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From Without Systemd
toward making an informed choice, consider the available alternatives
- Arguments against systemd - a wiki sub-page containing discussion+links arranged under topical subsections:
- Breaking promises, immaturity, and (in)stability
- Scope creep
- Absurd bugs and responses
- Conceptional problems
- Scope creep leads to vulnerabilities
- Poor design
- Ignorance of fundamental operating system concepts
- How to remove systemd from a Debian Stretch installation
- How to install systemd-independent udisks2 and policykit before removing systemd from a Debian jessie/sid installation
- How to remove systemd from a Debian jessie/sid installation
- How to remove systemd from an Ubuntu Xenial installation
- How to remove systemd from an Exherbo GNU/Linux installation
- OpenRC, an alternative to systemd OpenRC installation and configuration (an archived ManjaroWiki page)
further reading (external links)
- A history of modern init systems (1992-2015)
- Demystifying the init system (PID 1)
- preserve freedom of choice of init systems
- "On the architecture of systemd, I have a legitimate concern with the scope..." article, plus infographic
- Erosion of Choice?
- systemd: harbinger of the linux apocalypse infoworld.com article
- Skarnet's (anti) systemd page
- How to run s6-svscan as PID 1
- Hints on how to perform socket activation with s6
- Debian Bug #762194 "Automatic switch to systemd on wheezy->jessie upgrades"
- Debian 8 "Jessie" OpenRC Conversion
- Arch Linux, systemd-free comprehensive guide for an Arch/Arch-derivative systemd-free setup (and a 35sec proof-of-concept video demonstration)
- Using OpenRC on Arch / Archbang / Manjaro Linux
- Replace systemd with busybox + minirc
- How to Prevent systemd Installation guide for users of various affected distros
- The Manjaro Experiments
- OS for PPC lists non-systemd-infected operating systems for PowerPC
- OS for Sparc64lists non-systemd-infected operating systems for Sparc64
- Why sysvinit?
- runit as your init on Ubuntu 16 Xenial
- An easy way to migrate Antergos (Openbox) from systemd to OpenRC
- blogsite: systemd-free linux community
- systemd sucks (experience of galexander)
- an experience shared by software engineer on systemd
- systemd is the best example of Suck (explained by suckless.org)
- another list of technical points explaining why systemd is bad
- non-English and multimedia presentations (external links)
open-source operating systems without systemd in the default installation
Linux distributions
GNU & Linux --> GNU/Linux "A distribution, as a whole, is greater than the sum of its parts."
Arch Linux derivatives
- Artix Linux (2) (replaces Manjaro OpenRC) Arch + OpenRC + eudev
- Obarun(2)(3) uses s6-rc; (x86_64)
- Parabola GNU/Linux-libre OpenRC Edition (2)(3) A part of the GNU project; x86_64, armv7h, i686; FSF-approved
Crux (and derivatives)
- Crux (2)(3) mailinglist BSD-style initscripts, tar.gz-based package system + ports; supported architectures: arm, x86_64
Debian derivatives
- antiX Linux 2 sysV init; flexible remastering and persistence tools. Multiple WMs: JWM+iceWM+fluxbox; amd64, i486
- KNOPPIX(2)(3) (video: "Defying systemd") employs systemd-shim; sysV init
- LMDE 2 (Linux Mint Debian Edition) (faq) sysV init; Cinnamon or MATE desktop; amd64, i386
- MX Linux(2)(3) (Mepis+antiX) XFCE desktop; includes antiX remastering n persistence tools; supported architectures: amd64, i386
- Vine Linux (2)(3) Kanji support across most applications; Japanese input support via FreeWnn or Canna input server; i686, powerpc, x86_64
- Window Maker Live(2)(3) sysV init; both windowmaker + XFCE are preinstalled; amd64, i386
