Which distribution should a novice Linux user choose? Linux distributions - which one to choose

The Linux.com website offered readers its version of the best distributions of the current year. However, for now this is not a statement of fact, but only a forecast based on a noticeable increase in the popularity of open solutions in both the corporate and consumer sectors.

1 Best Comeback: OpenSUSE

2 Most Customizable Distro: Arch Linux

3 The most beautiful distribution: Elementary OS

4 Best Debut: Solus

5 Best Cloud OS: Chrome OS

6 Best Laptop OS: Ubuntu MATE

7 Best distro for older hardware: Lubuntu

8 Best Distro for IoT: Snappy Ubuntu Core

Snappy Ubuntu Core

9 Best Desktop Distro: Linux Mint Cinnamon

Linux Mint Cinnamon

10 Best distribution for games: Steam OS

11 Best Distro for Privacy: Tails

12 Best Multimedia Distro: Ubuntu Studio

13 Best Enterprise Distro: SLE/RHEL

15 Best Mobile System: Plasma Mobile

16 Best Distro for ARM: Arch Linux ARM

Arch Linux ARM on Raspberry PI

Linux is a popular free operating system for computers and laptops. It's ideal for a variety of standard tasks, as well as for something more special, like creating games or programming. It is noteworthy that this operating system has a huge number of different images - both those that in their structure resemble a regular command line through which all actions must be performed, and those that are no different from regular Windows in terms of convenience.

In addition to diversity, Linux has another undeniable advantage - almost no common viruses affect it. This is due to the variability of the system - it is impossible to write a malicious program if it is not clear what exactly it should do. Naturally, for complete security you will have to configure some programs and tools, but the result will be impressive.

This is a very important point. The average user will not need any specialized system image designed for designers or programmers. And the latter may not be enough for a regular distribution without additional bells and whistles. Therefore, it is important to immediately decide what exactly you want to get from the download. This will determine what exactly is worth looking for.

When choosing, you should also pay attention to the comments and description. It is important to know that most builds have a lot of bugs that make them difficult to use. Therefore, if there is a lot of negativity in the comments to the distribution, you should not download it. More nerves will be wasted. Many, moreover, require professional setup, which should also be taken into account.

Standard distributions without bells and whistles

These include the three main and most popular, but at the same time the most average. For special features, you should look for something special, but if you find it, there will be no price for such a distribution.

Debian. The most stable build of all existing ones. But at the same time, it is also the most outdated of all possible ones. The Debian development team numbers hundreds of people. But updates are released extremely rarely - once every few years. Therefore, Debian users are often left without the latest programs and components. But it has practically no errors. If you don’t need anything more serious than working in text editors and surfing the Internet, this is the best solution.

Ubuntu. Completely turns the previous approach on its head. Updates occur very frequently and with amazing stability. But with the same stability, these updates contain software bugs that make using this build impossible for an inexperienced user. Because, as they say, it needs to be “finished with a file,” that is, errors must be corrected independently. But such practice will help you get better at computer art.

CentOS. Essentially the same as Ubuntu. But it is better suited for system administration and is very often used for servers. Therefore, a person who knows how and loves to crash in CentOS will be in great demand in the computer labor market. Because it is difficult to understand, and there are not enough specialists.

The best distribution of 2016

However, in addition to the standard and, so to speak, basic distributions described above, there are a huge number of others. If you choose a random assembly among them, it may not end well. Wasted nerves and time, for example. However, every year, lists of the best builds are compiled that can captivate any computer enthusiast. We recommend visiting the site distrowatch.com and see a more or less real picture of the popularity of various distributions. So, in the version of this site, the most popular distribution for a long time has been Linux Mint, which is based on the equally famous Ubuntu.

This build is a slightly redesigned Chromium OS, which has been remade to fit the Ubuntu base. It seems to be created specifically for laptops - its beautiful, but not overloaded interface and stable operation make the device’s battery last much longer. You can run any Ubuntu software on it if you use Synaptic and Gdebi, as well as all programs from the Google extension store.

At the same time, the Cube does not require serious technical capabilities from. Therefore, it will run even on fairly old machines. It only needs 512 megabytes of RAM, 1 gigahertz of processor performance and 4 gigabytes of hard drive.

