Alternatives to Debian
Compare Debian alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to Debian in 2026. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from Debian competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.
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1
Rocky Linux
Ctrl IQ, Inc.
CIQ empowers people to do amazing things by providing innovative and stable software infrastructure solutions for all computing needs. From the base operating system, through containers, orchestration, provisioning, computing, and cloud applications, CIQ works with every part of the technology stack to drive solutions for customers and communities with stable, scalable, secure production environments. CIQ is the founding support and services partner of Rocky Linux, and the creator of the next generation federated computing stack. - Rocky Linux, open, Secure Enterprise Linux - Apptainer, application Containers for High Performance Computing - Warewulf, cluster Management and Operating System Provisioning - HPC2.0, the Next Generation of High Performance Computing, a Cloud Native Federated Computing Platform - Traditional HPC, turnkey computing stack for traditional HPC -
2
Windows 11
Microsoft
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system, designed to deliver a faster, smarter, and more intuitive PC experience. It features built-in AI through Copilot, which helps users complete tasks, generate ideas, and navigate their system more efficiently. The operating system offers improved performance, especially on newer Copilot+ PCs that provide enhanced speed and responsiveness. Windows 11 also integrates seamlessly with mobile devices using Phone Link, allowing users to manage messages, calls, and notifications from their PC. Creative tools like Photos and Clipchamp make it easy to edit images and videos with AI-powered enhancements. The system includes productivity features such as screen recording, app management, and flexible input options like touch, voice, and pen. Overall, Windows 11 combines performance, AI, and versatility to create a modern computing experience.Starting Price: $139.99 -
3
Windows 10
Microsoft
Windows 10 is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft, designed to provide a familiar and reliable computing experience. It combines a traditional desktop interface with modern features to support both personal and professional use. The system includes tools like the Start Menu, Task View, and virtual desktops to improve productivity and navigation. Windows 10 supports a broad range of applications, making it compatible with most software and hardware devices. It also offers built-in security features such as Windows Defender and regular updates to protect users from threats. The operating system includes integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive and Microsoft Edge for enhanced functionality. Overall, Windows 10 delivers a stable, versatile, and user-friendly platform for everyday computing. -
4
Manjaro
Manjaro
Manjaro is a free, open-source Linux operating system based on Arch Linux that combines a user-friendly desktop experience with extensive customization and advanced system management capabilities. The distribution uses a rolling release model that delivers ongoing software updates without requiring users to reinstall the operating system for major version upgrades. Manjaro offers desktop editions featuring KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce, along with community-supported alternatives for different computing preferences. Its package management tools include Pacman and the graphical Pamac software manager, providing access to official repositories and optional community software sources. Automatic hardware detection, graphics driver installation, and kernel management tools simplify system setup and maintenance across compatible computers.Starting Price: Free -
5
Ubuntu
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a free, open-source Linux operating system developed by Canonical and the Ubuntu community for desktop computers, servers, cloud infrastructure, and connected devices. Based on Debian, the distribution provides a user-friendly computing environment with regular software updates, security patches, and extensive hardware compatibility. Ubuntu Desktop features the GNOME desktop environment and includes applications for web browsing, office productivity, multimedia, software development, and everyday computing. Its APT package manager and Snap ecosystem allow users to install, update, and manage thousands of software applications. Ubuntu offers Long-Term Support (LTS) releases with five years of standard security maintenance and optional extended coverage through Ubuntu Pro. The operating system also supports virtualization, containers, Kubernetes, artificial intelligence development, and enterprise infrastructure management across on-premises and cloud environments.Starting Price: Free -
6
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux
An open source, community-owned and governed, forever-free enterprise Linux distribution, focused on long-term stability, providing a robust production-grade platform. AlmaLinux OS is 1:1 binary compatible with RHEL® and pre-Stream CentOS. Our GitHub organization contains source code and tools used to build AlmaLinux OS and related infrastructure. Join our vibrant Reddit community, interact with other AlmaLinux OS users, receive updates, find and provide help. Join a real time discussion with other AlmaLinux OS community members, governance team and AlmaLinux OS developers. Ask questions, get answers and contribute community support to others in AlmaLinux OS community and developers alike. As a standalone, completely free OS, AlmaLinux OS enjoys $1M in annual sponsorship from CloudLinux Inc and support from other sponsors. Ongoing development efforts are governed by the members of the community. -
7
