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31 popular Linux distributions

29/06/2023 Systems Linux

In the following list, we have gathered some of the

most popular Linux distributions and some growing
distros too. GNU/Linux operating systems are Unix-
like and open source, and based on the Linux kernel.
Among the long list of Linux distributions, there are
a number of distros that clearly stand out among the
others — in terms of number of users, community,
features, etc. Discover some details about some of
the top Linux distributions.

Table of contents

1 Ubuntu

2 Debian
3 CentOS Linux

4 CentOS Stream

5 Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

6 Gentoo

7 Fedora
8 OpenSUSE

9 Scientific Linux

10 CloudLinux
11 Elementary OS

12 Linux Mint

13 Arch Linux
14 Manjaro

15 Oracle Linux
16 Slackware

17 Mageia

18 Clear Linux
19 Rocky Linux

20 AlmaLinux
21 Asahi Linux

22 Lubuntu

23 SUSE Linux
 23 SUSE Linux
24 Knoppix

25 VzLinux
26 Peppermint OS

27 Zorin OS

28 BlackArch Linux
29 SUSE Liberty Linux

30 Navy Linux
31 Tizen

32 List of popular Linux distributions

Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian. It is
developed by Canonical and a community of
developers. It has 3 official editions: Desktop, Server
and Core, which can either run on a computer or on a
VM. More than 34% of the websites using Linux use
Ubuntu, according to W3Techs data. Its growth since
2010 has been amazing. It is also a popular
distribution among cloud computing projects.

Ubuntu License: GPL and other licenses.

Ubuntu Latest major release with long-term

support (LTS): Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish).

Debian
Debian is an open source operating system. This
distribution was first announced by Ian Murdock in
1993 as the “Debian Linux Release”. The Debian
Project is a community of developers and users that
maintain the GNU OS based on open source
software. Currently, Debian systems use the Linux
kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. However, they are also
working on providing Debian for other kernels.
Primarily, GNU Hurd.

Debian License: BSD, GPL and other open licenses.

Debian Latest major release: Debian 12 (Bookworm).

Would you like to
boost your IT?
CentOS Linux
CentOS Linux is a distribution based on the source Name
code of the commercial distribution Red Hat
Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was launched in 2004 and
Email
is backed up by a growing community. It is a safe bet
for those looking for high-quality code. But CentOS 8
Phone
will be its last version. In 2019, Red Hat announced
that CentOS Linux would be replaced by CentOS
Stream — an upstream development platform for Tell us about your needs
RHEL. New open source alternatives have appeared
due to this change of strategy. For instance, Rocky
Linux, founded by Gregory Kurtzer, founder of the
CentOS project. I give my consent to receiving
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CentOS Linux License: GNU GPL.
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CentOS Linux Latest major release: CentOS Linux 8.
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newsletter), by any channel,
including electronic ones.
CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is an upstream development I have read and accept the

platform for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is a privacy policy.

midstream between Fedora Linux and RHEL. This

platform aims to take advantage of open-source
innovation for shaping upcoming stable RHEL Submit
releases.
The Stackscale Group processes the
information you provide in order to respond
CentOS Stream License: GNU GPL.
to your request regarding the services we
deliver and the products we provide. The
CentOS Stream Latest release: CentOS Stream 9.
data provided will be stored while we stay in
contact and deleted when the request is
closed, unless you consent to receiving

Red Hat Enterprise Linux sales communications, in which case your

data will be stored until the previously given

(RHEL) consent is revoked. As part of the Group to

which Stackscale belongs, we inform you
that your data will be communicated to the
companies of Grupo Aire for corporate
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial
reasons. You can consult the companies
Linux distribution developed by Red Hat. It has a integrating Grupo Aire at:
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RHEL Latest major release: RHEL 9. Protection Authority, especially when you
are not content with the exercise of your
rights, via
https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/en.
Gentoo
Gentoo is a Linux distribution that features a rolling
release model. Gentoo Linux was originally created
by Daniel Robbins. It was named after the fast-
swimming “gentoo penguin”, to reflect its potential. It
is an attractive choice for Linux users looking for full
control of the software. Gentoo users have great
control over the services installed and running on
their computer. They can immensely customize and
optimize their system.

