# KISS Linux

> Linux distribution (2019 - 2024)

**Wikidata**: [Q107370012](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107370012)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiss-linux

## Summary
KISS Linux was an independent Linux distribution and free software project founded by programmer Dylan Araps on June 23, 2019. Named after the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) principle, the operating system was developed to prioritize simplicity. The project was officially dissolved on April 26, 2024.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** KISS Linux is an instance of a Linux distribution and free software.
- **Founder:** The distribution was created by Dylan Araps, a programmer born in 1998.
- **Inception Date:** The project was founded on June 23, 2019.
- **Dissolution Date:** The project was dissolved on April 26, 2024.
- **Naming Origin:** The name "KISS" is derived directly from the KISS principle.
- **Official Websites:** The project maintained a primary website at `https://k1sslinux.org` (including a wiki) and a mirror at `https://kisslinux.github.io/`.
- **Repository:** Source code and repositories were hosted on GitHub under the username `kisslinux`.
- **Distrowatch ID:** The distribution is tracked on Distrowatch with the identifier `kiss`.

## FAQs
### Q: Who created KISS Linux?
A: KISS Linux was created by Dylan Araps, a programmer born in 1998. He is responsible for the founding and development of the distribution.

### Q: Is KISS Linux still active?
A: No, KISS Linux is no longer active. The project was dissolved, abolished, or demolished on April 26, 2024.

### Q: What does the name KISS Linux stand for?
A: The distribution is named after the acronym "KISS," which stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid." This reflects the project's philosophical approach to software design.

### Q: When was KISS Linux first released?
A: The inception of KISS Linux occurred on June 23, 2019, corresponding with the release of version 0.1.0.

## Why It Matters
KISS Linux serves as a distinct example of a niche Linux distribution built explicitly around the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) philosophy. In the broader landscape of free software and operating systems, it represented a movement toward minimalism and user-centric simplicity, stripping away complex layers often found in mainstream distributions. By focusing on core components and utilizing the Linux kernel, it provided an environment where users could study, change, and distribute the software freely.

The project is significant for its specific categorization as free software, ensuring that users retained the four essential freedoms: to run, study, change, and distribute the code. Although the project had a relatively short lifespan of roughly five years (2019–2024), it maintained a dedicated community presence, evidenced by its tracking on Distrowatch and the archiving of its community wiki. Its cessation in April 2024 marks a specific data point in the history of independent Linux distributions.

## Notable For
- **Naming Convention:** Explicitly named after the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle.
- **Independent Origin:** Founded as an independent Linux distribution separate from major corporate backing.
- **Free Software Commitment:** Classified strictly as free software, adhering to the principles of user liberty regarding software modification and distribution.
- **Specific Lifespan:** Had a defined operational period starting in mid-2019 and ending in April 2024.
- **Community Documentation:** Maintained a dedicated wiki and presence on code hosting platforms like GitHub and Codeberg.

## Body
### Founding and Philosophy
KISS Linux was established on June 23, 2019, by programmer Dylan Araps. The project's core identity was derived from the KISS principle, aiming to provide an operating system environment that prioritized simplicity in design and implementation. As an instance of a Linux distribution, it utilized the Linux kernel and functioned within the broader ecosystem of free software.

### Project Lifecycle
The distribution was active for approximately five years. Following its inception in 2019, the project released version 0.1.0. According to structured data references, the project's status changed in early 2024.
- **Inception:** June 23, 2019
- **Dissolution:** April 26, 2024

The official dissolution date indicates the cessation of active development and maintenance for the distribution.

### Online Presence and Resources
KISS Linux maintained a digital footprint through several official channels. These resources served as the hub for downloads, documentation, and source code.
- **Websites:** The primary domain was `k1sssslinux.org`, which hosted the main site and a community wiki. An additional site was hosted via GitHub Pages at `kisslinux.github.io`.
- **Development:** Source code and version history were managed through Git repositories hosted on GitHub under the user `kisslinux`.
- **Community:** The project was tracked on Distrowatch under the ID `kiss`, serving as a metric for its reach and popularity within the Linux community.

## References

1. [Source](https://k1sslinux.org)
2. [Source](https://kisslinux.org/answers#002)
3. [Source](https://github.com/kisslinux/kiss/releases/tag/0.1.0)
4. [Source](https://github.com/kisslinux)