Popular Linux distribution. Which Linux distribution is considered the best?

GNU/Linux- multinational OS. And each country creates its own distributions, which are used both on workstations and on servers. Russia is not far behind, and there are several good (and not so good) Linux distributions that I will talk about. At the same time, I will talk about the most famous and popular distributions that are well developed and actively used. Go!

Rosa Linux

Rosa Linux- a distribution based on the now deceased Mandriva, and continuing its development. This distribution has several editions designed for different applications. The free desktop edition is Fresh, which includes the latest and most stable software. Editorial "Cobalt", "Nickel", "Chromium" created for government agencies, and are certified by the Russian Ministry of Defense and FSTEC. These distributions are not freely available. The server version was originally based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), was subsequently also transferred to the Mandriva base. A distribution kit is being developed based on the Rosa project OpenMandriva, which is "polygon" to test new software and technologies (as Fedora for RHEL).

The distribution uses its own developments:

ABF (Automatic Build Farm)— distributed environment for continuous development and assembly based on a control system Git versions. ABF is designed as a structural façade for private (distribution-dependent) technical processes. This approach allows you to add distributions on various package bases to ABF with a minimum entry threshold, without large-scale changes in package databases and assembly technologies. The unified external logic supported by ABF provides the ability to quickly share functionality between development teams from base and derivative distributions and between different base distributions, and also accelerates the emergence of new application functionality from external suppliers in distributions. The OpenMandriva project has adopted the ABF build environment.
ROSA Hardware DB- database of tested equipment;
RocketBar— quick launch panel for applications with the ability to switch between them;
SimpleWelcome— a single launch point for applications grouped by functionality;
TimeFrame is a content visualization tool that allows you to track activity and find documents and files by specific dates.
StackFolder— an applet that allows you to organize quick access to the most used directories and files (included in KDE 4.10 by default);
Klook- utility quick view groups of files (analogous to QuickLook in Mac OS X, in KDE 4.10 by default);
ROMP- multimedia player based on MPlayer and SMPlayer;
ROSA Software Center— application installation center;
Upstream Tracker— tracking and analyzing the compatibility of changes in Linux libraries;
Kernel ABI Tracker— analysis of changes in the Linux kernel.

Main graphical environment in Rosa, is KDE. The development team created their own, original design, which is quite familiar to Windows users and does not scare off experienced Linux users. There are also editions with graphical environments GNOME And LXDE, but they receive less attention. Official site

Calculate Linux

Calculate Linux is a line of corporate distributions based on the famous Gentoo(the same one that is assembled from source codes during installation), but unlike it they have a simple and understandable installer, high quality build and system utilities, as well as a very wide range of pre-installed software (the Desktop edition even has Skype). At the same time, Calculate is fully compatible with Gentoo and uses its native system portage for assembling and installing software, and also contains a large number of binary packages in the repository. Calculate has the following editions:

Calculate Linux Desktop KDE/MATE/Xfce (CLD, CLDM, CLDX) is a modern desktop based on the KDE, MATE or Xfce graphical environment, which can perform most office tasks. The main feature is quick installation, a convenient update system and the ability to store Accounts users on the server. Appearance The desktop on all three distributions is identical. Employees can easily work on different desktops, sharing files and documents from Windows OS.
Calculate Directory Server (CDS)- can act as a domain controller, allows you to configure Samba, Mail, Jabber, Proxy services using Calculate 2 utilities using simple Unix-like commands. As the calculate-server package, which is part of the Calculate 2 utilities (Apache 2 license), is released, new versions of the server are released at intervals of 2-3 months.
Calculate Linux Scratch (CLS)- a base distribution, like stage3 in Gentoo, used to build other versions of the desktop. Unlike stage3 contains minimum required additional packages, drivers, libraries, source Linux kernels and portages.
Calculate Scratch Server (CSS)- just like CLS uses minimum set packages. Unlike the latter, it is intended for installation on a server.
Calculate Media Center (CMC)- a specialized distribution optimized for storing and playing multimedia content.