However, Cube Linux has its drawbacks. For example, it loads somewhat slower than other distributions. It also has a not entirely user-friendly application menu. But you can get used to it.

This will probably be the best build for those who just want to switch from Windows to Linux. Its interface subtly resembles Microsoft products, which will allow former Windows users to feel at one with Linux. This operating system will be an excellent transition point for any user. It has almost all the Linux features hidden under the visual shell of Windows.

During installation, along with ChaletOS, a pack of necessary and useful programs is installed so that the user does not have to look for them later. These programs and tools will make it easier to set up and use the system. Essentially, helping to “move” to Linux.

However, you need to remember that this distribution appeared only this year, so errors and shortcomings are possible. Although its convenience and advantages can overcome minor problems.

This is a professional distribution aimed exclusively at activities related to multimedia functions. Here you can find everything the soul of a designer, musician or other creative people desires. All the best programs that are aimed at this type of activity are collected in Ubuntu Studio.

It is noteworthy that the distribution kit itself is not demanding on the computer and “eats” quite a few resources. Therefore, everything that is not spent on it can be used to run multimedia programs.

Don't assume that this distribution is not too different from regular builds. It’s better not to install it just like that, but only if you are professionally involved in something related to multimedia programs.

This build is many steps ahead of its competitors in terms of convenience and customization flexibility. However, it also requires sufficient literacy in Linux distributions, because it needs to be properly configured once. But after that it will work stably for many years. But if you have no experience, but want to figure out what kind of beast Linux is, you can install Arch and study it inside and out.

Immediately after installing the operating system, the user... There will be nothing. He will have to independently find the desktop and all the programs for the operating system. Moreover, you will have to do everything manually - you won’t have to wait for any automatic action. This apparent minus ultimately turns into a big plus - you can customize your computer 100% for yourself.

It is noteworthy that updates continue continuously. As soon as a new version of the software is released, Arch will update it immediately. And it has an extremely large number of applications and tools. Almost every program that generally works in Linux can, in most cases, be found in its repository.

Simple, but at the same time convenient and functional, this distribution will captivate both novice Linux users and professionals. It can be considered one of the best if something specific is not required from the computer. Deepin Linux has an intuitive interface, which at the same time does not have anything superfluous.

Its basis is the usual Debian, but with a uniquely designed desktop, which is divided into three types - modern, aimed at former Mac OS users, created specifically for those moving from Windows 7, as well as for fans of the “old school” in the form of Windows XP .

It’s worth noting right away that Deepin Linux comes with a lot of built-in programs that will be useful to most users. Here you can find both office applications and entertainment or educational ones. This system has its own “store” of free and not so free applications.

Linux distributions popular in 2018

The past year has been an exciting one for Linux and the open source community. For example, Ubuntu has completed development of Unity 8, as well as its plans for convergence and migration to GNOME. Slack OS has essentially rewritten its source code based on Debian; Kali Linux became more popular, and Skype finally released decent software for Linux. And at the beginning of 2018, it was announced

With such a busy last year for Linux, it becomes interesting which Linux distributions will be the most popular in 2018.

We present to you a list of the Top 10 Linux distributions of 2018.

Ubuntu is almost always #1 on all the charts because, in addition to being easy to install, it's also intuitive to use. Some sources report that Ubuntu gained more popularity when Canonical made the official announcement of its move from Unity to Gnome.

We know that many users have stopped using Ubuntu altogether due to their move to Unity. Therefore, we dare to assume that a large number of these users will return soon.

Ubuntu has clearly had a good year and deserves to be on our list.

Linux Mint is still a favorite in the Linux and Ubuntu communities.

The customizable, green-themed OS appeals to users who typically do little more than just surf the Internet. System administrators love the ease of access, everyday users love its intuitive usability. Currently they are working on two new databases (Ubuntu 18.04 for Linux Mint 19 and Debian 9 for LMDE 3).

If for some reason you don't want to use Ubuntu or any of its variants, Linux Mint can be your salvation.

Elementary OS appeared in 2014. Three years have passed since then, and some users still refer to it as the ideal OS for beginners. It is aesthetically pleasing and based on Linux.

elementary OS comes with a hand-picked selection of apps that meet your everyday needs, allowing you to spend more time using your computer and less time cleaning it up.

