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== Uses ==
{{See also|Linux range of use}}
Besides the Linux distributions designed for general-purpose use on desktops and servers, distributions may be specialized for different purposes including: [[computer architecture]] support, [[Embedded Linux|embedded systems]], stability, security, localization to a specific region or language, targeting of specific user groups, support for [[real-time computing|real-time]] applications, or commitment to a given desktop environment. Furthermore, some distributions deliberately include only [[free software]]. {{As of|2015}}, over four hundred Linux distributions are actively developed, with about a dozen distributions being most popular for general-purpose use.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://lwn.net/Distributions/ | title = The LWN.net Linux Distribution List | access-date = March 18, 2015 | publisher = [[LWN.net]] | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150315001510/http://lwn.net/Distributions/ | archive-date = March 15, 2015 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
=== Desktop ===
[[File:Free and open-source-software display servers and UI toolkits.svg|thumb|upright=2.25|Visible software components of the Linux desktop stack include the [[display server]], [[widget engine]]s, and some of the more widespread [[widget toolkit]]s. There are also components not directly visible to end-users, including [[D-Bus]] and [[PulseAudio]].]]
{{See also|Desktop environment|Linux adoption#DESKTOP|l2=Linux adoption: Measuring desktop adoption|Criticism of desktop Linux}}
The popularity of Linux on standard desktop computers and laptops has been increasing over the years.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100104211518/http://www.linux.org/info/index.html What is Linux.] Archived at Wayback Engine. Retrieved August 26, 2013.</ref> Most modern distributions include a graphical user environment, with, {{As of|2015|2|lc=yes}}, the three most popular environments being the [[KDE Plasma Desktop]], [[Xfce]] and [[GNOME]].<ref>{{Cite news|url =http://www.cio.com/article/2881172/survey-says-kde-plasma-is-the-most-popular-desktop-linux-environment.html|title =Survey says: KDE Plasma is the most popular desktop Linux environment|url-status=live|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160106190011/http://www.cio.com/article/2881172/survey-says-kde-plasma-is-the-most-popular-desktop-linux-environment.html|archive-date =January 6, 2016|df =mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Fun statistics |url=https://pkgstats.archlinux.de/fun|access-date=2021-11-13 |website=Archlinux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=User stats|url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/users/statistics/|access-date=2021-11-15|website=GamingOnLinux|language=en}}</ref>
No single official Linux desktop exists: rather desktop environments and Linux distributions select components from a pool of [[free and open-source software]] with which they construct a GUI implementing some more or less strict design guide. GNOME, for example, has its [[human interface guidelines]] as a design guide, which gives the [[human–machine interface]] an important role, not just when doing the graphical design, but also when considering people with [[disability|disabilities]], and even when focusing on security.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/562902/ |title=Prompt-free security for GNOME |author=Nathan Willis |publisher=[[LWN.net]] |date=August 14, 2013 |access-date=November 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007094819/http://lwn.net/Articles/562902/ |archive-date=October 7, 2013}}</ref>
The collaborative nature of free software development allows distributed teams to perform [[language localisation|language localization]] of some Linux distributions for use in locales where localizing proprietary systems would not be cost-effective. For example, the [[Sinhalese language]] version of the [[Knoppix]] distribution became available significantly before Microsoft translated [[Windows XP]] into Sinhalese.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-news-59/introducing-sinhala-linux-237904-print/|title=Introducing sinhala linux|access-date=November 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124015221/http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-news-59/introducing-sinhala-linux-237904-print/|archive-date=November 24, 2015}}</ref> In this case the [[Lanka Linux User Group]] played a major part in developing the localized system by combining the knowledge of university professors, [[linguist]]s, and local developers.
==== Performance and applications ====
The performance of Linux on the desktop has been a controversial topic;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3320859/the-linux-desktop-with-great-success-comes-great-failure.html|title=The Linux desktop: With great success comes great failure |author=Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols|date=2018-11-13|access-date=2019-11-10}}</ref> for example in 2007 [[Con Kolivas]] accused the Linux community of favoring performance on servers. He quit Linux kernel development out of frustration with this lack of focus on the desktop, and then gave a "tell all" interview on the topic.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why I quit: kernel developer Con Kolivas|url=http://apcmag.com/node/6735/|access-date=August 15, 2011|date=July 24, 2007|work=APC Magazine|publisher=ACP Magazines|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110707151924/http://apcmag.com/why_i_quit_kernel_developer_con_kolivas.htm|archive-date = July 7, 2011}}</ref> Since then a significant amount of development has focused on improving the desktop experience. Projects such as [[systemd]] and [[Upstart (software)|Upstart]] (deprecated in 2014) aim for a faster boot time; the Wayland and Mir projects aim at replacing [[X11]] while enhancing desktop performance, security and appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wayland.freedesktop.org/architecture.html |title=Wayland Architecture |access-date=January 5, 2013 |publisher=freedesktop.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106152733/http://wayland.freedesktop.org/architecture.html |archive-date=January 6, 2013}}</ref>