Gentoo License: Free software.

Gentoo Releases: rolling release.

Fedora
Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by the
Fedora Project — sponsored mainly by Red Hat, with
support from other companies. It is developed and
maintained by the community and it is an upstream
source of the commercial RHEL distribution. Fedora
usually has more modern software versions,
considered as “non stable”, that are later included in
RHEL. There are different Fedora editions available:
Workstation, Server, CoreOS, Silverblue and IoT.
Fedora Linux was launched in 2003.

Fedora License: GPL and other licenses.

Fedora Latest major release: Fedora 38.

OpenSUSE
OpenSUSE is a Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE
Software Solutions Germany GmbH and other
companies. It was formerly known as SUSE Linux.
OpenSUSE has a rolling release version,
Tumbleweed, and a regular release version, Leap.

OpenSUSE License: GNU GPL and other licenses.

OpenSUSE Latest release: OpenSUSE Leap 15.5.

Scientific Linux
Scientific Linux is another Linux distribution based on
RHEL’s free and open source software. It is produced
by Fermilab, CERN, DESY and ETH Zurich. In April
2019, they announced its discontinuation.
Nevertheless, its last version, Scientific Linux 7, will
have maintenance updates until June 2024.

Scientific Linux License: GNU GPL and other

licenses.

Scientific Linux Latest release: Scientific Linux 7.

CloudLinux
CloudLinux is a Linux distribution developed by
CloudLinux, Inc. It is based on CentOS and uses the
OpenVZ kernel and the RPM Package Manager. It is
targeted to shared hosting providers and data
centers. It stands out for improving server stability,
density and security. The first version of CloudLinux
OS was released in 2010.

CloudLinux Latest release: CloudLinux 8.8.1.

Elementary OS
Elementary OS is a Linux distribution based on
Ubuntu. The OS is developed and maintained by
Elementary, Inc. It aims to be a fast, open and
privacy-respecting alternative to Windows and
MacOS. It features a pay-what-you-want (PWYW)
model.

Elementary OS License: GNU GPL and other

licenses.

Elementary OS Latest release: Elementary OS 7

(Horus).

Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a community-driven Linux distribution
based on Ubuntu. This distribution started in 2006.
The Linux Mint project was initially created by
Clément Lefèbvre. Linux Mint OS’ source code is
available on GitHub. Most of the OS development is
done in Python.

Linux Mint License: GPL.

Linux Mint Latest release: Linux Mint 21.1 (Vera).

Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a Linux distribution based on 5
principles: simplicity, modernity, pragmatism, user
centrality and versatility. It features a rolling release
model.

Arch Linux License: GNU GPL and other licenses.

Arch Linux Release: rolling release.

Manjaro
Manjaro is a free Linux distribution based on Arch
Linux. It is specially focused on accessibility and user-
friendliness. It features a rolling release model. Its
simplicity, stability and performance makes it a
suitable alternative OS to MacOS and Windows. It
offers multiple desktop environments.

Manjaro License: GPL and other open licenses.

Manjaro Latest release: Manjaro 22.1 (Talos).

Oracle Linux
Oracle Linux (OL) is a Linux distribution packaged
and distributed by Oracle; under GNU GPL since late
2006. It was formerly known as Oracle Enterprise
Linux (OEL). It is based on RHEL’s source code.
Oracle Linux is available with two Linux kernels: the
Red Hat Compatible Kernel (RHCK) and the
Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK).

Oracle Linux License: GNU GPL and other licenses.

Oracle Linux Latest major release: Oracle Linux 9.

Slackware
Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions,
created by Patrick Volkerding in 1993. Many Linux
distributions have been based on Slackware; for
instance, the first versions of the SUSE Linux
distribution. It was originally based on the Softlanding
Linux System (SLS), one of the most popular original
Linux distributions.

Slackware License: GNU GPL.

Slackware Latest major release: Slackware 15.0.

