# ClearOS

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q2978754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2978754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClearOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clearos

## Summary
ClearOS is a Linux distribution, functioning as an operating system based on the Linux kernel and often including core GNU components. It is an instance of a Unix-like operating system designed to behave similarly to Unix systems, packaged with applications and infrastructure to facilitate easy use. The software is available under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** ClearOS is classified as a Linux distribution (subclass of Unix-like operating system).
- **License:** The software is licensed under the GNU General Public License.
- **Latest Stable Version:** Version 7.8 (Community Edition), released on June 23, 2020.
- **Official Websites:** `https://www.clearos.com/` (preferred) and `https://www.clearfoundation.com/Software/overview.html`.
- **Distinction:** It is explicitly different_from "Clear Linux OS."
- **Identifiers:**
  - DistroWatch ID: `clearos`
  - AlternativeTo ID: `clearos`
  - Pro-Linux.de DBApp ID: `9795`
  - Freebase ID: `/m/09rsl_h`
- **Technical Base:** The distribution is based on entity Q215273.
- **Multilingual Support:** Wikipedia pages exist for ClearOS in Arabic, Commons, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Indonesian, Marathi, Norwegian, Russian, Turkish, and Chinese.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of operating system is ClearOS?
ClearOS is a Linux distribution, which is an operating system based on the Linux kernel that often includes core GNU components. It falls under the category of Unix-like operating systems and behaves similarly to Unix systems.

### Q: What is the most recent version of ClearOS?
The most recent stable version mentioned in the source material is ClearOS 7.8, specifically the Community Edition, which was released on June 23, 2020.

### Q: Is ClearOS the same as Clear Linux OS?
No, ClearOS is explicitly listed as being different from "Clear Linux OS." While both are operating systems, they are distinct entities.

### Q: Under what license is ClearOS released?
ClearOS is released under the GNU General Public License.

### Q: Where can ClearOS be found online?
ClearOS maintains a primary website at `clearos.com` and an additional software overview at `clearfoundation.com`. It also has a Wikipedia presence across 12 different language editions.

## Why It Matters
As a Linux distribution, ClearOS plays a role in the open-source software ecosystem by providing an operating system that is customizable and free (under the GNU General Public License). Linux distributions like ClearOS are significant because they package the Linux kernel with necessary applications and infrastructure, making the technology accessible for various uses. These distributions are crucial for users who require Unix-like functionality without the constraints of proprietary software, serving needs in desktop computing, servers, and embedded systems. By being distinct from other distributions (such as Clear Linux OS) and maintaining specific releases like the Community Edition, ClearOS contributes to the diversity of available open-source solutions.

## Notable For
- **Unix-like Architecture:** Being a subclass of Unix-like operating systems, sharing similarities with Unix systems in functionality and behavior.
- **Open Source Licensing:** Availability under the GNU General Public License, aligning with free software principles.
- **Distinction in Naming:** Being explicitly differentiated from "Clear Linux OS," preventing confusion in the software marketplace.
- **Community Availability:** Offering a specific "Community Edition" for users.
- **Global Reach:** Having Wikipedia documentation in over 10 languages, indicating international relevance.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
ClearOS is a Linux distribution, a class of operating system based on the Linux kernel that frequently includes core GNU components. It is categorized as a Unix-like operating system, meaning it behaves similarly to Unix systems. As an operating system distribution, it combines the kernel with applications and infrastructure to allow for easy use.

### Version History
The operational history of ClearOS includes specific stable releases. A notable version is **ClearOS 7.8**, identified as the "Community Edition." This version was released on June 23, 2020, and was announced by Tyler Randolph via the official news channel.

### Technical Identity
ClearOS is built upon a technical base identified as **Q215273**. It is important to note that despite the similarity in names, ClearOS is explicitly different from **Clear Linux OS**.

The system's logo is hosted on Wikimedia Commons at `ClearOS_logo.png`. The copyright status of the entity is classified as "copyrighted," though it is distributed under the **GNU General Public License**.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
ClearOS maintains a significant digital footprint across various software repositories and databases:
- **Websites:** The preferred official website is `https://www.clearos.com/`. An additional site for software overview is maintained by the Clear Foundation at `https://www.clearfoundation.com/Software/overview.html`.
- **Wikipedia:** The entity has a sitelink count of 12, with a "ClearOS" title present on English Wikipedia and the Commons category "ClearOS." It has documented presence in Arabic, Spanish, Persian, French, Indonesian, Marathi, Norwegian, Russian, Turkish, and Chinese language wikis.
- **Database IDs:**
  - **DistroWatch:** `clearos`
  - **AlternativeTo:** `clearos`
  - **Pro-Linux.de:** `9795`
  - **Freebase:** `/m/09rsl_h`

### Context of Linux Distributions
As a member of the Linux distribution family, ClearOS shares the general characteristics of this software class. Linux distributions are often lightweight, have low resource requirements, and can be tailored for purposes ranging from embedded systems to general computing. They are distinct from the Linux kernel itself, as they include additional software, libraries, and tools to create a functional operating system. While specific details about ClearOS's usage in embedded systems are not provided in the source, Linux distributions generally are widely used in servers, security applications, and education.

## References

1. [ClearOS Server 7.8 Community Edition Released](https://news.clear.co.com/clearos-server-7-8-community-edition-released/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013