It uses Pantheon's own Gnome-based desktop environment, which helps maintain its macOS aesthetic.

Being one of the most beautiful Linux distributions since its inception, and if you are a beginner then you should try it.

The next version will be called Juno, release date: unknown

An excellent and powerful operating system that works even on old PCs.

Manjaro Linux is another very beautiful OS. Like OpenSUSE and Linux Mint, its main color theme is green. Its Plasma desktop environment is easy to use for beginners and very easy to set up, and it comes with a variety of office productivity applications ready to run right out of the box.

If Elementary OS is already too simple for you, then Manjaro Linux is exactly what you are looking for.

The newest update of Elementary OS occurred on 01/26/2018. Affected: EXTRAMODULES, NVIDIA, WINE, HASKELL, PYTHON especially for the new version of linux 4.15.

Manjaro uses a Rolling Release development model which, rather than being replaced, will be continually updated.

Fedora is a spin-off of Red Hat and is perhaps the most beloved distribution of Linux enthusiasts as it constantly embraces new technologies.

For example, it was one of the first distributions to introduce Wayland and SystemD session. We have added this distribution to the top because it is very stable in its operation and will never let you down.

This distro has been in the Distrowatch top 10 since 2010, reaching number 2 in 2014, and has never left the top six since then.

Less customization, more innovation. Choose the Fedora option that's right for you and get started right away.

Latest version of Fedora Linux Distribution. This release introduces the latest version of GNOME 3.26 as the default desktop environment, which offers new features such as updated settings, emoji color support, and the ability for system search to display more results at once.

Video presentation of Fedora 27:

No top Linux distribution would be complete without Kali Linux.

Kali Linux is considered to be the most advanced vulnerability testing distribution that comes with many open source tools for it.

However, it must be admitted that this distribution takes some getting used to and understanding.

This release updates the kernel to 4.13.10 and includes some notable improvements:

CIFS now uses SMB 3.0 by default

EXT4 directories can now hold 2 billion entries

TLS support is now built into the kernel

Kali Linux's capabilities focus on security testing.

Let's sum it up

Most likely, there are Linux distributions that did not make the list of popular distributions in 2018. These could be Slax and KaOS, and let's not forget about security - Tails is a great choice for security support tasks.

Today, there are a huge number of different Linux distributions and distributions of Linux distributions, such as the Ubuntu family. They all differ in functionality, requirements, etc. You won’t be able to figure out what exactly you need right away.

You can go to an older friend for advice or reach out to all users of Linux distributions and find out what the majority uses. In order not to ask on the street what kind of Axis is on their computer, there is a special website http://distrowatch.com/. Here you can find a rating of Linux distributions for different periods of time and years, as well as a brief description of each distribution and get acquainted with new products. Based on this site, I have compiled a short menu of the most popular Linux distributions over the past 12 months.

10. Puppy Linux

Our hit parade begins with a distribution kit from Australian developers who endowed the dog with lightweight agility. The high performance is due to the fact that when loading onto a virtual disk, all the necessary components will not be loaded from LiveCD, but will be completely loaded into RAM. This means that all applications are launched “on the fly” and respond to user control instantly. You can boot Puppy from a CD or flash drive.

Specification: architecture - i386, Desktop - JWM, Openbox. Puppy is best used on older computers or mobile PCs.

9.CentOS

This OS is considered a reliable server. The out-of-the-box version includes a good set of proven and stable Linux kernel packages and parent software - Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Although the project was started on a volunteer basis, it has gained a reputation for stable and unshakable performance, and is an excellent alternative to commercial servers, especially popular among experienced system administrators. CentOS is also suitable for a desktop PC if you prefer reliable and stable operation; product support and security updates have been going on for 5 years, which is a good indicator. But if you are in a hurry for new technologies and new software packages, then this OS is not for you, the update intervals are long and very insignificant, and there are also problems with the compatibility of new applications with the operation of the distribution.

Specification: architecture - i386, x86_64, Desktop - GNOME, KDE.

I think you've warmed up and I suggest moving on to a more detailed review of Linux distributions.

