Red Hat's Fedora Core 2 to includes SELinux (security enhanced Linux which enforce mandatory access controls on the kernel).
Based On: Gentoo is a new distribution and has been refered to as an 'automated Linux from scratch'
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: includes GNOME,KDE, Xfce and IceWM (there is no default in Gentoo user gets to choose).
Package Manager: Portage
Installer: Text based
Update: Portage
Architectures: x86, AMD64, PowerPC, UltraSparc, Alpha and MIPS
Download: http://www.gentoo.org/main/en/mirrors.xml
Last Reviewed:

Debian GNU/Linux
Current Version: 3.0r2 woody
November 2003
Web Site: www.debian.org
Description: Debian is widely regarded to be one of the most popular community based Linux distributions. It has a strong and fervent adherence to the principals of Free software which is articulated in the Debian Social Contract which is the guiding document of the project. The original draft of the Debian Social Contract which was authored by Bruce Perens went on (with modification) to become the Open Source Definition quite literally the defining document of the open source movement. Debian Linux is a massive distribution including almost nine thousand packages and extending to 7 full CD's. **Debian is currently in the final stages of release its next version- Sarge - which will introduce a new installer and simplify many aspects of distribution management **
Based On: Itself
Kernel: 2.2.x
Window Manager: includes both GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: Deb
Installer: text installation
Update: Apt-get repostitories
Architectures: Alpha, Arm, HPPA, i386, IA64, m68k, Mips, PPC, S390, Sparc
Download: http://www.debian.org/distrib/cd
Last Reviewed:

Slackware Current Version: 10
Release Date: June 2004
Web Site: http://www.slackware.com/
Description: Slackware is the granddaddy of all commercial Linux distributions having begun back in the predawn of the Linux era (version 1.0 was released in July 1993). This latest version of Slackware updates the requisite packages that you'd expect in a Linux distribution. Though still 2.4.x kernel based it does have a testing branch that runs on the 2.6.x kernel.
Based on: The initial Slackware distribution was based on SLS, but quickly became a distribution in its own right, becoming the progenitor for many other distributions.
Kernel: 2.4.x (includes 2.6.x in /testing)
Window Manager: includes both GNOME (default) and KDE (optional)
Package Manager: Slackware package management (slackpkg)
Installer: text based
Update: slackpkg
Architectures: i486
Download: http://www.slackware.com/getslack/
Last Reviewed:

Linspire Current Version: 4.5
Release Date: December 2003
Web Site: http://www.linspire.com/
Description: The Linspire (formerly known as Lindows) distribution is focused on being an easy to use desktop Linux distribution. It's original name was the subject of contention with Microsoft and was involved in numerous legal disputes with them, which have now been settled.
Based On: Debian GNU/Linux
Kernel: 2.4.x
Window Manager: KDE
Package Manager: DEB
Installer: GUI- Linspire graphical installer
Update: CNR
Architectures: i386
Download: http://info.linspire.com/lindowslive/p2p.html
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/5546/1/

Xandros Current Version: 2.5
Release Date: July 2004
Web Site: http://www.xandros.com
Description: Xandros is best known as an easy to use desktop Linux distribution. Its' tight integration with Codeweavers Crossover office suite allows it to run Microsoft Office applications as well as other MS-Windows applications seamlessly on the Linux desktop.
Based On: Debian GNU/Linux and the now defunct Corel Linux.
Kernel: 2.4.x
Window Manager: KDE
Package Manager: DEB
Installer: GUI
Update: Xandros Network Update
Architectures: i386
Download: http://www.xandros.com/products/home/desktopoc/dsk_oc_download.html
Last Reviewed: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reviews/4539/1/

TurboLinux Current Version: 10F
Release Date: May 2004
Web Site: www.turbolinux.com
Description: TurboLinux has become one of the more dominant Linux distributions in the Asia-Pacific region. It's latest release integrates a player that can stream Windows media as well as Real Player.
Based On: 10 desktop. (originally was based on Red Hat <need to confirm>
Kernel: 2.6.x
Window Manager: KDE (default) and GNOME (optional)
Package Manager: RPM
Installer: GUI
Update: TurboUpdate
Architectures: i586
Download: http://www.turbolinux.com/support/download/
Last Reviewed: <http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=5128>

International Distributions

Alzza Linux
A Korean distribution based on Red Hat Linux.

