10 Special Purpose Linux Distributions
One of the several advantages of having many Linux distributions is
that there is always one distribution that meets specific needs for a
group of users with similar interests. Whether you are a student or a
scientist or someone who believes in some religion; you could use one
of these special purpose distribution and share with people with
similar interest instead of creating and customizing something from
scratch.
Today we will share with you 10 such distribution (among many) that are fairly popular for specialized task or interest:
1) Scientific Linux:
Based on Redhat, Scientific Linux is the result of a collaboration
between two leading scientific research organization: Fermilab and
CERN. As the name suggests this distribution can be a starting point
for individuals or organizations who are interested in scientific
research.
If you are more comfortable with Debian/Ubuntu environment, you might be interested in Scibuntu, an upcoming scientific distribution.
2) Edubuntu:
One of the few official Ubuntu derivative, this distribution was
developed and designed in collaboration with teachers and technologists
for use in schools and classrooms.
Qimo
is another distribution geared towards kids (3+) to play and learn with
very easy interface for home use, unlike Edubuntu, which is designed
for schools.
3) Backtrack: There are many good Live penetration testing distributions out there and backtrack is arguably
one of the best and still actively updated and maintained. They have
some 300+ tools, neatly structured in to several directories based on
their purpose. The latest version of BT has been ported to Ubuntu, thus
moving from a LiveCD to a Full distribution.
4) Parted Magic: Why pay for an expensive
software when there is a free alternative available that does a much
better job? Parted Magic distribution is bundled with utilities that
does more than just partition your drive and supports most file systems
out there.
5) Ubuntu Studio:
Another official Ubuntu derivative, this distribution is geared towards
audio, video and graphic enthusiasts and professionals and consists
many of the best open-source multimedia applications.
6) Clonezilla:
This distribution is a popular Disk cloning, deployment and recovery
solution and is a free alternative to commercial application like
Norton Ghost.
7) SystemRescueCd: A live CD with the goal of troubleshooting, recovering and repairing data after a system crash. A must have for any sys admins.
8) linuX-gamers: A Live distribution with popular Linux games pre-installed, no installation needed.*
*link seems to be down
9) Ubuntu CE: A distribution preconfigured with parental control of harmful web content and includes Christian friendly applications.
Its only fair to also mention the existence of Ubuntu Satanic distribution
10) Mythbuntu:
One of the most popular MythTV based PVR distribution. Can be used as a
free and open-source alternative to Tivo and Windows Media Center.
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