8.PCLinuxOS

After several years and development of releases, PCLinuxOS is rapidly approaching direct leadership. From a usability standpoint, the project offers support for many of the technologies that most Windows-to-Linux migrants will expect from a new operating system. On the software side, PCLinuxOS is KDE-centric, customized and always with up-to-date versions of the popular desktop environment. Its growing database contains other desktops, however, and offers a wide variety of desktop packages for many common tasks. For system configuration, PCLinuxOS retained much of the Mandriva control center, but replaced it with an APT package management system and Synaptic, a graphical package manager.

On the negative side, PCLinuxOS lacks any form of development and advancement. Despite the growing public participation in the project, the development and decision-making itself remains in the hands of Texstar, who, as a rule, remain on the conservative side when assessing the stability of the release. As a result, the PCLinuxOS development process is often hampered. Despite repeated calls for a 64-bit version, developers only began considering this option in late 2011, claiming that their 32-bit versions would run equally well on 64-bit computer systems. Additionally, the project does not make any security recommendations, relying instead on users' willingness to keep their systems up to date with updates provided by management tool packages.

• Pros: LiveCD; update mechanism; modern software.

• Minuses: no support for languages ​​other than English; lack of safety advice; Unstable 64-bit version.

• Package management system: Advanced Package Tools (APT) using RPM packages.

• Available versions: KDE, KDE Full Monty, KDE Minime, LXDE, LXDE Mini, Openbox, Openbox Bonsai, Phinx, Phoenix for 32-bit (i586) processor architectures.

Besides the beloved feature of updating from package sources, Arch Linux is also famous for its fast and powerful package manager called “Pacman” - the ability to install software packages from source code, easy creation of binary packages thanks to its AUR infrastructure, and an ever-growing repository of well-reviewed packages . Its highly regarded documentation, complemented by the excellent Arch Linux Handbook, makes it easy for even less experienced Linux users to install the distribution. The powerful tool base available to users means that the distribution is endlessly customizable down to the smallest detail and that no two installations are alike.

On the negative side, any update mechanism has its dangers: human error, a library or dependency goes missing, a new version of the application already in the repository has a previously reported critical error... It is not right for the system to end up not booting after a Pacman update. Thus, Arch Linux is a kind of distribution that requires its users to be vigilant and have enough knowledge to fix any such possible problems. Additionally, the infrequent installation of media releases means that it is sometimes not possible to use old media to install the distribution due to major changes in the system or lack of hardware support in the old Linux kernel.

• Pros: Excellent software management infrastructure; free customization of the distribution and options by the user; excellent online documentation.

• Minuses: Sometimes instability and risk of breakdown; rare installation of media releases.

• Package management system: "Pacman" using TAR.XZ packages.

• Available versions: Minimum installation and network drives for 32-bit (i686) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors.

• Possible alternatives based on Arch and similar Arch: ArchBang Linux, Chakra GNU/Linux, Bridge Linux, ConnochaetOS.

6.Debian

The success of Debian GNU/Linux can be illustrated as follows. It is developed by over 1,000 volunteer developers, has a database of over 20,000 packages (compiled on 11 processor architectures), and is responsible for distributing over 120 Debian-based distributions and CDs. These numbers are unmatched by any other Linux-like operating system. Debian's real development occurs in three main areas (or four, if you consider that one includes the "experimental" branch) of increasing stability: "unstable" (also known as "sid"), "testing" and "stable". This progressive integration and stabilization of the package and features, together with the project's well-known quality control mechanisms, has earned Debian a reputation as one of the best tested and bug-free distributions available today.

However, this long and complex style of development also has some disadvantages: Debian's stable releases are not particularly new and they quickly become outdated, especially when new versions are only released every 1 to 3 years. Those users who prefer the latest packages and technologies are forced to use Debian with bugs. Debian's highly democratic structures have led to controversial decisions and generated controversy among developers. This led to stagnation and a reluctance to make radical decisions that would move the project forward.

• Pros: Very stable, wonderful quality control; includes more than 20,000 software packages, supports more processor architectures than any other distribution.

