Linux: Now 400 Distributions Strong

By Wolfgang Gruener
published

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.

Wolfgang Gruener
108 Comments Comment from the forums
  • 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 smartphones
    Reply
  • runswindows95
    I agree. I think they might be less then 10 distros widely used. I personally just run Linuxmint.
    Reply
  • sayakbiswas
    Linux: Now 400 Distributions to confuse the $h!t out of newcomers!!!!
    Reply
  • sayakbiswas
    i use Ubuntu, and i'm really happy :)
    Reply
  • goatsetung
    Far too many. A smaller number should enable resources to be put to better use.
    Reply
  • STravis
    I prefer CentOS for my use...
    Reply
  • -Fran-
    Choice is good, but requires a lot more effort into it and we all know "people" is/are lazy.

    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!
    Reply
  • halcyon
    400 distros? Whatever floats their boat.
    Reply
  • LuckyDucky7
    Why can't they just make a concatenated Linux OS?

    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.
    Reply