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is an independent, non-commercial, general purpose Linux distribution designed for power users who appreciate security, simplicity and resource efficiency. Alpine Linux is built around musl libc and busybox. This makes it smaller and more resource efficient than traditional GNU/Linux distributions. A container requires no more than 8 MB and a minimal installation to disk requires around 130 MB of storage. Not only do you get a fully-fledged Linux environment but a large selection of packages from the repository. Binary packages are thinned out and split, giving you even more control over what you install, which in turn keeps your environment as small and efficient as possible. Alpine Linux is a very simple distribution that will try to stay out of your way. It uses its own package manager called apk, the OpenRC init system, script driven set-ups and that’s it! This provides you with a simple, crystal-clear Linux environment without all the noise. -
8
Amazon Linux 2
Amazon
Run all your cloud and enterprise applications in a security-focused and high-performance Linux environment. Amazon Linux 2 is a Linux operating system from Amazon Web Services (AWS). It provides a security-focused, stable, and high-performance execution environment to develop and run cloud applications. Amazon Linux 2 is provided at no additional charge. AWS provides ongoing security and maintenance updates for Amazon Linux 2. Amazon Linux 2 includes support for the latest Amazon EC2 instance capabilities and is tuned for enhanced performance. It includes packages that help ease integration with other AWS Services. Amazon Linux 2 offers long-term support. Developers, IT administrators, and ISVs get the predictability and stability of a Long Term Support (LTS) release, but without compromising access to the latest versions of popular software packages. -
9
Clear Linux OS
Clear Linux Project
Clear Linux OS is an open source, rolling release Linux distribution optimized for performance and security, from the Cloud to the Edge, designed for customization, and manageability. Operate without any custom configuration, for example, a generic host with an empty /etc directory. Stateless systems strictly separate the OS configuration, the per-system configuration, and the VT user-data stored on that system. Designed so that the user is able to quickly and easily manage their custom configuration vs. system configuration. Clear Linux OS optimizes across the whole stack: the platform, kernel, math libraries, middleware layers, frameworks, and runtime. Clear Linux OS has an automated tool that is constantly scanning for CVEs, which are patched accordingly. This strict separation between User and System files allows for easier manageability and simplifying customization. -
10
CloudLinux
CloudLinux
Stable servers reduce churn and allow you to increase density, and therefore magnify your profit. The CloudLinux OS stability features prevent resource spikes and make your servers rock-solid stable, even in the most stressful situations. CloudLinux OS protects your servers from attacks by virtualizing users’ file systems and prevent sensitive information disclosure. Our kernel-level technology prevents all known symbolic link attacks, which further enhances the security level of the servers. Secure the unsupported versions of PHP where, vulnerabilities, even if discovered, are not patched by the PHP.net community. Multiply the number of users on a more stable server with Cloudlinux OS and manage any resources limits for each customer. Troubleshooting performance problems with Detailed information on system bottlenecks, slow database queries, functions, or external calls.Starting Price: $7 per server per month -
11
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS
A terminal-centric distro with a vibrant and friendly community at its core. A vibrant and friendly community, the beating heart of this distro, to guide you through your journey. Experience our distro with light and always evolving base. Read and download it on our latest release page. The EndeavourOS knowledge base, the place where you can find our wiki articles and video tutorials, is here as your guideline during your exploration in building your unique and personal system. Create your own destiny with an incredible journey. If you like to roll up your sleeves and go on an adventure, then you might want to give us a try. EndeavourOS isn’t an expressway to a predefined destination in computing, it is all about the journey towards your own destination, and on top of that, you’ll be meeting new and friendly faces during that exploration. Or more appropriate, your new Endeavour.Starting Price: Free -
12
Arch Linux
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system, configured by the user to only add what is purposely required. Arch Linux defines simplicity as without unnecessary additions or modifications. It ships software as released by the original developers (upstream) with minimal distribution-specific (downstream) changes, patches not accepted by upstream are avoided, and Arch's downstream patches consist almost entirely of backported bug fixes that are obsoleted by the project's next release. Arch ships the configuration files provided by upstream with changes limited to distribution-specific issues like adjusting the system file paths. It does not add automation features such as enabling a service simply because the package was installed. -
13
Gentoo
Gentoo Foundation
Gentoo Linux is a free, open-source Linux operating system designed for users who want extensive control over software installation, system configuration, and performance optimization. The distribution uses a source-based approach that allows software to be compiled with settings tailored to specific hardware and user requirements. Its Portage package management system handles software installation, dependency resolution, updates, and package customization through configurable USE flags. Gentoo follows a rolling release model, providing continuous access to software updates without requiring traditional major operating system upgrades. Users can configure desktop environments, Linux kernels, system services, security features, and development tools according to their needs. Gentoo supports desktop computers, servers, embedded devices, and multiple processor architectures, making it suitable for development, infrastructure management, and specialized computing environments.Starting Price: Free -