• Minuses: conservative - due to its support for many processor architectures, the latest technologies that are not always included; slow release cycle (one stable release every 1 - 3 years); Developer discussions mailing lists and blogs can be uncivil at times.

• Package management system: An Advanced Package of Tools (APT) that uses DEB packages.

• Available versions: Installation CD for 11 processor architectures, including all 32-bit and 64-bit processors from Intel, AMD, Power, and more.

• Possible Debian-based alternatives: Ubuntu, MEPIS Linux (KDE desktop), KNOPPIX (LXDE disk), CrunchBang Linux (Openbox desktop), aptosid (KDE or Xfce desktop), Saline OS (Xfce desktop), Parsix GNU/Linux ( GNOME desktop).

5.openSUSE

SuSE Linux was acquired by Novell Inc. in late 2003, and then fell into the hands of Attachmate in November 2010. Major changes in the development, licensing and availability of SUSE Linux followed shortly after the initial acquisition - YaST was released under the General Public License (GPL), these images were freely distributed on public download servers, and, most importantly, the development of the distribution was open to the public for the first time. Since the launch of the OpenSUSE project and the release of version 10.0 in October 2005, the distribution has become fully accessible. The OpenSUSE code became the base system for Novell's commercial products, first called Novell Linux, but later renamed SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

Today, OpenSUSE has many satisfied users. The main reason for OpenSUSE receiving high marks from users is the pleasant and polished desktop (KDE and GNOME), the excellent system administration utility (YaST), and for those who buy the edition, some of the best versions of the printed documentation are available in any distribution. However, the infamous deal between Novell and Microsoft, where Microsoft argued that it had the intellectual property rights to Linux, has brought disapproval to many Linux personalities and prompted some users to switch distributions.

• Pros: Comprehensive and intuitive configuration tool; large repository of software packages, excellent website infrastructure and printed documentation.

• Minuses: Novell shared patents with Microsoft in November 2006, which legitimized Microsoft's intellectual property rights in Linux; resource-burdened desktop settings and graphics utilities are sometimes viewed as "bloated and slow."

• graphical command line utility YaST using RPM packages.

• Available versions: OpenSUSE for 32-bit (i386), 64-bit (x86_64) processors (also installation CD edition); SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop/Server for i586, IA64, PowerPC, s390, s390x and x86_64.

4.Fedora

Although Fedora was only formally opened in September 2004, its origins date back to 1995, when it was launched by two Linux specialists - Bob Young and Mark Ewing - under the name Red Hat Linux. The company's first product, Mother's Day Red Hat Linux 1.0, was released that same year and was quickly followed by several bug fixes. In 1997, Red Hat introduced its revolutionary RPM package management system with dependency resolution and many other advanced features that contributed greatly to the distribution's rapid growth in popularity and it overtook Slackware Linux as the most widely used distribution in the world.

In 2003, immediately after the release of Red Hat Linux 9, the company introduced some radical changes to its product line. It retained the Red Hat trademark for its commercial products, particularly Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and introduced Fedora Core (later renamed Fedora)—a Red Hat-sponsored but socially-oriented distribution aimed at the "Linux hobbyist." After initial criticism of the changes, the Linux community accepted the "new" distribution as a logical continuation of Red Hat Linux. A few quality releases were all it took for Fedora to regain its former status as one of the most beloved operating systems on the market. At the same time, Red Hat quickly became the largest and most profitable Linux company in the world, with an innovative customer-supported product line and other popular initiatives such as the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - certified software.

Although the Fedora direction is still largely controlled by Red Hat Inc. and the product is sometimes seen - fairly or unfairly - as a testing platform for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, there is no doubt that Fedora is one of the most innovative distributions today. His contributions to the Linux kernel, Glibc and GCC are well known and his more recent integrations of SELinux functionality, virtualization technologies, Systemd service manager, advanced file system journaling and other enterprise-grade features are highly regarded among the company's customers. On the negative side, Fedora still doesn't have a clear desktop experience. A focused strategy that would make the product easier to use for those with "Linux amateur" goals.

• Pros: High innovation; outstanding safety features; a large number of supported packages; Strict adherence to the free software philosophy.

• Minuses: Fedora's priorities tend to be toward improving features over desktop experience; some features, such as the early adoption of GNOME 3, sometimes turn off some users.