Black Cat Linux
Designed by Leonid Kanter and Alexander Kanevskiy, Black Cat Linux is meant for Internet/Intranet servers, business workstations or a home multimedia system. We're including it under international distributions because there's an emphasis on Russian and Ukrainian language support, even though it's based on Red Hat Linux. It includes kernel 2.2.11, glibc 2.1.1, XFree86-3.3.5 with KOI8-U and TrueType support, GNOME 1.0.7, KDE 1.1.2 with KOI8-U support and Netscape Communicator 4.61.

Caixa M�gica
A Portuguese-language distribution, based on Debian, this project started as an entry in the 2000 Mil�nio Sagres/Expresso Contest. The main goal for this project is to allow a normal user, with basic knowledge, to install Linux in an Intel PC or in a PC server, with common hardware acquired at any computer store. The end result should be a solid Linux box without significant software acquisition or installation costs and mainly without dificulties in equipment maintenance and configuration. That's why it's called "Caixa M�gica," which means "Wonder Box" or "Magic Box."

Conectiva Linux
Distributed in Spanish, Portuguese (Brazillian), and English, Conectiva Linux (based on Red Hat Linux) has a large userbase in South America, particularly Brazil. It's user base is growing into Asia, North America, and Europe as well. In addition, Conectiva Linux publishes Spanish- and Portuguese-language magazines for Linux users. Conectiva is available for the Intel, Alpha, and IBM mainframe platforms.

Definite Linux
Based in the United Kingdom and sold as a shrinkwrapped distribution with a CD-based collection of additional documentation and StarOffice 5.1, Definite Linux is based on RedHat 6.0 and includes a number of small enhancements, such as ISDN support.

DLD Linux
This German-language distribution, with the most recent version 6.01, includes kernel 2.2.3, Accelerated-X, IRDA and PCMCIA, support, KDE 1.1, DLD-specific documentation, StarOffice 5.0 Personal Edition, Netscape Communicator 4.08, XFree86 3.3.3.1, Samba and more. It's based on Red Hat Linux.

Easy Linux
This German distribution features kernel 2.2.12, XFree 3.3.5, KDE 1.1.2, and glibc (libc6). It's based on KDE and Qt and includes StarOffice 5.1a, Netscape Communicator 4.7 and 30-day eval copies of Applixware and VMware.

Esware Linux
Esware Linux is a Spanish-language distribution for the South American Linux market.

Eurielec
Eurielec Linux is a Spanish-language distribution based on Red Hat Linux. A Castilian version is planned.

KSI Linux
This Ukrainian and Russian distribution features 2.x kernels and a host of localized applications.

KW Linux
This Thai-language distribution has been recently updated.

Laser5 6.0
Laser5 Linux is reportedly the best-selling Linux in Japan, according to press releases issued by Laser Co. Ltd. It's based on Red Hat Linux and features both the GNOME and KDE interfaces, along with a complete translation of both into Japanese. CEO Kubota is grateful.

LinuxMac
This is a German-language distribution of Linux for the PowerPC processor.

Linux-SIS
The Linux Schoolnet Internet Server (version 3.1) is used in Thai schools and is available to the general public as well. It's based on Slackware Linux 3.9.0 and kernel 2.0.37, and includes Thai Language Support, a host of standard server tools (database tools, development languages, Squid proxy server, Roxen and Apache Web servers, samba, DHCP-2.0) and more.

LinuxPPP
This is a Spanish-language distribution curiously guarded by a secure gateway.

LunetIX
This is a German distribution with ties to Caldera.

Plamo Linux
Plamo Linux is a Japanese distribution based on Slackware Linux. The latest version, 2.0, features Linux kernel 2.2.10, PCMCIA 3.0.13, and XFree86 3.3.4.

Power Linux
This Korean distribution is based on Red Hat Linux and designed for power users wishing to set up Web servers.

SOT Linux
Direct from the homeland of Linux Torvalds, the distribution (formerly known as Best Linux) from SOT Finnish Software Engineering is available in Finnish, Swedish, and English Based on Red Hat Linux.

