List of the Top Operating Systems for Linux in 2025 - Page 4

OpenMandriva Lx is recognized as a distinct distribution that has its roots in Mandriva Linux. The OpenMandriva Association aims to craft a user-friendly distribution that caters to everyone, from newcomers to expert developers. We strive to achieve the perfect equilibrium between innovative features and dependable stability. Drawing from the rich heritage of Mandrake, we are a worldwide community driven by a commitment to free software, collaborating on both technical aspects and strategic initiatives. Our mission goes beyond just developing a Linux distribution; we also promote the exchange of knowledge and nurture friendships among users. Welcome to the thriving OpenMandriva Community! For further insights into our identity and activities, please click here. This free Desktop Operating System aspires to captivate and motivate both new and experienced users, providing the complexity of an advanced system while ensuring usability and straightforwardness. We invite you to be part of our endeavor to elevate the Linux experience for all, as we work together to create an inclusive environment that values every user’s input.

Ubuntu Server provides both cost-effectiveness and technical scalability for any data center, whether it is meant for public or private use. If you aim to create an OpenStack cloud, a Kubernetes cluster, or even a massive render farm with 50,000 nodes, you will find that Ubuntu Server offers exceptional scale-out performance that translates into significant value. It allows for the hassle-free deployment of diverse applications, including NoSQL databases and web farms, ensuring flexibility and efficiency. With certifications from major hardware vendors and a comprehensive suite of deployment tools, you can enhance your infrastructure's efficiency to the fullest. The regular release cycle guarantees access to the latest and most effective open-source solutions available. Furthermore, its lightweight initial setup, along with integrated deployment and application modeling technologies, makes Ubuntu Server an excellent choice for easy deployment and effective management at scale. This combination of features ultimately positions Ubuntu Server as a top-tier option for organizations looking to improve operational efficiency while optimizing resource utilization effectively. Additionally, its strong community support and extensive documentation further aid in seamless implementation and troubleshooting, making it even more appealing for diverse enterprise needs.

As your innovation transitions into a physical product, the Raspberry Pi compute module emerges as a powerful, industrial-grade system-on-module that acts as the central processing unit for a wide range of hardware applications, including robotics and server infrastructures. Nowadays, open source has established itself as the key driver of software advancement across diverse areas—spanning from cloud computing and edge devices to containerization and the Internet of Things (IoT); this includes applications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and nanosatellite technology, with major companies worldwide utilizing open source to further technological progress. The Raspberry Pi is built on the ARM instruction set, akin to the architecture found in Android and iOS smartphones, as well as the most recent Mac computers. While it might appear similar to Ubuntu operating on a conventional PC, the distinctive architecture and device integration present a uniquely innovative approach. This evolution not only equips developers with powerful tools but also cultivates a collaborative space for ongoing technological enhancement, ultimately driving the industry toward remarkable advancements. Embracing this open-source philosophy allows for a shared pool of knowledge and resources, empowering a diverse community to innovate collectively.

Designed to meet the needs of various settings, this solution includes a wide array of crucial business applications aimed at boosting employee productivity. Built on the reliable SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, the SLE Desktop integrates sophisticated security features that protect vital enterprise data effectively. It functions as a flexible and secure desktop operating system, particularly suited for environments where reliability, ease of maintenance, and consistent updates are essential. Bundled with numerous high-quality applications such as a web browser, email client, and collaboration tools, it plays a key role in enhancing employee efficiency. Its strong security infrastructure, which features an application security system, built-in VPN, and antivirus protection, offers formidable defenses against viruses and malware. Moreover, it benefits from SUSE's enterprise-level support and maintenance services, adding further value. Users enjoy a considerable degree of customization to tailor the system to their unique business requirements, making it a versatile option for any organization. Additionally, this desktop solution not only emphasizes security but also equips users with adaptive tools that integrate smoothly into their daily workflows, ensuring a holistic approach to operational efficiency. Ultimately, it stands out as a remarkable choice for organizations aiming to enhance productivity while maintaining robust security.