Many popular applications are available for a wide variety of operating systems. For example, [[Mozilla Firefox]], [[OpenOffice.org]]/[[LibreOffice]] and [[Blender (software)|Blender]] have downloadable versions for all major operating systems. Furthermore, some applications initially developed for Linux, such as [[Pidgin (software)|Pidgin]], and [[GIMP]], were ported to other operating systems (including [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[macOS]]) due to their popularity. In addition, a growing number of proprietary desktop applications are also supported on Linux,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.iist.unu.edu/globaldesktop/ | title = The Global Desktop Project, Building Technology and Communities | access-date = May 7, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060426223603/http://www.iist.unu.edu/globaldesktop/ | archive-date = April 26, 2006 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> such as [[Maya (software)|Autodesk Maya]] and [[Nuke (software)|The Foundry's Nuke]] in the high-end field of animation and visual effects; see the [[list of proprietary software for Linux]] for more details. There are also [[Linux gaming#Proprietary games|several companies]] that have ported their own or other companies' games to Linux, with Linux also being a supported platform on both the popular [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and [[Desura]] digital-distribution services.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamingonlinux.com/index.php?threads/a-2012-review-and-whats-in-store-for-2013.1591/ | title = A 2012 review and what's in store for 2013?| access-date=January 2, 2013 | last=Dawe |first=Liam | date =January 1, 2013 | publisher=GamingOnLinux}}</ref>
Many other types of applications available for Microsoft Windows and macOS also run on Linux. Commonly, either a [[free software]] application will exist which does the functions of an application found on another operating system, or that application will have a version that works on Linux, such as with [[Skype]] and some [[Linux gaming#Proprietary games|video games]] like ''[[Dota 2]]'' and ''[[Team Fortress 2]]''. Furthermore, the [[Wine (software)|Wine]] project provides a Windows compatibility layer to run unmodified Windows applications on Linux. It is sponsored by commercial interests including [[CodeWeavers]], which produces a commercial version of the software. Since 2009, Google has also provided funding to the Wine project.<ref>{{cite mailing list |last=Kegel |first=Dan |url=http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.emulators.wine.devel/56872 |title=Google's support for Wine in 2007 |date=February 14, 2008 |mailing-list=wine-devel |access-date=January 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106202914/http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.emulators.wine.devel/56872 |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://code.google.com/opensource/wine.html | title=Open Source Patches: Wine | access-date=September 7, 2008 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907021012/http://code.google.com/opensource/wine.html | archive-date=September 7, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[CrossOver]], a proprietary solution based on the open-source Wine project, supports running Windows versions of [[Microsoft Office]], [[Intuit]] applications such as [[Quicken]] and [[QuickBooks]], [[Adobe Photoshop]] versions through CS2, and many popular games such as ''[[World of Warcraft]]''. In other cases, where there is no Linux port of some software in areas such as [[desktop publishing]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freeos.com/articles/2540/ |title=Microsoft Office for Linux? |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=Advani |first=Prakash |date=October 27, 2000 |work=FreeOS |publisher=FreeOS Technologies (I) Pvt. Ltd. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220131703/http://www.freeos.com/articles/2540/ |archive-date=February 20, 2008 }}</ref> and [[professional audio]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/linux-audio.ars |title=Editing audio in Linux |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=Smith-Heisters |first=Ian |date=October 11, 2005 |work=Ars Technica |publisher=Ars Technica, LLC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217222239/http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/linux-audio.ars |archive-date=February 17, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/linux-its-not/apr-07/27458 |title=Linux: It's Not Just For Computer Geeks Anymore |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=Lumma |first=Carl |date=April 2007 |work=Keyboard Magazine |publisher=New Bay Media, LLC. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209161733/http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/linux-its-not/apr-07/27458 |archive-date=February 9, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb04/articles/mirrorimage.htm |title=Using Linux For Recording & Mastering |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=James |first=Daniel |date=February 2004 |work=Sound On Sound |publisher=SOS Publications Group |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517050638/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb04/articles/mirrorimage.htm |archive-date=May 17, 2008}}</ref> there is equivalent software available on Linux. It is also possible to run applications written for [[Android OS|Android]] on other versions of Linux using [[Anbox]].
==== Components and installation ====
Besides externally visible components, such as [[X window manager]]s, a non-obvious but quite central role is played by the programs hosted by [[freedesktop.org]], such as [[D-Bus]] or [[PulseAudio]]; both major desktop environments (GNOME and KDE) include them, each offering graphical front-ends written using the corresponding toolkit ([[GTK]] or [[Qt (framework)|Qt]]). A [[display server]] is another component, which for the longest time has been communicating in the X11 display server protocol with its clients; prominent software talking X11 includes the [[X.Org Server]] and [[Xlib]]. Frustration over the cumbersome X11 core protocol, and especially over its numerous extensions, has led to the creation of a new display server protocol, [[Wayland (display server protocol)|Wayland]].
Installing, updating and removing software in Linux is typically done through the use of package managers such as the [[Synaptic Package Manager]], [[PackageKit]], and [[Yellow dog Updater, Modified|Yum Extender]]. While most major Linux distributions have extensive repositories, often containing tens of thousands of packages, not all the software that can run on Linux is available from the official repositories. Alternatively, users can install packages from unofficial repositories, download pre-compiled packages directly from websites, or compile the source code by themselves. All these methods come with different degrees of difficulty; compiling the source code is in general considered a challenging process for new Linux users, but it is hardly needed in modern distributions and is not a method specific to Linux.
