Mageia

Mageia is a community-driven, GNU/Linux-based Free Software operating system that originated as a fork of Mandriva Linux in September 2010. The project operates under a nonprofit organization based in Paris, France, and is managed by a group of elected contributors. Its primary goal is to deliver a secure, stable, and sustainable operating system while fostering a credible and recognized community in the free software realm.

The current version, Mageia 9, was released in August 2023 and offers numerous installation options suitable for both desktop and server use. Users can choose between Classical ISO for direct installation and LiveDVDs that allow testing the operating system without committing to an installation.

Mageia supports both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, with recommendations for users with more than 3 GB of RAM to opt for the 64-bit version. The installation process is straightforward, providing options to include online repositories for additional software. The distribution emphasizes stability and security, making it a suitable choice for a wide variety of users.

Additionally, Mageia has a strong community presence, offering various support channels through forums, mailing lists, and IRC. Each release is maintained for at least 18 months, ensuring that users have access to updates and support over time. The Mageia community encourages contributions and participation, making it an inclusive environment for users and developers alike.