Theory on possible hurt (or good?) to linux

[user1397]

I just thought about it, what if some ahole out there hated linux so much, he gets the idea of making an insane amount of forks of many different distros, to the point where we don't have hundreds of distros anymore, but thousands, or even millions (scary!)

His whole aim would be to make such a variety in choice, such a plethora of distros, such an impossible amount of distros to choose from, that newcomers to linux would just say 'hey, what the hell is this? going back to (insert OS here)'

This hateful hacker would be able to make so many forks and still keeping them legit by just changing the most minute of things in a distro; a setting, a default theme, even just one word somewhere in the OS, but would just rebrand it and call it something different. Imagine distrowatch?

Just a theory, could be completely retarded sounding to many of you, not really expecting this to be a winner :KS

[chris200x9]

don't you have to be good to be on distrowatch?

[NoaHall]

I can safely say that's never, ever going to happen.

[Shpongle]

I can safely say that's never, ever going to happen.

this!,

[Skripka]

I can safely say that's never, ever going to happen.

Hmmm...Ubuntu Christian Edition, Ubuntu Satanic Edition, Ubuntu Buddhist Edition, Linux Mint, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu...IceBuntu...

And those are just the ones I can easily grab off the top of my head.

[00ber n00b]

Uhmmm...Wut? The more, the merrier!

[NoaHall]

Hmmm...Ubuntu Christian Edition, Ubuntu Satanic Edition, Ubuntu Buddhist Edition, Linux Mint, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu...IceBuntu...

And those are just the ones I can easily grab off the top of my head.

That's 8. Another 9999992 to go.

[Shpongle]

most just fall by the wayside! because they offer nothing new!

[Simian Man]

If they were useful, it would be prohibitively hard to do (not something one person could do). If they weren't useful, nobody would know or care about them.

[Skripka]

That's 8. Another 9999992 to go.

There's also:

Kiwi Linux, Ubuntu Netbook Remix, Ubuntu Mobile, JeOS, gOS, nUbuntu, OpenGEU, OzOS, #!, Eeeebuntu, Ubuntu Mini Remix, Mythbuntu, Server Edition, goBuntu, Mythbuntu....

What am I missing, at least I hope I'm NOT missing some...

[Skripka]

Damn. I was missing a great many...

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DerivativeTeam/Derivatives

[NoaHall]

There's also:

Kiwi Linux, Ubuntu Netbook Remix, Ubuntu Mobile, JeOS, gOS, nUbuntu, OpenGEU, OzOS, #!, Eeeebuntu, Ubuntu Mini Remix, Mythbuntu, Server Edition, goBuntu, Mythbuntu....

What am I missing, at least I hope I'm NOT missing some...

I'm going to stop counting now, just let me know when you get close. And GNU/Linux != Ubuntu :)

[MooPi]

Our choices now are pretty much exhausting. I was just on Distrowatch today and found some obscure versions.

[Skripka]

I'm going to stop counting now, just let me know when you get close. And GNU/Linux != Ubuntu :)

125 Ubuntu derivatives listed officially, NOT counting localizations... :P

[sudoer541]

Hmmm...Ubuntu Christian Edition, Ubuntu Satanic Edition, Ubuntu Buddhist Edition, Linux Mint, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu...IceBuntu...

And those are just the ones I can easily grab off the top of my head.

lubuntu
super OS
jolicloud
ultimate edition
kubuntu
edubutu
XFMS <------------------------ spelling?
mythubuntu
Gobuntu
ubuntu studio


MORE:

