Countries develop their own Linux-based operating systems for a variety of strategic, economic, and technological reasons. These motivations often reflect broader national objectives related to cybersecurity, technological independence, and public administration efficiency. Developing a national Linux-based OS is often part of a broader strategy to enhance a country's technological landscape. It reflects an understanding that software is not just a tool but also a strategic asset in the modern digital world.

 

Key Reasons

Here are some key reasons why countries opt to develop their own Linux operating systems:-

• National Security and Cybersecurity: A primary motivation is the enhancement of national security. By developing their own OS, countries can tailor security features to protect against cyber threats, espionage, and unauthorized data access, especially in sensitive government and defense sectors.
• Digital Sovereignty and Independence: Developing a national OS is a step towards technological self-reliance. It reduces dependency on foreign software, which might come with geopolitical risks or concerns about external control and surveillance.
• Cost Reduction: Using an open-source Linux base can significantly reduce software costs associated with licensing fees for proprietary operating systems. This is particularly appealing for governments managing public funds.
• Customization for Local Needs: Countries can tailor the OS to meet specific local needs, including language support, compatibility with local infrastructure, and integration with other national digital initiatives.
• Promoting Local Technology Sector: Developing a national OS can stimulate the local technology sector, fostering skills development, innovation, and potentially leading to the growth of a domestic software industry.
• Control Over Updates and Maintenance: Having control over the operating system allows for managing updates and maintenance schedules in ways that align with national interests and security requirements.
• Public Administration Efficiency: A national OS can be customized to integrate seamlessly with the government's digital infrastructure, improving efficiency and interoperability across various departments.
• Educational and Research Benefits: Such projects can be used as platforms for educational and research purposes, helping to train the next generation of IT professionals and researchers in the country.
• Data Privacy and Control: With a national OS, countries have better control over data privacy, addressing concerns about data being stored or processed by foreign entities.
• Responding to Sanctions or Trade Restrictions: In some cases, countries facing international sanctions or trade restrictions might develop their own OS as a necessity, to ensure continuity in government and public services.

 

 

Countries who developed its own Linux based Operating Systems

Also Read: BackBox - A Special Linux distribution for Security and Penetration Testers

Various countries around the world have developed or sponsored their own Linux-based operating systems, often for reasons of security, national independence, or to promote local technological development. Those includes:-

 

1. Russia - Astra Linux

Astra Linux is a Russian Linux-based computer operating system developed to meet the needs of the Russian army, other armed forces, and intelligence agencies. It provides enhanced security measures and is tailored for use in the Russian national defense infrastructure. The development of Astra Linux is part of a broader trend towards adopting domestic software solutions in various countries, especially for use in sensitive and critical areas like national defense, to reduce dependence on foreign software and enhance security.

Developed by the Russian company RusBITech since 2008, Astra Linux has been officially certified by Russian defense and other government authorities for handling official information, including state secrets. This certification indicates its compliance with Russian security standards. The operating system is intended to be a comprehensive solution, capable of replacing foreign military and government software, thereby reducing reliance on foreign technologies, which is a common concern in many countries regarding national security.

Astra Linux is known for its robust security features, which are a major reason for its adoption by military and intelligence agencies. It includes various encryption tools and mechanisms to ensure secure communication and data protection. The system is designed to be resistant to hacking and cyber espionage, which is critically important in defense and intelligence operations. Its security measures are compliant with Russian government standards for handling confidential and secret information.

The operating system comes in several editions, each designed for different levels of security clearance and use cases. The "Special Edition" is the most secure version, providing the highest level of protection and is intended for use with classified information. Other editions are designed for more general use in government and enterprise environments.

 

 

2. China - Kylin (also known as "Qilin")

Kylin (sometimes spelled "Qilin") is a Chinese operating system developed with the aim of reducing China's reliance on foreign operating systems and enhancing national cybersecurity. Originating from an academic setting, Kylin has evolved over time into a government-endorsed OS, particularly for use in sensitive and security-focused sectors.

Kylin was initially developed in the late 1990s by China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). The original version was based on FreeBSD, a Unix-like operating system. Over time, the project evolved, and different versions of Kylin have been developed, including those based on Linux. The development of Kylin aligns with China's broader strategy of fostering domestic technological solutions and reducing dependence on foreign technology for critical infrastructure and security.

