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.
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