# Xero Linux

> discontinued Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q115799545](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115799545)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xero-linux

## Summary  
Xero Linux is a discontinued Linux distribution that was based on Arch Linux. It aimed to provide users with a customizable and lightweight desktop experience, primarily targeting enthusiasts and developers. The project maintained an active online presence through forums, GitHub, and social media until its discontinuation.

## Key Facts  
- Xero Linux is classified as a Linux distribution (instance_of: Q179850).  
- It was based on Arch Linux (based_on: Q185576), inheriting much of its package management and rolling release model.  
- The official website was https://xerolinux.xyz/.  
- Its official forum URL was https://forum.xerolinux.xyz/.  
- Social media accounts included Twitter (@XeroLinuxOP), Mastodon (@XeroLinux@fosstodon.org), YouTube (channel ID UC6OgAhBq7Ocb5g1bQfVSd0Q), and GitHub (xerolinux).  
- Listed on Distrowatch under the ID "xero".  
- Hosted on SourceForge under the project name "xerolinux".  
- Wikipedia entries existed in at least two languages: Commons and Spanish (es).  
- As of April 2024, the Mastodon account had approximately 660 followers.  

## FAQs  
### Q: Is Xero Linux still being developed?  
A: No, Xero Linux has been discontinued. There are no ongoing updates or development efforts from the original team.

### Q: What kind of Linux distribution was Xero Linux?  
A: Xero Linux was a rolling-release Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, designed for advanced users who wanted flexibility and performance.

### Q: Where can I find archived versions or documentation for Xero Linux?  
A: Archived materials may be found via the Internet Archive, the official website (https://xerolinux.xyz/), and its repositories on GitHub and SourceForge.

## Why It Matters  
Xero Linux played a niche but notable role in the independent Linux community as a user-driven, Arch-based distribution tailored for customization and performance. While it never achieved mainstream adoption, it served as a platform for experimentation and learning among Linux enthusiasts. Its open-source nature encouraged contributions from the community, making it part of the broader ecosystem of DIY Linux distributions. Though now discontinued, its legacy lives on through archived resources and its influence on derivative projects or forks within enthusiast circles.

## Notable For  
- Being based on Arch Linux, offering access to cutting-edge software packages.  
- Maintaining strong engagement with its user base through forums, GitHub, and social platforms like Mastodon and YouTube.  
- Hosting all major code and assets publicly on GitHub and SourceForge.  
- Having multilingual support documented on Wikimedia projects including Spanish-language Wikipedia coverage.  

## Body  

### Overview  
Xero Linux was a Linux distribution built upon Arch Linux principles, emphasizing modularity, performance, and customizability. Designed for technically inclined users, it offered tools and configurations optimized for personalization without abstracting away low-level control.

### Technical Foundation  
As an Arch-based distro, Xero Linux utilized Pacman as its primary package manager and followed a rolling release cycle. This allowed users to maintain up-to-date systems while retaining full configuration authority over their environments.

### Community & Development  
The project fostered an engaged community through multiple channels:
- **Official Forum**: https://forum.xerolinux.xyz/  
- **GitHub Organization**: https://github.com/xerolinux  
- **YouTube Channel**: XeroLinux Official (ID: UC6OgAhBq7Ocb5g1bQfVSd0Q)  
- **Social Media Presence**:
  - Twitter/X: @XeroLinuxOP  
  - Mastodon: @XeroLinux@fosstodon.org (active since July 21, 2023)
  - Facebook, Reddit, and other platforms also featured discussions around the project.

### Discontinuation  
While there is no exact public announcement cited regarding the reason for discontinuation, the last known activity across key platforms suggests the project ceased active maintenance sometime before mid-2024. Despite this, many of its digital assets remain accessible online.

### Legacy  
Though inactive, Xero Linux remains relevant as an example of grassroots Linux development. Its documentation, ISO images, and source code continue to serve educational purposes for those interested in building or modifying Linux systems.