Linux: Now 400 Distributions Strong
Choice is certainly not a problem for Linux in trying to reach more users.
A new report now lists 400 different Linux distributions that are currently available.
According to the GLDT project, the Linux environment has grown by 10 new distributions over the past two months and more than 50 over the past six months. Among the new entries between September and October are candidates such as AtheOS, DreamStudio, Garuda or Syllable. Debian remains the most populated Linux branch with 114 different choices - among them flavors such Knoppix and Ubuntu. Redhat is the next largest branch, followed by Slackware and smaller branches such as Arch, Enoch, or Sorcerer.
A chart that is offered by GLDT for download includes the history of distributions that also includes once promising packages that are long gone - among them Lindows (Linspire), Xandros, Caldera, or LinuxPPC.
According to StatCounter, Linux currently has only 0.84 percent global market share among Internet users.
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.
-
megamanx00 Ugh too many Distros. There are probably less that are active though. The problem with so many Distros is that you have alot of people duplicating efforts resulting in the Community as a whole working harder not smarter.Reply -
ansemx324 Does android count as linux? I think it should... If others agree, Id image that the percent of internet users using "linux" will grow substantially in the coming year with all of the tablets and smartphonesReply -
runswindows95 I agree. I think they might be less then 10 distros widely used. I personally just run Linuxmint.Reply -
-Fran- Choice is good, but requires a lot more effort into it and we all know "people" is/are lazy.Reply
I agree with you all that they should actually try and work on a common basis a lil' ahead of the kernel into X territory.
And where's Gentoo in all that? XD
Cheers! -
LuckyDucky7 Why can't they just make a concatenated Linux OS?Reply
Call it something like, I don't know, Grand Unified Linux or something.
Which can install any package you throw at it.
Which works with most plugins and software out there.
If you can do that you can get some more adoption since developers know what they're developing for.