5 Linux distros that offer something special to everyone

I’ve used nearly each Linux distribution and located some are focused towards particular customers. Some are created for companies, some for avid gamers, some for hardcore geeks, and a few for customers who’ve by no means touched any OS in addition to Windows. Linux runs the gamut. 

Nevertheless, some distributions can simply serve customers of all ability ranges and wishes. These distributions are simple for inexperienced persons to make use of, however provide every part wanted for superior customers — and everybody in between.

Additionally: Thinking about switching to Linux? 10 things you need to know

This is my abstract of those distributions. 

1. Ubuntu

Test any checklist of ‘greatest Linux distributions’ and you’ll be assured that Ubuntu might be on it. There is a good cause for that reality. Ubuntu shouldn’t be solely user-friendly, it is also highly effective, provides help for an enormous vary of {hardware} and peripherals, has a well-designed UI, and is rock strong as a result of it is based on Debian. 

Ubuntu is a kind of distributions that may develop with the person. While you take your first steps with Linux, Ubuntu is completely able to easing any challenges you might need, however with out dumbing every part right down to the purpose of insulting. Because of Snap packages, you may discover many of the software program you want within the app retailer. 

Additionally: How to install Ubuntu Server in less than 30 minutes

One different nice promoting level for Ubuntu is that if you happen to do not just like the default desktop, you may go for one of many many flavors, equivalent to Kubuntu (Plasma desktop), Xubuntu (Xfce desktop), Ubuntu Budgie (Budgie desktop), Lubuntu (LXQt desktop), Ubuntu Cinnamon (Cinnamon desktop), Ubuntu Mate (Mate desktop), Ubuntu Unity (Unity desktop), and extra. 

Ubuntu is free to put in and use and could be downloaded from the official site.

2. Linux Mint

Ask my colleague, Steven Vaughan-Nichols, and he’ll fortunately let you know why Linux Mint is one of the best working system on the planet. Linux Mint is a superb OS, and I would not hesitate to suggest it to any person. 

Though the desktop interface is perhaps much less trendy than different distributions on this checklist, it is no slouch. On prime of that, Linux Mint provides all of the shiny goodness of Ubuntu, whereas additionally presenting the desktop with a UI acquainted to the lots. Linux Mint additionally performs like a beast. It is as quick as many light-weight distributions with out paring down options. In different phrases, Linux Mint is full-featured and full-powered. 

Additionally: I’ve tried a zillion desktop distros – it doesn’t get any better than Linux Mint 22

Whereas Linux Mint is an excellent selection for brand new customers, it is also beloved by these with a long time of expertise. At present, Linux Mint stands at quantity two on probably the most downloaded checklist curated by Distrowatch. When you choose the normal desktop interface, and just like the considered unbelievable stability and efficiency, Linux Mint must be your OS of selection. 

For superior customers, you may discover loads of software program to assist elevate the working system to your stage. A number of improvement and admin instruments could be discovered throughout the app retailer that can assist you be productive. Linux Mint is free to put in and use and could be downloaded from the official download page.

3. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a magnificence. When you’ve by no means skilled this excellent distribution, you are in for a deal with. Proper out of the gate, you may perceive how distinctive this working system is because it lets you simply change the desktop format from Plasma, GNOME, Ubuntu, and extra. 

When you drop $47 for the Professional model, you get six extra desktop layouts, a professional-grade suite of inventive apps, superior productiveness instruments, and extra. Zorin OS is on this checklist as a result of any person can begin with this OS utilizing one of many acquainted layouts. As that person grows extra expert with Linux, they could need to strive a tougher format. 

Additionally: 5 things to consider before leaping from one Linux distribution to another

Zorin is simply as secure and dependable as the opposite distributions on the checklist. Like Linux Mint, Zorin OS is quick. That mixture of efficiency and customization makes this a superb possibility for any person. New customers may need to begin with the free Zorin Core version after which drop the cash for the Professional model to get their fingers on these superior layouts and instruments. 

You may obtain Zorin OS without cost from the official download page.

4. Elementary OS

When you’re conversant in the MacOS desktop, Elementary OS will make you are feeling at dwelling. For years, Elementary OS was my go-to Linux distribution. It by no means didn’t impress me with its clear design, efficiency, and stability. 

The spotlight of Elementary OS is its desktop, Pantheon. Of all of the Linux desktops, this one is my favourite. One of many major causes is its design; each desktop component follows the identical scheme. I’ve all the time thought-about Elementary OS just like the MacOS of the open-source world. 

Additionally: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn

Though some superior customers may discover the interface a bit an excessive amount of like Apple, they will benefit from the stability, pace of deployment, help for common bundle managers (Flatpak is put in by default), robust drive encryption, and loads of safety and privateness additions. Briefly, superior customers have every part they should get probably the most out of this open-source OS. 

You may obtain and set up Elementary OS without cost from the official site. 

5. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is an working system developed by System76 and is put in on their desktops and laptops by default. As a result of System76 creates {hardware} and software program, you may guess the OS is completely tuned for the machines. I’ve bought three System76 machines through the years and so they’re absolute powerhouses, due to the synergy of {hardware} and software program. 

For brand spanking new customers, Pop!_OS consists of the GNOME desktop tweaked ever so barely to make it really feel extra acquainted. For superior customers, Pop!_OS is geared towards creators, so loads of improvement instruments can be found. 

Additionally: 8 things you can do with Linux that you can’t do with MacOS or Windows

Nevertheless, one factor to recollect is that System76 will quickly unleash its brand-new COSMIC desktop. I’ve examined the alpha launch and am enthusiastic about COSMIC changing the default desktop. The builders have executed an excellent job of making one thing particular that can serve customers of every type. 

You may obtain and set up Pop!_OS without cost from the official download page.

Additionally: 5 reasons why Linux will overtake Windows and MacOS on the desktop – eventually

And there you go — any of those distributions is sweet sufficient that can assist you take your first steps into Linux and ultimately stage as much as superior person standing.