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Lumens OS
NAXXIS Labs
Lumens OS is a Linux-based operating system in development by NAXXIS, designed to bring the Lumens application ecosystem into one computing environment. Its planned integrated approach is intended to make Lumens applications available without requiring users to install each one separately. The project focuses on a simple, flexible Linux environment for everyday computing and a connected experience with Lumens software. Application integration remains in progress, and the release ISO is not yet available. Lumens OS is intended for users seeking a Linux system with Lumens software built in. Its included applications and capabilities will develop as integration continues.Starting Price: 0 -
15
Fedora
Fedora
Fedora Workstation is a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use operating system for desktop and laptop computers. It is functional for a wide range of developers, from hobbyists and students to professionals in business environments. Focus on your code with the GNOME 3 desktop environment. GNOME is developed with the needs of developers in mind and is free from unnecessary distractions, so you can focus on what really matters. Avoid the hassle of trying to find or compile the tools you need. With Fedora's comprehensive collection of open source languages, tools, and utilities, it's just a click or command away. There are even hosting projects and repositories like COPR to share your code and make builds available to the entire community. -
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FreeBSD
FreeBSD
FreeBSD offers advanced networking, performance, security and compatibility features today which are still missing in other operating systems, even some of the best commercial ones. FreeBSD makes an ideal Internet or Intranet server. It provides robust network services under the heaviest loads and uses memory efficiently to maintain good response times for thousands of simultaneous user processes. FreeBSD brings advanced network operating system features to appliance and embedded platforms, from higher-end Intel-based appliances to ARM, PowerPC, and MIPS hardware platforms. From mail and web appliances to routers, time servers, and wireless access points, vendors around the world rely on FreeBSD’s integrated build and cross-build environments and advanced features as the foundation for their embedded products. And the Berkeley open source license lets them decide how many of their local changes they want to contribute back.Starting Price: Free -
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NetBSD
NetBSD
NetBSD is a free, fast, secure, and highly portable Unix-like Open Source operating system. It is available for a wide range of platforms, from large-scale servers and powerful desktop systems to handheld and embedded devices. NetBSD was originally released in 1993. Over time, its code has found its way into many surprising environments, on the basis of a long history of quality, cleanliness, and stability. The NetBSD code was originally derived from 4.4BSD Lite2 from the University of California, Berkeley. NetBSD is an entirely free and open-source UNIX-like operating system developed by an international community. It isn't a "distribution" or variant but has evolved over several decades to be a complete and unique operating system in the BSD family. NetBSD users enjoy a simple, well-documented, and fully integrated UNIX-like system that feels minimal, and in many ways traditional, while including many modern and interesting features, and support for recent hardware.Starting Price: Free -
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NixOS
NixOS Foundation
NixOS is a Linux distribution built around the Nix package manager and Nixpkgs. It lets users describe operating-system settings, packages, services, accounts, and other system components in configuration files, then build and activate the resulting system with NixOS tools. This declarative approach supports maintaining repeatable configurations across personal computers and groups of servers, while system generations allow users to select or roll back to earlier configurations. NixOS provides graphical and minimal installation images for supported 64-bit Intel/AMD and ARM systems, and can also be deployed as virtual machine images or on Amazon EC2. It is intended for Linux users, developers, and system administrators who want to define and manage workstation, server, or cloud-machine environments through versionable configuration.Starting Price: Free -
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Mainstream OS
Mainstream OS
Mainstream OS is an Arch-based Linux desktop distribution built around the Hyprland Wayland compositor and a configurable Quickshell desktop. It provides a graphical installer and settings app for displays, window layouts, keyboard shortcuts, themes, updates, app management, and system repair. Users can customize the desktop with wallpaper-driven colors, save and share themes, manage native packages and Flatpak apps, and switch to a Steam-based Gaming or Console Mode. The distribution includes update snapshots and boot-menu rollback, plus options for dual boot and full-disk encryption during installation. It is intended for people seeking a customizable Linux desktop with graphical setup and administration, from first-time Linux users to experienced users looking for an Arch-based desktop.Starting Price: Free -
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Linux-AI OS
Linux-AI OS