Devuan (and derivatives)
- Devuan (2)(3) sysV init; XFCE desktop; supported architectures: amd64, i686, arm (see: /embedded, and notes)
- Exe GNU/Linux features Trinity Desktop Environment; amd64, i686
- GNUinos (2) a Libre distribution; openbox wm; amd64, i686
- heads The Heads incognito live OS, intended as a systemd-free alternative to Tails, the Amnesia incognito live OS
- Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre OpenRC (2) "LTS Arch snapshot versions + security/stability patches ported from Devuan"; amd64, i686
- Maemo Leste(2) (3) openrc init ; Hildon desktop; architectures: armel, armhf and amd64
- MiyoLinux Openbox or i3 window manager
- Refracta (2) (3) amd64, i386; also: (Refracta Devuan 2) Openbox, eudev, OpenRC
Gentoo (and derivatives)
- Gentoo Linux (2)(3)default init is OpenRC. If Portage is pulling in systemd, please read this. Further suggested reading
- Adélie Linux uses Gentoo's Portage, Alpine's(?) APK package manager, and musl-libc x86 (32/64), PowerPC (32/64), MIPS (32/64), ARM (32-bit)
- Calculate Linux (2) OpenRC init; Cinnamon, KDE Plasma, LXQt, MATE, or Xfce (wiki spamfilter block to project site: calculate-linux.org)
- Chromium OS (2) upstart init (boot-design doc)
- CloverOS OpenRC; FVWM or, at boot, install and load any DE/WM via ~/.bash_profile
- Funtoo Linux (2) FAQ (source-based; uses git-housed, distributed Portage tree and Funtoo overlay) OpenRC init; i486, i686, x86_64, sparc64
- GaryOS (2) Based on Funtoo/Gentoo; x86 platforms (64-bit and 32-bit)
- Pentoo (2) security-focused live CD; i686, x86_64
- Porteus Kiosk (2) BusyBox init; lightweight kiosk
- Redcore Linux(2) OpenRC or SysV init; serves pre-built binary packages from repository; openbox window manager
- Slontoo (based on Funtoo) OpenRC; XFCE 4.12, MATE 1.12
- SystemRescueCd (2)(3) (Gentoo/OpenRC based system rescue disk) JWM, Xfce; i586
- NOTE: additional Gentoo/*BSD subprojects exist, providing ports to various BSD-derived operating systems. See: Gentoo/Alt
Linux From Scratch (LFS) and derivatives
- Linux from Scratch (2)(3) i386, x86_64; (also CLFS, aka Cross LFS supports additional architectures: mips, powerpc, ppc64, alpha, sparc, hppa, arm)
- Cromnix GNU/Linux(2) OpenRC; LFS boot scripts with sysVinit, s6, and runit; "pacman" package manager
- IPFire (2)(3) (forked from IPCop, based on LFS) firewall distribution for x86 and ARM-based systems; armv5tel, i586, x86_64
- Milis Linux Milis Isletim Sistemi
- NuTyX(2) its "cards" pkg mgr can install individual or grouped binary packages, and can compile source pkgs from "ports"
Puppy Linux (and derivatives)
- Puppy Linux (2) (3)(4) Puppy Linux's position on systemd i386, x86_64
- Legacy OS (2) (3) (previous name: TEENpup) Pentium 3 and 4 (Sept2017 release still has Linux kernel v2.6.18)
- ToOpPy Linux (2) liveboot, operates completely in RAM; JWM desktop
- pages describing the MANY additional Puppy Linux derivatives ---} (1)(2)(3)
Slackware Linux (and derivatives)
- Slackware (2)(3) supported architectures: amd64, i586, s390, arm
- Absolute Linux (2) IceWM+ROX; supported architectures: i686, amd64
- AUSTRUMI (2)(3) bootable live CD, to be run from RAM (iso images via ftp)
- ConnochaetOS (2) removes upstream proprietary software and binary blobs, ships free (libre) software only. IceWM; supported architectures: i486, i686
- LiveSlak by mdrights mdrights is a Chinese social rights movementist; amd64
- Plamo Linux(2) japanese-language distro; i486, amd64
- Porteus (2)(3) lightweight modular live CD/USB; i486, amd64
- Salix OS (2) (2) i486, i686, amd64
- SARPi (2) Slackware ARM on Raspberry Pi
- Slackel (2) amd64, i486, i686
- SlaXBMC ( 2)
- Slint (2) (3)
