The truth is that it is not an operating system as popular as Windows 0 macOS, especially when we talk about personal computers. However, when we talk about servers or in programming environments, it is when Linux takes much more strength. Even so, more and more people are interested in trying this operating system. If you are one of them, surely you are interested in reviewing this complete compilation with the best Linux distributions for all types of users and their needs.
There are currently a lot of Linux distributions. Each of them can fit better for each type of user, that is, those who are starting in this environment, more advanced users who seek to get the most out of the system, those who seek greater privacy, a lightweight system for computers or little powerful equipment or those that have an interface as similar as possible to your usual operating system. That is why, first of all, we better choose the distro we are going to use based on our needs or knowledge.
The best Linux distributions for beginners
Debian
It is one of the oldest and most popular Linux distributions at the same time. For the vast majority it is the most stable distro, although there are other aspects to highlight such as repositories, package managers and the community behind Debian. Debian download .
Ubuntu
It is another of the most chosen when it comes to installing a Linux distribution on any computer. And it is that its simple installation process allows us to have Ubuntu on our computer in the blink of an eye. It has an application store that allows the installation and updating of software from the graphical interface itself, which simplifies its use. The community behind Ubuntu is another point in favor of this distribution. Ubuntu download .
Linux Mint
It is another of the most popular Linux distributions. It is based on Ubuntu but there are big differences between both distros. Mint is much faster, lighter and easier to handle, especially for users with little experience in a Linux environment. As soon as it is installed, we will find a series of applications with which we can begin to manage easily from the first moment. Linux Mint Download
MX Linux
It is one of the distros preferred by many users since it mixes an elegant and very manageable desk with a simple configuration. In addition, MX Linux is stable and offers great performance with an XFCE desktop environment that even for novice users is easy to configure and customize. Download MX Linux .
Mageia
It is an open source Linux distribution that was born as a fork of Mandriva Linux and that like its predecessor, KDE is its main and most used environment although end users can choose among others such as GNOME, XFCE, Cinnamon, LXDE , etc. Although it has its own installer, it is quite simple and easy to handle by anyone. Mageia Download
Solus
Although it is a fairly young distro, it has become one of the most used in recent years. It allows you to choose between three desktop interfaces, Budgie, GNOME or MATE, as well as use Firefox or Thunderbird. It also supports a large number of controllers for the most gamers. Solus Download
Deepin
It is another of the distributions of Linux that has taken care of its interface, which simplifies its use to the most inexperienced users. A distro that is much more stable than in the beginning, is now based on Debian, and whose menus and interface elements resemble those of a tablet. Deepin Download
Fedora
Fedora is another of the distros that could not be missing in this compilation. It mainly uses the GNOME interface, although we can also use others such as XFCE, which allows its use to be quite simple. The high frequency with which it receives updates does not make it the most stable options but it is certainly a great alternative for users who want to start in the Linux environment. Fedora download .
Nitrux
It is one of the distros that has one of the most attractive designs. It allows you to choose between several desktops depending on the resources available to our team, KDE or QT. If we have a powerful team we can choose one, while resources are more limited we can install the other. Its installation is limited to a Live session without installation. Nitrux Download
Linux disks for advanced users
OpenSUSE
It is another of the Linux distributions based on its large community, open source and as its name suggests, derived from the SUSE system distributed by Novell. A system based on RPM, so it has its origins in Red Hat Linux. Designed for use on both PC and server and distributed as an installable DVD that includes the KDE and GNOME desktop environments. Download OpenSUSE .
Gentoo
A highly configurable and customizable distro but that requires certain advanced knowledge to get the most out of it. It allows to compile the software to our measure, of course, it does not have a graphical installation interface, hence it is aimed at more advanced users. Download Gentoo .
CentOS
It is one of the best distros for servers and a version of Red hat Enterprise Linux. This makes it very clear that it is one of the most stable and powerful Linux distributions. Of course, for the correct configuration and management of the system it is necessary to have some prior knowledge about the Linux environment and to have worked with other distro previously. CentOS Download
Prevgos
One of the best distributions of Linux today, it is also of Spanish origin. However, it is more intended for advanced users in Linux. During the installation, you can choose which desktop environment and applications we want to install, although it does have an aesthetic that leaves a little to be desired. Download Antergos .
Sabayon
It is a distribution based on Gentoo, so this already says a lot about it. A stable and reliable open source system that is easier to handle than Gentoo itself, so it offers a user experience more accessible to everyone. With a single installation we can update with the latest version whenever we want and offers multiple repositories. Sabayon Download
Linux arch
Although we could add it within the light Linux distributions, since it allows us to choose the packages that we want to install on our PC, the truth is that Arch Linux needs some advanced knowledge to be able to configure and use it, hence we have put it into this section Download Arch Linux .