All versions of the distribution are distributed as a bootable livecd image with the ability to install on HDD, USB-Flash or USB-HDD.

Peculiarities:

Ready-made client-server solution.
Fast enterprise deployment.
Complete work in heterogeneous networks.
Update model: rolling release.
Includes specially designed Calculate utilities for system configuration, assembly and installation.

Interactive system assembly is supported - preparing an ISO image of the system for your tasks.
Ease of administration.
Possibility of installation on USB-Flash or USB-HDD with ext4, ext3, ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, XFS, jfs, nilfs2 or FAT32.
100% Gentoo compatible with support for binary update repositories.

Official site

Runtu

Runtu- This Russian assembly Ubuntu, aimed, oddly enough, at the Russian user. The system is completely Russified, very easy to install, has a good set of pre-installed applications. A distinctive feature of the distribution is a set of system utilities developed by a project participant FSnow. This software is available in the Launchpad repository ppa:fsnow/ppa.

There are two editions of Runtu:

Runtu XFCE- with a lightweight graphical environment Xfce, configured for a familiar Windows user interface;
Runtu LITE- with the Openbox window manager, aimed at old and weak hardware.

Official site

Russian Fedora Remix

Russian Fedora Remix(or RFRemix) - assembly based on the Fedora distribution. In addition to complete Russification, it has the following differences:

The fonts look orders of magnitude better than in the original Fedora;
By default, repositories with non-free drivers, proprietary software, etc. are connected;
By default, multimedia codecs are installed that cannot be included in the original Fedora due to patent restrictions;
Likewise, fixes and improvements are added that Fedora upstream does not accept.

Otherwise it's just regular Fedora. Official site

ALT Linux

Initially based on Mandrake(which later became Mandriva), but gradually began to turn into independent system. Distinctive feature ALT Linux, is his package manager: format packages are used RPM, as in RedHat-derived distributions, but they are controlled using the utility APT (Advanced Packaging Tool), which is "native" for Debian and its derivatives (such as Ubuntu). ALT Linux is also known for being distributed to many schools, and computer science textbooks contain assignments specifically for it (except Windows). The distribution has both publicly available free editions and versions for government agencies, certified by FSTEC and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The Simply Linux distribution is a lightweight edition of ALT Linux, containing a large amount of educational and multimedia software, as well as a simple and convenient desktop based on Xfce. Development of packages for ALT Linux is carried out in a special repository Sysyphus. The following editions are available:

Alt Linux Centaurus (ALT Linux Centaurus)— a multifunctional distribution for servers and workstations, primarily intended for use in corporate networks;
Alt Linux KDesktop- universal multifunctional user system Alt Linux KDesktop (ALT Linux KDesktop) includes everything you need for office work, creating various types graphics and animation, sound and video processing, application development tools, and education. During installation, the user will be able to assemble his own distribution and create the necessary functionality;
"Alt Linux School"- a set of distribution kits for educational institutions. The kit includes operating systems based on ALT Linux for building infrastructure educational institution:
School Server
School teacher
School Junior
School Master
The main feature of the kit is the integration of student and teacher workplaces. This feature allows not only centralized management educational process, but also interacts between students and teachers in the familiar form of chats and forums. Messages may contain tasks, their solutions and comments. It is also possible to exchange files of any format, both between the teacher and the student, and between students;
The above Simply Linux.

Astra Linux

operating system special purpose based on Debian GNU/Linux, created for the needs of Russian law enforcement agencies and intelligence services. Provides a degree of protection of the processed information up to the level of state secret “top secret” inclusive. Certified in the information security certification systems of the Ministry of Defense, FSTEC and FSB of Russia. The releases are named after the hero cities of Russia and the CIS countries.