- Superb Mini Server (2) fluxbox WM; i486, amd64
- Vector Linux (2) i486, amd64
- Wifislax(2)(3) i486
- Zenwalk (2)(3)(4) suported architectures: amd64, i486, i686
Independent
- 4MLinux (2)(3) (BusyBox init) JWM window manager; supported architecture: i386, i686
- aldOS (2) upstart init, eudev, ConsoleKit2; MATE desktop
- Bedrock Linux (2) (BusyBox / any) Bedrock Linux can utilize any of a large number of init systems as provided by other distributions
- Cucumber Linux (2)(3) sysV init; Linux Kernel version 4.9 LTS, GNU Userspace utilities, XFCE desktop; i686, x86_64
- Dragora GNU/Linux Libre (2)(3) Runit init; desktops: IceWM, spectrwm, XFCE desktop; i585, x86_64
- Fatdog64 Linux (2) (3) x86_64; also FatDogArm for Raspberry Pi2 and Odroid-XU3/XU4
- GoboLinux(2)(3) sysv init + BootScripts a source-based distribution which employs a unique file structure (not FHS); supported architecture: x86_64
- Guix System Distribution (2(3)(GuixSD) provides advanced package mgmt features such as transactional upgrades and roll-backs; i686, x86_64; FSF-approved
- KaNaPi(2)(3)(4) educational+game apps; desktops: XFCE and Sugar; supported architectures: i686, x86_64, armhf
- LinuxConsole 2018 (2) offers 32 and 64bit editions; MATE or LXDE desktop, tailored to gaming / educational use
- Lombix (still alpha) sysV init; source compiled; eack pkg in its own directory (not FHS); no initramfs, no PAM; fluxbox wm
- MisiProject sysV init, using pisi package manager; armv7h, x86_64
- Moebius Linux armhf changelog minimal (no X) distro currently focused on RaspberryPi v3
- OviOS Linux (2) previously used systemd; was rebuilt around sysV init because systemd proved unsuitable for a stable storage system
- Parted Magic liveboot distribution providing disk partitioning and data recovery tools. Openbox WM; i486, i686, x86_64 FOSS? (licensed GPL)
- PCLinuxOS(2) (3) (4) APT+RPM package mgmt; provides 2 desktop versions: MATE and KDE; supported architecture: amd64
- Uplos32 (2) (based on PCLinuxOS) targets i386 machines; uses APT+RPM package mgmt
- PicarOS "suitable for kids from 3 to 12 and teachers" ; XFWM + LXDE desktop; i486, i686
- Pisi Linux (2) (sysvinit + python init scripts) x86_64
- Plop Linux (2)(PXE/liveboot) designed to rescue data from a damaged system, or to backup and repair operating systems; supports: armv6l, i486, x86_64
- Quirky (2)(3) supports armhf, i386, x86_64
- RancherOS (2) a minimalist Linux distribution designed to host Docker containers. Supported architecture: x86_64
- Sanity Linux (2) (formerly, "Pür Linux") source-based, ports
- SliTaz GNU/Linux (2) (Lightweight live CD/USB using BusyBox + SysVinit) supported architectures: armel, i386, x86_64
- Source Mage GNU/Linux(2) (a source-based distribution) i386, i486, i586, i686, x86_64
- TAZ(2) (SliTaz fork) (also: a gentoo-based version ) runs entirely from RAM; openbox desktop
- Tiny Core Linux(2)(3) FLTK/FLWM desktop; i486, x86_64 (also: "CorePlus") (also "piCore" edition, for Raspberry Pi)
- TinyPaw-Linux (based on CorePlus) a self-described "passive & aggressive WiFi attack distro"
- TLD Linuxfor server environments (no desktop support except for running VNC/RDP sessions for virtual machine management GUI) ; i686, x86_64
- Void Linux (2)(3) (runit, xbps) supported architectures: armv6, armv7, i686, x86_64. supported libcs: glibc, musl
Linux distributions available without standard GNU tools
- Alpine Linux (2)(3) (musl libc, BusyBox + OpenRC) supported architectures: i386, x86_64, armhf
- Easy Linux (2)
- JanusLinux BusyBox init, musl libc; supported architectures: x86_64
- Minimal Linux Live (2) Linux kernel, GNU C library, and BusyBox init; i386, x86_64