Slax is a modern, portable, compact, and efficient Linux operating system that features a modular structure and offers an outstanding user interface. It can be run directly from a USB flash drive, making it easy to carry around in your pocket. Despite its lightweight design, Slax includes an attractive graphical user interface and a curated selection of pre-installed applications such as a web browser and terminal. Now based on the Debian framework, Slax takes advantage of a vast ecosystem, providing access to tens of thousands of ready-to-install packages through the apt command. The ongoing development of Slax is tracked and supported via the Patreon platform, allowing users to financially contribute to accelerate improvements. While I regularly update Slax to keep it up-to-date, some features requested by the community are only implemented once they garner sufficient support from patrons, highlighting the collaborative aspect of its development process. This approach ensures that Slax's growth aligns closely with the needs and desires of its user base, fostering an engaged community. Ultimately, the continuous feedback and support from users play a vital role in shaping the future of Slax.

Arista's Extensible Operating System (EOS®) is the cornerstone of its groundbreaking cloud networking offerings specifically designed for contemporary data centers and cloud environments. Built with a focus on scalability, architectures powered by Arista EOS can accommodate vast numbers of computing and storage devices while delivering management and provisioning capabilities that function effortlessly at scale. The system's programmability enables a collection of software applications that automate workflows, guarantee high availability, and provide exceptional network visibility and analytics. Furthermore, it supports rapid integration with a wide range of third-party applications centered around virtualization, management, automation, and orchestration services. As a fully programmable and modular network operating system founded on Linux, Arista EOS utilizes a user-friendly industry-standard command-line interface (CLI) and runs on a consistent binary software image across the entire Arista switching lineup. This unique architecture not only boosts operational efficiency but also makes maintenance and upgrades across the network infrastructure far more straightforward. In essence, Arista EOS empowers organizations to optimize their network capabilities while adapting to the evolving demands of digital transformation.

The distinctive PICOS open NOS, designed with tightly integrated control planes, offers network operators accurate and non-intrusive visibility into their enterprise applications, facilitating comprehensive and flexible traffic analysis as well as timely attack prevention. When it comes to implementing zero-trust networking and creating software-defined perimeters, PICOS is recognized as the leading solution. Our cutting-edge open network operating system seamlessly works with open switches that feature interfaces between 1G and 100G, sourced from a wide array of Tier 1 manufacturers. This extensive licensing package provides unmatched support for enterprise capabilities found in today's market. It also includes the Debian Linux distribution, maintaining an unaltered kernel to maximize DevOps programmability. In addition, the Enterprise Edition is further enhanced with AmpCon, an automation framework leveraging Ansible, which combines Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) with the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE), thereby simplifying the deployment and management of open network switches across the enterprise. Such sophisticated functionalities empower organizations to maintain not only operationally efficient networks but also robust defenses against continuously emerging threats. As a result, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of modern networking while ensuring their infrastructure remains fortified.

Streamline the intricacies of your data center and ensure flawless interoperability by adopting Linux. Cumulus Linux not only incorporates standard security measures but also offers distinctive security enhancements that are exclusive to its system. You can utilize familiar Linux-based management tools and the knowledge of your team, which enables each engineer to oversee a larger number of switches efficiently. Enjoy the advantages of seamless integration along with top-tier tools tailored for automation, monitoring, and analytics, among other capabilities. Running multiple network paths without the need for extra switches guarantees traffic isolation and proper network segmentation for a variety of devices. The shift from design to physical connections is made simple and effective. With PTM, your data center gains the ability to swiftly check connections and resolve any issues that may arise. Experience exceptional speeds and low latencies by implementing RoCE, which only requires a single line of code to set up. This method not only boosts performance but also enhances the overall efficiency of your network infrastructure. Furthermore, the combination of these features can lead to significant improvements in operational productivity and resource management.