Mageia
Mageia is an open source, Unix-like operating system
that started as a fork of Mandriva Linux back in 2010.
It was created by former employees of Mandriva S.A.
and some members of the Mandriva community. It
stands out for being a secure, stable and sustainable
OS. Besides, it provides a really large software
repository. Its first version, Mageia 1, was released in
June 2011.

Mageia License: GPL and other licenses.

Mageia Latest major release: Mageia 8.

Clear Linux
Clear Linux is an open source Linux distribution
created by Intel. It is updated following a rolling
release model. The OS is optimized for performance
and security from the cloud to the Edge; as well as for
Intel products. Clear Linux’s main targets are IT,
DevOps, Cloud and AI professionals; it is not designed
as a general-purpose distribution. Its source code is
available on GitHub.

Clear Linux License: GPL and other licenses.

Clear Linux Releases: rolling release.

Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is an open source Linux distribution,
based on the source code of the commercial
distribution RHEL. This Linux distribution is led by
Gregory Kurtzer — founder of CentOS, together with
Rocky McGaugh. Rocky Linux aims to fill the gap
CentOS will leave as a community-supported,
downstream of RHEL, after CentOS 8’s
discontinuation by December 2021. As explained on
Rocky Linux’s Wiki, this distribution aims to be “a
solid, stable and transparent alternative for
production environments, developed by the
community for the community”. Stackscale provides
two of its public mirrors in Madrid and Amsterdam.

Rocky Linux License: BSD and other licenses.

Rocky Linux Latest release: Rocky Linux 9.2.

AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is a free, open source Linux distribution;
compatible with RHEL. It is focused on long-term
stability and governed by the community; with
regular releases. AlmaLinux OS is sponsored by
CloudLinux Inc. and supported by other sponsors. It is
also a good alternative for those who are currently
using CentOS, after its discontinuation by the end of
2021.

AlmaLinux License: GPLv2 and other licenses.

AlmaLinux Latest release: AlmaLinux 9.2.

Asahi Linux
Asahi Linux is a Linux distribution that intends to port
Linux to Apple Silicon Mac computers. The goal is to
make Linux run on Apple Silicon Mac computers so as
to be used as a daily OS. This distro is developed by a
community of free and open source software
developers. Asahi Linux’s first Alpha version was
released in March, 2022.

Asahi Linux License: General Public License v2 or

MIT.

Asahi Linux Latest release: Asahi Linux Alpha

Release.

Lubuntu
Lubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and
developed by the Lubuntu community. It stands out
for being lightweight, fast and offering great
compatibility with many formats and applications.
Besides, it offers a Software Center with a large
number of free apps that can be safely downloaded.

Lubuntu License: GNU GPL and other licenses.

Lubuntu Latest release: Lubuntu 22.04.

SUSE Linux
SUSE Linux, also known as SUSE Linux Enterprise
Server, is a Linux distribution, adaptable to any
environment and optimized for security, reliability
and performance. Originally based on Slackware, its
first version was released in 1994. As Slackware, SUSE
Linux is one of the oldest Linux distributions.

SUSE Linux Latest release: SUSE Linux Enterprise

Server 15 SP5.

Knoppix
Knoppix is a free, open source Linux distribution
based on Debian, developed by Klaus Knopper. It was
mainly designed to be used as a Live CD, but it can
also be installed on a hard disk like any other OS.

Knoppix License: free software licenses.

Knoppix Latest release: Knoppix 9.2.

VzLinux
VzLinux is a free and open source Linux distribution.
It is a 1:1 clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and offers
an easy conversion from CentOS. It can also be used
as a guest OS in different hypervisors.

VzLinux Latest release: VzLinux 9.

Peppermint OS
Peppermint OS is a lightweight Linux distribution
based on Debian Stable. It changed from Ubuntu to
Debian in 2022. This OS is a beginner-friendly
distribution, intuitive and easy to use.

Peppermint License: free software licenses.

Peppermint Latest release: Peppermint OS 11.

Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu,
designed as a powerful and secure alternative to
Windows and MacOS. Zorin OS is easy to use and its
Appearance app allows users to change the desktop
layout to the OS environment appearance they are
familiar with — Windows, MacOS or Linux.