Linux-AI OS is a Debian-based desktop operating system distributed as an installable ISO for 64-bit computers and virtual machines. Its free Star edition combines a Cinnamon desktop, Linux-AI branding, a first-run Welcome Center, and an integrated assistant for system information, application help, and explanations of Linux commands. The distribution is intended for people moving from Windows or macOS, Linux newcomers, developers, and experienced desktop users. A separate Premium edition adds locally run applications for mail assistance, voice, image creation, image-to-video, audio recording, virtual-machine management, and Ollama model management. Users install the system on compatible hardware or run it in a virtual machine. The project publishes hardware requirements, ISO downloads, checksums, and release information.Starting Price: Free -
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Linux Mint
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a free, open-source Linux operating system designed to provide a user-friendly, secure, and customizable desktop experience for personal and professional computing. The distribution is primarily based on Ubuntu and offers Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktop environments to accommodate different hardware capabilities and user preferences. Linux Mint includes preinstalled applications for web browsing, office productivity, multimedia playback, file management, and everyday computing. Its Software Manager provides access to thousands of applications, while the Update Manager simplifies software maintenance and security updates. Built-in system snapshot capabilities through Timeshift allow users to restore previous system states when configuration changes or updates cause problems. Linux Mint supports software development, gaming, business productivity, and multimedia creation, making it a practical alternative to Microsoft Windows and macOS.Starting Price: Free -
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Omarchy
Omarchy
Omarchy is an Arch-based Linux distribution that provides a preconfigured desktop environment and a curated set of applications, system utilities, and development tools. It can be installed from an ISO on compatible computers, either as a full-disk installation or alongside an existing system; virtual-machine options let users try it before installing. The keyboard-driven desktop includes configurable themes, menus, workspace and window controls, and tools for screenshots, recording, clipboard history, reminders, and system settings. Development features include terminals, editors, programming-language tools, and command-line AI agents, with optional community plugins for extending the desktop. A built-in manual covers setup, navigation, application use, customization, updates, security, and troubleshooting. Omarchy targets developers and other users seeking a customizable Linux desktop and comfortable configuring a computer.Starting Price: Free -
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Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an enterprise Linux operating system, certified on hundreds of clouds and with thousands of vendors. Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides a consistent foundation across environments and the tools needed to deliver services and workloads faster for any application. Red Hat Enterprise Linux reduces deployment friction and costs while speeding time to value for critical workloads, enabling development and operations teams to innovate together in any environment. Red Hat Enterprise Linux extends your hybrid cloud infrastructure to the edge—across hundreds of thousands of nodes all over the world. Create edge-optimized OS images, minimize workload interruptions caused by OS updates, transfer system updates more efficiently, and have confidence in automatic health checks and rollbacks. Run purpose-built command line utilities to automate many inventory and remediation steps associated with upgrading your subscription or migrating from another Linux distro.Starting Price: $99 one-time payment -
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OpenBSD
OpenBSD
OpenBSD is developed entirely by volunteers. The project's development environment and developer events are funded through contributions collected by The OpenBSD Foundation. Contributions ensure that OpenBSD will remain a vibrant and free operating system. Hence the OpenBSD project has embedded cryptography into numerous places in the operating system. We require that the cryptographic software we use be freely available and with good licenses. We do not directly use cryptography with nasty patents. We also require that such software is from countries with useful export licenses because we do not wish to break the laws of any country. Be as politics-free as possible; solutions should be decided on the basis of technical merit.Starting Price: Free -
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Unihost
Unihost
Dedicated and Virtual Servers. We deliver unparalleled scalability and tailored solutions, we stand as an optimal choice for your business’ success.Starting Price: €6 per month -
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Void Linux
Void Linux
Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel. Its package system allows you to quickly install, update and remove software; software is provided in binary packages or can be built directly from sources with the help of the XBPS source packages collection. It is available for a variety of platforms. Software packages can be built natively or cross compiled through the XBPS source packages collection. Unlike trillions of other existing distros, Void is not a modification of an existing distribution. Void's package manager and build system have been written from scratch. Void Linux supports both the musl and GNU libc implementations, patching incompatible software when necessary and working with upstream developers to improve the correctness and portability of their projects. -