Sabayon is an accessible Linux distribution rooted in Gentoo, specifically crafted for those new to the platform. Our aim is to offer an outstanding "out of the box" experience by incorporating the latest open-source technologies into a refined package. With Sabayon, everything is engineered to work harmoniously right from the beginning. We present a state-of-the-art operating system that balances stability and reliability, ensuring swift performance while being tailored to your specific hardware needs. Users have the option to evolve a fresh Sabayon installation into a complex Gentoo ~arch system, or they can simply enjoy the benefits of our binary package manager. With a range of testing options and Community Repositories available, you only need to install once, and upgrading to the latest version is a seamless process whenever you desire. Just start the system up, and all necessary components are pre-configured for your convenience. We provide both daily and monthly images to meet diverse user needs. Users can choose from several Desktop Environments, such as KDE, Gnome, Mate, and XFCE. In addition, creating a personalized version of Sabayon is effortless, even with Docker! Furthermore, Sabayon is compatible with a variety of devices, including Raspberry Pi 2/3, Odroid X2, U2/3, C2, and more, making it an adaptable option for a wide array of hardware platforms. Overall, Sabayon stands out as a flexible and user-friendly choice, catering to both novice and experienced users alike.

The emergence of container-based infrastructure has marked a pivotal shift in the realm of technology. A Linux distribution tailored specifically for containers provides an optimal foundation for a cloud-native environment. This minimalist operating system image is designed to include only the vital tools required for running containers. By eliminating a package manager, it effectively avoids any risks associated with configuration drift. The implementation of an immutable filesystem contributes significantly to reducing various security risks. Furthermore, automated atomic updates guarantee that you receive the latest security patches and advancements in open-source technology consistently. Flatcar Container Linux is meticulously designed from the ground up to efficiently handle container workloads. It fully adopts the container philosophy by integrating only the essential components necessary for container operation. In the context of immutable infrastructure, possessing a similarly immutable Linux operating system becomes essential. With Flatcar Container Linux, the emphasis transitions from managing configurations to efficiently overseeing your infrastructure, leading to a more streamlined and secure operational landscape. This transformative approach not only enhances efficiency but also fundamentally changes how organizations oversee their cloud-native applications and services, paving the way for a more agile future in technology management.

When the device is powered on, the settings and preferences menu is readily available, facilitating a swift and hassle-free setup process. The iMin UI represents a highly refined operating system derived from Android, specifically tailored for intelligent commercial devices, which significantly enhances system performance through optimized interactive experiences and practical applications. Users have the option to enable private mode, ensuring that applications do not function without the navigation bar and that intrusive notifications are effectively blocked. For any concerns regarding product usage, the user manual proves to be an indispensable tool, providing clear and effective solutions. It is advisable for users facing challenges with the product to refer to the user manual for prompt assistance. Moreover, the device offers a remote control feature, enabling technicians to assist from afar, which is nearly as effective as direct interaction. Additionally, the hardware butler functionality allows users to effortlessly monitor the device's status at a glance, keeping them updated on its performance. This all-encompassing strategy guarantees that users have immediate access to all the support they need, enhancing their overall experience with the device. Overall, the combination of these features results in a user-friendly environment that prioritizes convenience and efficiency.

In the current environment, simply allowing access to reports and information stored on the mainframe is no longer adequate for stakeholders. Employees, partners, and customers alike are increasingly seeking a modern digital experience that is paired with efficient workflows. Moreover, the rising tide of regulations and security measures globally means it is crucial to protect all data, no matter the platform. Rocket® EOS 360 effectively integrates with mainframe systems to capture application outputs, oversee data storage, and provide users with rapid and secure access. By implementing Rocket EOS 360, organizations can prioritize vital MSUs for key applications, thus boosting the overall effectiveness of the output management system. Additionally, this solution centralizes data management and creates a single, secure access point that not only ensures compliance with various regulations but also significantly lowers the risk of data breaches while enhancing user satisfaction. With such capabilities, businesses can adapt to changing demands and maintain a competitive edge in their respective industries.

Kali Linux is an open-source distribution based on Debian, crafted specifically for a range of information security tasks such as penetration testing, security research, computer forensics, and reverse engineering. Although any Linux distribution can be modified to include penetration testing tools, this often necessitates significant setup and configuration time. Kali Linux is designed to alleviate much of this burden, allowing security professionals to concentrate on their work immediately. Users can utilize Kali from nearly any platform, including mobile devices, Docker, ARM architectures, Amazon Web Services, the Windows Subsystem for Linux, virtual machines, or even directly on hardware. The presence of metapackages that are tailored for specific security operations, along with a well-documented ISO customization process, makes it easy to create a version of Kali that meets individual requirements. This adaptability makes Kali a suitable option for both seasoned experts and those new to the field, as the extensive documentation provides essential support for all users. Furthermore, the vibrant community engaged with Kali Linux plays a crucial role in its ongoing development, continuously enhancing the resources and tools available to its user base. This collaborative effort not only improves the software but also fosters a sense of belonging among its users.

Mobian aims to merge the classic Debian distribution with the Phone Shell (phosh) project, ensuring compatibility across a variety of mobile devices, including the Pinephone. Its primary objective is to minimize the distinctive features of Mobian by contributing enhancements back to the original projects, a practice referred to as "upstreaming." Incorporating Phosh, which is developed by Purism, Mobian utilizes widely-used modern Gnome technologies such as GTK, GSettings, and DBus, all operating on a wlroots-based Wayland compositor known as phoc. The operating system is tailored not just for smartphones like the Pinephone, but also for tablets like the Pinetab and the Librem 5, broadening its usability across different device types. In this effort, Mobian seeks to maintain a delicate balance between necessary custom patches and packages that boost performance while aiming to lessen reliance on modifications unique to Mobian. This dual approach not only improves the overall user experience but also fosters the preservation of the upstream projects' integrity. Ultimately, Mobian's commitment to collaboration and compatibility signifies a step towards a more unified mobile operating system landscape.

CIQ enables individuals to achieve remarkable feats by delivering cutting-edge and reliable software infrastructure solutions tailored for various computing requirements. Their offerings span from foundational operating systems to containers, orchestration, provisioning, computing, and cloud applications, ensuring robust support for every layer of the technology stack. By focusing on stability, scalability, and security, CIQ crafts production environments that benefit both customers and the broader community. Additionally, CIQ proudly serves as the founding support and services partner for Rocky Linux, while also pioneering the development of an advanced federated computing stack. This commitment to innovation continues to drive their mission of empowering technology users worldwide.

Clear Linux OS is a rolling release distribution that prioritizes performance and security, making it an open-source option well-suited for customization and management across various environments from the Cloud to the Edge. It operates effectively without requiring tailored configurations, even on a standard host with an empty /etc directory. The stateless architecture uniquely separates the operating system's settings, user configurations, and machine-specific data, allowing users to easily manage their personal settings alongside system-level configurations. This approach not only streamlines the management of personalized configurations but also enhances the overall performance of the system. Clear Linux OS optimizes performance throughout the entire stack, including the platform, kernel, mathematical libraries, middleware, frameworks, and runtime components, ensuring that users benefit from a robust experience. Furthermore, it includes an automated tool that continuously tracks Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), allowing for swift remediation and bolstering system security. By clearly distinguishing between User and System files, the operating system simplifies customization and enhances the management of its features and functionalities. Consequently, users can enjoy a streamlined experience while effortlessly adapting the system to suit their individual requirements, leading to greater satisfaction and productivity.

Alpine Linux is a distinctive, non-commercial general-purpose distribution designed for advanced users who emphasize security, simplicity, and efficient use of resources. Constructed with musl libc and busybox, it achieves a compact size and improved performance when compared to traditional GNU/Linux distributions. A container can function using as little as 8 MB of memory, while a minimal installation on disk requires approximately 130 MB of storage. Users enjoy not only a full Linux environment but also access to a broad range of packages in its repository. The binary packages are optimized and modular, allowing for enhanced customization during installations, thus ensuring the system remains lightweight and efficient. Alpine Linux takes pride in its straightforward nature, creating a user experience that is minimally intrusive. It operates with its own package manager, apk, and employs the OpenRC init system along with script-driven configurations. This methodology results in a clear and uncomplicated Linux environment, devoid of unnecessary complexities, making it a popular option for those who appreciate efficiency and clarity in their operating system. Moreover, the emphasis on simplicity enables users to focus on their work without being sidetracked by superfluous features or components, ultimately fostering greater productivity.

KubeSphere functions as a distributed operating system specifically crafted for overseeing cloud-native applications, relying on Kubernetes as its foundational technology. Its design is modular, facilitating seamless incorporation of third-party applications within its ecosystem. As a distinguished multi-tenant, enterprise-grade, open-source platform for Kubernetes, KubeSphere boasts extensive automated IT operations alongside streamlined DevOps practices. The platform is equipped with an intuitive, wizard-driven web interface that enables organizations to enrich their Kubernetes setups with vital tools and capabilities essential for successful enterprise strategies. Being recognized as a CNCF-certified Kubernetes platform, it remains entirely open-source and benefits from community contributions for continuous improvement. KubeSphere is versatile, allowing deployment on existing Kubernetes clusters or Linux servers, and providing options for both online and air-gapped installations. This all-encompassing platform effectively offers a variety of features, such as DevOps support, service mesh integration, observability, application management, multi-tenancy, along with storage and network management solutions, making it an ideal choice for organizations aiming to enhance their cloud-native operations. Moreover, KubeSphere's adaptability empowers teams to customize their workflows according to specific requirements, encouraging both innovation and collaboration throughout the development lifecycle. Ultimately, this capability positions KubeSphere as a robust solution for organizations seeking to maximize their efficiency in managing cloud-native environments.

Santoku specializes in mobile forensics, analysis, and security by providing an intuitive, open-source platform. It features automated scripts that assist with various tasks such as decrypting binaries, deploying apps, and gathering details about applications. Moreover, the platform includes scripts designed to detect common issues in mobile applications. Utilities for simulating network services are also part of the offering, enabling dynamic analysis. Santoku presents a comprehensive suite of tools and scripts specifically crafted for mobile forensic investigations. In addition, it offers firmware flashing tools that are compatible with a wide range of manufacturers, complemented by graphical user interface (GUI) tools that simplify the deployment and management of mobile applications. This extensive array of features positions Santoku as an essential tool for experts working in mobile forensics, ensuring they have the resources necessary to address a variety of challenges in their investigations. Ultimately, Santoku's focus on usability and comprehensive functionality makes it a pivotal resource for any mobile forensic professional.

Urbit aims to be user-friendly for everyone, but its vast ecosystem can sometimes be daunting to navigate. By following the links provided, users can interact with the network through different pathways, including development, operation, and exploration. It tackles the intricate problems that come with building a peer-to-peer network, such as verifying identities, navigating NAT traversal, and ensuring messages are delivered precisely once, all of which are managed within the kernel, enabling app developers to focus on their essential business logic. The operating system operates as a singular pure function, granting developers strong assurances like automated persistence, efficient memory management, reproducible builds, and the capability for hot code reloading. Urbit's vision of a seamlessly connected world echoes the formative years of the Internet, promoting a space for collaborative discussions and mutual support among users. Challenges that seem insurmountable today, such as data breaches, spam, fraudulent reviews, and harassment, can be effectively addressed when individuals take back control of their computing environments. In this framework, a single login allows access to all services, significantly simplifying the user experience. This efficient system not only bolsters security but also fosters deeper, more personalized online interactions, leading to a more engaged and connected community. Ultimately, Urbit envisions a digital landscape that empowers users while preserving their autonomy and privacy.

Openmediavault is a sophisticated network attached storage (NAS) solution that operates on Debian Linux, providing a range of services such as SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, and RSync, all of which are easily accessible. Its modular design supports customization via plugins, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific requirements. While it is primarily intended for small offices and home office applications, its flexibility makes it suitable for a wider array of environments. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, openmediavault empowers individuals to effortlessly set up and oversee a Network Attached Storage system, even without in-depth technical knowledge. Additionally, the platform's ease of use and robust features contribute to its popularity among those in search of effective storage solutions, making it a go-to choice for many. Users appreciate the continuous updates and community support that enhance its functionality over time.