Turkuaz
Turkuaz is a product from Turkce Linux Dagitimi, the Turkish Linux Distribution organization.

Vedova Linux
Vedova offers a series of Italian-based products based on Debian GNU/Linux, including a workstation product, a server version and a Linux implementation designed for embedded systems.

Vine Linux
Vine Linux is based on Red Hat Linux 5.2. It features a Japanese locale capability using glibc2, displays Japanese messages for each command, provides a Japanese installer and includes Japanese applications and manuals written in the vernacular.

Macintosh Distributions

Apokalypse
Apokalypse is running a Linux 2.0.35 server and supports the PowerBook 1400, as well as a slew of other Macintosh platforms.

Linux/m68k
Linux/m68k is the port of the Linux operating system to run on systems using Motorola's 68020, 68030, 68040 and 68060 microprocessors. Linux/m68k, like other Linux ports, is source compatible with Linux on other platforms. Current releases of the m68k kernel are stable on the Amiga, Atari, many Apple Macintosh models, and several VMEbus single-board computers from BVM, Motorola and Tadpole. In addition, ports are underway (with varying levels of progress) to the HP 9000/300 series, the NeXT workstation (black hardware), the Q40 and Q60, and Sun 3 series workstations.

Linux/m68k for Macintosh
The goal behind Linux/m68k for Macintosh -- as opposed to the more general Linux/m68k project -- is to get Linux/m64k running on m68k-based Macintoshes. The latest kernel supported is 2.2.

Linux/PPC
LinuxPPC is a native port of Linux to the PowerPC processor. Linux/PPC runs natively on PCI-based Apple PowerMacs, the iBook, G3 systems, many IBM & Motorola PReP and CHRP workstations, Amiga Power-UP systems and several embedded platforms including the Motorola MBX and RPX. The kernel supports multiple processors (SMP), which works on some Power Macs and certain 4-CPU IBM RS/6000 computers.

MkLinux
MkLinux operates on the The Open Group Mach (PMK1.1) microkernel, running natively on the PowerPC microprocessor. .

Yellow Dog Linux
Champion Server is designed as a complete Internet/intranet server, complete with four database systems and the Apache Web server. In addition, Yellow Dog offers other Linux distributions

Specialized Distributions

AlphaLinux
Technically not a distribution, this group is devoted to maintaining Linux on the Compaq (formerly DEC) Alpha architecture. It supplies kernels and support to many other Linux vendors.

Amino Communications
Technically not a distribution, the version of Linux prepared by Amino Communications is optimized for set-top boxes. Linux is ideally suited to a small footprint as it can run in as little as 2MB of memory; yet the functionality and size of the operating system can grow as complexity increases with the Amino systems able to support up to 128MB of memory. The low power consumption--2W or less - of the Linux systems and the provision of broadcast quality video streaming means they can be included in a plethora of new network-centric applications that were previously not feasible.

Armed Linux
Armed Linux is a full Linux operating system distribution that has been customized to install on top of versions of Microsoft Windows or any version of DOS. It's perfect for users who want to run Linux as a secondary operating system. It's easy to install and hassle-free, making it an excellent choice for first time users.
Download Armed Linux here.

DLX
DLX runs from one 3.5-inch floppy disk, booting kernel 1.3.89 and starts a ramdisk image. DLX also has a writable ext2 filesystem of about 130 kb on the same disk, for storing configuration scripts. Also noteworthy is DLX's support for the parallel-port ZIP drive, which allows you to mount 100 MB disks.

DosLinux
DosLinux, developed by Kent Robotti and based on Slackware Linux, is a small Linux version that can be installed on an existing DOS system (including Windows 95/98) in DOS mode. DosLinux is a LOOP device version of Linux and uses the standard Linux ext2 filesystem. It comes with IDE, SCSI and SCSINET kernels.

DragonLinux
DragonLinux 0.8 installs in a DOS/Windows partition (based on UMSDOS), but it's not a slimmed-down distribution: it weighs in at 153MB when installed and includes standard Linux utilities, kernel version 2.2.6, a compiler, X Window and the KDE desktop environment. It's based on libc5. One thing worth noting: it features a Windows-based installer.