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elementary OS
elementary OS
The fast, free and privacy-friendly alternative to Windows and macOS. A comprehensive update to a solid foundation. These include, but are not limited to, a completely redesigned login and screen lock screen, a revamped first-use experience, major updates to System Settings, enhancements to included applications, and desktop touch-ups. Get free and paid applications in the Application Center, the store where the user decides the amount to pay to independent developers. Each app has been reviewed by elementary to ensure a native, secure, and privacy-friendly experience. Elevate your productivity and focus with multitasking view, mini-screen mode, and Do Not Disturb. Or remove all work notifications while watching videos or playing games. elementary OS includes a suite of applications carefully selected to meet your daily needs, so you can get more out of your computer without having to deal with bloatware. -
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openSUSE Leap
openSUSE
A brand new way of building openSUSE and a new type of a hybrid Linux distribution. Leap uses source from SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE), which gives Leap a level of stability unmatched by other Linux distributions, and combines that with community developments to give users, developers and sysadmins the best stable Linux experience available. If you’re already running openSUSE you can upgrade by booting from the DVD/USB and choosing upgrade, or carry out an ‘Online Upgrade’ in a few commands. Leap is a classic stable distribution approach, one release each year and in between security and bugfixes. This makes Leap very attractive as server operating system, but as well for Desktops since it requires little maintenance effort. openSUSE Leap is compatible with SUSE Linux Enterprise; this gives Leap a level of stability unmatched by other Linux distributions and provides users the ability to migrate to an enterprise offering. -
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BunsenLabs Linux
BunsenLabs
BunsenLabs Linux Lithium is a distribution offering a light-weight and easily customizable Openbox desktop. The project is a community continuation of CrunchBang Linux. The current release is derived from Debian 10. The distribution consists of configuration and resource packages installed on top of Debian. There are no changes to the way the Debian base system is administrated. Pre-configured Openbox window manager with tint2 panel, conky system monitor and jgmenu, a feature-rich desktop menu. Assortment of harmonising GTK2/3 themes, wallpapers and conky configurations. Various configuration and application utilities to maintain this system. Additional desktop-, multimedia- and hardware-related packages come pre-installed to offer a better “out-of-the-box” experience. There is no limit to customization. We offer combined live-CD and installation media for the Debian amd64 (x86-64) architectures and i386 (i686) architectures. -
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Netrunner
Netrunner
The standard version ships with a full set of pre-installed software for everyday usage and is based on Debian. The Core version is a slimmed down version based on Debian Stable and allows you to build up your own system or run it on low-spec hardware like arm-boards. Netrunner is using KDE Plasma and tuning it to be as snappy and responsive as possible. Netrunner ships several Window- and Desktop-Themes to choose from, so you can start customizing right away. For most of our Window Themes, we are using the Aurorae-3 engine of KWin, which allows blur and transparency even on low-end machines. -
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SparkyLinux
SparkyLinux
SparkyLinux is a GNU/Linux distribution created on the top of Debian GNU/Linux operating system. Sparky is fast, lightweight and fully customizable OS which offers a few versions for different users and different tasks, such as fully featured OS with a lightweight desktop environment, which works out of the box and contain a selection of pre installed common use software for home users. MinimalGUI with Openbox window manager preinstalled only with basic software installed for users whose want to configure their OS/desktop as they want, on the top of Debian, plus any desktop environment or window manager they like. MinimalCLI with no X server, for advanced users whose want to build and configure their desktops in own way. Sparky supports about 20 desktop environments and window managers giving you freedom of choice, having in mind that your computer is made for working, having fun, entertainment, keeping in touch with friends, and many, many other things. -
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Neptune OS
Neptune
Neptune is a GNU/Linux Distribution for desktops based fully upon Debian Stable ('Buster'), except for a newer kernel and some drivers. It ships with a modern KDE Plasma Desktop with its main view on a good looking multimedia system which allows for getting work done. It also is a system which is flexible and very useful on usb sticks. Therefore we developed easy to use applications like USB Installer as well as a Persistent Creator that allows you to store changes to your system on your live usb stick. The Debian repository is the major base for getting updates and new software. Furthermore Neptune ships with its own software repository to update our own applications. Neptune tries to get the BeOS message of a fully supported multimedia OS to a next generation of users. Neptunes focuses on providing an elegant out of the box experience for the users. Therefore we ship a nice and simple overall look and feel as well as a whole bunch of multimedia tools, like codecs, flash player, etc. -
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Mobian
Mobian