Zorin OS License: free software.

Zorin OS Latest release: Zorin OS 16.2.

BlackArch Linux
BlackArch Linux is an open source Linux distribution
based on Arch Linux. It is especially designed for
penetration testers and security researchers and it
provides a lot of cybersecurity tools. The last version
was released in September, 2021.

BlackArch Linux License: several licenses.

SUSE Liberty Linux

SUSE Liberty Linux is an enterprise-grade Linux
distribution born to be an alternative to CentOS
Linux, which has been replaced by a rolling release. It
is focused on providing a secure distribution for
mixed Linux environments. This new distro is
developed by SUSE, using its Open Build Service tool.
Besides, it is based on the SUSE Linux Enterprise
Server kernel (SLES kernel).

SUSE Liberty Linux Latest release: SUSE Liberty

Linux 9.

Navy Linux
Navy Linux is a minimalistic installation of the Linux
OS, based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This open
source distribution was founded in January 2021 by
UnixLab, as a replacement for CentOS Linux. It is
focused on minimizing hardware resources
requirements to build a stable and secure Linux
distro.

Navy Linux License: GNU GPL.

Navy Linux Latest release: Navy Linux 8.6.

Tizen
Tizen is an open-source, mobile operating system
based on Linux. It was released in 2012 and it is
developed by Samsung and backed by the Linux
Foundation. The Tizen OS is primarily used in
Samsung’s smart devices — TVs, smartwatches, etc.
It is intended to provide seamless connectivity and
user experience between connected devices.

Tizen License: GPLv2, LGPL, Apache License 2.0,

BSD, Flora License and Freeware.

Tizen Latest release: Tizen 7.0.

List of popular Linux

distributions
Here is the list of popular Linux distributions
organized alphabetically:

Linux License Last release

distribution (As of june
2023)

AlmaLinux GPLv2 and other AlmaLinux

 licenses 9.2

Arch Linux GNU GPL and other Rolling

licenses release

Asahi Linux General Public Asahi Linux

License v2 or MIT Alpha
Release

BlackArch Several licenses –

Linux

CentOS GNU GPL CentOS

Linux Linux 8

CentOS GNU GPL CentOS

Stream Stream 9

Clear Linux GPL and other Rolling

licenses release

CloudLinux – CloudLinux
8.8.1

Debian BSD, GPL and other Debian 12

open licenses (Bookworm)

Elementary GNU GPL and other Elementary

OS licenses OS 7
(Horus)

Fedora GPL and other Fedora 38

licenses

Gentoo Free software Rolling

release

Knoppix Free software Knoppix 9.2

 licenses

Linux Mint GPL Linux Mint

21.1 (Vera)

Lubuntu GNU GPL and other Lubuntu

licenses 22.04

Mageia GPL and other Mageia 8

licenses

Manjaro GPL and other open Manjaro

licenses 22.1 (Talos)

Navy Linux GNU GPL Navy Linux

8.6

Oracle GNU GPL and other Oracle

Linux licenses Linux 9

OpenSUSE GNU GPL and other OpenSUSE

licenses Leap 15.5

Peppermint Free software –

OS licenses

Red Hat GPL RHEL 9

Enterprise
Linux

Rocky BSD and other Rocky Linux

Linux licenses 9.2

Scientific GNU GPL and other Scientific

Linux licenses Linux 7

Slackware GNU GPL Slackware

15.0
SUSE – SUSE
Liberty Liberty
Linux Linux 9

SUSE Linux – SUSE Linux

Enterprise
Server 15
SP5

Tizen GPLv2, LGPL, Apache Tizen 7.0

License 2.0, BSD,
Flora License and
Freeware

Ubuntu GPL and other Ubuntu

licenses 22.04 LTS

VzLinux – VzLinux 9

Zorin OS Free software Zorin OS

16.2
On the following webpage, you can find the statistics
of the most used Linux distributions over the last
decade.

Dutch version: 19 populaire Linux-distributies.

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