Definition

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An essential reading for users to be knowledgeable. Don't call it distro or distribution. You are most likely creating a remix and so does Customizer.

This may be the first concise reading [1] following release of the official guide [2], to explain why users shouldn't call their custom Linux system a 'distro'. The "how to create your own distro" is infamously quoted on the Web and unfortunately incorrect.

For any work that user had modified and rebuilded into a new ISO image file, the term 'distro' or 'distribution' is a misnomer, because branding or artworks were not removed from the source. Therefore, users should know when to call it distro or otherwise 'remix'.

What is distro

The word 'distro' is synonymous to "Linux distribution". This simply refers to any Linux operating system that includes complete set of packages--the kernel, utilities and application programs--and fully functional environment for end users [3][4].

This means, end users wouldn't have to compile the source code by themselves to run a program (whose hard works are done by developers and volunteers). This makes distro as the easiest way to test and run a Linux operating system.

Example distro: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, etc.

What is remix

What isn't distro actually called 'remix'. When someone builds another system based on existing Linux operating system, this is no longer be called distro but has become a remix.

In other case, when a new system is being developed with existing repositories containing packages and developed without permission [5], this is also likely called remix. You may create a remix without asking, as most OSS licenses allow to do so.

When a remix complies to some guidelines prepared by particular community or organization, it is called 'spins'--coined by Fedora SIG. It is still called remix when spins is prior to submission [6] or remained not affiliated with the project [7].

Example remix: Ubuntu Mini Remix, Berry Linux, etc.

Example spins: Fedora Security Spins, etc.

Conclusion

Literally, being a remix, users should give credits to the sourced works. Else, you are ripping off someone's work, as properly described in this book by Austin Kleon. The credit is noteworthy, especially when the remix would be distributed to the public.

Should you be doing all the hard works of developer--to compile the source code, do full rebranding of your own, troubleshoot and fixing bugs on your own and getting an official recognition--then, you can finally call your work as 'distro'.

TL;DR What Customizer creates is a remix and not distribution. Even not mentioned elsewhere, users shall keep in mind that almost everything is a remix.

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References

[1] concluded by @clearkimura, after googling hours on the Web to look for a proper definition ('remix' is defined for artistic works, but not specifically for software).

[2] back then, @fluxer had reminded not to promote "own distro" thing.

[3] What is a distribution? in Chapter 1 of the book "Linux Sea", by Sven Vermeulen.

[4] Major Linux distributions, by The Linux Information Project (LINFO).

[5] Remix explained on Fedora Project Wiki.

[6] Creating a Spin, explained under Spins Process on Fedora Project Wiki.

[7] List of Fedora remixes, explained on Fedora Project Wiki.

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