What is the best Linux distro? This is a common question among Linux enthusiasts as well as beginners alike. In the first place, in order to say a particular Linux flavor is the best Linux distro, we need to put things in context and frame the question accordingly.
Likewise, a more appropriate question would be something like what is the best Linux distro for beginners or what is the best Linux distro for developers or what is the best Linux distro for enterprises or what is the best Linux distro for gaming – enough, so you get the idea.
In order determine the best Linux distro, it will serve all parties in the conversation well to put things into context.
Best Linux Distros
In this article, we’ll try our best and discuss the best Linux distros in general – those that can stand the test of time across different applications and use cases.
[SPECIAL OFFER]:
60% OFF Discount on Linux Hosting
[BENEFITS]:
- FREE 1-Click Install of Opensource Apps!
- Multi-Domain Hosting & 99.9% Uptime Guarantee!
- Super Fast Servers with 24/7/365 Technical Support!
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a very user-friendly Linux distro both as a desktop and server. Not to mention it comes packed with wide range of software such as Thunderbird, LibreOffice, Firefox and Transmission. Similarly, if you’re a game lover you find loads of games such as Sudoku, Chess, etc.
2. Elementary OS
Elementary OS is a Linux distro that is based on Ubuntu. Uniquely it has own development environment, pantheon desktop environment, theme, application center and comes with many custom apps. Furthermore, consistency in its user interface improves its easy of use thus making it among the best Linux distros for Desktop.
3. Debian
Debian is definitely among the best Linux distributions especially for sysadmins (system administrators). Comparatively, its ease of use and proven stability puts it right at the top list of the best Linux distros.
In the first place, it’s worth noting that Debian is the foundation for Ubuntu and consequently Ubuntu is the foundation for several other Linux flavors out there. It has a very easy to use environment given that it uses dpkg and aptpackage managers. Also, given that its a very stable Linux platform – it’s a preferred environment for desktops, servers, testing, staging, among other things.
4. Tails
Tails a Debian-based Linux distribution that aims at preserving your privacy and anonymity on the Internet. Uniquely, it’s not installed on your computer but runs from CD, DVD, USB flash drive or Flash memory card. Additionally, it sends all data through the Tor network thus keeping inline with its promise of privacy and anonymity.
5. Slackware
Slackware Linux distribution is unarguable the oldest Linux flavor created back in 1993. It is an advanced Linux operating system with two main priorities – stability and ease of use. It comes as a fully-featured distro that can serve as a desktop as well as an enterprise server.
[SPECIAL OFFER]:
60% OFF Discount on Linux Hosting
[BENEFITS]:
- FREE 1-Click Install of Opensource Apps!
- Multi-Domain Hosting & 99.9% Uptime Guarantee!
- Super Fast Servers with 24/7/365 Technical Support!
6. openSUSE
openSUSE is a user-friendly Linux distro for system administrators and software users as well as desk top users. This distro comes in two variants – openSUSE Leap and openSUSE Tumbleweed. Whereas Leap was designed with with business users and applications in mind, Tumbleweed is basically suitable for those we want to have the latest software stacks and integrated development environment.
7. CentOS
CentOS is basically a free community supported Linux distribution that is based off Red Hart Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source and designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enteprise Linux. It has a huge community support base and as such is very stable. In addition, it supports most features of Red Hat Enterprise Linux so you’re basically get RHEL for free with CentOS. Equally important is that CentOS comes with impressive security features such as a powerful firewall and the SELinux policy.
8. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is another Linux distro that is based on Debian and Ubuntu. Self-styled to be a modern, elegant and comfortable Linux operating system. It is community driven, powerful and easy to use. Linux Mint is arguable one of the best Linux distros for beginners given its focus on improving the traditional desktop.
9. Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that prides itself in trying to “Keep It Simple”. So if you’re looking for a simple, intuitive and well-documented Linux flavor, give Arch Linux a try. You’ll be able to customize your build, use the terminal to download and install packages as well as use its native package manager to build.
[SPECIAL OFFER]:
60% OFF Discount on Linux Hosting
[BENEFITS]:
- FREE 1-Click Install of Opensource Apps!
- Multi-Domain Hosting & 99.9% Uptime Guarantee!
- Super Fast Servers with 24/7/365 Technical Support!
10. Solus
Solus is new Linux distribution that was built from the ground up. It’s designed for home computing and offered as a curated rolling release with the mantra “Install Today. Updates Forever.”. It basically targeted at making Linux easy for desktop users which makes it among the best Linux distros for desktops.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for ready this far. We have this post has given you some insights into the best Linux distributions out there. Please feel free to comment below and tell us what Linux distributions you’re finding success with. Cheers.