# PrimTux

> Educational Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q27024590](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27024590)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/primtux

## Summary
PrimTux is an educational Linux distribution designed for use in schools and learning environments. Originally launched in April 2015, the open-source operating system is specifically tailored for French-speaking users. It is currently maintained as version 8 and hosted on the French public education forge.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** PrimTux is a Linux distribution (operating system based on the Linux kernel).
- **Launch Date:** The project was inceptioned on April 1, 2015.
- **Current Version:** The active version of the software is Version 8.
- **Primary Language:** The distribution and its official website are in French.
- **Official Website:** https://primtux.fr/
- **Source Code:** The repository is hosted at https://forge.apps.education.fr/primtux.
- **Government Recognition:** The software holds the ID 231 in the SILL (Socle Interministériel de Logiciels Libres), a catalog of free software recommended for French public administration.
- **Social Presence:** The project maintains a Mastodon account (@primtux@piaille.fr) active since November 2022 and a Twitter handle @PrimTux_Team.

## FAQs
### Q: What is PrimTux?
A: PrimTux is a Linux-based operating system classified as an "Educational Linux distribution." It is designed to provide a computing environment suited for educational purposes.

### Q: When was PrimTux created?
A: According to the project's official data and references, PrimTux was launched in April 2015.

### Q: Where can the source code for PrimTux be found?
A: The source code for PrimTux is maintained on the Apps Education Forge at the URL https://forge.apps.education.fr/primtux.

### Q: Is PrimTux affiliated with specific educational networks?
A: Yes, it is listed in the Framalibre directory (ID: primtux) and the SILL (Interministerial Free Software Base), indicating its relevance in the French free software and educational sectors.

## Why It Matters
PrimTux plays a significant role in the digital education landscape by offering a free, open-source alternative to proprietary operating systems for schools. By being "educational" by design, it likely addresses the specific pedagogical needs of teachers and students, providing an environment that is distinct from generic consumer operating systems.

Its inclusion in the **SILL (Socle Interministériel de Logiciels Libres)** with a specific software ID (231) highlights its importance within the French public sector, signifying that it meets the standards required for use in government and educational institutions. Furthermore, its presence on **Vikidia** (a wiki encyclopedia for children) and **Framalibre** underscores its reputation as a child-friendly, ethical software choice within the free software community. The project's longevity—running since 2015 and reaching version 8—demonstrates sustained development and community support.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized **Educational Linux distribution** rather than a general-purpose OS.
- Holding a listing in the **SILL (Interministerial Free Software Base)**, verifying its suitability for public administration.
- Maintaining an active presence on the **Fediverse** (Mastodon) specifically for the French-speaking community (Piaille.fr).
- Hosting its code on the **Apps Education Forge**, indicating deep ties to the French educational infrastructure.
- Documentation on **Vikidia**, making it accessible to a younger audience.

## Body

### History and Development
PrimTux was officially inceptioned on April 1, 2015. It is developed as a Linux distribution, meaning it utilizes the Linux kernel and often core GNU components to function as a complete operating system. The project has evolved over nearly a decade, with the current stable release identified as **version 8**.

### Technical Infrastructure
The project is transparent in its development, hosting its source code publicly at the **Forge des Applications Éducatives** (forge.apps.education.fr/primtux). This platform is commonly used by the French educational community for software development.

### Identity and Reach
PrimTux is deeply rooted in the French language ecosystem.
- **Website:** The official portal (primtux.fr) is provided in French.
- **Social Media:** The project engages with its community via Twitter (@PrimTux_Team) and Mastodon (primtux@piaille.fr), with activity on the latter recorded starting November 1, 2022.
- **Wikimedia Presence:** The project has a dedicated Commons category and is documented in French Wikipedia and Vikidia.

### External Validation
The distribution is tracked by Distrowatch (ID: primtux) and is registered under ID **231** in the SILL software catalog, reinforcing its status as a recognized tool within the French public sector's digital infrastructure.

## References

1. [Source](https://primtux.fr/)