DLD Linux is an upstream-aligned, Snap-free, user-respecting Ubuntu-based Linux distribution created and maintained by the Linux Distribution Foundation (LDF).
It delivers a predictable, transparent system designed for developers who value control, clarity, and freedom from vendor lock-in.
DLD Linux provides a clean Ubuntu-compatible environment without Snap, forced vendor integrations, or subscription prompts.
It focuses on:
- A minimal, predictable base system
- APT-only package management
- Upstream, unmodified desktop environments
- User autonomy and transparent system behavior
- Developer-first defaults and documentation
DLD Linux makes only the changes required to remove Snap and maintain upstream consistency.
- Fully Snap-free
- Upstream desktops, unmodified
- Clean Ubuntu compatibility
- Zero vendor lock-in or subscription prompts
- Open build tooling, no opaque components
- Strict open-source compliance
- Designed for software development, not commercialization
DLD Linux aims to:
- Provide a transparent and reliable desktop Linux system
- Maintain maximal compatibility with Ubuntu archives
- Offer a predictable environment for development and packaging
- Reduce downstream complexity by avoiding unnecessary modifications
- Prioritize openness, clarity, and user freedom
DLD Linux is released under GPL-3.0, unless otherwise noted.
To maintain legal safety and clarity:
- All code contributions must be open-source and GPL-compatible
- No unlicensed or proprietary binaries may be included
- Upstream trademarks must not be reused without permission
- Documentation and build instructions must remain open-licensed
If artwork includes Tux, attribution is required:
"Tux by lewing@isc.tamu.edu"
DLD Linux is an independent community project.
It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Canonical, Ubuntu, GNOME, KDE, or any associated entities.
All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
DLD Linux is provided “AS IS”, without any warranty of any kind.
The Linux Distribution Foundation provides no guarantees of security, performance, stability, or fitness for any purpose.
Use of this software is solely at the user’s risk.
Security issues must be reported privately following:
Do not disclose vulnerabilities publicly until responsible reporting has been completed.
We welcome contributions in development, documentation, packaging, testing, and design.
Before contributing, review:
CONTRIBUTING.mdCODE_OF_CONDUCT.md
All contributions must follow:
- The repository’s licensing
- Open-source compliance rules
- GitHub community standards
- Desktop Linux distribution development
- Packaging and system integration
- Documentation and build tooling
- Upstream-aligned configuration
- Removal of vendor lock-in mechanisms (e.g., Snap)
- Proprietary software
- Commercial support or SLAs
- Server, IoT, or mobile editions
- Redistribution of copyrighted or trademarked assets
- Downstream branding from other projects
- Non-open-source additions
DLD Linux follows LDF governance standards:
- Transparent public development
- Maintainer-led technical decisions
- Open community participation
- Public discussions and issue tracking
For all communication regarding DLD Linux or the Linux Distribution Foundation, use:
linuxdistributionfoundation@proton.me
Repository and issue tracking: