parabola gnu linux,List of Free GNU/Linux Distributions - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation
Free GNU/Linux distributions
This page lists the GNU/Linux
distributions that are
entirely free as in freedom.
Non-GNU-based
free system distributions are listed separately.
The Free Software Foundation recommends and endorses these GNU/Linux
distros, although we do not try to judge or compare them based on any
criterion other than freedom; therefore, we list them in alphabetical
order.
These distros are ready-to-use full systems whose developers have made
a commitment to follow the
Guidelines
for Free System Distributions. This means they will
include, and propose, exclusively free software. They will reject
nonfree applications, nonfree programming platforms, nonfree drivers,
nonfree firmware “blobs”, nonfree games, and any other
nonfree software, as well as nonfree manuals or documentation.
If one of these distros ever does include or propose anything nonfree,
that must have happened by mistake, and the developers are committed to
removing it. If you find nonfree software or documentation in one of
these distributions, you can
report the problem, and earn GNU Bucks,
while we inform the developers so they can fix the problem.
Fixing freedom bugs is an ethical requirement for listing a distro
here; therefore, we list only distros with a development team that has
told us it will remove any nonfree software that might be found in
them. Usually the team consists of volunteers, and they don't make
legally binding commitments to users; but if we find out a distro is
not properly maintained, we will de-list it.
We hope the other existing GNU/Linux distributions will become
entirely free software so that we can list them here. If you wish to
improve the state of free distros, helping to develop an existing free
distro contributes more than starting a new one.
Please note that not all hardware works in the free world; each
distro's site should say which hardware it supports. We suggest that,
after reading the short descriptions below, you consult these sites as
well as other available information, to judge which distro is most
convenient for you.
This page is maintained by the Free Software
Foundation's Licensing and Compliance Lab. You can support our efforts by
making a donation to the FSF. Have a
question not answered here? Check out some of our other licensing resources or contact the
Compliance Lab at [email protected].
The Free
Software Foundation is not responsible for other websites, or how
up-to-date their information is.
GNU/Linux distros for PCs and
workstations
The distributions that follow are installable to a computer's hard
drive and/or can be run live.
Distribution
Brief Description
Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre, an independent GNU/Linux distribution
based on concepts of simplicity.
Dyne:bolic, a GNU/Linux distribution with special emphasis on audio
and video editing. This is a “static” distro, normally
run from a live CD. Since it will not receive security updates, it
should be used offline.
Guix System, an advanced GNU/Linux distro built
on top of GNU Guix (pronounced “geeks”), a purely
functional package manager for the GNU system.
Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre, a
long-term support simplicity-focused distribution based on Arch
GNU/Linux.
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre, a distribution based on Arch that
prioritizes simple package and system management.
PureOS, a GNU distribution based on Debian with a focus on
privacy, security, and convenience.
Trisquel, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that's oriented
toward small enterprises, domestic users and educational centers.
Ututo S, a GNU/Linux 100% free distribution. It was the first
fully free GNU/Linux system recognized by the GNU Project.
Small GNU/Linux distros
Below is a list of small system distributions. These
distributions are meant for devices with limited resources, like a
wireless router for example. A free small system distribution is not
self-hosting, but it must be developable and buildable on top of one of
the free complete systems listed above, perhaps with the aid of free
tools distributed alongside the small system distribution itself.
Distribution
Brief Description
libreCMC is an embedded GNU/Linux distro for devices with
very limited resources. While primarily targeting routers, it
offers support for a wide range of devices and use cases. In
2015, LibreWRT merged with libreCMC.
ProteanOS is a new, small, and fast distribution for embedded
devices. Its platform configuration feature allows binary
packages to be configured at build-time and run-time for
different hardware and use cases.
How to get free GNU/Linux distros
In addition to their own sites, many of these distributions are
available from mirror.fsf.org.
Feel free to download or mirror the distributions from there,
preferably using rsync. Free distribution maintainers can request a
mirror for their project by mailing the
FSF sysadmins.
Individual GNU
packages (most of which are included in the free distributions here)
are described separately.
See something we missed?
Do you know about a distribution that you expected to find on our
list, but didn't? First, check our page
about why we don't endorse some
common distributions. That page explains the reasons why several
well-known distributions don't
meet our
guidelines. If the distribution isn't listed there either, and
you think it qualifies for a listing under our guidelines, then please
let the distribution's maintainers know about this page and encourage
them to get in touch—we'd like to hear from them.
If you maintain a distribution that follows the Free System
Distribution Guidelines and would like to be listed here, please
write to with
an introduction and a link to the project Web site. When you do,
we'll explain more about our evaluation process to you, and get
started on it quickly. We look forward to hearing from you!
Historical
The distributions that follow were previously listed above, but are no
longer recommended.
Distribution
Brief Description
Retirement Info
BLAG Linux and GNU, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Fedora.
Removed June 2018 at the request of the
maintainers, as they had stopped maintaining it.
gNewSense, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian, with
sponsorship from the FSF.
Removed April 2021.
Musix, a GNU+Linux distribution based on Knoppix, with special
emphasis on audio production. This is a “static”
distro, normally run from a live CD. Since it will not receive
security updates, it should be used offline.
Removed March 2019 at the request of the
maintainer, as they had stopped maintaining it.