10 Weird Versions of Linux that ACTUALLY Exist

This video explores 10 unusual Linux distributions, delving into their unique features and purposes. From Linux FX's Windows-like interface to the visually impaired-oriented Vinu OS, each distribution offers a distinct experience. The video also touches on educational Linux like Edubuntu and the North Korean Red Star OS, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of Linux for various users and needs.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Linux has numerous distributions tailored for specific needs, some of which have unusual or unique features.
• 💻 Linux FX aims to mimic the Windows 11 interface but has faced legal issues over name rebranding and intellectual property.
• 🎮 Bibian and Hannah Montana Linux were created as a joke, with the latter featuring a very outdated image of Justin Bieber.
• 👀 Vinu OS is designed for the visually impaired, with features like a screen reader and support for Braille displays.
• 🎓 Edubuntu focuses on education, offering a blend of software and games to create an engaging classroom environment.
• 🌍 Red Star OS is North Korea's operating system, known for its resistance to tampering and unique features that reflect the country's isolation.
• 💥 Suicide Linux is a package that, when installed, wipes the system upon a command typo, emphasizing caution in Linux usage.
• 🚀 Tiny Core is an extremely lightweight Linux distribution that runs entirely from RAM and is ideal for legacy hardware.
• 🛠️ System Rescue is a Linux distribution designed for troubleshooting and data recovery, packed with various diagnostic tools.
• 🎮 Wuntu is a user-friendly Ubuntu-based distro with pre-installed apps like Spotify, Steam, and uTorrent, aimed at a modern user experience.

Q & A

What is Linux FX and why was it created?

Linux FX is a distribution that resembles Windows 11 in appearance, especially in its control panel. It was created to offer familiarity to users transitioning from Windows to Linux, making the switch easier by providing a similar design and strong documentation and forum support.

What issues has Linux FX faced regarding its branding and naming?

Linux FX has faced legal issues due to its rebranding of names and stealing of intellectual properties, which led to trouble with Microsoft's licensing. The developers have tried to circumvent these issues by making the system as similar to Windows as possible without infringing on the same functionality.

What is unique about the Bibian and Hannah Montana Linux distributions?

Bibian and Hannah Montana Linux are unique for being built on Puppy Lucid and Kubuntu respectively, and they were created as a joke. These distributions were designed to surprise users by playing music from Justin Bieber or Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) upon startup.

How does Vinu OS cater to visually impaired users?

Vinu OS is based on Ubuntu and is designed specifically for the visually impaired. It includes a screen reader that reads out what the user clicks on or hovers over, as well as support for external Braille displays, making it a more accessible option for those with visual impairments.

What is the primary goal of Edubuntu Linux?

Edubuntu Linux aims to bring the freedom of the Linux desktop and the vast library of open-source educational software to the classroom. It combines software and games to revive the experience of computer labs in schools, providing educational tools and engaging students through games like Math Circus.

What are some of the features included in Edubuntu for educational purposes?

Edubuntu includes a variety of educational games like Tux Math, as well as tools for basic simulations, calculators that can graph in 3D, and electrical engineering programs for designing PCBs. It also has applications like Tux Typing for improving typing skills.

What is Red Star OS, and what are its notable security features?

Red Star OS is North Korea's operating system of choice, originally based on Red Hat Linux. It has several security features, including checking for system changes when connected to the internet and bricking itself if unauthorized changes are detected. It also tags Western or outside media on USB sticks to track and lock out unauthorized content.

What is Suicide Linux and how does it function?

Suicide Linux is a Debian package that can be installed onto an existing OS. It works by immediately wiping the drive if a user mistypes any command. It is based on an autocomplete function that was intended to help with long commands but was repurposed to execute the 'rm -rf /' command upon a typo.

What is Tiny Core Linux and how does it differ from other distributions?

Tiny Core Linux is a minimal Linux distribution that is only 16 megabytes in size and includes a graphical user interface. It runs entirely in RAM by default and does not write to the boot drive, meaning that every boot reverts the system back to its stock state. This makes it suitable for carrying personalized settings on a USB and using it on different computers without leaving a trace.

How can System Rescue Linux be utilized for troubleshooting?

System Rescue Linux is a Linux distribution designed to be run from a USB drive and comes with numerous tools for diagnosing and resolving PC issues. It includes drive partition management, data recovery tools like DD Rescue, memory testing with MTest, and file synchronization with rsync, making it a portable troubleshooting kit for various workstations.

What additional features does Wuntu Linux offer compared to Ubuntu?

