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Kali Linux screenshot

Kali Linux

Kali Linux (formerly known as BackTrack) is a Debian-based distribution with a collection of security and forensics tools. It features timely security updates, support for the ARM architecture, a choice of four popular desktop environments, and seamless upgrades to newer versions.

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Mageia screenshot

Mageia

Mageia is a fork of Mandriva Linux formed in September 2010 by former employees and contributors to the popular French Linux distribution. Unlike Mandriva, which is a commercial entity, Mageia is a community project and a non-profit organisation whose goal is to develop a free Linux-based operating system.

Technical Specs Comparison
Kali LinuxMageia
Debian (Testing)BaseIndependent
apt / debPackage Managerdnf, urpmi
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Rolling ReleaseRelease ModelFixed Release
2026.1Latest Version9
IntermediateDifficultyIntermediate
March 24, 2026Release DateAugust 27, 2023
ARM64x86_64ARMv7i686
Architecture
ARM64x86_64ARMv7i686
GNOMEKDE PlasmaXfceAwesomeCinnamonHyprlandi3IceWMKDEMATElabwcLXDELXQtOpenboxSwayWMaker
Desktops
GNOMEKDE PlasmaXfceAwesomeCinnamonHyprlandi3IceWMKDEMATElabwcLXDELXQtOpenboxSwayWMaker