Developed by the manufacturer basic version Astra Linux - Common Edition (general purpose) and its modification Special Edition (special purpose):

"general purpose" version - "Eagle"(Common Edition) designed to “solve the problems of medium and small businesses.”
"special purpose" version - "Smolensk"(Special Edition) is intended for the creation on its basis of automated systems in a secure design, processing information with the secrecy level of “top secret” inclusive

Official site

PupyRusLinux

This is a lightweight distribution designed specifically for low-end hardware. The small size of the system (about 120 megabytes) allows it to fully boot into RAM, ensuring maximum performance. PuppyRus Linux is aimed at computers with x86 architecture, optimized to provide maximum performance, and due to the low requirements for equipment, it can breathe a “second” life into outdated models.
PuppyRus inherited two original package systems from its predecessor Puppy Linux: .PET And .PUP. They are files compressed using the gzip algorithm, which contain directories containing files for installation. These directories have the same names and structure as standard directories in file system UNIX.
Thus, the process of installing new packages is accompanied by unpacking the packages into the root directory. Package manager program PetGet monitors the installation process, logs files that are copied from the package to the system and records these changes in a separate file - the installation log. After unpacking, PetGet executes the installation script (script), also contained within the package.
When you remove a package, PetGet, according to its installation log, deletes all files originating from it. After this, PetGet executes the post-installation script (script), which was previously included in the package. Official site

Agilia Linux

This is a Linux distribution based on the currently undeveloped MOPS Linux(which in turn is based on Slackware). The basic principles that the distribution developers adhere to are ease of installation and mastering of the system, as well as a selection of the most stable programs.

Historically, AgiliaLinux is a direct descendant of the defunct MOPSLinux. At the time, MOPSLinux was generally based on the Slackware package base, gradually increasing the share of its own packages towards the end of its life. AgiliaLinux continued this path, and the package base is now independent. The package format is txz, mpkg is used as the package manager. Official site

The Linux.com website offered readers its version best distributions 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

SUSE is one of the oldest developers of the Linux system. The company was founded a year after Linus Torvalds announced the creation of Linux. In fact, SUSE is even older than Red Hat.

Last year, the distribution developers made the most important decision for the development of the product - to bring openSUSE as close as possible to SUSE Linux Enterprise. Thus, openSUSE Leap is directly based on the SLE SP 1 codebase.

As a result of this step, openSUSE has become much more interesting for a potential user of a corporate system, since it will simplify the transition to it. But that is not all. The release of a special Tumbleweed distribution with continuous updates will allow you to stay up to date with the latest software.

Thus, the openSUSE user has the option of either working in stable version, or install an always up-to-date Tumbleweed. Thus, the solution has become truly universal.

2 Most Customizable Distro: Arch Linux

Arch Linux continues to outperform all other distributions in many ways. Therefore, it remains the choice of many experienced users.

It is an ideal choice for those who want to learn Linux. Since almost everything there is done manually, the user recognizes the structure of each operating system file.

Arch Linux is the most customizable distribution. It does not have “its own” desktop and default software set. After installation, the user receives only the “base” of the system, and does everything else independently. The result is a work environment that has everything you need and nothing you don't.

Arch Linux is the best of the releases with a continuous update cycle. The user can be sure that the most current versions of application software are installed on his system.

This distribution is also known for its excellent documentation. ArchWiki is one of the best sites for learning the Linux system.

In addition, Arch Linux is the richest repository. If the program runs on Linux, then it will almost certainly be found in the Arch User Repository.

3 The most beautiful distribution: Elementary OS

Different distributions are created for different purposes. Most often these are some technical features of the solution. The appearance of the desktop is a secondary matter.

The Elementary OS developers decided to try a different approach. Design is of utmost importance, and the reason for this is quite obvious - the system is created by designers. However, this concept has led to the fact that they choose for the system only applications that fit into the design of the original desktop. But you have to come to terms with this - the distribution is designed to be the most beautiful, not the most functional.

4 Best Debut: Solus

The distribution cannot complain about the lack of attention from users. Moreover, the attention is well deserved.

The system was created from scratch - not a derivative of Debian or Ubuntu. It's based on the Budgie desktop and features the same minimalism as Google Chrome OS.

Although, strictly speaking, this is not at all new project. However, it was last year that it was revived under this name.