Wuntu Linux, based on Ubuntu, offers a more modern and up-to-date theme, as well as pre-installed applications like Spotify, Steam, and uTorrent. It also includes guides to help users get started, such as enabling the Proton compatibility layer for non-compatible games, providing a more complete and user-friendly experience out of the box.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Exploring the World of Linux Distributions

The paragraph delves into the overwhelming experience of choosing the right Linux distribution. It highlights the vast number of options available and the unique reasons behind their creation. The speaker introduces a journey to uncover some of the weirdest Linux distributions, emphasizing that while some may seem like gimmicks, others have substantial reasons for their existence. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Linux FX, a distribution designed to mimic Windows 11, and discusses its features and controversies surrounding its development.

05:03

🎶 The Unusual Linux Distributions: Justin Bieber and Hannah Montana

This section focuses on the humorous and unusual Linux distributions inspired by pop culture figures like Justin Bieber and Hannah Montana. It discusses the intent behind these distributions, which is to prank or surprise users with unexpected themes and features. The speaker also touches on the limitations and potential uses of these distributions, suggesting that while they may not be practical for everyday use, they serve as interesting conversation pieces and demonstrate the creativity and diversity within the Linux community.

10:03

🌟 Unique Utilities and the Red Star OS

The paragraph introduces a variety of Linux utilities and applications, from simple unit conversion tools to complex astronomical apps. It also highlights the Red Star OS, North Korea's operating system, which is known for its robust security measures and resistance to tampering. The speaker discusses the OS's features, such as its internet-based system checks and its approach to handling external media, providing insight into the unique requirements and priorities of its user base.

15:04

💻 The Extremes of Linux: From Educational to Self-Destructive

This section covers a range of Linux distributions, from educational-focused Linux to the extreme case of Suicide Linux, which wipes the user's drive upon a mistaken command. It also introduces Tiny Core, a minimal distribution that runs entirely from RAM and resets on boot, as well as System Rescue, a Linux distribution designed for troubleshooting and data recovery. The speaker emphasizes the diversity of Linux distributions and their potential uses, from educational tools to data recovery and system maintenance.

20:04

📋 System Rescue and the Importance of Data Recovery

The focus of this paragraph is on System Rescue, a Linux distribution packed with tools for diagnosing and resolving PC issues. It highlights the distribution's ability to recover deleted files and its utility as a portable troubleshooting kit. The speaker demonstrates the process of recovering permanently deleted files from a Windows system, underscoring the importance of data recovery tools and the potential risks of file deletion in operating systems.

25:05

🎮 Wuntu: A Modern Linux Distribution for Gamers

The paragraph introduces Wuntu, a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, designed with gamers in mind. It comes preloaded with popular applications like Spotify, Steam, and uTorrent, and includes guides for enabling compatibility layers for non-compatible games. The speaker discusses the distribution's modern look, user-friendly interface, and the creators' intentions behind developing it. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for viewers to suggest features for a potential new Linux distribution.

Keywords

Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system (OS) that is widely used across the globe. It is known for its flexibility, stability, and security. In the video, Linux is the main focus, with various distributions (distros) of Linux being explored, each with unique features and intended uses. The video discusses how Linux can be tailored to suit different needs, from gaming to education, and even to specific countries' requirements, showcasing the versatility of this OS.

Distributions (distros)

Distributions, or 'distros', refer to modified versions of the Linux operating system. Each distro comes with its own set of default software packages, configurations, and user interfaces, designed to cater to specific user needs or preferences. The video script discusses various Linux distros, highlighting their unique features and intended audiences. Some distros are created for educational purposes, while others are designed to mimic the look and feel of other operating systems, or to cater to users with specific hardware or software requirements.

Linux FX

Linux FX is a Linux distribution that aims to provide a Windows-like experience to users. It is designed to be familiar to those transitioning from Windows, with a similar interface and control panel. However, despite its外表, Linux FX is underpinned by the Linux kernel and offers the stability and security associated with Linux. The video script mentions that Linux FX has faced some controversy over its naming and branding, which led to changes in its approach to avoid legal issues.

Bibian and Hannah Montana Linux

Bibian and Hannah Montana Linux are two Linux distributions mentioned in the video that were created with a more light-hearted approach. Bibian is built on Puppy Lucid and Hannah Montana Linux on Kubuntu. These distros were designed with a focus on pop culture references, with Hannah Montana Linux featuring a youthful, child entertainer theme. The video suggests that these distros were initially created as a joke, but they also serve to demonstrate the wide range of customization possible with Linux, even if some of these customizations are not meant to be taken seriously.

Vinux OS

Vinux OS is a Linux distribution specifically designed for the visually impaired. It is based on Ubuntu and includes features such as a screen reader to assist users with navigating the interface and supporting external Braille displays. The goal of Vinux is to make computing more accessible to individuals with visual impairments, showcasing the adaptability of Linux to cater to diverse user needs.

