# ZevenOS

> discontinued Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q3288541](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3288541)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zevenos

## Summary
ZevenOS is a discontinued Linux distribution that was built upon the Linux kernel and core GNU components. It was released under the GNU General Public License, with its final stable version, 6.0, released on December 31, 2014. The project is now accessible primarily through web archives.

## Key Facts
- **Status:** Classified as a discontinued Linux distribution.
- **License:** Released under the GNU General Public License.
- **Final Version:** The stable version is 6.0.
- **Release Date:** The stable version was released on December 31, 2014.
- **Category:** Instance of a Linux distribution.
- **Official Website:** Available via archive at `http://web.archive.org/web/20140331110619/http://www.zevenos.com/`.
- **Documentation:** Has Wikipedia presence in six languages: Commons, Spanish (es), Dutch (nl), Norwegian (no), Polish (pl), and Chinese (zh).
- **Database ID:** Listed in the pro-linux.de database with ID 20065.
- **Copyright:** Status classified as copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: Is ZevenOS still active?
A: No, ZevenOS is explicitly classified as a discontinued Linux distribution. The last recorded stable release occurred on December 31, 2014.

### Q: What license was ZevenOS released under?
A: ZevenOS was released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it free and open-source software.

### Q: What was the last version of ZevenOS?
A: The last stable version of the operating system was version 6.0.

### Q: Where can information about ZevenOS be found today?
A: Information is preserved on the Wikimedia Commons, various language-specific Wikipedia pages, and through archived snapshots of its official website.

## Why It Matters
ZevenOS serves as a historical example of the diverse ecosystem of Linux distributions that emerged during the early 21st century. As an operating system based on the Linux kernel and GNU components, it contributed to the wider adoption and localization of open-source software, evidenced by its availability in multiple languages including Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, and Chinese. Although now discontinued, the project represents a specific point in the evolution of community-driven software development.

The existence of ZevenOS highlights the lifecycle typical of many Linux distributions: a period of active development culminating in a final stable release (version 6.0 in 2014), followed by maintenance cessation. Its release under the GNU General Public License ensures that its code remains part of the open-source commons, potentially serving as a resource for future developers or retro-computing enthusiasts. The preservation of its logo and website data in archives allows researchers and users to study the design and structure of defunct operating systems.

## Notable For
- Being a **discontinued** entity within the extensive list of Linux distributions.
- Having a multilingual presence, with documentation and articles in **six different languages** (Commons, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Chinese).
- Releasing its **stable version 6.0** on the final day of 2014 (December 31).
- Operating under the **GNU General Public License**, adhering to strict open-source principles.
- Having a preserved **digital footprint** via the Wikimedia Commons and the Internet Archive.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
ZevenOS is identified as a Linux distribution, a class of operating system built upon the Linux kernel and frequently utilizing core GNU components. It is officially classified as "discontinued," indicating that it no longer receives updates, security patches, or official support. The software is an instance of a standard Linux distribution structure but has ceased active development.

### Development History
The developmental timeline of ZevenOS concluded in the mid-2010s. According to structured data records, the project reached its final milestone with the release of version 6.0. This specific release is categorized as a "stable version," suggesting it was considered a finished and reliable product at the time of launch. The release date for this final version is recorded as December 31, 2014.

### Licensing and Legal Status
The operating system was distributed under the **GNU General Public License**. This license grants users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. despite being discontinued, the software's status is listed as "copyrighted," which remains standard for GPL-licensed works as the code retains its original authors' copyrights while being licensed freely for use and redistribution.

### Digital Presence and Resources
Although the project is inactive, several resources remain for reference:
- **Web Archive:** The official website is accessible via an archived snapshot taken on March 31, 2014.
- **Wikimedia Commons:** The project has a dedicated category and a logo file (`ZevenOS-Logo.png`) hosted on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Database Records:** The distribution is indexed in the pro-linux.de database under application ID 20065.
- **Freebase:** It held a Freebase ID (`/m/05p1s1y`) with a publication date of October 28, 2013, prior to the depreciation of that knowledge graph.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013