5 Best Cloud OS: Chrome OS

Chrome OS is not your typical Linux distribution. It is simply a browser based on the Linux operating system.

The solution is very convenient for daily use. It does not require maintenance, and the software is updated automatically without user intervention, since it is located on the server. A good choice for those who only need a computer for surfing the Internet.

6 Best Laptop OS: Ubuntu MATE

Most laptops do not have particularly high technical specifications. Therefore, “heavy” desktop environments are contraindicated for such devices - they not only consume a lot of system resources, but also quickly drain battery power.

A good choice for a laptop is Ubuntu MATE. It's a lightweight desktop, but it has all the bells and whistles you need for a pleasant work experience. System resources are spent on application programs, and not on supporting the graphical environment itself.

7 Best distro for older hardware: Lubuntu

if you have old laptop or PC, then you shouldn’t throw it away. Perhaps the Lubuntu system will breathe new life into it.

For now, this distribution uses the LXDE desktop, but future versions plan to use LXQt, a project resulting from the merger of LXDE and Razor Qt. So Lubuntu is the best choice for outdated equipment.

8 Best Distro for IoT: Snappy Ubuntu Core

Snappy Ubuntu Core

This solution is the best Linux system for the Internet of Things. It will make it possible to turn almost all the equipment around us into smart devices: routers, coffee makers, unmanned aerial vehicles...

What makes the distribution attractive is its efficient update management and the ability to use containers to improve security. The last feature is extremely relevant, since the very concept of IoT implies Special attention to counter information threats.

9 Best Desktop Distro: Linux Mint Cinnamon

Linux Mint Cinnamon

Linux Mint Cinnamon is a universal system, perfect for both desktop computers, and for powerful laptops. It is often called Mac OS X in the Linux world.

For quite a long time, the use of Linux Mint was associated with certain problems due to the instability of the Cinnamon working environment. But everything changed as soon as the decision was made to use Ubuntu LTS as the basis and focus exclusively on developing the graphical interface itself.

10 Best distribution for games: Steam OS

Games have always been the weak point of the Linux desktop. A significant portion of users decided to save Windows on their computer solely in order to be able to play.

Valve Software has decided to change this state of affairs. The Steam OS system allows you to run games on various platforms. The solution was brought to market at the end of last year.

11 Best Distro for Privacy: Tails

Observations of user actions are a real scourge of modern life. Privacy is slowly becoming a myth. Which led to the need for a system that ensures the confidentiality of information.

The best solution for this purpose: Tails. The distribution is based on Debian and offers the user tools to provide complete anonymity online. This solution is so effective that the NSA considers it a serious threat to their mission.

12 Best Multimedia Distro: Ubuntu Studio

Along with games, support for multimedia content is a weak point of Linux. Almost all applications aimed at professional users run on either Windows or Mac OS X.

However, there are also plenty of decent programs for similar purposes for Linux. And all of them are collected in the Ubuntu Studio system. The system uses lightweight Xfce as a desktop, which allows you to direct maximum computer resources to support work application programs.

13 Best Enterprise Distro: SLE/RHEL

Debian 8 with Numix icon theme

If you want to deploy a server but can't afford to pay for SLE or RHEL, then there is nothing better than Debian or CentOS. Essentially, these systems are the gold standard of a community-built server.

The systems are supported long enough that users do not have to worry about upgrading the software. This additional advantage makes the systems attractive not only for home users, but also for small businesses.

15 Best Mobile System: Plasma Mobile

Despite the fact that the main mobile OS today is Android, some users would like to have mobile device a traditional Linux system with a familiar set of applications. Moreover, they believe that the distribution should be developed not by a company, but by an independent community.

A suitable solution for them is KDE Plasma Mobile. A corresponding solution is being prepared within the Kubuntu project.

16 Best Distro for ARM: Arch Linux ARM

Arch Linux ARM on Raspberry PI

The success of the Android mobile system led to the emergence large number ARM devices - from Raspberry Pi to Chromebooks and Nvidia Shield. There are also specialized distributions for ARM, but they are designed for specific hardware. Like, for example, Raspbian for Raspberry Pi.

