# Yellow Dog Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q1136408](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1136408)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Dog_Linux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yellow-dog-linux

## Summary
Yellow Dog Linux (YDL) is a Linux distribution developed by Fixstars Solutions. It is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and core GNU components, designed specifically for the POWER7 and Cell platforms. The distribution utilizes the Enlightenment GUI framework and is released under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Instance Of:** Linux distribution.
- **Developer:** Fixstars Solutions.
- **Supported Platforms:** POWER7 and Cell.
- **License:** GNU General Public License.
- **Latest Stable Version:** 7.0 (released August 6, 2012).
- **Previous Stable Version:** 6.2 (released June 29, 2009).
- **Graphical User Interface:** Enlightenment.
- **Aliases:** YDL, Yellow Dog, Yellowdog, and イエロードッグ・リナックス.
- **Official Website:** Archived at `web.archive.org/web/20051202085444/http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/`.

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms does Yellow Dog Linux support?
A: Yellow Dog Linux is designed to run on the POWER7 and Cell hardware platforms.

### Q: Who develops Yellow Dog Linux?
A: The distribution is developed by Fixstars Solutions.

### Q: What is the most recent version of Yellow Dog Linux?
A: The stable version 7.0 was released on August 6, 2012.

### Q: What graphical interface does Yellow Dog Linux use?
A: The distribution utilizes the Enlightenment GUI toolkit or framework.

## Why It Matters
Yellow Dog Linux holds significance in the computing landscape as a specialized Linux distribution tailored for high-performance and distinct hardware architectures, specifically POWER7 and Cell processors. While many Linux distributions focus on commodity x86 hardware, Yellow Dog Linux filled a critical niche for users operating on these specific platforms, often utilized in scientific computing, gaming console development (via the Cell architecture), and embedded systems.

Its development by Fixstars Solutions highlights its role in the industrial and specialized technology sectors, particularly given Fixstars' background in software solutions for high-speed and multi-core processing. The continued existence of version updates as late as 2012 demonstrates a sustained commitment to these unique architectures long after general consumer interest may have shifted. As an open-source project under the GNU General Public License, it provided a free, customizable operating system for users who required robust software support for non-standard hardware, ensuring the longevity and utility of specialized computing infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Architecture Support:** Distinguished by its specific optimization for POWER7 and Cell platforms rather than standard x86 environments.
- **Enlightenment Integration:** Utilizes the Enlightenment GUI framework, offering a distinct visual environment compared to standard GNOME or KDE distributions.
- **Niche Developer Base:** Maintained by Fixstars Solutions, a company known for specializing in multi-core and high-speed software processing.
- **Long-standing History:** Features a version history extending to at least version 7.0 in 2012, with aliases like "YDL" and "Yellowdog" reflecting its established presence.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
Yellow Dog Linux is classified as a Linux distribution. It functions as an operating system based on the Linux kernel and often incorporates core GNU components. It is part of the broader Linux series of operating systems and is identified by the Distrowatch ID "yellowdog".

### Development and Licensing
The distribution is developed by **Fixstars Solutions**. It is licensed under the **GNU General Public License**, ensuring that the software remains free and open-source for its user base. The copyright status is listed as copyrighted, consistent with standard open-source licensing protections.

### Version History
The development lifecycle of Yellow Dog Linux includes several stable releases tracked in available data:
- **Version 6.2:** Released on June 29, 2009.
- **Version 7.0:** Released on August 6, 2012. This version is marked as a stable release.

### Technical Specifications
Yellow Dog Linux is built to operate on specific hardware architectures. The supported platforms explicitly listed are **POWER7** and **Cell**. For its user interface, the distribution employs the **Enlightenment** GUI toolkit or framework.

The software is accessible via its official website, which is currently preserved through web archives. It holds identifiers across multiple knowledge bases, including a Freebase ID (`/m/01kpq8`) and a Niconicopedia ID (`yellow dog linux`). The project has a significant international presence, with Wikipedia articles available in languages including Arabic, Czech, Danish, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, and Hebrew.

## References

1. [Source](http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=yellowdog)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013