<gallery width="180px" height="120" caption="Samples of graphical desktop interfaces">
File:GNOME Shell 40 (applications grid).png|[[GNOME]]
File:KDE Plasma 5.21 Breeze Twilight screenshot.png|[[KDE Plasma 5]]
File:Cinnamon 4.2.3 screenshot.png|[[Cinnamon (Desktop Environment)|Cinnamon]]
File:Ubuntu Mate 18.04.1 with MATE 1.20.1.png|[[Mate desktop|Mate]]
File:Elementary OS "Odin".png|[[Pantheon (desktop environment)|Pantheon]]
File:Solus Budgie 4.3.jpg|[[Budgie (desktop environment)|Budgie]]
File:XFCE-4.12-Desktop-standard.png|[[Xfce]]
File:Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop.png|[[Unity (user interface)|Unity]] (discontinued; forked by UBPorts for Unity 8 (Now Lomiri) desktop; still used in various remixes and forks of Ubuntu)
File:Lubuntu 13.04 English.png|[[LXDE]]
File:LXQt 0.10 - Ambiance.png|[[LXQt]]
File:I3-gaps-wiki.png|[[i3 (window manager)|i3-gaps]]
File:E17 bw screenshot.png|[[Enlightenment (window manager)|Enlightenment]]
File:Fluxbox.png|[[Fluxbox]]
File:Sugar-home-view-0.82.jpg|[[Sugar (desktop environment)|Sugar]]
File:Screenshot of Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE) R14.0.5 Development.png|[[Trinity (desktop environment)|Trinity]]
File:CDE Application Builder.png|[[Common Desktop Environment|CDE]]
</gallery>
=== Netbooks ===
Linux distributions have also become popular in the [[netbook]] market, with many devices such as the [[Asus Eee PC]] and [[Aspire One|Acer Aspire One]] shipping with customized Linux distributions installed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/may/28/netbooks-sales | title=Are netbooks losing their shine? | access-date=June 2, 2010 | ___location=London | date=May 28, 2009 | work=The Guardian | first=Jack | last=Schofield | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221110306/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/may/28/netbooks-sales | archive-date=December 21, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In 2009, Google announced its [[Chrome OS]] as a minimal Linux-based operating system, using the [[Chrome browser]] as the main user interface. Chrome OS initially did not run any non-web applications, except for the bundled file manager and media player. A certain level of support for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] applications was added in later versions.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html|title = Introducing the Google Chrome OS|date = July 7, 2009|access-date = June 12, 2014|website = Official Google Blog|publisher = [[Blogger (service)|Blogger]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120410044457/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html|archive-date = April 10, 2012|df = mdy-all}}</ref> As of 2018, Google added the ability to install any Linux software in a container,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439?hl=en|title=Set up Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook - Chromebook Help|website=support.google.com}}</ref> enabling Chrome OS to be used like any other Linux distribution. Netbooks that shipped with the operating system, termed [[Chromebooks]], started appearing on the market in June 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.cnet.com/news/first-take-samsung-series-5-chromebook-the-future-of-netbooks-hands-on-video/|title = First Take: Samsung Series 5 Chromebook, the future of Netbooks?|last = Stein|first = Scott|date = May 11, 2011|work = Journal|access-date = June 12, 2014|publisher = [[CNET]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192627/http://www.cnet.com/news/first-take-samsung-series-5-chromebook-the-future-of-netbooks-hands-on-video/|archive-date = July 14, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
=== Servers, mainframes and supercomputers ===
[[File:LAMP software bundle.svg|thumb|upright=2.25|Broad overview of the [[LAMP (software bundle)|LAMP software bundle]], displayed here together with [[Squid (software)|Squid]]. A high-performance and high-availability web server solution providing security in a hostile environment.]]
[[Linux distribution]]s have long been used as [[server (computing)|server]] operating systems, and have risen to prominence in that area; [[Netcraft]] reported in September 2006, that eight of the ten (other two with "unknown" OS<!--may have been Linux-->) most reliable internet hosting companies ran Linux distributions on their [[web server]]s,<ref>{{cite web | title = Rackspace Most Reliable Hoster in September | url = http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2006/10/07/rackspace_most_reliable_hoster_in_september.html | publisher = Netcraft | date = October 7, 2006 | access-date = November 1, 2006 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061106094411/http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2006/10/07/rackspace_most_reliable_hoster_in_september.html | archive-date = November 6, 2006 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> with Linux in the top position. In June 2008, Linux distributions represented five of the top ten, [[FreeBSD]] three of ten, and [[Microsoft]] two of ten;<ref>{{cite web | title = Aplus.Net is the Most Reliable Hosting Company Site in June 2008 | url = http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2008/07/07/aplusnet_is_the_most_reliable_hosting_company_site_in_june_2008.html | publisher = Netcraft | date = July 7, 2008 | access-date = July 28, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080727094236/http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2008/07/07/aplusnet_is_the_most_reliable_hosting_company_site_in_june_2008.html | archive-date = July 27, 2008 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> since February 2010, Linux distributions represented six of the top ten, FreeBSD three of ten, and Microsoft one of ten,<ref>{{cite web | title = Most Reliable Hosting Company Sites in February 2010 | url = http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2010/03/01/most_reliable_hosting_company_sites_in_february_2010.html | publisher = Netcraft | date = March 1, 2010 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100305073425/http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2010/03/01/most_reliable_hosting_company_sites_in_february_2010.html | archive-date = March 5, 2010 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> with Linux in the top position.
