Fun Linux Distributions You Didn’t Know You Needed

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If you collected every single different type of Linux distribution that has ever been created, you would probably need a data center the size of a small country to hold it all. The Linux operating system is an integral part of computer history and also one of the most popular operating systems today. Linux is free, efficient, and supported by an open-source community that spans the entire planet. With the ability to easily customize and extend Linux, it's no wonder there has been a sea of different versions produced.

There is a high likelihood that you could find a flavor of Linux geared towards just about any specific task or interest. There are distributions for gaming, hacking, serving, and even the average Anime fan (though we won’t cover that one). Linux provides the building blocks for specialized distributions of any suit. If you love cars, within a few hours you can build your own distribution that is “geared” towards cars. Maybe it includes a database of car stats and open-source diagnostics tools for cars? The limit is really imagination and some basic software skills.

In this article, I want to highlight a few fun and interesting Linux distributions I’ve come across in recent years. These versions are more functional than just a simple color scheme change. These examples serve unique purposes, solve problems creatively and most importantly, embody the ever iterative spirit of the Linux community. Let’s dive in.

AV Linux

AV Linux is an impressive distribution built for creating audio and video content. This distro is a collection of tools and tweaks the author, Glen MacArthur, put together over the course of time working on various projects. When you first boot up this distro you’re presented with a sleek, aesthetically pleasing user interface. The color scheme and icons provide a cohesive experience backed up by the fact that this distro is packed with tools.

There are a ton of creative options available. For graphics, you have Blender, Inkscape, and GIMP at your disposal. For sound design Ardour and Reaper (popular audio workstations) come pre-installed along with several virtual instruments and sequencers. Video editors like Avidemux round out more of the offerings in this fantastic release.