Enoch Linux
Currently in prerelease form, Enoch is a noteworthy Linux distribution that features multiple builds, each compiled with PGCC and optimized for specific microprocessors: Intel Pentium/Pro/II/III, Cyrix MII, AMD K6, Intel Pentium+ and Intel Pentium Pro/II+. After you choose your build, you then build your distribution from original source code.

Finnix
Finnix is a self-contained, bootable Linux CD distribution, based on Red Hat Linux 6.1. Finnix was created as a system maintnence distribution. You can mount hard drives, set up network devices, repair filesystems, and pretty much do anything you can do with a regular distribution. Finnix is free, open sourced, and released under the terms of the GNU Public License.

Gentoo Linux
Gentoo Linux is a relative newcomer to the world of Linux distributions. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, this distro is tightly targeted at software developers and network administrators, which means that the new or even average Linux user may not be too interested in trying it out.
Read our latest review here.

Hal91
hal91 is a minimalistic Linux installation fitting on one single 1.44Mb disk. It is intended for use as an rescue disk and a portable Linux system.

HLC-Linux
This distribution is optimized for high-performance computing. Anything not related to that central mission is omitted.

Learnux
OK, so Learnux is really the name of the Canadian program that develops and installs a trimmed-down version of Debian GNU/Linux for use on older machines in an educational setting. Still, this distribution is worth checking out for owners of older machines: it requires 96 megabytes of RAM of hard-disk space (including the space needed for X Window), and it requires about 6MB of RAM to run X, icewm, and xterm.
Added on Nov. 24.

Linux on RS/6000
IBM has developed Linux distributons for the RS/6000 Model B50, RS/6000 43P Model 150 and RS/6000 Model F50.
Added on Nov. 26.

Li/NeXT
If you really want to run a Linux kernel on an old NeXT box, this is the place to look for one.
Added on Nov. 24.

Linux CE
The goal of this project is to product a Linux distribution for handheld devices designed to run Windows CE. That includes NEC's VR-series microprocessors (Vadem Clio, Everex Freestyle, Casio E-105, etc.), Nino, and SH3. There are also projects to provide a micro-GUI and more.

Linux/98
Linux/98 is a port of Linux kernels 2.1.57/2.2/2.3 kernel and some utilities onto the NEC PC-9800 architecture. Thus architecture is similar to the PC architecture, but different enough to require some heavy kernel modifications.
Added on Nov. 24.

Linux/APUS
This site is actually a guide for installing Linux/APUS (Linux for Amiga PowerUp Systems), as well as general documentation of the Linux/APUS port, and information on where to download a Linux/APUS kernel in Denmark.
Added on Nov. 26.

Linux/MIPS
Linux/MIPS is a port of Linux to computers equipped with MIPS processors. Currently Linux/MIPS runs on most ARC-compliant systems equipped with MIPS R4x00 processors.

Linux/Sun3
This project supports on Sun 3/50, Sun 3/60, and Sun 3/160 workstations.
Added on Nov. 24.

Linux for 680x0 based VME boards
Though Debian now supports these boards, this distribution serves as a valuable resource for supporting Linux on Motorola boards (MVME147, MVME162, MVME166, MVME167, MVME172, MVME177), BVM boards (BVME4000 and BVME6000), and the Tadpole TP34V.
Added on Nov. 24.

LinuxPPC for BeBox
This Web site details how to install and configure LinuxPPP on a BeBox Dual 603.
Added on Nov. 26.

LOAF
Linux On A Floppy (LOAF) is an extremely tiny distribution of Linux and fits on a single floppy. It's meant for use as a client for various network protocols. This includes lynx, FTP, telnet and ssh.

NoMad Linux
NoMad Linux is based on the encap package-managing system for ease of installation and upgrades. It's not on the cutting edge of Linux distributions: the current version doesn't support glibc, and the base filesystem is small--10.5 megs uncompressed. (X, obviously, will eat up more disk space.)

PARISC/Linux
The Puffin Group oversees development of Linux for the Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC architecture.

Pygmy Linux
Pygmy Linux 0.6 is a slimmed-down distribution designed to be installed in a DOS or Windows partition via UMSDOS. Users of older systems will also be interested in Pygmy Linux, as the minimal configuration is a 386-based PC with 4MB of RAM and approximately 25MB of disk space. It features kernel 2.0.36, IDE hard disk (but no SCSI CD-ROMs), Joliet Modules, various network and sound cards, and a host of standard Linux packages, including pine, lynx and pppsetup. It's available as RAR SFX files and fits on seven 3.5-inch floppies.