Distribution Description ABC GNU/Linux (http://www.ehu.es/AC/ABC.htm) An Ubuntu based distribution for building Beowulf clusters developed by Iker Castaños Chavarri, University of the Basque Country (Spain) BackTrack (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BackTrack) Developed by Remote Exploit and designed for penetration testing. Buddhabuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhabuntu) Ubuntu based distribution for Buddhists to complement Ubuntu Christian Edition and Muslim Editions BlankOn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlankOn) Ubuntu-based distribution for users in Indonesia. Buildix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buildix) An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, developed by Global IT professional services firm, ThoughtWorks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThoughtWorks). For agile developers. CrunchBang Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrunchBang_Linux) An Ubuntu based distribution featuring the lightweight Openbox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Openbox) window manager and GTK+ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GTK%2B) applications developed from a minimal Ubuntu install and has been designed to offer a good balance of speed and functionality. Cyvoc This Ubuntu-based OS' aims to help users coming from Windows / Mac, further more it tries to be as ready as possible after the installation is finished. easypeasy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easypeasy) Fork of Ubuntu designed for netbooks eBox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBox) Router/Firewall and NAS/PDC Eeebuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eeebuntu) Specifically for the Eee PC range of netbooks Fluxbuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluxbuntu) Light-weight and featuring the Fluxbox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluxbox) window manager gNewSense (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNewSense) Designed for users who wish to use only free software (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software). It is officially sponsored and recommended by the Free Software Foundation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Software_Foundation). The project has also produced a set of scripts that allow anyone to create a free distribution. Goobuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goobuntu) An Ubuntu-based distribution used internally by Google. gOS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOS_%28operating_system%29) Uses the GNOME desktop environment with user interface enhancements to make it work more like Mac OS X (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X), it also features Google Apps (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Apps), Picasa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picasa), Google Gadgets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Gadgets) and other web-based applications, and comes with Wine 1.0 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_%28software%29) pre-installed Guadalinex (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalinex) Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalucia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalucia), Spain, for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux). Hiweed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiweed) Chinese Linux distribution, based on Ubuntu. Its features include preconfigured Chinese applications, such as Chinese (simplified) input method, Chinese-English and English-Chinese dictionaries, and Chinese (simplified) true-type fonts. HP Mi (MIE) Based on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, designed by Canonical and HP for use on the HP Mini 1000 and 110 series netbooks.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-Brown_2008.2C_HP_Linux-4) Impi Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impi_Linux) South African (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa) and focuses on the enterprise and government sector. Kuki Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuki_Linux) Lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution founded by João Ferro, built to be a replacement for the Linpus Linux Lite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linpus_Linux_Lite) distribution on the Acer Aspire One (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_Aspire_One). Leeenux Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeenux_Linux) Ubuntu based for Asus eee PC with 7" screen Linux4One (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux4One) Based on Ubuntu, specially designed to work on the Acer Aspire One series Linux Mint (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Mint) Linux Mint synchronizes its release-cycle with Ubuntu's, and is tailored to user-friendliness for desktop users. LinuxMCE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LinuxMCE) (Linux Media Center Edition) Kubuntu based distribution that provides in-depth HTPC functionality as well as home automation. LinuxTLE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LinuxTLE) A Thai Linux distribution. LliureX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LliureX) A distribution by the Generalitat Valenciana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalitat_Valenciana) LOUD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LOUD) (LCSEE Optimized Ubuntu Distribution) An Ubuntu distribution used at West Virginia University (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_University). It contains several specialized educational packages as well as its own themes and login manager. Maryan Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryan_Linux) Based on Ubuntu. Uses Enlightenment as its default window manager, also has Fluxbox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluxbox) and Pekwm ready to use. It is aimed at users migrating from Microsoft Windows (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows). Masonux[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-5)[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions#cite_note-6) A lightweight net-oriented distribution based on Ubuntu using LXDE. Very few applications are installed by default. MAX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAX_%28operating_system%29) Stands for MAdrid LinuX. Molinux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molinux) Ubuntu based initiative to introduce the Castile-La Mancha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castile-La_Mancha) community in Spain to the information society. Moon OS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_OS) Moon OS uses the Enlightenment window manager (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_manager) and also has an LXDE version, and is based on the LTS release. Mundus OS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundus_OS) An unofficial derivative of Ubuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_%28operating_system%29) nUbuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUbuntu) or Network Ubuntu Based on Ubuntu. Available as a Live CD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_CD) and Full Install with tools needed for penetration-testing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penetration_test) servers and networks. OpenGEU (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenGEU) Ubuntu based distribution with Enlightenment window manager, previously known as Geubuntu. Poseidon Linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poseidon_Linux) For academic and scientific use. Based on Ubuntu, but enhanced by e.g. GIS/maps, numerical modelling, 2D/3D/4D visualization, statistics, tools for creating simple and complex graphics, programming languages. PSUbuntu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_for_PlayStation_3) Ubuntu distribution intended for the PlayStation 3. Sabily (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabily) Ubuntu based distribution for Muslims (formerly Ubuntu Muslim Edition). Spri (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spri) Lightweight Ubuntu derivative replacing GNOME (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME) desktop environment with lightweight IceWM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IceWM) window manager. Designed for ageing and low powered computer hardware. Super OS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_OS) (formerly: Super Ubuntu) Aiming to provide an ‘Out of the Box’ experience, containing various enhancements over Ubuntu. Trisquel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trisquel) Created in Galicia (Spain). It has support for old PCs, includes a 3D desktop with Compiz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz). TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TurnKey_Linux_Virtual_Appliance_Library) Open source project developing a family of free, Ubuntu-based appliances optimized for ease of use in server-type usage scenarios. Tuquito Created in Argentina. U-lite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-lite) Has the main goal to be very light consuming hardware resources. The last version uses the LXDE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LXDE) desktop environment. It was previously called Ubuntulite. Ubuntu Christian Edition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Christian_Edition) Packaging together Ubuntu together with Christian software (Bible study tools, support for church worship) and parental control tools. Ubuntu Satanic Edition Created by some people as a reaction to Ubuntu Christian Edition, this one offers multimedia for the wicked. This one offers very gory and dark themes. Ultimate Edition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Edition_%28operating_system%29) Formerly Ubuntu Ultimate, it is based on Ubuntu and contains various software not included in the official Ubuntu repositories. XBMC Live (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC_Live) An embedded operating system with XBMC Media Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC_Media_Center) designed to make any computer into a dedicated media center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_center) appliance. ZevenOS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZevenOS)



