# PCLinuxOS

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q324583](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q324583)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCLinuxOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pclinuxos

## Summary
PCLinuxOS is a Linux distribution based on Mandriva Linux, first released in October 2003. It is a free operating system known for its user-friendly nature and includes support for multiple desktop environments such as KDE, MATE, and XFCE. The project maintains active development, with its latest stable release versions recorded in late 2024.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Linux distribution (instance of Linux distribution).
- **Base:** Based on Mandriva Linux.
- **Inception:** October 2003 (2003-10-00).
- **Latest Versions:** Stable releases include 2023.05 and 2024.10 (released October 17-20, 2024).
- **Desktop Environments:** Offers ISOs for KDE (standard and Darkstar), MATE, and XFCE.
- **Derivatives:** Garuda OS is listed as a derivative work.
- **Official Website:** https://pclinuxos.com/
- **Social Media:** Official Twitter handle is `iluvpclinuxos` (created September 18, 2009).
- **Aliases:** Also known as PCLOS.

## FAQs
### Q: What operating system is PCLinuxOS based on?
A: PCLinuxOS is based on Mandriva Linux, another Linux distribution that was established in 1998.

### Q: When was PCLinuxOS created?
A: PCLinuxOS was inceptioned in October 2003.

### Q: What are the recent versions of PCLinuxOS?
A: Recent stable versions include 2023.05 and 2024.10. The 2024.10 release includes specific editions for KDE, MATE, and XFCE desktops.

## Why It Matters
PCLinuxOS serves as a prominent example of a desktop-focused Linux distribution that forked from the Mandriva lineage. It matters in the open-source ecosystem for its longevity and continued maintenance, having provided regular updates from its inception in 2003 through to 2024. By offering distinct versions for different desktop environments (KDE, MATE, XFCE), it caters to varying user preferences regarding system resources and interface aesthetics. Its existence as a standalone distribution with a dedicated following highlights the diversity within the Linux ecosystem, allowing users alternatives to mainstream Ubuntu or Fedora systems while retaining a familiar desktop experience. Its mention as a base for derivative works like Garuda OS further underscores its role as a foundational technology in the operating system community.

## Notable For
- **Mandriva Heritage:** Being a distinct continuation of the Mandriva Linux architecture.
- **Desktop Variety:** Providing a wide choice of desktop environments (KDE Plasma, MATE, XFCE) in its 2024 releases.
- **Longevity:** Maintaining an active development cycle spanning over two decades (2003–2024).
- **Digital Footprint:** Being widely tracked on platforms like Distrowatch and Crunchbase.

## Body
### Origins and Classification
PCLinuxOS is classified as a Linux distribution, functioning as an operating system based on the Linux kernel and core GNU components. It was officially inceptioned in October 2003. The distribution is a derivative of Mandriva Linux (formerly Mandrake), utilizing its foundation to build a distinct user experience.

### Development and Releases
The distribution has seen consistent updates over the years. Historical records indicate a stable version 2016.03 released in March 2016. Development continued into the 2020s with version 2020.10 noted in screenshots, followed by stable releases in May 2023 (version 2023.05) and October 2024 (version 2024.10).

The **2024.10 release** is specifically documented with multiple ISO images catering to different desktop environments:
- `pclinuxos64-kde-2024.10.iso`
- `pclinuxos64-kde-darkstar-2024.10.iso`
- `pclinuxos64-mate-2024.10.iso`
- `pclinuxos64-xfce-2024.10.iso`

### Technical Ecosystem
PCLinuxOS is part of a broader network of operating systems. It is structurally linked to **Ufficio Zero** (listed under Part of / Parent relationships) and serves as the basis for **Garuda OS** (derivative work). Other related distributions in its category include SAMity Linux.

The project maintains an online presence via its official website and a Twitter account (`iluvpclinuxos`), which had approximately 1,395 followers as of early 2021. The operating system is also indexed under various knowledge bases, possessing a Freebase ID and a Crunchbase organization ID.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "PCLinuxOS",
  "description": "A Linux distribution based on Mandriva Linux, first released in October 2003.",
  "url": "https://pclinuxos.com/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://twitter.com/iluvpclinuxos",
    "https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/pclinuxos"
  ],
  "additionalType": "SoftwareApplication"
}

## References

1. [Source](http://www.pclinuxos.com/get-pclinuxos/kde/)
2. [pclinuxos64-…-2023.05.iso. 2023](https://www.pclinuxos.com/?page_id=180)
3. [Get PCLinuxOS » PCLinuxOS. 2024](https://www.pclinuxos.com/?page_id=10)
4. [2025](https://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=233)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Quora