And only Arch Linux ARM is a universal system that can be installed on any ARM device. And thanks to the Arch User Repository, many applications are available that are not available in other distributions.

UPD. If you are a beginner and don’t know which distribution to choose, then we recently published new material especially for you: .

Many who begin to explore the world of Linux are interested in the question: “ What Linux distributions are there and what to choose?», « Where can I download the Linux distribution? " Naturally, it is not possible to describe all the distribution options and their properties. Therefore, let's make up general option, according to the list and the merits of each:

Debian (GNU/Linux)– the oldest distribution, which is one of the most popular today, serves as the basis for many other distributions. A strict approach to including non-free software. The development of this distribution is carried out by specialists from all over the world.

Download Linux/Linux Debian distribution from the official website:

Ubuntu- a distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux, which has gained popularity in short time. The main developer and sponsor is Canonical Ltd. The principle of this system is ease of use and mastery. There is both a minimal build and a server build.

Download the Linux/Linux Ubuntu distribution kit from the official website:
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Linux Mint– this distribution was developed on the basis of Ubuntu, and later variants based on Debian appeared with repositories of the testing branch by default. It should be noted that Linux Mint is fully compatible with Ubuntu. And also includes Adobe Flash, Java and much more.

Download Linux distribution/Linux Mint from the official website:
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Mageia– based on Mandriva Linux since 2010. At the same time, the bulk of the distribution's developers were former employees of Mandriva itself. Development of Mandriva Linux itself has been discontinued.

Download Linux distribution/Linux Mageia from the official website:
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Fedora– the distribution is developed by RedHat Corporation, which produces solutions based on the free Linux operating system: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (distributed with an annual subscription) and Fedora (distributed freely).

Download Linux distribution/Linux Fedora from the official website:
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CentOS- another distribution based on the free source code of the commercial distribution Red Hat Enterprise Linux from Red Hat. Updates occur frequently, resulting in an easily maintainable, reliable, predictable, and scalable Linux environment.

Download the Linux/Linux CentOS distribution kit from the official website:
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openSUSE– a distribution developed by the well-known company Novell. Conquered its niche thanks to convenient setup and maintenance, based on YaST (a proprietary operating system configuration and package installation/update utility).

Download Linux distribution/Linux openSUSE from the official website:
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Gentoo– a distribution for experienced Linux users (experts). It is assembled entirely from source code, which indicates its flexibility and performance. Sometimes called a meta distribution.

Download Linux distribution/Linux Gentoo from the official website:
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Arch Linux– a distribution for those who are ready to constantly install new updates and receive the latest versions of programs. Focuses on competent users.

Download Linux distribution/Linux Arch Linux from the official website:
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We also note the builds of PCLinuxOS, SlackWare and the famous FreeBSD:

Download Linux distribution/Linux PCLinuxOS from the official website:
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Download Linux distribution/Linux SlackWare from the official website:
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Download Linux distribution/Linux FreeBSD from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

This is all a small list of the most popular Linux distributions. I don’t want to offend anyone by the lack of other distributions, they exist and deserve the right to exist, but for a beginner, those described above are enough. Therefore, the answer to the question: What types of Linux distributions are there? - indicated above.

On a personal note, I would like to add that for any beginner, the most optimal ones would be: Ubuntu and Debian. And then you can consider more complex options. There are many of them and they are constantly changing, but first, start with these!

Era of Monopoly Microsoft over! Of course, operating rooms Windows systems very convenient, especially for novice users, but they have whole line Disadvantages that make you think about switching to Linux:

weak level of security;
low stability;
commercial use;
total surveillance of the user.

The last drawback is not at all a consequence of paranoia. Microsoft claims this is necessary to combat piracy. But what difference does this make? Alas, nothing.

What's good about Linux?

operating room Linux system is provided to users free of charge. In addition, Microsoft's main and only competitor has a number of advantages:

open source;
high level of protection against viruses;
large selection of free software;
stable core.

