Word count: 4420, estimated reading time: 6 minutesTo this day, there are hundreds of different Linux distributions in the world.
Most of them can be categorized into three major categories: Debian, Red Hat (Fedora), and Arch Linux.
Using Linux distributions based on Debian/Ubuntu, Red Hat/SUSE, or Arch naturally has its advantages. They are very popular, so their package managers can provide a large number of packages.
However, some users prefer to use distributions built from scratch, independent of DEB/RPM package management systems.
In this article, we will list some excellent independent Linux distributions.
Note: Obviously, the list below will not include some popular distributions that are often used as a basis for creating new distributions, such as Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora. Additionally, the order of the list is not ranked.
1. NixOS
Image Credits: Distrowatch
NixOS was first released in 2003 and is built on the Nix package manager. It releases two versions each year, usually in May and November.
NixOS may not be a distribution aimed directly at new or average users. However, its unique package management method attracts various users.
Additionally, it still supports 32-bit systems.
Other features:
NixOS
2. Gentoo Linux
Image Credits: Distrowatch
Gentoo Linux is an independent Linux distribution primarily aimed at operating system experts. It is built for users who want to customize, fine-tune, and optimize the operating system to meet their requirements.
Gentoo uses the Portage package manager to create and install packages, which usually allows you to optimize them for your hardware. The open-source version of Chrome, Chromium OS, uses Gentoo as its core.
Don’t forget, Gentoo is one of the distributions that still supports 32-bit architecture.
Other features:
Gentoo Linux
3. Void Linux
Image Credits: Distrowatch
Void Linux is a rolling release distribution that uses the X Binary Package System (XBPS) to install and remove software. It was created by former NetBSD developer Juan Romero Pardines.
It uses runit instead of systemd as its initialization system. Additionally, it allows you to choose from multiple desktop environments.
Other features:
Void Linux
4. Solus Linux
solus budgie 2022
Solus was originally EvolveOS, built from scratch and offers some exciting features. The flagship version of Solus uses its own Budgie as the desktop environment.
Compared to other systems introduced in this article, Solus is relatively user-friendly for beginners. It has managed to become one of the best Linux distributions.
It uses eopkg as its package management system and supports a rolling release model. According to the developers, the goal of developing Solus is for personal computers.
Other features:
Solus Linux
5. Mageia
Image Credits: Distrowatch
Mageia began in 2010 as a fork of Mandriva Linux. Its goal is to be a stable and secure desktop and server operating system.
Mageia is a community-driven project supported by a non-profit organization and contributors. A major version is released each year.
Other features:
Mageia
6. Clear Linux
Image Credits: Distrowatch
Clear Linux is a distribution released by Intel, primarily designed with performance and cloud service usage in mind.
Interestingly, Clear Linux upgrades as a whole rather than upgrading individual packages. So even if you accidentally mess up system settings, it can still boot correctly, perform a factory reset, and allow users to reconfigure.
It is not particularly suitable for personal users. However, it can be tried as a unique option.
Other features:
Clear Linux OS
7. PCLinuxOS
Image Credits: Distrowatch
PCLinuxOS is an x86_64 Linux distribution that uses APT/RPM package management. You can use KDE Plasma, Mate, and XFCE desktops, and it also provides more features in its community version.
Thanks to the Synaptic package manager, PCLinuxOS installed locally uses the APT package management system. But you can also find RPM packages from its repositories.
Other features:
PCLinuxOS
8. 4MLinux
4m linux 2022
4MLinux is a general-purpose Linux distribution focused on the following four “M” aspects:
It has minimal system requirements and can be used as both a desktop and server version.
Other features:
4MLinux
9. Tiny Core Linux
Image Credits: Distrowatch
Tiny Core Linux focuses on providing a minimal system using BusyBox and FLTK. It is not a complete desktop, so it cannot guarantee to run on any system.
It is merely a core needed to boot into a very minimal X desktop, typically with wired internet access.
Users can control everything well, but it is not an easy out-of-the-box system for new Linux users.
Other features:
Tiny Core Linux
10. Linux From Scratch (LFS)
Image Credit: Reddit
Linux From Scratch (LFS) is not a system, but a method of installing Linux by manually building all components. Once completed, it provides a compact, flexible, and secure system, and allows a good understanding of how a Linux-based operating system works internally.
If you want to understand how Linux works in depth and explore its specifics, then Linux From Scratch (LFS) is a project you must try and not miss.
Other features:
Linux From Scratch
11. Slackware
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Slackware is the oldest distribution still maintained today. It was originally created in 1993 based on the Softlanding Linux System, and many Linux distributions are based on Slackware.
Slackware aims to be the most UNIX-like Linux distribution while maintaining simplicity and stability.
Other features:
Slackware
12. Alpine Linux
alpine linux xfce 2022
Alpine Linux is a community-developed operating system designed for routers, firewalls, VPNs, VoIP boxes, and servers. It is a branch of the LEAF project.
Alpine Linux uses the apk-tools package manager, initially written in shell scripts, and later rewritten in C. It is one of the smallest Linux distributions, still supports 32-bit systems, and is an operating system that can run completely from computer memory.
Other features:
Alpine Linux
13. KaOS
Image Credits: Distrowatch
KaOS is a Linux distribution inspired by Arch and built from scratch. It uses the pacman package manager. It is built on the principle of “one desktop environment (KDE Plasma), one toolkit (Qt), one architecture (X86_64).”
Its software library is limited, but it still provides many tools for ordinary users.
Other features:
KaOS
Conclusion
If you need some unique experiences, these independent Linux distributions should meet your needs well.
However, if you want to replace mainstream Linux distributions like Ubuntu as your desktop system… you might want to think twice, as most of the distributions above (not all) are not ideal options for a daily-use desktop system.
But then again, if you are experienced with Linux distributions, you will undoubtedly enjoy this adventurous task.
If you want to try one of these independent distributions, which one would be your priority choice? Please share with us in the comments.
via: https://itsfoss.com/independent-linux-distros/
Author: sreenath Topic: lkxed Translator: MuggleWei Proofreader: wxy
This article is originally translated by LCTT and proudly presented by Linux China
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