Linux distributions are the cornerstone of the [[LAMP (software bundle)|LAMP]] server-software combination (Linux, [[Apache HTTP Server|Apache]], [[MariaDB]]/[[MySQL]], [[Perl]]/[[PHP]]/[[Python (programming language)|Python]]) which has achieved popularity among developers, and which is one of the more common platforms for website hosting.<ref name="SecuritySpace">{{cite web|author=SecuritySpace|url=http://www.securityspace.com/s_survey/data/201005/index.html |title=Web Server Survey |publisher=SecuritySpace |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=June 27, 2010}}</ref>
Linux distributions have become increasingly popular on [[mainframe computer|mainframes]], partly due to pricing and the open-source model.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://enterprisesystemsmedia.com/article/how-cios-can-use-linux-on-the-mainframe-to-maximize-savings-and-lower- |title=How CIOs Can Use Linux on the Mainframe to Maximize Savings and Lower TCO |last=Danner |first=David |date=April 3, 2012 |work=Enterprise Executive |publisher=Enterprise Systems Media |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708202839/http://enterprisesystemsmedia.com/article/how-cios-can-use-linux-on-the-mainframe-to-maximize-savings-and-lower- |archive-date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2009, computer giant [[IBM]] reported that it would predominantly market and sell mainframe-based Enterprise Linux Server.<ref name="The Register">{{cite web|author=Timothy Prickett Morgan|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12/11/ibm_linux_only_mainframe/|title=IBM punts Linux-only mainframes Big MIPS, deep discounts|publisher=The Register|date=December 11, 2009|access-date=July 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213204122/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12/11/ibm_linux_only_mainframe/|archive-date=December 13, 2009}}</ref> At [[LinuxCon|LinuxCon North America 2015]], IBM announced [[LinuxONE]], a series of mainframes specifically designed to run Linux and open-source software.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Babcock|first1=Charles|title=IBM's LinuxONE Mainframe: What's Old Is New Again|url=http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/ibms-linuxone-mainframe-whats-old-is-new-again/a/d-id/1321789|website=InformationWeek|publisher=InformationWeek|access-date=July 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708205846/http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/ibms-linuxone-mainframe-whats-old-is-new-again/a/d-id/1321789|archive-date=July 8, 2016 |language=en|date=August 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoffman|first1=Dale|last2=Mitran|first2=Marcel|title=Open Source & ISV Ecosystem Enablement for LinuxONE and IBM z|url=https://events.static.linuxfound.org/sites/events/files/slides/lcna15_linuxone.pdf|website=Linux Foundation|publisher=IBM|access-date=July 8, 2016|language=en|date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>
Linux distributions are also dominant as [[operating system]]s for [[supercomputer]]s.<ref name="rules_supercomputers"/> As of November 2017, all supercomputers on the [[TOP500|500]] list run some variant of Linux.<ref name=top500stats>{{cite web |url=http://www.top500.org/statistics/details/osfam/1 |title=TOP500 Supercomputer Sites: Operating system Family / Linux |publisher=Top500.org|access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> <!-- Linux is also dominant on the [[Green500]] list. seems to be the same one, just rearranged.-->
==
[[File:Samsung Galaxy
[[File:Tesla Model S digital panels.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|[[In-car entertainment]] system of the [[Tesla Model S]] is based on [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dragtimes.com/blog/tesla-model-s-ethernet-network-explored-possible-jailbreak-in-the-future | title=Tesla Model S Ethernet Network Explored | date=April 4, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409122552/http://www.dragtimes.com/blog/tesla-model-s-ethernet-network-explored-possible-jailbreak-in-the-future | archive-date=April 9, 2014 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/12/tesla-model-s-owners-hack-their-cars-find-ubuntu/|title=Tesla Model S owners hack their cars, find Ubuntu|website=Autoblog|access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>]]
Several operating systems for [[smart devices]], such as [[smartphone]]s, [[tablet computer]]s, [[home automation]], [[smart TV]]s ([[Samsung]] and [[LG]] [[Smart TV]]s use [[Tizen]] and [[WebOS]], respectively),<ref name="Linux Smart TVs" /> and [[in-vehicle infotainment]] (IVI) systems<ref name="Linux cars" /> (for example [[Automotive Grade Linux]]), are based on Linux. Major platforms for such systems include [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Firefox OS]], [[Mer (software distribution)|Mer]] and [[Tizen]].
Android has become the dominant mobile operating system for [[smartphone]]s, running on 79.3% of units sold worldwide during the second quarter of 2013.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url = https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/07/android-nears-80-market-share-in-global-smartphone-shipments-as-ios-and-blackberry-share-slides-per-idc/ | title = Android Nears 80% Market Share In Global Smartphone Shipments, As iOS And BlackBerry Share Slides, Per IDC | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170705111948/https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/07/android-nears-80-market-share-in-global-smartphone-shipments-as-ios-and-blackberry-share-slides-per-idc/ | archive-date = July 5, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Android is also a popular operating system for tablets, and Android smart TVs and in-vehicle navigation systems have also appeared in the market.