Edubuntu

Edubuntu is a Linux distribution aimed at the educational sector. It integrates a vast library of open-source educational software and games, aiming to bring the freedom and flexibility of Linux to the classroom. The distro is designed to evoke the nostalgia of computer labs in schools, where students can learn and play educational games. Edubuntu demonstrates how Linux can be tailored for specific environments, such as educational institutions, to enhance the learning experience.

Red Star OS

Red Star OS is the operating system developed and used in North Korea. It is based on Red Hat Linux and has undergone several revisions. The OS is known for its robust security measures, such as checking for system changes when connected to the internet and 'bricking' itself if unauthorized changes are detected. This self-destruct mechanism is designed to prevent tampering and unauthorized access. Red Star OS provides insight into how Linux can be adapted to meet the unique requirements of a country's technological infrastructure and policy.

Suicide Linux

Suicide Linux is not a full Linux distribution but rather a package that can be installed on an existing OS. It is designed to immediately wipe the user's hard drive if a command is typed incorrectly. This extreme measure is based on the concept of an autocomplete function that was intended to help users correct long commands. Suicide Linux serves as a cautionary example of the potential risks and consequences of using Linux, emphasizing the importance of careful command input and backup practices.

Tiny Core

Tiny Core is an extremely lightweight Linux distribution that runs entirely from RAM,占用 minimal disk space. It is only 16 megabytes in size, which is significantly smaller than most modern operating systems. Tiny Core is often used for specific tasks that require minimal resources, such as running on older hardware or as a portable toolkit that can be carried on a USB drive and used on different computers. The video script highlights Tiny Core as an example of Linux's adaptability and its ability to extend the life of older hardware.

System Rescue

System Rescue is a Linux distribution designed to be used as a troubleshooting tool. It is loaded onto a USB drive and can be used to diagnose and fix issues with a computer, such as recovering deleted files or checking for hardware failures. System Rescue comes with a suite of utilities for data recovery, system repair, and security checks, making it a valuable resource for IT professionals or users facing technical difficulties.

Wuntu

Wuntu is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, created by two students in Spain. It is designed to be a user-friendly and modern OS, with pre-installed applications like Spotify, Steam, and uTorrent, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia use. Wuntu includes guides to help new users get started with Linux, such as enabling the Proton compatibility layer for running non-compatible games. The video script highlights Wuntu as an example of a Linux distro that is tailored for ease of use and enjoyment, particularly for those interested in gaming and entertainment.

Highlights

Linux FX is a distribution that mimics the look and feel of Windows 11, but under the hood, it's a fully functional Linux OS.

Meet Linux FX had to change its interface due to legal issues with Microsoft's licensing, leading to a focus on making the system as similar to Windows as possible without infringing on copyrights.

Bibian and Hannah Montana Linux were created as a joke, with the latter featuring a very young Justin Bieber and aiming to surprise users with unexpected content.

Vinu OS is designed for the visually impaired, with features like a screen reader and support for Braille displays, making computing more accessible for those with visual challenges.

Edubuntu aims to bring the freedom of the Linux desktop and open-source educational software to the classroom, providing a mix of software, games, and tools for learning.

Red Star OS is North Korea's operating system of choice, based on Red Hat Linux, and known for its robust security measures, including self-bricking if unauthorized changes are detected.

Suicide Linux is a Debian package that, when installed, wipes the drive if a dangerous command is typed incorrectly, serving as a cautionary tool for typos and command usage.

Tiny Core is a minimalist Linux distribution that runs entirely from RAM and is only 16 megabytes in size, making it ideal for older hardware or portable environments.

System Rescue is a Linux distribution designed for troubleshooting and recovery, packed with tools to diagnose and fix issues with a user's PC.

Wuntu is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, with pre-installed apps like Spotify, Steam, and uTorrent, and additional themes and guides for a seamless user experience.

The video discusses the vast variety of Linux distributions available, each with unique features and purposes, catering to different user needs and preferences.

The presenter explores the challenges of using Linux distributions that are designed to be familiar to Windows users or offer unique accessibility features.

The video highlights the importance of understanding command syntax in Linux, as a single typo can have drastic consequences with tools like Suicide Linux.

The exploration of Linux distributions in the video demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of Linux as an operating system, capable of serving a wide range of specialized functions.

The video showcases the potential of Linux for educational purposes, gaming, and even as a tool for security and data recovery, highlighting its versatility.

The presenter's experience with Red Star OS raises ethical questions about the use and development of technology, as it is designed to restrict user behavior and enforce control.

The video encourages viewers to explore different Linux distributions and consider creating their own, suggesting a collaborative and creative approach to technology.