Q40 Linux
This project supports Linux (2.1.127 and most 2.2.x kernels, including 2.2.8) on Q40 and Q80 motherboards.
Added on Nov. 24.

ROCK Linux
ROCK Linux is designed by Clifford Wolf for experienced Linux and UNIX users, as it lacks any GUI-based configuration tools. It comes with (and is based on) gcc/egcs 2.95, glibc 2.1, Linux kernel 2.2.11, XFree86 3.3.4, Gnome, tetex 1.0.6, ISDN 4 Linux, Coda, and more.

RoLinux
Yet another trimmed-down Linux distribution, RoLinux fits on three disks (taking up 3.46MB) and includes a basic set of Linux commands, including everything in kernel version 2.2.10.

Small Linux
In the race for the ever-shrinking Linux, Small Linux fits on two floppy disks, runs on a machine with only two megabytes of RAM, and provides a limited number of commands.

tomsrtbt
Is this the smallest Linux gets? This one-disk Linux distribution is designed for emergencies when you need to boot Linux and interact with the hardware to work out problems. There's a surprising amount of functionality to this distribution.

Trinux
Trinux is a portable Linux distribution that boots from a single floppy disk, loads its packages from a FAT/Ext2 partition, floppy disks, or HTTP/FTP servers and runs entirely in RAM. Trinux contains precompiled versions versions of popular open source network security/monitoring tools, such as nmap, tcpdump, iptraf and ntop. Trinux default configuration provides DHCP for easy network configuration. Trinux transparently converts ordinary x86 PCs into a powerful network security workstations without affecting the underlying operating system. Trinux is based on a stripped-down version of Linux that should boot on any 386 or better with at least 12-16 megabytes of RAM. Hardware support for many common Ethernet cards is provided in the default kernel. Additional hardware support is possible through kernel modules. Trinux 0.6x supports 2.2.x kernels and is binary-compatible with Red Hat Linux 5.2.

UltraLinux
This project has ported Linux to the SPARC family of processors most commonly found in Sun workstations and clones. It supports most workstations, including the older 32-bit SPARC processors and the newer 64-bit UltraSPARC-based workstations.
Added on Nov. 26.

UltraPenguin Linux
Housed at SunSITE Czech Republic (the Faculty of Math and Physics, Charles University, Prague), UltraPenguin Linux is designed for 32- and 64-bit SPARC architectures.

WinLinux
WinLinux 2000 was designed and built to be the easiest to use Linux system. Its install and configuration tasks are performed directly from Windows and with graphical tools Windows users are used to. It features Windows integration, smart configuration, easy start, safe installation, optimal disk usage, and familiar look and feel.
Download WinLinux here.

Secure Linux-Based Servers

Bastille Linux
This distribution, which is based on Red Hat Linux and designed with the goal of increasing security, has a Web site that hasn't been updated since June but distribution files that are more up to date. The main target for the distribution is universities and educational institutions.

khaOS Linux
This Linux distribution is designed for the paranoid in the Linux user base, incorporating state-of-the art cryptographic tools (CFS--Cryptographic File System--Kerberos, IPsec, IPv6 and VPN technologies) and the integration of network security tools (Tripwire, Abacus, Sentry/Logcheck, SATAN, SAINT and more).

Slinux
Slinux is a secure, specialized, server distribution. Development is still in very early stages, and can only be downloaded from the Internet.

Spiro Linux
Spiro Linux includes a host of tools and separate installations designed for a wide range of Linux-based server installations, including an advanced Web Server System based on Apache (complete with php3 and mod_perl installed, as well as FrontPage 2000 extensions), support for 16 languages (including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and 11 others), kernel 2.2.x, RAID support, the K Desktop Environment and the Zope application server.

Embedded Linux

ARM Linux
ARM Linux is a port of Linux to ARM-processor-based machines. The ARM port runs on several different machine and processor architectures, including complete computers, network computers and evaluation boards. There are also projects for porting Linux to palmtops and PDAs (like the Geofox).