too many forks OMG! what a mess! lol+++

[murderslastcrow]

We need more people creating better names in our minute software packages! May I suggest he merely work on a project to send upstream to Debian? (lol)

I don't know anyone who hates Linux. I mean, no one's being forced to use it, even though it's diabolically awesome. Really, it's just the responsibility of guys who do know Linux to inform others of the best options. Distrowatch is for distrowatchers.

[chillicampari]

So I'm wondering- what's actually new out there (not respin or deriv), besides Linux from Scratch?

[NoaHall]

So I'm wondering- what's actually new out there (not respin or deriv), besides Linux from Scratch?

Nothing new, really, as far as I know and according to - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Gldt.svg

[Dharmachakra]

125 Ubuntu derivatives listed officially, NOT counting localizations... :P

Hey, that's just over 1% of 1% of what he quoted. We're getting there!

[phrostbyte]

You can make your own "distro" in an afternoon of work. That is why so many. I'm waiting for NoaHall Linux personally.

[NoaHall]

You can make your own "distro" in an afternoon of work. That is why so many. I'm waiting for NoaHall Linux personally.

Why? It'd only go horribly wrong..

[Warren Watts]

Really, once you install Ubuntu (or any GNU/Linux for that matter) and spend a few hours removing packages you don't use, add other packages you do use, customize the desktop theme, add Conky and/or a dock, haven't you in effect created your own personal distro?

I thought that was one of the advantages to the Freedom that GNU/Linux brings to the table...

[Simon17]

Really, once you install Ubuntu (or any GNU/Linux for that matter) and spend a few hours removing packages you don't use, add other packages you do use, customize the desktop theme, add Conky and/or a dock, haven't you in effect created your own personal distro?


