| Distribution | Primary Use Case | Base Distribution | Package Manager | Characteristics |
| Ubuntu | Desktop, Server, Cloud, Beginners | Debian | APT (DEB) | Known for its user-friendliness, extensive documentation, and massive community support. |
| Debian | Stability, Servers, Developers, Foundation | None (The Original) | APT (DEB) | Extremely stable, commitment to free software, and forms the core foundation for many other distros. |
| Linux Mint | Windows Migrants, General Desktop Use | Ubuntu (and Debian) | APT (DEB) | Focuses on a traditional desktop experience (Cinnamon/MATE) and includes proprietary media codecs out-of-the-box. |
| Fedora | Developers, Cutting-Edge, Innovation | Red Hat | DNF (RPM) | A platform for innovation; features the latest stable software versions. Closely related to RHEL. |
| Arch Linux | Advanced Users, Customization, Minimalism | None (Independent) | Pacman | Simplicity, flexibility, and user control. Users build their system from the ground up. Relies on the extensive Arch Wiki. |
| openSUSE Leap | Enterprise, Stability, General Desktop | None (Independent) | Zypper (RPM) | Known for its comprehensive and powerful system configuration tool, YaST (Yet another Setup Tool). |
| Kali Linux | Penetration Testing, Security Auditing | Debian | APT (DEB) | Specialized distribution pre-loaded with hundreds of security, forensics, and reverse engineering tools. |