Tuesday 24 April 2018

The best Linux distributions of 2018

Linux is based on the Unix family of operating systems, which rose to fame in the late 1970s. It has been adopted by various software developers and turned into various 'distributions'. All of the top Linux distributions use the Linux kernel, which can be thought of as the heart and soul of the operating system. The various desktop environments for these distributions is then built around it.
The very best Linux distributions are tailored to specific types of users. Ubuntu for instance is very easy to use, as it’s designed for newcomers. Arch Linux on the other hand appeals to experienced users who can take advantage of using the Terminal to type commands to perform tasks such as installing apps. This article focuses on picking out the very best distributions overall.
1. Elementary OS
Probably the best looking distribution in the world
Smartly designed and looks great
Excellent desktop environment
Not many preinstalled apps
If you’re after a distributions that gets you as far away as possible from the image of a nerdy hacker type bashing away at a terminal interface, Elementary OS is what you need. It’s probably the most attractive distributions around, with a style similar to that of mac OS. This operating system’s superb desktop environment is known as Pantheon, and is based on Gnome.
The latest version of Elementary OS is called Loki, which as well as being that bit prettier and neater than its predecessor Freya, has its own application installer UI called AppCenter. It’s a delightfully simple way to install apps outside the terminal, which is handy as there aren't very many preinstalled. 
2. Linux Mint 
A strong option for those new to Linux

Ideal for those switching from Windows/Mac
Good media support out of the box
Impressive amount of customization options
Linux Mint is a great ‘default’ distributions for new Linux users, as it comes with a lot of the software you’ll need when switching from Mac or Windows, such as LibreOffice, the favoured productivity suite of Linux users. It also has better support for proprietary media formats, allowing you to play videos, DVDs and MP3 music files out of the box.
You can download four main starter flavors of Mint 18.3, each of which uses a different desktop environment, the top-most layer of the interface allowing you to change elements such as the appearance of windows and menus. Cinnamon is currently the most popular, but you can also choose the more basic MATE, or Xfce.
There's also a KDE version of Linux Mint 18.3 which uses the Plasma desktop environment. The latest version comes with a revamped Software Manager with 'featured apps' such as Spotify, Skype and WhatsApp.
3. Arch Linux
Arch Linux or Antergos are sterling Linux options
Massive potential for customization
Antergos represents a more user-friendly spin
Arch Linux itself isn’t for the faint of heart
If you’re willing to try slightly less user-friendly distributions, Arch Linux is one of the most popular choices around. Arch allows you to customize your build using the terminal to download and install packages, and it’s particularly handy for developers and those with older machines who may not want unnecessary packages taking up space.
Of course, this used to be the way all Linux distributions were set up, but there are now much more user-friendly methods available. There’s even such a version of Arch Linux, named Antergos. Antergos comes with more drivers, more applications and a load of desktop environments to let you change the look of the system. Its aim is to hold your hand and get you up and running with all the basics right from the initial install, but it’s still Arch Linux underneath.
4. Ubuntu
One of the most popular distribution for good reasons
Very accessible for novices
Security and stability of LTS version
Lubuntu spin is great for underpowered PCs
Ubuntu is one of the most popular flavors of Linux and along with Mint is strongly recommended for Linux newbies, as it's extremely accessible. 
New versions of Ubuntu are released every six months. At the time of writing we’re up to Ubuntu 17.10. Every other year the developer Canonical releases an LTS (long term support) version of Ubuntu. These guarantee five years of security and general maintenance updates, so you can carry on using your machine without the hassle of running a full upgrade every few months. Standard releases are supported for one year only. The current LTS version of Ubuntu (16.04) uses its own Unity desktop interface, which may be less familiar to Windows and macOS users. However, the most recent release of Ubuntu (17.10) uses the Gnome 3 desktop environment.
5. Tails
A distribution for the privacy-conscious
Emphasis on security and privacy
Yet maintains a user-friendly UI
Something of a niche OS
Tails is a privacy-oriented Linux distribution which has the aim of concealing your location and identity as much as possible. Even Edward Snowden used it. 
The OS routes all its internet traffic through the anonym sing Tor network, which is designed to prevent data from being intercepted and analyzed. Underneath all the security measures, it’s based on Debian Linux and uses the Gnome desktop so the interface is still clear and user-friendly.
6. CentOS 7
Offshoot of Enterprise version of Red Hat Linux
Built for stability
Ideal for a server
Not so great for daily desktop usage
CentOS 7 is a community offshoot of the Enterprise version of Red Hat Linux, and its focus is on stability rather than constant updates. Like Red Hat, security and maintenance updates for CentOS are pushed out up to 10 years from the initial release of each version. 
CentOS is designed to be super-reliable, which is why it’s a great choice for a server. It's not quite such a good bet for someone looking for a new OS for daily use on their desktop PC or laptop.
On the plus side, you can enjoy the pleasure of having something for nothing – packages compiled for the commercial version of Red Hat Linux are fully compatible with CentOS, so you can use them free of charge. 
7. Ubuntu Studio
Spin on Ubuntu aimed at audio and video production
Great alternative to costly production software
Support for audio plug-ins and more
Still allows access to packages in main Ubuntu OS
If you want a home music recording studio or a video production workstation without spending the thousands of rupees involved with industry standard software, consider installing Ubuntu Studio. 
This officially recognized flavor of Ubuntu Linux has been designed for audio and video production, as an alternative to paid software such as Pro Tools. Support for audio plug-ins and MIDI input is built in and a virtual patch bay comes preinstalled. 
8. openSUSE
Primarily targeted at developers and sysadmins
Very polished distributions
Nicely secure
Can create your own version of the OS
Previously known as SUSE Linux and subsequently SuSE Linux Professional, openSUSE is aimed at developers and system administrators. For that reason, it’s extremely stringent on security protocols. 
The operating system is divided into two main distributions: openSUSE Leap and openSUSE Tumbleweed. Leap uses the source code from SUSE Linux Enterprise, which makes it much more stable. New versions are released roughly once a year and are supported for three years, making Leap perfect for business applications.
Tumbleweed is based on Factory, openSUSE's main development codebase. It follows a rolling release model – in other words, packages are made available for download as soon as they've been tested in Factory. This means Tumbleweed contains the latest stable applications and is good for day-to-day use. 
The OS makes uses of the shiny KDE Plasma desktop, which is perfect if your machine can handle the more advanced graphical features.