A non-exhaustive list of most of the common / mainstream Linux distributions and basic relevant details. Obviously there are thousands of actual distros, so this aims to cover some of the most recognizable and most used.
A non-exhaustive list of most of the common / mainstream Linux distributions and basic relevant details. Obviously there are thousands of actual distros, so this aims to cover some of the most recognizable and most used.
| Distribution | Base | Package Manager | Focus | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debian | Independent | apt (deb) | Stability / Server | Sysadmins / Purists |
| Ubuntu | Debian | apt / Snap | General Purpose | Everyone / Beginners |
| Linux Mint | Ubuntu | apt (deb) | Desktop Ease of Use | Windows Migrants |
| Pop!_OS | Ubuntu | apt / Flatpak | Development / STEM | Creatives / Engineers |
| Zorin OS | Ubuntu | apt (deb) | Visual Familiarity | macOS/Win Switchers |
| Fedora | Independent | dnf (rpm) | Innovation / Dev | Workstation Users |
| RHEL | Independent | dnf (rpm) | Enterprise | Corporate Servers |
| Rocky Linux | RHEL | dnf (rpm) | Server Stability | Enterprise / High-Perf |
| openSUSE | Independent | zypper (rpm) | SysAdmin / Tooling | Professional Desktop |
| Arch Linux | Independent | pacman | Minimalism / DIY | Power Users / Tinkerers |
| Manjaro | Arch | pacman / Pamac | User-friendly Arch | Gamers / Desktop Users |
| EndeavourOS | Arch | pacman | Near-Stock Arch | Intermediate Users |
| CachyOS | Arch | pacman | Performance Ops | Performance Enthusiasts |
| Garuda Linux | Arch | pacman | Gaming / Aesthetics | Gamers |
| Nobara | Fedora | dnf (rpm) | Gaming Out-of-Box | Gamers |
| SteamOS 3 | Arch | pacman | Handheld Gaming | Steam Deck Users |
| Kali Linux | Debian | apt (deb) | Cybersecurity | Pen-Testers |
| Tails | Debian | apt (deb) | Privacy / Anonymity | Journalists / Activists |
| NixOS | Independent | nix | Reproducibility | DevOps / Advanced |
| Gentoo | Independent | portage | Extreme Customization | Hardcore Tinkerers |
| Alpine Linux | Independent | apk | Lightweight / Security | Docker / Containers |