Mobian aims to integrate the standard Debian distribution with the Phone Shell (phosh) project in a package that works on certain mobile phones, such as the Pinephone. Over time, the idea is to minimize the Mobian specific pieces by “upstreaming” customization to the original projects. Mobian comes with Phosh, the Phone Shell by Purism. It is based on well known modern Gnome technology like GTK, GSettings and DBus running on a wlroots based wayland compositor called phoc. Mobian aims to integrate the standard Debian distribution with Phone-specific projects and modifications in a distribution that works on certain mobile phones and tablets, such as the Pinephone, the Pinetab and the Librem 5. The idea is to minimize the Mobian specific pieces by “upstreaming” changes to the original projects as much as possible. To achieve this, we tread a delicate balance between carrying customized patches and packages that are required to make Mobian run well on its supported devices. -
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PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS is a free easy to use Linux-based Operating System for x86_64 desktops or laptops. PCLinuxOS is distributed as a LiveCD/DVD/USB ISO image, and can also be installed to your computer. The LiveCD/DVD/USB mode lets you try PCLInuxOS without making any changes to your computer. If you like it, you can install the operating system to your hard drive. Locally installed versions of PCLinuxOS utilize the Advanced Packaging Tool (or APT), a package management system (originally from the Debian distribution), together with Synaptic, a GUI frontend to APT for easy software installation. PCLinuxOS has over 12,000 rpm software packages available from our software repository. PCLinuxOS has a script called mylivecd, which allows the user to take a ‘snapshot’ of their current hard drive installation (all settings, applications, documents, etc.) and compress it into an ISO CD/DVD/USB image. -
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Linspire
PC/OpenSystems LLC
Linspire is a 64 bit Linux based OS, that is geared towards the business, education and government worker. It has all the applications business users will need for work, research and deployment among very high end desktop systems. With Linspire you can host the entire line of legacy applications that may still be in use in your environment as well as facilities for deploying web apps. Linspire is certified in many states to run government intranet and web based applications. Linspire is the ONLY Debian and Ubuntu based system that is certified by Oracle and IBM to host and deploy their respective cloud technologies. Linspire is deployed by 4 out of 5 US military branches and is in use by the NOAA and the National Weather Service.Starting Price: $39.99 -
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Xubuntu
Xubuntu
Xubuntu is a community developed operating system that combines elegance and ease of use. Xubuntu is an elegant and easy to use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment. Xubuntu is perfect for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks with a modern look and enough features for efficient, daily usage. It works well on older hardware too. Xubuntu is built around lightweight software with a lot of consideration for usability. Whether you have a high-end computer or even a moderately older machine, Xubuntu is able to provide you with a smooth and usable desktop experience. Benefiting of the Ubuntu hardware support, Xubuntu is able to work wonderfully with a wide variety of devices out of the box. Plug in your device, chances are it will work! Xubuntu has enough applications preinstalled for you to deal with daily tasks without having to install additional software. -
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Altima Linux
Gotoogle
Open Source Operating system tweaked and customised the way we like it with a selection of the best open source software applications. A worthy replacement for Windows and MacOS. Based on rock solid Debian Linux. This is a desktop computing environment with all of the free software required for general computing work. Other specialist applications are provided as installation guides. Downloads for free and install on many old computers and bring them back to life. What you thought was an antiquated machine most likely is just suffering from bloat. Major applications included are Libre Office, PhotoShack, InkScape, Sublime Text, QEMU, Nginx, Audacity, VLC Media Player, Epiphany, Remmina. Suggested additional free downloads; VirtualBox. WINE. The best part of Altima Linux is the clever combination of Windows and Mac look and feel so that users, new and experienced will enjoy a clean easy to follow and learn desktop environment. We hope that you enjoy testing and using Altima Linux.Starting Price: Free -
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eLxr
eLxr
Enterprise-Grade Linux for Edge-to-Cloud Deployments. Open-Source Collaborative Project, Debian-based Linux distribution tailored for edge to cloud use cases. Ensure consistent performance and stability, whether on device, on-prem, or in the cloud. eLxr provides a secure and stable distribution, with its foundation in opensource community innovation with predictable release and update cadence, fit for long lifecycles and long-term deployments. Cater to applications with stringent timing requirements, using preempt-rt kernel configurations to prioritize low-latency responses, ensuring that tasks are executed within precise time boundaries. Achieve better determinism and predictability compared to a standard Linux kernel. eLxr relies on a smaller footprint for better performance, optimized workloads, and smaller attack surface for resource usage efficiency. It provides all required features and attributes, considering best usage of system resources.Starting Price: Free -
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MocaccinoOS
MocaccinoOS