There are different versions of Kylin for different purposes. These includes:-

• Kylin for Servers: Optimized for high-security server environments.
• Kylin for Desktops: Tailored for everyday use in government offices and other areas where secure, reliable computing is necessary.
• NeoKylin: A version of Kylin that is based on Linux and aimed at a broader market, including corporate users. NeoKylin looks and feels similar to Microsoft Windows, which makes it easier for users transitioning from Windows to a Linux-based system.

One of the key aspects of Kylin is its emphasis on security. The OS includes numerous security enhancements and is tailored to protect against various types of cyber threats. This makes it suitable for handling sensitive information and for use in environments where security is paramount.

 

 

3. North Korea - Red Star OS

Red Star OS is a state-sponsored North Korean Linux-based operating system, developed with the intention of providing a government-controlled and secure computing environment. The development of Red Star OS reflects North Korea's efforts to create a domestically-controlled alternative to Western operating systems like Microsoft Windows, aligning with the country's broader policies of self-reliance and information control.

The development of Red Star OS is believed to have been initiated in the mid-2000s under the guidance of the North Korean government, possibly with involvement from the Korea Computer Center, a state-run technology research and development hub. Red Star OS's user interface has undergone several iterations. Early versions mimicked the look and feel of Microsoft Windows, while later versions (specifically Red Star OS 3.0) adopted a design more reminiscent of Apple's macOS. This was likely done to provide a familiar interface to users who might have been exposed to foreign operating systems.

The operating system supports the Korean language and includes North Korean fonts and character sets. This localization is part of the broader effort to tailor the OS to North Korean needs and preferences. Red Star OS is primarily used within North Korea, and its availability outside the country is limited. The OS is designed to align with the specific needs and policies of the North Korean government, which makes it unique but also restricts its relevance and functionality outside that context.

 

 

4. Cuba - Nova

Nova is a Cuban Linux-based operating system, developed as part of a national initiative to reduce reliance on proprietary software, particularly from the United States. The development of Nova aligns with Cuba's broader strategy of technological independence and self-sufficiency, especially in the context of the longstanding US embargo, which restricts access to many foreign technologies and products.

Nova was developed by the University of Information Sciences (Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas, UCI) in Havana, Cuba. The project began around 2009, with the aim of creating an operating system that would cater to the specific needs of Cuban users, both in terms of hardware compatibility and user experience.

The operating system is primarily developed in Spanish, making it more accessible to Cuban users. It may also include other features tailored to local preferences and usability standards. Nova has gone through several versions, each improving upon the last in terms of usability and features. The OS typically includes a range of free and open-source software applications, tailored for use by government agencies, educational institutions, and the general public in Cuba.

Nova is customized to meet the specific technological and infrastructural needs of Cuba. This includes optimizations for older hardware, which is common in Cuba due to import restrictions. Nova is particularly popular in educational settings, as well as in various government departments in Cuba. Its use in education helps to familiarize students with open-source technologies and provides a foundation for future technological development within the country.

 

 

5. India - BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions)

Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS) is an Indian Linux distribution developed with the aim of enhancing the use of free and open-source software (FOSS) in India. It was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a research and development organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.

One of the standout features of BOSS is its support for multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to a vast user base in a linguistically diverse country. It includes support for regional Indian languages, which is crucial for government use in different states of India. BOSS is known for its enhanced security features, which make it suitable for use in sensitive government and defense environments. It includes an indigenous security framework, adding an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.

The Indian government has promoted BOSS as part of its initiative to reduce reliance on foreign software and promote digital sovereignty. It's encouraged for use in government offices and public sector undertakings. BOSS comes in various versions, tailored for different types of users - from basic desktop environments to more advanced server setups. The OS is customizable to suit the specific needs of Indian users and organizations.

 

 

6. Germany - LiMux

LiMux was a significant initiative undertaken by the city of Munich, Germany, to migrate the city's software systems from Microsoft Windows to a custom version of the Linux operating system. This project represented one of the most prominent examples of a large-scale governmental adoption of open-source software.

The LiMux project began in 2004, motivated by a desire for greater independence from proprietary software vendors and to reduce licensing costs. The city administration decided to switch its computer systems to a Linux-based operating system, along with free and open-source software (FOSS) for various applications. One of the primary objectives of LiMux was to reduce dependency on proprietary software licenses, thereby saving costs in the long run and gaining more control over the city's technological infrastructure.

The LiMux project faced various challenges and controversies throughout its implementation. These included compatibility issues with specific software applications, resistance from users accustomed to Windows, and the complexity of migrating a large organization's IT infrastructure to a new platform.

