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Definition
####Preparing users to be knowledgeable: Don't call it 'distro'.
This may be the first concise reading [1] after the official guide has been released [2], to explain why users shouldn't call their custom Linux system a 'distro'. Either "how to create your own distro" or "how to build your own distribution" is infamously quoted on the Web.
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 as '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.
[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.
- First guide
- Questions and answers
- feat. Definition
- feat. Rebranding
- feat. Remastering