MocaccinoOS is a modern minimal Linux meta-distribution designed to provide a lightweight, modular, and container-driven operating system experience for cloud, desktop, server, and embedded environments. Built around the Luet package manager, MocaccinoOS emphasizes static package management, layered system architecture, recoverability, and simplified upgrades. The distribution is available in two primary variants: Mocaccino Micro, a musl-based Linux From Scratch system optimized for cloud and container use cases, and Mocaccino Desktop, a Gentoo-based desktop-focused distribution derived from the former Sabayon branch. MocaccinoOS uses container-based package delivery and versioned root filesystem layers to simplify system maintenance, package management, and upgrades while allowing users to customize and extend their systems efficiently.Starting Price: Free -
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Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is a unique family of Linux distributions meant for the home-user computers. Ready to use, all tools for common daily computing usage already included. Ease of use, grandpa-friendly certified. Relatively small size, 300 MB or less. Fast and versatile. Customizable within minutes, remasters. Different flavours, optimized to support older computers, newer computers. Variety, hundreds of derivatives (“puplets”), one of which will surely meet your needs. Puppy Linux is not a single Linux distribution like Debian. Puppy Linux is also not a Linux distribution with multiple flavours, like Ubuntu (with its variants of Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc) though it also comes in flavours. Puppy Linux is a collection of multiple Linux distributions, built on the same shared principles, built using the same set of tools, built on top of a unique set of puppy specific applications and configurations and generally speaking provide consistent behaviours and features. -
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Tails
Tails
Tails is a portable operating system that protects against surveillance and censorship. Tails uses the Tor network to protect your privacy online and help you avoid censorship. Enjoy the Internet like it should be. Shut down the computer and start on your Tails USB stick instead of starting on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Tails leaves no trace on the computer when shut down. Tails includes a selection of applications to work on sensitive documents and communicate securely. Everything in Tails is ready-to-use and has safe defaults. You can download Tails for free and independent security researchers can verify our work. Tails is based on Debian GNU/Linux. Activists use Tails to hide their identities, avoid censorship, and communicate securely. Journalists and their sources use Tails to publish sensitive information and access the Internet from unsafe places. Domestic violence survivors use Tails to escape surveillance at home. -
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Slax
Slax
Slax is a modern, portable, small and fast Linux operating system with modular approach and outstanding design. It runs directly from your USB flash drive without installing, so you can carry it everywhere you go in your pocket. Despite its small size, Slax provides nice graphical user interface and wise selection of pre-installed programs, such as a Web browser, Terminal, and more. Slax is now based on Debian, which gives you the ability to benefit from its entire ecosystem. Tens of thousands of prebuilt packages with applications, all within reach thanks to apt command. Major milestones for next Slax versions are tracked and funded through Patreon website and you can accelerate their development with a financial contribution. I am updating Slax regularly on my own to keep it up to date, but some features requested by users are implemented only after they are backed by sufficient amount of patrons.Starting Price: $29.95 one-time payment -
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Kali Linux
Kali
Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution geared towards various information security tasks, such as Penetration Testing, Security Research, Computer Forensics and Reverse Engineering. You can take any Linux and install pentesting tools on it, but you have to set the tools up manually and configure them. Kali is optimized to reduce the amount of work, so a professional can just sit down and go. A version of Kali is always close to you, no matter where you need it. Mobile devices, Docker, ARM, Amazon Web Services, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Virtual Machine, bare metal, and others are all available. With the use of metapackages, optimized for the specific tasks of a security professional, and a highly accessible and well documented ISO customization process, it's always easy to generate an optimized version of Kali for your specific needs. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice, our documentation will have all the information you will need to know. -
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Parrot OS
Parrot Security
Parrot is a worldwide community of developers and security specialists that work together to build a shared framework of tools to make their job easier, standardized and more reliable and secure. Parrot OS, the flagship product of Parrot Security is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian and designed with Security and Privacy in mind. It includes a full portable laboratory for all kinds of cyber security operations, from pentesting to digital forensics and reverse engineering, but it also includes everything needed to develop your own software or keep your data secure. Always updated, frequently released with many hardening and sandboxing options available. Everything is under your complete control. Feel free to get the system, share with anyone, read the source code and change it as you want! this system is made to respect your freedom, and it ever will be. -