Developers didn't monopolize Linux. Any user can contribute to the development of this operating system thanks to openness program code. There is no need to use an antivirus. Linux works like a charm for many years - it’s not Windows, which needs to be reinstalled every six months.

Which Linux build should a novice user choose?

There are several dozen versions of Linux - among such a variety it is easy for a novice user to get lost or choose something that is not quite suitable, for example Arch Linux or Debian. Beginners are recommended to start their journey in the world of Unix-like operating systems with Ubuntu or Mint. So, your choice has already been reduced to two options!

Ubuntu Linux

With Ubuntu, an incredible amount of “software” is available to the user! This OS is regularly updated and improved! The graphical interface of Ubuntu is very different from what we are used to seeing in Windows - because of this, it is very difficult for novice users to understand the functionality of the new platform. However, more experienced veterans are capable of this task.

The Linux Mint platform comes with the Mate or Cinnamon graphical environment, which is based on user-friendly interface Windows. This operating system runs on the Ubuntu kernel.

The range of “software” is much smaller than that of the latter, but for 99% of users who do not use a computer to solve highly specialized problems, the available applications are sufficient for any purpose!

Rest Linux versions Don't touch it, at least not yet. You may not need them Ubuntu and Mint are great replacements for Windows!

There are a lot of operating system options for Linux; according to various sources, there are from 100 to 300 working distributions. Of the variety of operating systems for Linux, there are several of the most famous and popular systems that are used by both beginners and professionals.

The official logo and mascot of Linux is Tux. It was created in 1996 by American programmer and designer Larry Ewing.

The most common and universal

Ubuntu. The basis of this most frequently used distribution is one of the first Linux operating systems, Debian. According to statistics, Ubuntu is used by 20 million users worldwide. It has a beautifully designed original Unity interface, with a convenient layout of elements and excellent versatility, making it much easier to work with portable devices. Besides, distinctive feature This distribution's features include a Wiki-style web documentation infrastructure and unusual error reporting.

Linux Mint. This operating system is already based on Ubuntu, but has improved technical aspects. This distribution is equipped with an improved practical menu MintMenu, a MintDesktop program that allows you to configure work environment according to your needs and easy to use installation utility MintInstall. Additionally, Linux Mint is one of the few distributions that comes with its own proprietary codecs.

Mandriva. This distribution was the most popular among ordinary users for quite a long time, but as a result of financial difficulties at the creator’s company, it lost the title of the most popular to Ubuntu. Mandriva's desktop control center, which allows all administrative tasks to be performed through a graphical interface, is an excellent example of a comprehensive and simple administrative utility. This distribution is easy to install and learn, recognizes equipment well and is perfectly localized.

Fedora. from the well-known Red Hat community, is one of the leaders in the OS segment for servers and corporate systems. This distribution combines the solid foundation of Red Hat, which is not limited by corporate needs, with the latest free applications and support for proprietary formats.

ASPLinux. Distribution from the same name Russian company, built on Fedora Core and adapted for regional specifications. Allows you to use both Gnome and KDE as a desktop, has a wide selection of applications and graphic utilities to configure the system, a selection of drivers for equipment common in the CIS countries, and daily updates free for download. All this makes this distribution universal and accessible to any category of users.

A distribution is not just a set of programs, but a series of solutions for different tasks users united unified systems installation, management and updates of packages, configuration and support.

Distributions for advanced users

Debian. One of the oldest Linux distributions, which gave birth to many other systems. The main advantages of Debian are its high stability, the presence of a huge number of free and open-source applications, compatibility with 11 different hardware architectures and the ability to update without reinstallation. It requires some experience with Linux to install and configure.

Slackware Linux. Another representative of the very first Linux distributions, in the structure of which nothing has changed except for pact versions for many years. Slackware does not have a graphical installer or system configuration utilities; everything is done by editing configuration files. Recommended for users who want to deeply understand the basics and operating principles of GNU/Linux.