Although Android is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, commentators disagree on whether the term "Linux distribution" applies to it, and whether it is "Linux" according to the common usage of the term. Android is a [[Linux distribution]] according to the [[Linux Foundation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration |title=What a Year for Linux: Please Join us in Celebration |first=Amanda |last=McPherson |publisher=Linux Foundation |date=December 13, 2012 |access-date=April 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417232521/http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration |archive-date=April 17, 2014 }}</ref> Google's open-source chief [[Chris DiBona]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |title=Google: "Android is the Linux desktop dream come true" |first=Andreas |last=Proschofsky |work=derStandard.at |date=July 10, 2011 |access-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422021245/http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |archive-date=April 22, 2013 }}</ref> and several journalists.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=Ask AC: Is Android Linux? |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408213437/http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |archive-date=April 8, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itworld.com/open-source/369810/android-really-linux-distribution |title=Is Android really a Linux distribution? |first=Jim |last=Lynch |work=ITworld |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205165359/http://www.itworld.com/open-source/369810/android-really-linux-distribution |archive-date=February 5, 2014 }}</ref> Others, such as Google engineer Patrick Brady, say that Android is not Linux in the traditional [[Unix-like]] Linux distribution sense; Android does not include the [[GNU C Library]] (it uses [[Bionic (software)|Bionic]] as an alternative C library) and some of other components typically found in Linux distributions.<ref name="ars introduction developer">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Dream(sheep++): A developer's introduction to Google Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=June 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704115615/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |archive-date=July 4, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Ars Technica]]'' wrote that "Although Android is built on top of the Linux kernel, the platform has very little in common with the conventional desktop Linux stack".<ref name="ars introduction developer" />
Cellphones and PDAs running Linux on open-source platforms became more common from 2007; examples include the [[Nokia N810]], [[Openmoko]]'s [[Neo1973]], and the [[Motorola ROKR E8]]. Continuing the trend, [[Palm, Inc.|Palm]] (later acquired by [[Hewlett-Packard|HP]]) produced a new Linux-derived operating system, [[webOS]], which is built into its line of [[Palm Pre]] smartphones.
[[Nokia]]'s [[Maemo]], one of the earliest mobile operating systems, was based on [[Debian]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://maemo.org/maemo_training_material/maemo4.x/html/maemo_Technology_Overview/Chapter_03_maemo_Platform_Overview.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080616191310/http://maemo.org/maemo_training_material/maemo4.x/html/maemo_Technology_Overview/Chapter_03_maemo_Platform_Overview.html|archive-date = June 16, 2008|title = Chapter 3 - maemo Platform Overview|access-date = June 12, 2012|website = Wayback Machine}}</ref> It was later merged with [[Intel]]'s [[Moblin]], another Linux-based operating system, to form [[MeeGo]].<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/intel-and-nokia-merge-moblin-and-maemo-to-form-meego-670302|title = Inter and Nokia merge Moblin and Maemo to form MeeGo|last = Grabham|first = Dan|date = February 15, 2010|access-date = June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140707231704/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/intel-and-nokia-merge-moblin-and-maemo-to-form-meego-670302|archive-date = July 7, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> The project was later terminated in favor of Tizen, an operating system targeted at mobile devices as well as IVI. Tizen is a project within [[The Linux Foundation]]. Several [[Samsung]] products are already running Tizen, [[Samsung Gear 2]] being the most significant example.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/02/22/samsung-announces-gear-2-and-gear-2-neo-smart-watches-running-tizen-available-worldwide-in-april/|title = Samsung Announces Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo Smart Watches Running Tizen, Available Worldwide In April|last = Whitwam|first = Ryan|date = February 22, 2014|access-date = June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140504135808/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/02/22/samsung-announces-gear-2-and-gear-2-neo-smart-watches-running-tizen-available-worldwide-in-april/|archive-date = May 4, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> [[Samsung Z]] smartphones will use Tizen instead of Android.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/02/samsung-z-smartphone-android-tizen-android|title = Samsung Z smartphone ditches Android for Tizen software|last = Gibbs|first = Samuel|date = June 2, 2014|access-date = June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140612071314/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/02/samsung-z-smartphone-android-tizen-android|archive-date = June 12, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
As a result of MeeGo's termination, the Mer project forked the MeeGo codebase to create a basis for mobile-oriented operating systems.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://merproject.org/|title = Mer Project|access-date = June 12, 2014|website = Mer Project|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140530010142/http://www.merproject.org/|archive-date = May 30, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> In July 2012, [[Jolla]] announced [[Sailfish OS]], their own mobile operating system built upon Mer technology.
[[File:Pine-pinephone.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|The [[PinePhone]] running [[Plasma Mobile]] on [[postmarketOS]].]]