Hello and a heartfelt welcome to the Anthon Open Source Community, the esteemed home of AOSC OS! AOSC OS is crafted as a flexible Linux distribution aimed at improving user experience while promoting the growth of free and open-source software for routine activities. In the AOSC community, we unite in our enthusiasm for discovering the pleasures of computing. Over the years, AOSC has invested considerable efforts into the AOSC OS project and has also supported various other initiatives that have arisen from the passions of our community members, reflecting our dedication to innovation and teamwork. Together, we continue to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of what open-source software can achieve.

IBM z/VM stands out as an advanced operating system that incorporates a hypervisor and virtualization capabilities, tailored to proficiently oversee guest servers, including Linux, z/OS, and z/TPF virtual machines, alongside Red Hat OpenShift on IBM Z and LinuxONE platforms. This powerful system has the capacity to run hundreds or even thousands of guest servers on a single IBM Z or LinuxONE server, showcasing exceptional efficiency and flexibility. It supports a diverse array of machine images and architectures, simplifying the migration process, facilitating application transitions, and enabling the consolidation of multiple systems into a single server environment. By optimizing resource sharing among virtual machines, IBM z/VM delivers remarkable scalability, security, and operational efficiency, ultimately leading to substantial cost savings while laying a strong groundwork for cognitive computing initiatives. Its deployment facilitates on-premises cloud computing within a hybrid cloud model, empowering organizations to effectively scale and manage extensive Linux and container workloads. Additionally, it plays a vital role in ensuring continuous availability through IBM's comprehensive resiliency solutions, which guarantee uninterrupted infrastructure for businesses. The adaptability and efficiency of IBM z/VM render it an indispensable resource for contemporary enterprises striving to enhance their IT operations and achieve greater operational agility. As the demand for robust computing solutions grows, IBM z/VM's role in the marketplace becomes increasingly critical.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a robust and secure OS designed specifically for businesses and organizations, offering a dependable and scalable platform for crucial applications and workloads in various settings, including physical, virtual, or cloud environments. This operating system is equipped with sophisticated functionalities such as high availability, virtualization support, and seamless cloud integration, making it ideal for the implementation of advanced IT frameworks. Known for its reliability and long-term support, SLES allows enterprises to sustain a secure and stable operational environment over prolonged periods. Furthermore, SUSE's management tools promote efficient configuration and automation, significantly easing the tasks associated with server deployment and maintenance. It supports a wide range of hardware architectures, including x86_64, ARM, and IBM Power, providing the flexibility necessary to accommodate diverse business requirements. In addition to its performance optimization, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server includes strong security measures to safeguard critical data and resources. With its extensive support and innovative features, SLES is an outstanding option for organizations looking to boost their IT capabilities while ensuring a secure operating environment. Ultimately, the continuous development and support from SUSE further enhance the viability of SLES as a leading choice for enterprise solutions.

CentOS Linux is a community-supported distribution that leverages resources provided publicly through Red Hat and CentOS repositories, specifically designed for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The main objective of CentOS is to preserve functional compatibility with RHEL, while the CentOS Project emphasizes the modification of packages to remove any branding or visual identifiers from the upstream vendor. Available at no charge, CentOS can be freely shared and redistributed by users. Each CentOS version is backed by support until the related RHEL version concludes its general support lifecycle. New CentOS versions are typically released after the rebuilding of new RHEL versions, occurring approximately every 6 to 12 months for minor updates and extending over several years for major releases. The rebuild process can take anywhere from a few weeks for minor updates to several months for significant changes, ensuring timely availability of new features. This structured approach allows users to enjoy a secure, reliable, and easily manageable Linux environment that is consistent and reproducible, ultimately nurturing a robust community around its usage and development. Additionally, the emphasis on community involvement encourages collaboration and innovation among users and developers alike.