• Control software package: YUM graphical and command line utilities using RPM packages.

• Available versions: Fedora for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors, Red Hat Enterprise Linux for i386, IA64, PowerPC, s390x and x86_64; also CD editions with GNOME, KDE, Xfce or LXDE desktops.

• Possible Fedora based alternatives: Kororaa (DVD with GNOME or KDE), Fuduntu (DVD with codecs and other convenient features), Fusion Linux (DVD with mint menu and other convenient features)

• Possible Red Hat based alternatives: CentOS, Scientific Linux, PUIAS

3.Ubuntu

Ubuntu was first announced in September 2004. Despite being a relative newcomer to the Linux distribution arena, the project took off like no other, soon with its mailing lists filled with discussions from avid users and passionate developers. Within a few years, Ubuntu has grown to become the most popular Linux distribution and has contributed greatly towards the development of an easy-to-use and free operating system that rivals any proprietary system available in the market.

What was the reason for Ubuntu's overwhelming success? First, the project was created by Mark Shuttleworth, a charismatic South African billionaire, former Debian developer and the world's second-largest space tourist, whose company, the Isle of Man-based Canonical Ltd, is currently funding the project. Secondly, Ubuntu fixed the mistakes of other similar projects and avoided them from the very beginning - it created an excellent Wiki-style web documentation infrastructure, original error reporting and a professional approach to users. And thirdly, Ubuntu's wealthy founder was able to send out free CDs to all interested users, thereby helping the distribution spread rapidly.

On the technical side of things, Ubuntu is based on Debian "Sid" (unstable branch), but with some well-known packages such as GNOME, Firefox and LibreOffice updated to their latest versions. It has a predictable, 6-month release schedule, with rare Long Term Support (LTS) versions that support security updates for 3 to 5 years, depending on the version (the non-LTS version is supported for 18 months). Other special features of Ubuntu: installable Live CDs, creative artwork and desktop themes, migration assistant for Windows users, support for the latest technologies such as 3D desktop effects, easy installation of device drivers for ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards and wireless networks, and software requirement, support for proprietary or proprietary media codecs.

• Pros: Fixed release and support cycle; wealth of documentation, both official and user.
• Minuses: Lack of compatibility with Debian, frequent major changes due to lack of users.
• Package management system : Advanced Package Tools (APT) using DEB packages.
• Available versions: Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu (LXDE desktop), Edubuntu, Ubuntu Studio and Mythbuntu for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors.
• Possible Ubuntu based alternatives: Linux Mint (Desktop), Ultimate Edition (Desktop), Pinguy OS (Desktop), Zorin OS (Desktop), Trisquel GNU/Linux (Freeware), Bodhi Linux (Desktop).

2.Mageia or dark cardinal.

Mageia is primarily a desktop distribution. Its most loved features among users are its advanced software, excellent management system (Mageia Control Centre), ability to attract a large number of depositors and broad support for internationalization. It has one of the simplest yet powerful installation systems, and also produces many images from KDE or GNOME with comprehensive language support, with the ability to install it to your hard drive directly from your work session. Well-established package management features, with powerful command line options and a graphical software management module, allow easy access to thousands of software packages. The unique Mageia Control Center continues to improve with each release, offering Linux newbies powerful tools to customize almost any aspect of their computer without ever reaching a terminal.

While the Mageia distribution has had a strong start (it was created in September 2010), there is some concern about the ability of the developers to maintain the distribution over a long period, where much of the work is done on a volunteer basis. In addition, it lacks the infrastructure accompanying some larger Linux distributions. The project documentation could also use some improvements. It also doesn't have a 9-month release cycle in its favor, which can be seen as a disadvantage in terms of receiving release news, especially compared to other major distributions that have a short 6-month development process.

• Pros: convenient for novice users; excellent central configuration utility; very good support for dozens of languages.

• Minuses: lack of confidence in the ability to support long-term distributions.

• Package management system: URPMI with Rpmdrake based on the RPM package.

• Available versions: installation DVDs for 32-bit (i586) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors; installation CDs, for 32-bit (i586) processors.

And here he is our main character! Meet us!