[[Mozilla|Mozilla's]] Firefox OS consists of the Linux kernel, a [[hardware abstraction layer]], a [[web standards|web-standards]]-based [[Runtime system|runtime environment]] and user interface, and an integrated [[web browser]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/Firefox_OS/Platform/Architecture|title = Firefox OS architecture|access-date = June 13, 2014|website = Mozilla Developer Network|publisher = [[Mozilla]]|url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140604022951/https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/Firefox_OS/Platform/Architecture|archive-date = June 4, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
[[Canonical Ltd.|Canonical]] has released [[Ubuntu Touch]], aiming to bring convergence to the user experience on this mobile operating system and its desktop counterpart, [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]. The operating system also provides a full Ubuntu desktop when connected to an external monitor.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/app-ecosystem|title = App ecosystem|access-date = June 13, 2014|website = Ubuntu|publisher = [[Canonical Ltd.]]|url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140613125111/http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/app-ecosystem|archive-date = June 13, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
The [[Librem 5]] is a smartphone developed by [[Purism (company)|Purism]]. By default, it runs the company-made Linux-based [[PureOS]], but it can also run other Linux distributions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://puri.sm/posts/purism-launches-librem-5-smartphone-campaign/|title=Purism Unveils Plans to Build Librem 5, the World's First Encrypted, Open Smartphone Ecosystem Giving Users Complete Device Control|website=Purism|date=August 24, 2017}}</ref> Like Ubuntu Touch, PureOS is designed with convergence in mind, allowing desktop programs to run on the smartphone. An example of this is the desktop version of [[Mozilla Firefox]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://puri.sm/posts/desktop-firefox-in-your-pocket-with-the-librem-5/|title=Desktop Firefox in Your Pocket with the Librem 5|website=Purism|last=Hammer|first=David|date=February 28, 2020}}</ref>
Another smartphone is the [[PinePhone]], made by the computer manufacturer [[Pine64]]. The PinePhone can run a variety of Linux-based operating systems such as Ubuntu Touch and [[postmarketOS]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aufranc |first1=Jean-Luc |title=PinePhone "BraveHeart" Limited Edition Linux Smartphone is Now Available for $150 |url=https://www.cnx-software.com/2019/11/16/buy-pinephone-braveheart-limited-edition-linux-smartphone/ |website=CNX Software - Embedded Systems News |date=16 November 2019}}</ref>
=== Embedded devices ===
{{See also|Embedded Linux|Linux devices}}
[[Image:Linksys-Wireless-G-Router.jpg|thumb|270px| A ubiquitous [[router (computing)|router]] running on the Linux kernel.]]
Due to its low cost and ease of customization, [[embedded Linux|Linux]] is often used in [[embedded system]]s. In the non-mobile telecommunications equipment sector, the majority of [[customer-premises equipment]] (CPE) hardware runs some Linux-based operating system. [[OpenWrt]] is a community-driven example upon which many of the OEM firmware releases are based.
For example, the popular [[TiVo]] digital video recorder also uses a customized Linux,<ref name="tivo">{{cite web | url = http://www.tivo.com/linux/linux.asp | title = TiVo ─ GNU/Linux Source Code |access-date=December 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519150730/http://www.tivo.com/linux/linux.asp |archive-date=May 19, 2007}}</ref> as do several network [[Firewall (computing)|firewalls]] and [[router (computing)|routers]] from such makers as [[Cisco]]/[[Linksys]]. The [[Korg OASYS]], the [[Korg KRONOS]], the [[Yamaha Motif#Motif XS|Yamaha Motif XS]]/Motif XF [[music workstation]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mvista.com/downloads/Case_study_MontaVista_Linux_and_Yamaha.pdf |title=Case Study: How MontaVista Linux helped Yamaha developers make a great product greater |access-date=August 26, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070925210353/http://www.mvista.com/downloads/Case_study_MontaVista_Linux_and_Yamaha.pdf |archive-date = September 25, 2007}}</ref> Yamaha S90XS/S70XS, Yamaha MOX6/MOX8 synthesizers, Yamaha Motif-Rack XS [[synthesizer|tone generator module]], and Roland RD-700GX [[digital piano]] also run Linux. Linux is also used in [[stage lighting]] control systems, such as the WholeHogIII console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highend.com/products/controllers/Wholehog3Console.asp |title=Embedded Linux: FlyingPigs the WholeHogIII runs on Linux |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051013065306/http://www.highend.com/products/controllers/Wholehog3Console.asp |archive-date=October 13, 2005 }}</ref>
=== Gaming ===
{{Main|Linux gaming}}
In the past, there were few games available for Linux. In recent years, more games have been released with support for Linux (especially [[Indie game]]s), with the exception of a few [[AAA (video game industry)|AAA title]] games. [[Android (operating system)|Android]], a popular mobile platform which uses the [[Linux kernel]], has gained much developer interest and is one of the main platforms for mobile game development along with [[iOS]] operating system by [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] for [[iPhone]] and [[iPad]] devices.
