Free software linux distribution

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 Free System Distribution Guidelines. 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 licensing@fsf.org.

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.

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Linux Distributions

RSS Feed 1,969 applications total Last updated: Sep 19th 2021, 15:57 GMT

Kubuntu 21.04

Get a glimpse on the new upgrades and features that will find their way on future LTS releases by .

Kubuntu 20.04.3 LTS

Version 20.04 LTS of Kubuntu drops the support for i386 architectures, and brings forth a series .

Lubuntu 21.04

A regular, interim release of Lubuntu, 21.04 features a new version of LXQt, a new LXQt Archiver, .

Lubuntu 20.04.3 LTS

Enjoy the latest LTS release of Lubuntu that brings forth a series of improvements and changes, in.

Xubuntu 21.04

The latest stable version of Xubuntu brings a new Xfce version, various new apps, a new minimal in.

Xubuntu 20.04.3 LTS

Enjoy all the latest additions and improvements brought by Xubuntu 20.04 LTS that features support.

Ubuntu Studio 21.04

Ubuntu Studio 21.04 introduces once again Plasma (5.21.4), the full-feature desktop environment ma.

Ubuntu Studio 20.04.3 LTS

Enjoy a great suite geared toward audio and video production, graphics design, photography, and de.

Ubuntu Cloud Server 21.04 (Hirsute Hippo)

The latest interim version of Ubuntu Cloud Server (21.04 Hirsute Hippo) brings a wide range of imp.

Ubuntu Cloud Server 20.04.3 LTS (Focal Fossa)

Download the official Ubuntu Server GUI for cloud environments and manage multiple servers

Ubuntu Mate 21.04

The 21.04 non-LTS (interim) release of Ubuntu Mate brings a few tweak to the 1.24 version of MATE .

Ubuntu Mate 20.04.3 LTS

Download the latest LTS release of Ubuntu Mate, a lightweight version of Ubuntu that brings variou.

Ubuntu Server 21.04

The Ubuntu Server 21.04 brings multiple improvements and new features, and features support for se.

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Admin’s Choice

The Tech Magazine

Linux Download : Top 10 Free Linux Distributions for Desktop and Servers

All the Linux distributions are either derivative of GNU/Linux ( OS made up of Linux Kernel developed by Linus Torvalds and GNU software repository) or derived from other Linux derivatives.

Desktop distributions comes with Graphical user interface enabled by default & aimed at individual users and most of the administration work can be done using GUI. Good for new users and running Linux-based graphical applications.

Server Distribution are for more advanced users who are familiar with Linux command line as Graphical Interface is not enabled by default in most of the server distributions. Server distributions comes with web servers like apache and networking packages like DNS and useful for running backend services , work as web server or DNS Server.

Here is the list of top 10 Linux distributions to free download latest version of Linux operating system with links to Linux documentation and home pages.

1. Mint

Linux Mint is a Ubuntu-based distribution. It provides out-of-the-box solution and include browser,media supports Java and lots of other components. Features custom desktop and menus and it is compatible with Ubuntu software repositories.

2. Debian

Formally known as Debian GNU/Linux, Debian is free operating system that uses the Linux kernel . It is supported by programmers world wide who has created more than 50,000 packages under Debian project.

3. Ubuntu

“Ubuntu” means “humanity to others” in African language. Ubuntu is free Linux operating system for desktops. Community and professional support is available

4. openSUSE

S.u.S.E. is a German acronym for “Software und System-Entwicklung” (software and systems development)
OpenSUSE is based on Linux and it is the community project sponsored by SUSE and others companies .

5. Manjaro

Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Arch Linux ( i686/x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution). It focus on user-friendliness and accessibility, available in both 32 and 64 bit versions and it is suitable for newcomers as well as experienced Linux users.

6. Fedora

Fedora is a Linux distribution based on GNU/Linux developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and owned by Red Hat.

7. elementary

elementary Linux is based on Ubuntu desktop distribution with some custom apps including Music, Photos, Videos, Calendar along with Epiphany web browser.

8. Zorin

Linux alternative to windows, Zorin OS is an Ubuntu based Linux distribution. It has windows like interface and allows to run many program similar to windows and has an application which lets user run windows programs. Ideal for beginners starting with Linux OS.
Distribution Zorin OS

9. CentOS

Centos is named after Community ENTerprise Operating System.
CentOS is opensource enterprise class operating system build Red Hat Enterprise Linux by Red Hat.

10. Arch

Arch Linux is based on GNU/Linux available in i686- and x86_64-optimised Linux distribution and provided ability to build custom installation and new packages an d share them by Arch Linux Repository.

2 thoughts on “ Linux Download : Top 10 Free Linux Distributions for Desktop and Servers ”

Perhaps it would be a good idea to include some recommendations based on user needs. For example, I use CAD & SPICE software on a stand-alone PC : which distribution would be best for me?

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Free software linux distribution