1.Linux Mint

Linux Mint, a distribution based on Ubuntu, was first launched in 2006 by Clement Lefebvre, a French IT professional living in Ireland. Originally working to support Linux websites and forums dedicated to providing help, advice and documentation for new Linux users, he saw the potential for Linux distributions to evolve. After receiving many responses from visitors to his site demanding improvements in the technical aspects of Linux systems, he began to implement and develop what many call today "improved Ubuntu" or "proper Ubuntu."

Linux Mint isn't just Ubuntu with a new set of applications and updated desktop themes. Since the beginning, developers have added various graphical "mint" tools to improve usability, these include MintDesktop - a utility for customizing your work environment, MintMenu - a new and elegant menu structure for ease of navigation, MintInstall - an easy-to-use installation software, MintUpdate - an update software. And these are just a few of the many other tools and hundreds of additional enhancements we have mentioned.

The project also develops its own artwork, while its reputation for usability has been enhanced by the inclusion of proprietary and patented multimedia codecs that are often missing from most distributions due to possible legal threats. However, one of the best things about Linux Mint is the fact that the developers listen to users and are always quick to implement good suggestions. While Linux Mint is available as a free download, the project generates income from donations, advertising and professional technical support. It doesn't have a fixed release schedule or list of planned features, but you can expect a new version of Linux Mint a few weeks after each stable release of Ubuntu. In addition to the "main" edition that features the GNOME desktop, the project also builds various "communities" of alternative desktop editions such as KDE, Xfce and Fluxbox. Although it is often completed several months after the release of the "main" GNOME edition, and may sometimes omit some tools and other features from "mint", it is considered the flagship product of the project. The most recent addition to Mint is a "rolling-release" edition based on the Debian testing branch. Linux Mint is not committed to software freedom principles and does not publish security bulletins.

• Pros: Great collection of "mint" tools developed in house, hundreds of handy enhancements, inclusion of multimedia codecs, open to user suggestions.
• Minuses: The alternative "community" edition does not always include new features, and the project does not issue security bulletins.
• Package management system: APT using MintInstall DEB packages (compatible with Ubuntu Database Object Store).
• Available varieties: "main" edition (with GNOME), various "secondary" editions (with KDE, Xfce and Fluxbox), Linux Mint "Debian" editions (roll-release GNOME or Xfce).
• Possible alternatives: Ubuntu, Pinguy OS, Zorin OS, SimplyMEPIS, Peppermint OS.

The absolute and undisputed champion according to http://distrowatch.com/.

I won’t draw any conclusions, since choosing an OS is a purely subjective matter; classic builds are suitable for one, give the hottest and newest to another.

Good luck with your experiments.

Let's face it, Linux can overwhelm almost any complexity for new users. But then, it is not Linux that brings this complexity, it is most likely the “newness” factor that causes such feelings.

This article is especially for those who have no idea what else you can use on your computer instead of Windows or Mac OS.

The best distributions for new users

Please remember that this is a list in no particular order. The main criteria for compiling this list are ease of installation out of the box, ease of use and availability of software packages.

If you've ever been interested in Linux on the Internet, then it's very likely that you've already come across . Ubuntu is one of the leading Linux distributions. And it's almost the perfect distro to start your Linux journey with.

Ubuntu has been labeled as Linux for the people. This is because Ubuntu has already put a lot of effort into universal usability. Ubuntu doesn't require you to be a prodigy. It breaks the concept of the Linux line - for programmers, and this is one of the main points.

Ubuntu offers a very convenient installation procedure. The installer simply says, “in what language do you want to install me?” You can even try Ubuntu before you start the installation procedure. The installer provides simple options:

• Erase disk and install Ubuntu
• Installing Ubuntu next to the existing OS (a choice is given at each startup to select the OS to boot).
• Setting up sections for users who know what they are doing.

Initial tip: Choose the second option if you are not sure what to do.

The user interface in Ubuntu is called Unity. This is a very simple desktop shell. Launch and favorite applications in the dock on the left side (the so-called “Dash”) and search for applications, which is carried out by clicking on the Super button (Windows) or by clicking on the Ubuntu logo. It couldn't be simpler, could it?