On February 14, 2013, [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] released a Linux version of [[Steam (service)|Steam]], a popular gaming distribution platform on PC.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186722/Steam_Box_phase_one_complete_Steams_Linux_client_is_out_now.php|title = Steam Box phase one complete: Steam's Linux client is out now|last = Cifaldi|first = Frank|date = February 14, 2013|access-date = June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140707121916/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186722/Steam_Box_phase_one_complete_Steams_Linux_client_is_out_now.php|archive-date = July 7, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> Many Steam games were ported to Linux.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTcxMTY|title = There's Now 500 Games On Steam For Linux|last = Larabel|first = Michael|date = June 5, 2014|work = Journal|access-date = June 12, 2014|publisher = [[Phoronix]]|author-link = Michael Larabel|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140611010626/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTcxMTY|archive-date = June 11, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> On December 13, 2013, Valve released [[SteamOS]], a gaming-oriented OS based on Debian, for [[beta testing]], and had plans to ship [[Steam Machine (hardware platform)|Steam Machines]] as a gaming and entertainment platform.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/|title = SteamOS|access-date = June 12, 2014|website = Steam|publisher = Valve|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140616200555/http://store.steampowered.com/steamos|archive-date = June 16, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> Valve has also developed [[VOGL]], an [[OpenGL]] debugger intended to aid video game development,<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTU3Mjg|title = Valve's VOGL OpenGL Debugger Should Be Great|last = Larabel|first = Michael|date = January 16, 2014|work = Journal|access-date = June 12, 2014|publisher = [[Phoronix]]|author-link = Michael Larabel|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140701054125/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTU3Mjg|archive-date = July 1, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> as well as porting its [[Source (game engine)|Source]] game engine to desktop Linux.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.shacknews.com/article/73510/steam-and-source-engine-being-ported-to-linux|title = Steam and Source Engine being ported to Linux|last = Mattas|first = Jeff|date = April 25, 2012|access-date = June 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140701153852/http://www.shacknews.com/article/73510/steam-and-source-engine-being-ported-to-linux|archive-date = July 1, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> As a result of Valve's effort, several prominent games such as ''[[Dota 2|DotA 2]]'', ''[[Team Fortress 2]]'', ''[[Portal (video game)|Portal]]'', ''[[Portal 2]]'' and ''[[Left 4 Dead 2]]'' are now natively available on desktop Linux.
On July 31, 2013, [[Nvidia]] released [[Nvidia Shield|Shield]] as an attempt to use Android as a specialized gaming platform.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/21/nvidia-shield-ships-july-31st/|title = NVIDIA Shield|last = Buckley|first = Sean|date = July 21, 2014|access-date = June 13, 2014|publisher = [[Engadget]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140708002014/http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/21/nvidia-shield-ships-july-31st/|archive-date = July 8, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
Some Linux users play Windows-based games using [[Wine (software)|Wine]] or [[CrossOver (software)|CrossOver Linux]].
On August 22, 2018, Valve released their own fork of Wine called [[Proton (compatibility layer)|Proton]], aimed at gaming. It features some improvements over the vanilla Wine such as Vulkan-based DirectX 11 and 12 implementations, Steam integration, better full screen and game controller support and improved performance for multi-threaded games.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/221410/announcements/detail/1696055855739350561|title=Steam for Linux :: Introducing a new version of Steam Play|date=2018-08-21|access-date=2018-09-10|language=en}}</ref>
In 2021, ProtonDB, an online aggregator of games supporting Linux, stated that 78% of the top thousand games on Steam were able to run on Linux using either [[Proton (software)|Proton]] or a native port.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ProtonDB homepage|url=https://www.protondb.com/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-27|website=www.protondb.com}}</ref>
=== Specialized uses ===
Due to the flexibility, customizability and free and open-source nature of Linux, it becomes possible to highly tailor Linux towards a specific purpose. There are two main methods to assemble a specialized Linux distribution: building from scratch or from a general-purpose distribution as a base. The distributions often used for this purpose include [[Debian]], [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]], [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] (which is itself based on Debian), [[Arch Linux]], [[Gentoo Linux|Gentoo]], and [[Slackware]]. In contrast, Linux distributions built from scratch do not have general-purpose bases; instead, they focus on the [[JeOS]] philosophy by including only necessary components and avoiding [[System resource|resource]] overhead caused by components considered redundant in the distribution's use cases.
==== Home theater PC ====
A [[home theater PC]] (HTPC) is a PC that is mainly used as an entertainment system, especially a [[home theater system]]. It is normally connected to a television, and often an additional audio system.
[[OpenELEC]], a Linux distribution that incorporates the media center software [[Kodi (software)|Kodi]], is an OS tuned specifically for an HTPC. Having been built from the ground up adhering to the JeOS principle, the OS is very lightweight and very suitable for the confined usage range of an HTPC.
There are also special editions of Linux distributions that include the [[MythTV]] media center software, such as [[Mythbuntu]], a special edition of Ubuntu.
==== Digital security ====
[[Kali Linux]] is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for [[digital forensics]] and [[penetration test]]ing. It comes preinstalled with several software applications for penetration testing and identifying [[Exploit (computer security)|security exploits]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://docs.kali.org/introduction/what-is-kali-linux|title = What is Kali Linux?|access-date = June 13, 2014|website = Kali Linux|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527164453/http://docs.kali.org/introduction/what-is-kali-linux|archive-date = May 27, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> The Ubuntu derivative [[BackBox]] provides pre-installed security and network analysis tools for ethical hacking. <br />The Arch-based [[BlackArch]] includes over 2100 tools for pentesting and security researching.<ref name="blackarch">{{cite web|url=https://blackarch.org/index.html|title=BlackArch Linux - Penetration Testing Distribution|website=BlackArch Linux|access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref>
There are many Linux distributions created with privacy, secrecy, network anonymity and information security in mind, including [[Tails (operating system)|Tails]], [[Tin Hat Linux]] and [[Tinfoil Hat Linux]]. [[Lightweight Portable Security]] is a distribution based on Arch Linux and developed by the [[United States Department of Defense]]. Tor-ramdisk is a minimal distribution created solely to host the network anonymity software [[Tor (anonymity network)|Tor]].
