Distrowatch.com (Domain) Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 27, 2026
Why we think so?
Distrowatch.com is a well-established website that provides news and detailed feature lists about Linux and BSD distributions. It ranks around #31,921 globally with about 1.6 million monthly visits, mainly from the United States. The site uses standard, reputable web technologies and maintains valid SSL certification. Ownership records show it has been registered since 2001 via Gandi SAS, indicating longevity and stability. There's no evidence of scams or phishing, and the domain is not blacklisted. Community feedback highlights it as a reliable resource for Linux distro information, although some users note it excludes certain niche projects and that rankings reflect hits rather than true usage. In early 2025, Facebook temporarily blocked links to the site due to misclassifying Linux content but later lifted the ban. Overall, Distrowatch.com appears to be a legitimate, safe, and respected portal for open-source operating system news and reviews.
Risk Insights
Established and Stable Domain
- Registered since 2001 with a reputable registrar.
- Longer domain age suggests stability.
- No recent ownership turmoil detected.
Good Website Traffic and Usage
- Approximately 1.6 million visits monthly.
- Traffic mainly direct and search-based.
- Bounce rate under 40%, indicating user engagement.
Clean Safety and Reputation History
- No blacklisting or scam reports.
- Safe browsing status confirmed.
- No trademark conflicts detected.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Some users report selective inclusion of distributions and delays in listing new projects, which may reduce comprehensiveness.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Domain Age and Registrar
Score: 90
Domain Age and Registrar
"Older domains with known registrars typically indicate legitimate operations."
Reason: Domain registered since 2001 with reputable registrar GANDI SAS; shows stability and trustworthiness.
SSL Certificate Validity
Score: 90
SSL Certificate Validity
"SSL is essential for secure data exchange and is a positive trust factor."
Reason: Valid SSL certificate issued in 2026 ensures secure connections to the site.
Traffic and User Engagement
Score: 80
Traffic and User Engagement
"High, organic traffic volume supports site legitimacy and relevance."
Reason: Around 1.6 million monthly visits with low bounce rate and mostly direct or search traffic indicate genuine audience interest.
Blacklist and Scam Reports
Score: 95
Blacklist and Scam Reports
"Absence from blacklists is a strong safety indicator."
Reason: No entries on crypto scam blacklists or Google Safe Browsing phishing lists; no scam reports found.
Content Quality and Community Feedback
Score: 75
Content Quality and Community Feedback
"User reviews highlight site as a trusted Linux distribution resource."
Reason: Community generally trusts site content despite some complaints about coverage and ranking methodology.
Legal and Dispute Checks
Score: 90
Legal and Dispute Checks
"Lack of legal issues supports business reliability."
Reason: No lawsuits or ongoing legal disputes; isolated social media blocking was temporary and resolved.
Your Next Steps
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1
Visit distrowatch.com to explore Linux and BSD distribution news and features.
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2
Use listed contact email distro@distrowatch.com for queries or clarification.
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3
Monitor social media channels like their Facebook and Twitter for updates and community engagement.
Key Evidence & Citations
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Scamdoc Analysis of distrowatch.com
⤷ Trust score 80%, no scam indications.
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SimilarTech Profile for distrowatch.com
⤷ Website tech stack and traffic details.
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SimilarWeb Traffic Statistics
⤷ Traffic volume, sources and engagement metrics.
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Whois and SSL Certificate Details
⤷ Domain registration since 2001, valid SSL.
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Community Reviews and Reports
⤷ User discussions on site utility and limitations.
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Facebook Blocks Distrowatch Incident
⤷ Temporary social media blocking resolved in 2025.
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