There is no hassle in installing drivers in Ubuntu, which comes with a hardware detector that detects, downloads and installs the optimal drivers for your PC. Moreover, the installed system comes with all the basic software such as music player, video player, office suite and other useful programs.

Ubuntu has great documentation and public support. The Ubuntu and Ask Ubuntu forums provide significant quality support on almost every aspect related to Ubuntu. And it is very likely that any question you want to ask may already be answered by someone.

If you decide to install Ubuntu, then you can download this distribution on the official website.

Linux Mint Cinnamon

Most computer users are Windows users. And when a Windows user gets Linux, there is a fair amount of 'unlearning' that the user must go through. A huge number of operations have been recorded in our muscle memory. For example, the mouse goes to the bottom left corner of the screen (Start), you probably want to launch the application every time. I can only recommend a distribution that alleviates all these problems on Linux, and half the battle is won. Look at .

Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution with a highly polished Linux distribution that is well suited for users coming from Windows. Although almost every Linux distribution can be used by everyone, some people are very uncomfortable with seeing someone else's desktop, and Zorin OS will make this transition easier for you.

Package managers at first seem like something supernatural to Linux newbies. That's why Zorin OS comes with a huge (and I mean really huge) list of pre-installed software. Everything you need is already installed in Zorin OS.

Zorin OS comes with an amazing theme changing feature. It offers some heavy customization options with presets to make your OS look like Windows 7, XP, 2000 or even Mac.

These features make Zorin OS the best Linux distro for beginners, right?

Go to the official website to download the latest version of Zorin OS.

Since we've looked at distributions for Windows users, let's look at something for MacOS users. very quickly rose in the rankings, and is now always included in the list of the best distributions, all thanks to its aesthetic essence. Inspired by the look of MacOS, Elementary OS is one of the most beautiful Linux distributions.

Elementary OS is another Ubuntu-based distribution, which means that the operating system itself is undoubtedly stable. Elementary OS comes with the Pantheon desktop environment, and you can immediately notice the similarities with MacOS. This is an advantage for MacOS users who are moving to Linux, as they will feel very comfortable with this distribution, and it really makes the process of coping with the change easier.

The menu is very simple and customizable according to user preferences. The operating system is not intrusive, so you can really focus on your work. It comes with very little software pre-installed, so any new user won't be distracted by the huge bells and whistles, but will have everything they need out of the box. For additional software, Elementary OS provides a neat AppCenter that is accessible and easy to use. All in one place. You can get all the software you want and update in just a few clicks.

You should try it. You can download Elementary OS on the official website.

A large number of people who come to Linux are looking to revitalize old computers. With the Windows 10 operating system, many computers that had decent performance just a few years ago have become incompetent. And if you're looking for a distribution that will resurrect your old computer, then look towards Linux Mate.

Linux Mint Mate is a very lightweight, not demanding, but still polished distribution. It can work smoothly on weak computers. The desktop environment won't bring you bells and bells. But it is in no way inferior in functionality to any other desktop environment. The operating system is not intrusive and allows you to work productively without loss of quality.

Again, Linux Mint Mate is based on Ubuntu and has the benefit of Ubuntu's huge solid software repository base. It comes with a minimum number of essentials that are pre-installed. Easy installation of drivers and management of system settings is very accessible even for beginners.

You can run Linux Mint Mate even if you have 512 MB of RAM and 9 GB of free hard drive space (the more the better).

If you have already made your choice, then you can download Linux Mint Mate on the official website.

Before you say that you shouldn't guide a newbie to such a complex distribution as ArchLinux, listen to me first.

Arch is considered an expert distribution only because of its very complex installation procedure. Manajro and Arch Linux have a common origin. But they are pretty much different in every other way.

Has a very beginner friendly installation procedure. Many things are automated, such as driver installation using Hardware Detection. With Manjaro, you will forget about searching for manuals for installing drivers, which plagues many other Linux distributions. And even if you have questions, Manjaro has amazing community support.

Manjaro has its own software repository which maintains the latest software and this is one of the priorities for the users. One of the main differences between Arch and Manjaro is that Manjaro delays package releases to ensure that they are completely stable and will not cause regressions. You can also access the Arch User Repository on Manjaro, which has everything you need available.