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Synaptic
Synaptic
Synaptic is a graphical package management program for apt. It provides the same features as the apt-get command-line utility with a GUI front-end based on Gtk+. Install, remove, upgrade and downgrade single and multiple packages. Upgrade your whole system. Manage package repositories (sources.list). Find packages by name, description, and several other attributes. Select packages by status, section, name, or a custom filter. Sort packages by name, status, size, or version. Browse all available online documentation related to a package. Download the latest changelog of a package. Lock packages to the current version. Force the installation of a specific package version. Undo/Redo selections. Built-in terminal emulator for the package manager. Debian/Ubuntu only, configure packages through the debconf system. Debian/Ubuntu only, Xapain-based fast search (thanks to Enrico Zini).Starting Price: Free -
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Pica8 PICOS
Pica8
The one-of-a-kind PICOS open NOS with tightly coupled control planes gives network operators surgical, non-disruptive control of their enterprise applications, deep and dynamic traffic monitoring, and even attack mitigation, all in real time. There’s no better way to implement zero-trust networking and software-defined perimeters than PICOS. Our flagship open network operating system installs on 1G- to 100G-interface open switches from a broad array of Tier 1 manufacturers. This fully featured license offers the most comprehensive support for enterprise features on the market. It includes the Debian Linux distribution, with an unmodified kernel for maximum DevOps programmability. Enterprise Edition also includes AmpCon, an Ansible-based automation framework that couples Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) with the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE) to simplify installation and operation of open network switches across the enterprise. -
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BlackArch Linux
BlackArch Linux
BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux-based penetration testing distribution for penetration testers and security researchers. You can install tools individually or in groups. BlackArch Linux is compatible with existing Arch installs. The BlackArch Full ISO contains multiple window managers. The BlackArch Slim ISO features XFCE Desktop Enviroment. The full ISO contains a complete, functional BlackArch Linux system with all the available tools in the repo at build time. The slim ISO contains a functional BlackArch Linux system with a selected set of common/well-known tools and system utilities for pentesting. The netinstall ISO is a lightweight image for bootstrapping machines with a minimal set of packages. BlackArch Linux is compatible with existing/normal Arch installations. It acts as an unofficial user repository. You can install BlackArch Linux using the Slim medium which features GUI installer. -
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AnduinOS
AnduinOS
AnduinOS is a custom Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to provide a familiar, easy-to-use experience for users transitioning from other operating systems, particularly those accustomed to Windows. It offers a lightweight and efficient system with a relatively small installation image, allowing for quick setup and immediate usability without complex configuration. It features a GNOME-based desktop environment with a clean and intuitive interface that aligns with common user habits, reducing the learning curve and enabling fast adoption. Built on the Ubuntu ecosystem, AnduinOS is compatible with most Ubuntu packages, giving users access to a wide range of applications and tools while maintaining stability and flexibility. It emphasizes privacy and security by avoiding tracking, profiling, or data collection, ensuring that users remain anonymous within the system.Starting Price: Free -
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TrueNAS
iXsystems
TrueNAS is the world's most deployed storage software. TrueNAS is a universal data platform that allows users to easily adopt a modern, open source approach to storing and protecting their growing data. TrueNAS is open source and harnesses the power of the legendary ZFS file system to provide unified storage (File, Block Object, and Apps) with the reliability and performance demanded by virtualization, backup, and many other data-heavy workloads. The TrueNAS CORE edition (formerly FreeNAS) is based on FreeBSD for unified scale-up storage. The TrueNAS SCALE edition is based on Debian Linux for either scale-up or scale-out solutions, and offers Linux Containers, VMs (KVM), and scale-out ZFS storage capabilities. Both are known to work well on standard hardware. Join the millions already using TrueNAS, including the majority of Fortune 500 companies, and experience why TrueNAS is very highly rated for yourself.Starting Price: Free -
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Xfce
Xfce
Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems. It aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly. In order to make Xfce shine a little more out of the box and to strengthen its visual identity we created new icons for all of our core applications and based them on a shared palette to ensure consistency. We also set some further (implicit) design constraints, loosely following Adwaita's principles. The Settings Manager itself received a visual refresh of its filter box, which can now be hidden permanently. At the same time the search capabilities of the filter box were improved by searching the descriptive 'Comments' part of each dialog's launcher (aka .desktop) file. This new dialog represents a merger between the previously available 'Mime Settings' and the 'Preferred Applications' dialogs. Consolidating both in one place means users have an easier time setting default applications to handle files.