==== System rescue ====
Linux [[Live CD]] sessions have long been used as a tool for recovering data from a broken computer system and for repairing the system. Building upon that idea, several Linux distributions tailored for this purpose have emerged, most of which use [[GParted]] as a partition editor, with additional data recovery and system repair software:
* [[Gparted live|GParted Live]]{{snd}} a Debian-based distribution developed by the GParted project.
* [[Parted Magic]]{{snd}} a commercial Linux distribution.
* [[SystemRescueCD]]{{snd}} an Arch-based distribution with support for editing Windows [[Windows Registry|registry]].
==== In space ====
[[SpaceX]] uses multiple redundant [[:Category:Avionics computers|flight computers]] in a [[fault-tolerant design]] in its [[Falcon 9]] rocket. Each Merlin engine is controlled by three [[Voting logic|voting]] computers, with two physical processors per computer that constantly check each other's operation. Linux is not inherently fault-tolerant (no operating system is, as it is a function of the whole system including the hardware), but the flight computer software makes it so for its purpose.<ref name=aw20121118/> For flexibility, [[commercial off-the-shelf]] parts and system-wide "radiation-tolerant" design are used instead of [[radiation hardened]] parts.<ref name=aw20121118>{{cite news|last=Svitak |first=Amy |title=Dragon's "Radiation-Tolerant" Design |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog%3a04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385&plckPostId=Blog%3a04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385Post%3aa8b87703-93f9-4cdf-885f-9429605e14df |access-date=November 22, 2012 |newspaper=Aviation Week |date=November 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203204735/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog%3A04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385&plckPostId=Blog%3A04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385Post%3Aa8b87703-93f9-4cdf-885f-9429605e14df |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{As of|July 2019}}, SpaceX has conducted over [[List of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches|76 launches]] of the Falcon 9 since 2010, out of which all but one have successfully delivered their primary payloads to the intended [[orbit]], and has used it to transport astronauts to the [[International Space Station]]. The [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Dragon 2]] crew capsule also uses Linux.<ref name="auto"/>
Windows was deployed as the operating system on non-mission critical laptops used on the space station, but it was later replaced with Linux. [[Robonaut#Robonaut 2|Robonaut 2]], the first humanoid robot in space, is also Linux-based.<ref name="LinuxMigration">{{cite web |title=Linux Foundation Training Prepares the International Space Station for Linux Migration |url=https://training.linuxfoundation.org/solutions/corporate-solutions/success-stories/linux-foundation-training-prepares-the-international-space-station-for-linux-migration/ |publisher=The Linux Foundation |access-date=September 1, 2019}}</ref>
The [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] has used Linux for a number of years "to help with projects relating to the construction of unmanned space flight and deep space exploration"; [[NASA]] uses Linux in robotics in the Mars rover, and [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] Linux to "save data from satellites".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.100tb.com/blog/?p=485 |title=Five Ways NASA is Using Linux OS to Run its Space Program |access-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221130340/http://www.100tb.com/blog/?p=485 |archive-date=December 21, 2014}}
</ref>
==== Education ====
Linux distributions have been created to provide hands-on experience with coding and source code to students, on devices such as the [[Raspberry Pi]]. In addition to producing a practical device, the intention is to show students "how things work under the hood".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://radar.oreilly.com/2015/07/4-ways-the-raspberry-pi-is-being-used-in-education.html|title=4 ways the Raspberry Pi is being used in education|last=Blanchette|first=Megan|date=July 7, 2015|website=O'Reilly Radar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910010507/http://radar.oreilly.com/2015/07/4-ways-the-raspberry-pi-is-being-used-in-education.html|archive-date=September 10, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref>
The Ubuntu derivatives [[Edubuntu]] and [[The Linux Schools Project]], as well as the Debian derivative [[Skolelinux]], provide education-oriented software packages. They also include tools for administering and building school computer labs and computer-based classrooms, such as the [[Linux Terminal Server Project]] (LTSP).
==== Others ====
Instant WebKiosk and [[Webconverger]] are browser-based Linux distributions often used in web [[Interactive kiosk|kiosks]] and [[digital signage]]. [[Thinstation]] is a minimalist distribution designed for [[thin client]]s. [[Rocks Cluster Distribution]] is tailored for [[HPCC|high-performance computing clusters]].
There are general-purpose Linux distributions that target a specific audience, such as users of a specific language or geographical area. Such examples include [[Ubuntu Kylin]] for Chinese language users and BlankOn targeted at Indonesians. Profession-specific distributions include [[Ubuntu Studio]] for media creation and [[DNALinux]] for [[bioinformatics]]. There is also a Muslim-oriented distribution of the name [[Sabily]] that consequently also provides some Islamic tools. Certain organizations use slightly specialized Linux distributions internally, including [[GendBuntu]] used by the French [[National Gendarmerie]], [[Goobuntu]] used internally by Google, and [[Astra Linux]] developed specifically for the Russian army.
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