KANOTIX is a Linux distribution based on the latest stable release of Debian GNU/Linux. It is built on top of a latest kernel which is carefully patched with fixes and drivers for most modern hardware. Although it can be used as a live CD, it also includes a graphical installer for hard disk installation. The user-friendly nature of the distribution is further enhanced by a custom-built control centre and specialist scripts.
To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
Colour scheme:green text = latest stable version, red text = development or beta version. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
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I'm using this Slowfire vwesion, based on Debian 12 (Bookworm) on my refurbished Dell Optiplex 9020. The desktop is a quad-core
Intel Core i5-4590 with 16 GB RAM, with Kanotix running on a n externally connected Hitachi 2 TB drive, thinking how I'd love to have this OS on a desktop or laptop as the sole OS. It is my daily driver, having taken that position from Wattos-R13. If I wanted to replace Windows 10 with a Linux OS suitable to serve my daily needs on the computer I would definitely choose Kanotix. I installed Kanotix from the Live LXDE download and currently am running Cinnamon-core (Software Rendering) and it just feels right for me.I recommend this release for anyone wanting a replacement for Windows 10, especially intermediate-level Linux users. My bottom panel shows icons only,
with the system tray in the bottom right corner
So, first of all, there's this new KANOTIX Towelfire version. This Debian-based Trixie distribution. Surprisingly, after installation, a completely new login screen appears for the first time. You almost get the impression that Kanotix has finally arrived in the year 2025. What can I say: everything works as expected – or rather, as you know it from bookworm backports. The only thing worth mentioning is that you should select the acritox installer for installation. For older Kanotix users, this installation method is very familiar. I've been enjoying a stable Linux system for over 10 years. You can also install this Towelfire nightly version, which updates every night. It's worth mentioning, by the way: the ISO always contains the very latest LibreOffice version. Here, LibreOffice 25.2.3. All in all, the German forum is very quick to answer questions – even the English forum is answered within 1-2 days at the latest. There aren't really many questions. It's running :)
Been using Kanotix for over two years now, and I do recommend it.
With laptop Intel I7 I have been using the KDE version. On my Dell Optiplex 9020 I have been using the LXDE version. Both are stable and so far, fingers crossed, will remain so.
I installed the lxde on my banking computer. In doing so, I updated to the latest Testing Kernel, and removed many programs that could possibly be considered a future security liability – such as Chromium and Thunderbird. I replaced the E-mail client with Claws, and also installed Bleachbit.
Checking and reviewing all the Firefox settings to secure things up. My banking computer is exclusively that. I ensure that I am only using a wired ethernet connection, which is promptly unplugged after my business is completed.
Security updates are prompt due to being “bookworm”
Overall this machine in this usage has been A+
My Laptop – I installed the KDE version to the hard drive – set it up perfectly with the latest kernel.
However, I leave that drive alone and only rely on it for emergency use only……. Especially lately with all the security bugs on the Internet.
So what I did - was to install the Kanotix “Live Persistent” on a USB Solid State drive and run “it” as my daily internet machine on my laptop.
If anything ever went South, a quick reinstall onto the SSD is very easy. If a major security breach happened on the updates, I can easily use my emergency system without an update.
Overall – the KDE version is a tad slower than the LXDE. But that is not an issue with this particular laptop, however, it is an issue with my older laptop.
Kanotix does not come with Wayland. For me that’s a good thing. It seems like other distros that have this occasionally break on updating. So I’m not at all fond of it.
With the Live persistent version, I cannot update the kernel. But that is not really a major issue, as the nightly builds always have the near latest kernel.
Something disappointing. I have a HP Smart tank printer , scanner. Kanotix prints just fine, but setting up the Scanner function is beyond my abilities.
Tried using several programs – such as Gnome Simple Scan. However, it simply won’t see it.
Believe it or not – it sets up lickity split without a hitch with Linux Mint. … go figure. So for the rare occasions I need to scan a page, I reboot into Mint.