Definition

####Preparing users to be knowledgeable: Don't call it 'distro'.

This may be the first concise reading [1] following release of the official guide [2], to explain why users shouldn't call their custom Linux system a 'distro'. The "how to create your own distro" is infamously quoted on the Web and unfortunately incorrect.

Therefore, users should know when to call 'distro' and otherwise 'remix'.

####Distro

The word 'distro' is synonymous to "Linux distribution". This simply refers to any Linux Operating System that includes complete set of packages--the kernel, utilities and application programs--and fully functional environment for end users [3][4].

This means, end users wouldn't have to compile the source code by themselves to run a program (whose hard works are done by developers and volunteers). This makes distro as the easiest way to test and run a Linux operating system.

Example distro: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, etc.

####Remix

What isn't distro actually called 'remix'. When someone builds another system based on existing Linux operating system, this is no longer be called distro but has become a remix.

In other case, when a new system is being developed with existing repositories containing packages and developed without permission [5], this is also likely called remix.

When a remix complies to some guidelines prepared by particular community or organization, it is called 'spins'--coined by Fedora SIG. It is still called remix when spins is prior to submission [6] or remained not affiliated with the project [7].

Example remix: Ubuntu Mini Remix, Berry Linux, etc.

Example spins: Fedora Security Spins, etc.

####Verdict

Users shall acknowledge that "what Customizer creates is a 'remix', not distribution", as the first guide had noted. At least, when Customizer is used.

Literally, being a 'remix', users should give credits to the sourced works. Otherwise, you are ripping off someone's work, properly described in this book by Austin Kleon.

Should you be doing all the hard works of developer--to compile the source code, do full rebranding of your own, troubleshoot and fixing bugs on your own and getting an official recognition--then, congrats: you can finally call your work as 'distro'.

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[1] deliberately written by @clearkimura, after googling hours on the Web to look for a proper 'remix' definition that relates to Linux software (whose 'remix' definition for artistic works is similar but not defined in software perspective).

[2] back then, @fluxer had reminded not to promote "own distro" thing.

[3] What is a distribution? in Chapter 1 of the book "Linux Sea", by Sven Vermeulen.

[4] Major Linux distributions, by The Linux Information Project (LINFO).

[5] Remix explained on Fedora Project Wiki.

[6] Creating a Spin, explained under Spins Process on Fedora Project Wiki.

[7] List of Fedora remixes, explained on Fedora Project Wiki.