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A new subgroup of Linux distributions has started to appear. These are typically based on one of the main distributions but contain only a subset of applications that would make sense for a specific area of use.

In addition to providing specialized software (such as only office products for business users), customized Linux distributions also attempt to help beginning Linux users by autodetecting and autoconfiguring common hardware devices. This makes installing Linux a much more enjoyable process.

Table 1.6 shows some of the specialized Linux distributions available and what they specialize in.

TABLE 1.6: Specialized Linux Distributions

DISTRIBUTION	DESCRIPTION
Fedora	A free distribution, originally used as a testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, now a popular distribution in its own right
Ubuntu	A free distribution originally intended for school and home desktop use, now also used as a server
MX Linux	A free distribution for home use
Linux Mint	A free distribution for home entertainment use
Puppy Linux	A free small distribution that runs well on older PCs

That's just a small sampling of specialized Linux distributions. There are hundreds of specialized Linux distributions, and more are popping up all the time on the Internet. No matter what your specialty, you'll probably find a Linux distribution made for you.

Many of the specialized Linux distributions are based on the Debian Linux distribution. They use the same installation files as Debian but package only a small fraction of a full‐blown Debian system.