BlueCat Linux
BlueCat Linux, due to be released in January 2000, is a port of Red Hat Linux optimized for embedded applications, It's developed by Lynx Real-Time Systems, the firm that does the LynxOS operating system for embedded applications.

ELKS
ELKS--the Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset--began life as a project for creating a distribution of Linux for 8086 and 80286 PCs, but was expanded to support Linux on palmtop computers, single-board microcomputers, and embedded controller systems. The ELKS kernel image needs about 200K, and a full running system should require 400K-512K. The ELKS source releases include ready-built kernel and root disk images.

EMJ-Linux
EMJ Embedded Systems has developed a small Linux distribution (based on Slackware 4.0) that runs on JUMPtec’s DIMM-PC/486, one of the world’s smallest PCs--a full-featured 486 PC in the size of a 144-pin memory DIMM. It measures 40x68 mm (1.57 x 2.68 inches) and is designed for high-performance applications, such as security apparatuses, medical instruments, factory automation and global positioning systems. It ships with 16 MB of DRAM, 16 MB of IDE compatible flash and supports two serial ports and a parallel port, as well as floppy and hard drive interfaces, a real time clock and watchdog timer and an I2C-bus. The EMJ-linux distribution consists of a 1.4MB bootdisk containing everything needed to do a network install of EMJ-linux. Once loaded, the DIMM-PC with Linux supports Ethernet, TCP/IP, telnet, FTP, Apache 1.3.9, as well as two serial ports, parallel, floppy, IDE and VGA.

et-linux
et-linux is a complete Linux system designed to run on small industrial computers. The 1.0 and 1.1 systems are based on libc-5 and Linux kernel 2.0, while Et-Linux 1.2 is based on glibc 2.1.2. Although the et-linux project includes the device drivers for EuroTech peripherals, this release is pretty general (the drivers are available separately as etdrive-0.05.tar.gz from the same FTP site as the rest of et-linux). It includes a cgi-capable Web server, a simplified telnet server running on port 2300 and an e-mail server.

Embedix
Lineo is developing a unique distribution of Linux specifically targeted at embedded devices. This development includes re-engineering existing Linux packages to take advantage of reduced memory, storage and processor speeds common in embedded devices, as well as developing new Linux packages for the embedded environment, including non-X-based graphical APIs and extensions for placing Linux in FLASH RAM. The effort is centered around the Embedix platform. Embedix is an embedded Linux kernel, libraries, API sets, applications, source components and meta-information required for customization of the OS and its packages. The Embedix SDK is an embedded software development kit that includes a complete distribution of OpenLinux, development tools (compilers, debuggers, profilers), a graphical IDE, ISV applications and Target Wizard, Lineo's automated component selection and configuration tool.

Linux Router
This networking-centric micro-distribution of Linux, developed by the Linux Router Project, is small enough to fit on a single 1.44MB floppy disk. It's designed for building and maintaining routers, access servers, thin servers, thin clients, network appliances and typically embedded systems that are next to trivial in size.

RTLinux
Technically, RTLinux (RealTime Linux) isn't really a Linux distribution, but rather an extension to Linux that handles time-critical tasks. In RTLinux, a small hard-realtime kernel and standard Linux share one or more processors, so that the system can be used for applications like data acquisition, control, and robotics while still serving as a standard Linux workstation. There are two versions of RTLinux: the current version, V2, offers a POSIX style application programming interface (API), supports SMP, and runs on Linux 2.2; an earlier version, V1, runs on Linux 2.0 and provides a simple RT API and does not support SMP.
Added on Nov. 26.

uC-linux
uC-linux is a Linux distribution designed for the Motorola ColdFire processor family. First released in 1994, ColdFire embodies a variable-length RISC architecture that is designed to meet the requirements of the embedded consumer market. It's a derivative of the 68k architecture, removing instructions and addressing modes that are slow or not often used. The code is based on Linux kernel version 2.0.38, with the uC-linux patches applied. The libm and parts of the libc libraries and some of the user applications also come from the uC-linux work.

VMELinux
Currently supporting the Tundra Universe PCI-VME, this project has the goal of supporting Linux on the VMEbus.

An Alphabetical Guide to All Linux Distributions (Updated)