Linux is an open-source operating system that has gained popularity over the years for its flexibility, security, and reliability. Unlike proprietary operating systems like Windows and macOS, Linux comes in many different flavors or distributions, each with its unique features and benefits.
In this article, we’ll look at seven of the best Linux-based operating systems, in no particular order, that you can try out today.
- Ubuntu Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions and is based on Debian. It’s a user-friendly operating system that is easy to install and use, even for beginners. It comes with a vast software library and a robust community that can help with any issues you may encounter.
One of the best things about Ubuntu is the long-term support (LTS) releases, which are supported for five years. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses and users who want a stable, reliable operating system.
- Linux Mint Linux Mint is another user-friendly Linux distribution that is based on Ubuntu. It comes with a choice of desktop environments, including Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, making it customizable to your liking. It’s designed to be fast and efficient, and the software selection is curated to provide the best possible user experience.
One of the standout features of Linux Mint is the Mint Update Manager, which makes it easy to keep your system up to date and secure.
- Fedora Fedora is a cutting-edge Linux distribution that is developed by the Fedora Project, sponsored by Red Hat. It’s designed to be a showcase for the latest and greatest open-source software, making it an excellent choice for developers and enthusiasts.
Fedora is updated frequently, which means you’ll always have access to the latest software and features. It also has strong security features, including SELinux, which can help protect your system from threats.
- Debian Debian is one of the oldest and most respected Linux distributions, with a history that dates back to 1993. It’s known for its stability, security, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for servers and other critical systems.
Debian is also highly customizable, with a choice of desktop environments and a vast software library. It’s an excellent choice for users who want a reliable, secure operating system without any unnecessary bloat.
- openSUSE openSUSE is a Linux distribution that is known for its ease of use and robustness. It’s based on the RPM package manager and is designed to be easy to install and use, even for beginners.
openSUSE comes with the YaST configuration tool, which makes it easy to configure and manage your system. It’s also highly customizable, with a choice of desktop environments and a vast software library.
- Arch Linux Arch Linux is a minimalist Linux distribution that is designed for experienced users who want complete control over their system. It’s highly customizable, with a rolling release model that means you always have access to the latest software and features.
Arch Linux has an excellent package manager called Pacman, which makes it easy to install and manage software. It also has an active community that provides support and assistance to users.
- CentOS CentOS is a Linux distribution that is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It’s designed to be a stable and reliable operating system for servers and other critical systems.
CentOS is known for its long-term support and security updates, making it an excellent choice for businesses and users who want a reliable, secure operating system. It also comes with a vast software library and is highly customizable.
In conclusion, Linux offers a wide range of distributions, each with its unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, there is a Linux distribution out there that can meet your needs. The seven distributions we’ve listed here are