No.

"Distro" is short for Distribution.

[Warren Watts]

No. "Distro" is short for Distribution.

So I didn't go to the effort to take my custom Ubuntu installation and re-package it as a new Distribution. That doesn't mean I couldn't.

My point is that by customizing and tweaking your install, you in effect create a distribution, even if you don't actually distribute it.

[Irihapeti]

One million forks?

He's going to be one very busy lad...

[Simon17]

My point is that by customizing and tweaking your install, you in effect create a distribution, even if you don't actually distribute it.

No you don't.

[ronniestamps]

Point made, there are a TON of distros. But what has been forgotten in this thread is the micro$oft factor. As long as they keep coming out with crap, more and more people will be migrating away from it. Millions of distros just means millions of choices. The public has never, and probably won't ever get sick of choices. Just look at food for instance... you can buy 10 lbs of cheese for $1 but the same cheese sold in convenient slices costs $5 for 8 ounces. So out of all the distros out there, remixed or not, there will be people that will grab one for whatever reason. Example... the netbook remix. I have a netbook, and chose to use the remix instead of taking the time to configure standard Ubuntu to be the same thing. My point... as long as micro$oft keeps shooting themselves in the foot, it doesn't matter how many distros are available, people will seek an alternative. As a matter of fact, some people find a $5000 Mac to be their solution, and Apple is doing quite nice by it.

[Khakilang]

I don't think he/she could hurt Linux by creating more Distro. The on way to do it is to create a nasty virus that could wipe all the Distro but that's a long shot. I don't someone would like to spend that kind of time.

[starcannon]

I just thought about it, what if some ahole out there hated linux so much, he gets the idea of making an insane amount of forks of many different distros, to the point where we don't have hundreds of distros anymore, but thousands, or even millions (scary!)

His whole aim would be to make such a variety in choice, such a plethora of distros, such an impossible amount of distros to choose from, that newcomers to linux would just say 'hey, what the hell is this? going back to (insert OS here)'

This hateful hacker would be able to make so many forks and still keeping them legit by just changing the most minute of things in a distro; a setting, a default theme, even just one word somewhere in the OS, but would just rebrand it and call it something different. Imagine distrowatch?

Just a theory, could be completely retarded sounding to many of you, not really expecting this to be a winner :KS
The official websites of the major distro's would solve.
Look at all the various "fake" versions of brand name cell phones and mp3 players; yet some how, the discerning consumer differentiates between the garbage and the real deal.
Further, this would require a great deal of time to accomplish; that or an obvious situation where the same distro was being relabeled over and over again. Again, I would rely on the downloader's over all intelligence, and ability to see through the smoke.

[markbuntu]

Distros do not get any attention if people do not use them. There are thousands of distros but less than 100 of them are widely used.

Anyway, I think there is a big difference between a remix and a distribution. A remix has some tweaks like a custom kernel and a custom desktop and app mix but its main repository belongs to someone else. Most Ubuntu "distributions" are really just remixes.

Remixes give people a preconfigured distribution that meets their particular needs better than the mainline distribution does. This is not a bad thing.

Microsoft and Apple have only one real advantage over linux. They can force manufacturers to write drivers and give them hardware and firmware specs while linux cannot. Hardware functionality is the single biggest problem with using linux and the biggest hurdle to widespread linux adoption.

[Marisa H]

...
Anyway, I think there is a big difference between a remix and a distribution. A remix has some tweaks like a custom kernel and a custom desktop and app mix but its main repository belongs to someone else. Most Ubuntu "distributions" are really just remixes.

Remixes give people a preconfigured distribution that meets their particular needs better than the mainline distribution does. This is not a bad thing.
...


Like Sabily? It's listed as a distro, but it's pretty much just Ubuntu with specialized software repositories. You can get them pre-packaged with the Sabily distro, or you can update your Jaunty source list and download the programs you want.