- NanoLinux (2)(3) BusyBox init; SLWM window manager. Requires only 14 MB disk space
- Sabotage Linux (musl libc + BusyBox init) i386, x86_64, MIPS, PowerPC32, ARM(v4t+)
- (musl libc) x86_64, armhf
- Void Linux (2) (runit, xbps) supported architectures: armv6, armv7, i686, x86_64. supported libcs: glibc, musl
- XBian (based on debian) media center distribution for the Raspberry Pi, CuBox-i, and other arm devices (init: Upstart)
Android derivatives
the Android operating system uses a Linux kernel. wikipedia.org :: Android
- Android-x86 (2) Android O/S, ported to x86 platform (bootable on x86 hardware). Supported architectures: i386, x86_64
- AndEX Oreo 8.1 runs apps from Aptoide App Manager and Google Play Store on touchscreen x86 laptop
- AOSP
- LineageOS (2) successor of CyanogenMod
- Replicant (2) is the free (libre) version of Android. FSF-approved
Linux distributions tailored for embedded devices
- CeroWrt
- ChibiOS/RT (2) forum ARM7, Cortex-M0, Cortex-M3, Cortex-M4, PowerPC e200z, STM8, AVR, MSP430, ColdFire, H8S, x86
- DD-WRT (2) a Linux based alternative OpenSource firmware suitable for a variety of WLAN routers and embedded systems
- DevuanEmbedded (xref: Devuan GNU+Linux)
- Gargoyle work is underway to port Gargoyle to the latest version of LEDE
- LEAF (Linux Embedded Appliance Framework) xref: Bering-uClibc
- LEDE Project(2) (3) (OpenWRT sibling / successor) Linux Embedded Development Environment
- libreCMC(LibreWRT successor) supports a wide range of routers, plus some small single board computers. FSF-approved
- OpenWRT (2) (xref: LEDE Project) provides a fully writable filesystem, and package management.
- PiBox (BusyBox init) an embedded distribution for the Raspbery Pi
- postmarketOS (2)(3) a touch-optimized, pre-configured Alpine Linux tailored for smartphones and other mobile devices
- ProteanOS (2) (BusyBox init) an FSF-approved Linux-libre distribution for embedded systems
BSD-derived operating systems
wikipedia :: Comparison of BSD operating systems
- DragonFlyBSD(2)
- FreeBSD(2) amd64, arm, i386, and so on
- BSD Router Project (2) (BSDRP) an embedded free and open source router distribution ; i386, amd64
- ClonOS (2) platform for virtual environment creation and management; amd64
- GhostBSD(2) amd64; GTK3 graphical libraries featured
- HardenedBSD(2) (3) a security-enhanced fork of **FreeBSD; amd64
- MidnightBSD(2)(3) GNUstep graphical libraries featured
- TrueOS (formerly: PC-BSD) OpenRC; desktop/workstation oriented; Lumina desktop environment; amd64 (the "Pico" release also supports arm)
- FreeBSD subprojects tailored for embedded devices
- NetBSD(2) emphasizes portability, across many architectures
- MirBSD aka "MirOS"
- OpenBSD(2) emphasizes portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security and integrated cryptography
- PureDarwin
other UNIX-like
- Hurd
- Arch GNU/Hurd
- Debian GNU/Hurd
- GNU/Hurd
- Inferno
- MINIX (2) microkernel O/S, with user mode divided into small, insulated modules to enhance system reliability
- illumos (formerly OpenSolaris) derivatives
- DilOS
-
OmniOSOmniOS Community Edition(illumos) - OpenIndiana(2) (modern OpenSolaris, illumos)
- SmartOS (2) (illumos)
- Tribblix ( 2) an OpenSolaris-derived distribution with a retro feel, based on the illumos core
- XStreamOS(2) (illumos kernel)
- v9os (2) server-only, IPS-based minimal SPARC distribution of illumos
- Plan 9 derivatives
- 9atom
- 9front
- 9legacy
- Harvey OS
- Plan 9 from Bell Labs (mirror)
- Plan B
- Sortix
- Redox
non-UNIX-like
- Akaros
- AmayaOS
- AROS Research Operating System
- FreeDOS
- FreeVMS
- Genode (also: SculptOS)
- Haiku(2)
- HelenOS
- KolibriOS(2)
- MenuetOS
- Minoca OS
- NitrOS-9
- Oberon
- osFree(2) open source OS/2 analogue
- ReactOS(2)