In 2017, Munich's city council voted to end the LiMux project and return to Microsoft Windows by 2020. This decision was influenced by various factors, including user complaints, functionality issues, and political changes within the city's government. The reversal sparked a significant debate in the tech community about the viability and challenges of large-scale migrations to open-source software in governmental settings.

 

 

7. Turkey - Pardus

Pardus is a Turkish national Linux distribution, developed by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). The project started with the aim of providing a viable, open-source operating system alternative, reducing dependence on proprietary software, and fostering the use of free and open-source software in the country. Pardus was initiated in 2003, with its name derived from the Latin name of the Anatolian Leopard. The project aimed to create a user-friendly, stable, and customizable operating system, suitable for both personal and professional use.

A key aspect of Pardus is its focus on localization, offering full support for the Turkish language, which greatly facilitates its adoption in Turkey. It also includes custom-developed tools and applications tailored to the needs of Turkish users. Pardus is recognized for its robust security features, making it a suitable choice for governmental and military applications. Its reliability and stability also make it a popular choice in educational and corporate environments.

The Turkish government has endorsed Pardus for use in public sector institutions, including schools, governmental agencies, and military applications. This endorsement is part of Turkey's broader strategy to leverage local software solutions and reduce foreign dependency. Beyond governmental institutions, Pardus has also seen adoption in the private sector and by individual users, thanks to its versatility and user-friendly interface.ary applications. This endorsement is part of Turkey's broader strategy to leverage local software solutions and reduce foreign dependency.

 

 

8. Indonesia - IGOS (Indonesia Go Open Source)

IGOS (Indonesia Go Open Source) is an initiative by the Indonesian government aimed at fostering the adoption and development of open-source software, including Linux-based operating systems, within the country. Launched in the early 2000s, this initiative reflects Indonesia's efforts to reduce dependency on proprietary software, enhance local technological capabilities, and promote digital sovereignty.

The primary objective of IGOS is to encourage the use of open-source software in government agencies, educational institutions, and among the general public in Indonesia. This move is seen as a way to reduce software costs and develop local expertise in software development. A key aspect of the IGOS initiative is to develop and support open-source software that is localized for Indonesian users. This includes the translation of software into Bahasa Indonesia and adapting software to meet local needs and preferences.

One of the significant areas of focus for IGOS has been the adoption of open-source software in government departments and agencies. This is seen as a way to reduce reliance on foreign software and ensure greater control over governmental IT infrastructure. IGOS promotes community engagement and participation in open-source projects, leveraging the collaborative nature of open-source development.

 

 

9. Brazil - Expresso V3

Expresso V3 is a Brazilian government-backed initiative focusing on developing an open-source email and collaboration suite. It is part of a broader effort by the Brazilian government to implement and encourage the use of free and open-source software (FOSS) in public administration, aiming to reduce costs, increase accessibility, and promote digital sovereignty. The development of Expresso V3 was spearheaded by the Brazilian federal government, specifically by SERPRO (Serviço Federal de Processamento de Dados), which is the federal data processing service.

Expresso V3 offers a range of functionalities including email, calendar, address book, and instant messaging. Its design caters to the needs of government agencies, providing a secure and efficient way to manage communication and collaboration. Being open-source, Expresso V3 can be freely modified and adapted to meet the specific needs of different government departments and agencies. This flexibility is a key advantage of the system. Expresso V3 is part of Brazil's strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology providers and foster a domestic open-source ecosystem.

 

 

10. Spain - LinEx

LinEx, also known as gnuLinEx or simply LinEx, is a Linux-based operating system that was developed by the regional government of Extremadura in Spain. This initiative was part of a broader effort to promote the use of free and open-source software (FOSS) in public administrations, schools, and amongst the general public in the region. LinEx was developed in the early 2000s by the government of Extremadura with the aim of reducing software costs and increasing access to technology.

One of the primary focuses of LinEx was its implementation in the educational sector and public administrations. The government of Extremadura equipped schools with computers running LinEx, providing students and teachers access to a free operating system and a suite of educational tools. LinEx was based on the popular Debian GNU/Linux distribution. It was customized and adapted to meet the local needs, including translation into Spanish and the inclusion of specific software packages relevant to its users.

LinEx was localized for the Spanish-speaking population of Extremadura, making it more accessible and user-friendly for the region’s inhabitants. By implementing LinEx in educational institutions, the project aimed to promote digital literacy and familiarize students with alternative operating systems to the more widely used Microsoft Windows. LinEx was one of the early examples of a regional government embracing open-source software for widespread public use. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the potential of FOSS in public administration and education, even if its widespread adoption faced hurdles.