5 non-trivial Linux distributions you may not have heard of

Tiny Core Linux

A minimalist Linux distribution first released in 2009 by Robert Shingledecker — he was involved in the development of Damn Small Linux (DSL). Tiny Core is an ultra-lightweight OS with minimal PC requirements. The distribution is aimed at users who need a simple and flexible operating system for old computers or devices with limited hardware capabilities.

The size of the basic version of Tiny Core 15.0 is only 24 MB, so it is one of the smallest Linux distributions. It uses the Linux kernel, a minimal set of basic utilities, and the FLTK/FLWM graphical interface. The entire system loads into RAM, so you can work quickly even on weak hardware.

System requirements:

• processor: x86-compatible;

• RAM: at least 46 MB for the base version;

• disk space: not required for Live mode operation;

• storage: CD/DVD, USB, or hard drive for installation;

• video card: generally, any integrated or more powerful.

Tiny Core has a modular structure. It allows the user to add the necessary packages and components, thereby controlling the size and performance of the system.

The current version of Tiny Core Linux is 15.0. The release was on February 26, 2024. The new OS has updated the Linux kernel to version 6.6.8. Other key components have also been updated, such as glibc to version 2.38 and GCC to 13.2. After installation, the OS occupies only 24 MB.

SystemRescue

SystemRescue (SystemRescueCD) is a specialized Linux distribution focused on the recovery and maintenance of operating systems and data. The project was announced by developer François Dupre in 2003. The main task of the OS is to provide a set of tools for data recovery, hard disk editing, and system diagnostics after failures.

Technical specifications and features of SystemRescue:

• ISO file size — about 700 MB;

• support for booting from CD/DVD, USB, or over the network;

• includes utilities such as GParted, file managers, GRUB recovery tools, software for working with file systems (ext4, NTFS, FAT32, and others), network tools, and text editors;

• support for modern file systems, RAID, LVM, the ability to mount network resources (NFS, Samba).

SystemRescue works both in a graphical environment and without it. The current version of SystemRescue is 11.02, released on August 29, 2024. It is based on the Linux 6.6.14 kernel.

Suicide Linux

A joke Linux distribution. It is not even a full-fledged OS, but a package for Debian. The main feature of Suicide Linux is that with any incorrectly entered command, the system executes the command rm -rf /, which deletes all files without warning.

The distribution appeared as a joke in the Linux community and has no practical use. It serves more to show the importance of attentiveness when working with the terminal and to demonstrate how dangerous incorrect use of commands can be.

Suicide Linux is not intended for use in work and home systems. It is rarely updated as its developers do not pay much attention to their joke. Nevertheless, the project is quite popular. To try Suicide Linux, it is worth running it through Docker for testing in an isolated environment.

RedStar OS

The national operating system of North Korea, developed for use within the country. The first version was released in 2008 by the Korean Computer Center and is positioned as an alternative to Western operating systems such as Windows and macOS. Officially, the OS serves to enhance the security and control of North Korea's IT systems.

The distribution is not publicly available, so little is known about it. PC requirements:

• 800 MHz Intel Pentium III;

• RAM: 256 MB;

• disk space: 3 GB.

Technical specifications and features:

• RedStar OS is based on Linux, but fully adapted to the requirements and policies of North Korea.

• Interface: the latest versions (starting from 3.0) visually resemble macOS, although earlier versions were more like Windows XP.

• Security and control: the distribution includes many tools for surveillance and monitoring. For example, tracking user activity and built-in tools that automatically add tags to all files to identify the source.

• Limited internet access: the internal North Korean network, known as "Kwangmyong", is used, which further isolates users from the outside world.

• Software: RedStar OS includes text editors, music players, games, and browsers such as Naenara, designed to work exclusively in the national network.

The current version of this OS, as far as known, is Red Star OS 4.0. There is a review of it on tekkix, but only from 2015. If you have new information about the operating system, share it in the comments.

Edubuntu

Another specialized Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. Designed for installation on PCs in educational institutions. The OS first appeared in 2005 as part of a joint project between Canonical Ltd. and the Ubuntu developer community. The main goal of the project is to provide schools, universities, and other educational institutions with Linux with a set of pre-installed educational software.

System requirements for Edubuntu are similar to those for the regular version of Ubuntu, as the distribution is based on the same base. However, due to the additional pre-installed educational software, Edubuntu may require slightly more resources for comfortable operation.

Recommended system requirements:

• Processor: 2.5 GHz or more powerful multi-core processor;

• RAM: 8 GB or more;

• Disk space: 50 GB of free space;

• Graphics: modern graphics card with 3D graphics support and resolution of 1920 × 1080;

• Internet connection for downloading updates and software.

Edubuntu uses the same Linux kernel and package management system as Ubuntu, so it is compatible with a wide range of applications and libraries. The distribution includes educational software and other programs that may be needed by schoolchildren and students, such as GCompris, KDE Edu Suite, Tux Paint. Users can customize the distribution according to their needs, depending on the requirements of the educational institution.

The latest version of Edubuntu is 24.10, released in October 2024. It includes security updates and minor changes. For example, a new wallpaper and features related to access control and the Security Center, similar to changes in Ubuntu Desktop. Versions for amd64 and Raspberry Pi 5 architectures are also supported.

That's all for now. If you have encountered other unusual versions of Linux, share them in the comments.