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KaOS screenshot

KaOS

KaOS is a desktop Linux distribution that features the latest version of the Noctalia desktop environment, the Calligra office suite, and other popular software applications that use the Qt toolkit. It was inspired by Arch Linux, but the developers build their own packages which are available from in-house repositories.

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Synex screenshot

Synex

Synex is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian's "Stable" branch, developed with the official Debian Live Build tool. It offers four separate desktop options with GNOME, LXDE, KDE Plasma and Xfce, all of which are composed of a rather frugal set of applications in its default state, without any development tools or offices suites.

Technical Specs Comparison
KaOSSynex
IndependentBaseDebian (Stable), Debian (Testing)
pacman / pkgPackage Managerapt / deb, flatpak
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Rolling ReleaseRelease ModelFixed Release
2026.02Latest Version13
IntermediateDifficultyIntermediate
February 15, 2026Release DateDecember 21, 2025
x86_64
Architecture
x86_64
niriNoctaliaGNOMEIceWMLXDEMATEKDE PlasmaXfce
Desktops
niriNoctaliaGNOMEIceWMLXDEMATEKDE PlasmaXfce