# ALT Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q1367557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1367557)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALT_Linux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alt-linux

## Summary
ALT Linux is a Russian Linux distribution based on the Linux kernel and core GNU components, developed by the ALT Linux Team since 2000. It is known for its focus on stability, security, and compatibility, particularly in enterprise and government environments, and has released multiple stable versions, including 11.1 (as of 2025).

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: ALT Linux was founded in February 2000.
- **Developer**: The ALT Linux Team, a Russian software development organization.
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Latest stable version**: 11.1, released on September 3, 2025.
- **Platforms**: Supports Pentium, x86-64, and Elbrus 2000 architectures.
- **Mascot**: Emperor Penguin (Pinnipedia).
- **Website**: Official sites include [altlinux.ru](http://www.altlinux.ru/) (Russian) and [en.altlinux.org](https://en.altlinux.org/Main_Page) (English).
- **Distribution format**: Primarily distributed as a digital download.
- **Package management**: Uses the RPM package management system.
- **Country of origin**: Russia.

## FAQs
### Q: What is ALT Linux used for?
A: ALT Linux is used in enterprise environments, government systems, and as a stable, secure operating system for workstations and servers. It supports a wide range of hardware and is known for its compatibility and reliability.

### Q: Who develops ALT Linux?
A: ALT Linux is developed by the ALT Linux Team, a Russian software development organization. The project is named after the team itself, which is a recursive acronym.

### Q: What are the latest versions of ALT Linux?
A: The latest stable versions are 11.1 (released September 3, 2025) and 11.0 (released April 29, 2025). Previous notable versions include 10.4 (December 17, 2024) and 10.3 (May 13, 2024).

### Q: Is ALT Linux open-source?
A: Yes, ALT Linux is open-source and licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.

### Q: What hardware does ALT Linux support?
A: ALT Linux supports Pentium, x86-64, and Elbrus 2000 architectures, making it compatible with a wide range of hardware configurations.

## Why It Matters
ALT Linux plays a significant role in the Russian software ecosystem, particularly in enterprise and government sectors. Its development reflects a commitment to stability, security, and compatibility, which are critical for reliable computing in professional environments. The distribution has evolved over two decades, adapting to new hardware and software standards while maintaining its core principles. Its focus on enterprise and government use cases highlights its importance in maintaining digital infrastructure in Russia and beyond.

## Notable For
- **Enterprise focus**: ALT Linux is widely used in Russian government and enterprise environments, including healthcare and public administration.
- **Stability and security**: Known for its reliability and security features, making it suitable for critical systems.
- **Compatibility**: Supports a broad range of hardware and software, including legacy systems.
- **Localization**: Offers Russian-language support and features tailored to Russian users and markets.
- **Long-term development**: Has released multiple stable versions, including 11.1, demonstrating sustained development and community engagement.

## Body
### Origins and Development
ALT Linux was founded in February 2000 by the ALT Linux Team, a Russian software development organization. The project is named after the team itself, which is a recursive acronym. The distribution is based on the Linux kernel and core GNU components, with a focus on stability, security, and compatibility.

### Versions and Releases
ALT Linux has released several stable versions, including:
- **10.0**: Released on December 16, 2021.
- **10.1**: Released on November 15, 2022.
- **10.2**: Released on September 19, 2023.
- **10.3**: Released on May 13, 2024.
- **10.4**: Released on December 17, 2024.
- **11.0**: Released on April 29, 2025.
- **11.1**: Released on September 3, 2025 (latest stable version).

### Technical Specifications
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Platforms**: Supports Pentium, x86-64, and Elbrus 2000 architectures.
- **Package management**: Uses the RPM package management system.
- **GUI toolkits**: Includes KDE and Xfce for desktop environments.
- **Distribution format**: Primarily distributed as a digital download.

### Use Cases and Impact
ALT Linux is notable for its use in enterprise and government environments, particularly in Russia. It supports a wide range of hardware and software, making it a reliable choice for professional users. The distribution has evolved over two decades, adapting to new technologies while maintaining its core principles of stability and security.

### Community and Support
ALT Linux has an active community and provides support through various channels, including forums, documentation, and issue trackers. The project is open-source, allowing for community contributions and customization.

## References

1. [License agreement](https://nightly.altlinux.org/p10/license.all.html)
2. [2021](https://www.basealt.ru/about/news/archive/view/novye-vozmozhnosti-novykh-versii-os-alt-teper-oni-razvivajutsja-na-desjatoi-platforme-repozitorija-sizif)
3. [Новая версия российской ОС «Альт Рабочая станция К» 10.1: работа на ноутбуках-трансформерах и планшетах, защищенный доступ к сайтам государственных информационных систем, поддержка широкого спектра периферийных устройств. 2022](https://www.basealt.ru/about/news/archive/view/novaja-versija-rossiiskoi-os-alt-rabochaja-stancija-k-101-rabota-na-noutbukakh-transformerakh-i-planshetakh-zashchishchennyi-dostup-k-saitam-gosudarstvennykh-informacionnykh-sistem-podderzhka-shirokogo-spektra-periferiinykh-ustroistv)
4. [«Альт Рабочая станция К» 10.2: новый менеджер входа в систему, автоматическое резервное копирование, обновленная графика и многое другое. 2023](https://www.basealt.ru/about/news/archive/view/alt-rabochaja-stancija-k-102-novyi-menedzher-vkhoda-v-sistemu-avtomaticheskoe-rezervnoe-kopirovanie-obnovlennaja-grafika-i-mnogoe-drugoe)
5. [Прогноз погоды на рабочем столе, поддержка драйверов NVIDIA 550 серии, больше совместимых сканеров — обновление операционной системы «Альт Рабочая станция К» 10.3. 2024](https://www.basealt.ru/about/news/archive/view/prognoz-pogody-na-rabochem-stole-podderzhka-draiverov-nvidia-550-serii-bolshe-sovmestimykh-skanerov-obnovlenie-operacionnoi-sistemy-alt-rabochaja-stancija-k-103)
6. [Обновлена ОС «Альт Рабочая станция» 10.4, учтены пожелания КИИ, крупных медицинских заказчиков и системных администраторов](https://www.basealt.ru/about/news/archive/view/obnovlena-os-alt-rabochaja-stancija-104-uchteny-pozhelanija-kii-krupnykh-medicinskikh-zakazchikov-i-sistemnykh-administratorov)
7. [[altlinux-announce-en] Distribution Release: ALT Workstation 11.0. 2025](https://lists.altlinux.org/pipermail/altlinux-announce-en/2025/000046.html)
8. [[altlinux-announce-en] Distribution Release: ALT Workstation 11.1. 2025](https://lists.altlinux.org/pipermail/altlinux-announce-en/2025/000053.html)
9. [Source](http://www.altlinux.ru/news/archive/2013/07/item/700/)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/ALT_Linux-R96N66)
12. YouTube API