Slackware
It is one of the oldest and most stable Linux distributions. An advanced operating system that includes some of the most popular applications. Designed especially for more advanced users, SlackWare is compatible for both desktop or laptop computers and servers thanks to its great compatibility with all types of hardware. SlackWare Download
Distributions that look similar to Windows or macOS
Pear
Pear is a Linux distro for Ubuntu-based desktop that stands out for its ease of use and for having an interface that reminds, and much, of macOS X. Therefore, if you are a mac user, then it can be a great alternative to move to the Linux environment comfortably. Pear OS Download
Elementary OS
It is one of the distributions of Linux that has taken care of its graphic interface, which has an important resemblance to macOS. But without a doubt, the most important thing is that this level of detail in its graphical interface does not imply that performance is affected, since it is a fairly light distro as long as we are going to run it on relatively modern computers. Elementary OS Download
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a distribution of the GNU / Linux system based on Ubuntu and oriented mainly for less experienced users in this environment. A distro that we could have included in the “for beginners” section and that, however, we have included in this post that has a user interface very similar to that of the Microsoft operating system. Zorion OS Download
Manjaro
It is a very easy distro to install and use and also requires low system requirements. Ideal for beginner users and especially for those who come from the Windows environment, since it has a similar desktop environment. It should also be noted that Manjaro uses Arch User Repositories, which further simplifies its use. Download Manjaro .
Linux distros to improve privacy
Tails
It is perhaps the most popular Linux distribution focused on privacy among users of the Linux environment. It can be run in Live mode or in persistent mode. All connections will be made through the anonymous Tor network and each and every one of the tools that Tails has, have been carefully chosen to take care of the safety of users. Download Tails .
Ipredia OS
Another Linux distro thought of anonymity and privacy is Ipredia OS. It is based on Fedora Linux and can be run in Live mode or installed on the disk. Route all connections through the I2P network so that we can navigate in complete anonymity and therefore, it also allows access to special sites with the extension .i2p. Ipredia OS Download .
Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a Linux distribution developed to offer users great privacy. Use Xen Hypervisor to run different virtual machines where risk applications will be run and that allow us to protect our files from downloading any type of malware. In addition, it uses sandboxing to protect system components. Download Qubes OS.
Whonix
It is one of the Linux distributions based on Debian and KDE desktop that offers a high level of security and privacy by completely isolating the system. It consists of two parts, a virtual machine that acts as a gateway or gateway and is responsible for routing all connections to the Tor network and the one that contains all the tools and that can only be connected to the Internet through the gateway. Whonix download .
Linux Discreete
A distro specially designed to protect us against mass surveillance and any attack with malicious software and all kinds of Trojans. Aimed at users with special needs in terms of privacy. It is based on Debian and follows a strict privacy policy. It runs in Live mode, allows you to store the configuration in an encrypted area or store our data securely offline. Download Discreete Linux .
TENS
Some still know her as LPS but her name is TENS, which corresponds to Trusted End Node Security. It is a Linux distribution that has the approval of NASA itself. It has a public version designed to run in Live mode, although it can also be obtained in Public Deluxe version, which includes tools such as Adobe Reader or LibreOffice. Download TENS
Lightweight for weak equipment
Tiny core
Tiny Core is one of the lightest Linux distributions, so it is possible to use it on almost any computer. This makes us find a very minimalist operating system, that is, it is basically a basic Linux that has almost no preinstalled application. Tiny Core Download
Linux lite
As the name implies, it is a light distribution. A system based on Ubuntu LTS with an attractive and easy-to-use design, which makes it another great option for more inexperienced users. The desktop environment is XFCE, lightweight and simple to handle that can remind you of Windows XP. In addition, it has numerous tools ready to use as soon as it is installed. Download Linux Lite .
Bodhi Linux
It is a lightweight distro based on Ubuntu and that includes the Moksha desktop. A desktop that does not offer any window composer although it does allow you to add Compiz effects. Another advantage that Bodhi Linux offers is access to the Ubuntu repositories, which allows access to a lot of free applications. Download Bodhi Linux .
Puppy Linux
Another distro that could not be missing in this compilation of light distributions is Puppy Linux, since it occupies about 300 megabytes on our disk. However, it has a good number of packages and applications so that we can start using it as soon as it is installed. Very fast and easy to handle even for users with little experience in Linux. Puppy Linux Download
Peppermint OS
Peppermint is a fast and lightweight system that offers a combination of a high-quality cloud-based infrastructure with the most common desktop applications for Linux. It is based on Lubuntu, so it offers the advantage of being able to access the Ubuntu repositories. Peppermint OS Download
Ubuntu Budgie
It is one of the flavors of Ubuntu and the best we can install if we have a computer with a few years and limited resources. Of course, with this we will not give up having a distribution with a modern and attractive interface. The lower dock reminds GNOME. Ubuntu Budgie Download
Lubuntu
A lightweight Linux distribution but in this case, it is ideal for those who are looking for a slightly heavy distro but which will run on relatively modern computers. As its name implies, it is a “taste” of Ubuntu in which the desktop and some of the applications preinstalled by lighter ones change. Lubuntu Download
Xubuntu
Xubuntu is a Linux distro based on Ubuntu, as the name implies. An Ubuntu derivative maintained or supported by a large community that uses the XFCE desktop environment. It is designed for users with limited teams of resources that seek to find an efficient environment based on their possibilities. Xubuntu Download
LXLE
It is another of the light distros based on Lubuntu, so it offers the advantage of being able to access the Ubuntu application repository. In this case, LXLE has certain useful pre-installed applications such as LibreOffice, GIMP, etc. It uses the LXDE desktop environment and is easy to use for beginner users. LXLE Download
Antix
One of the fast and light Linux distributions is AntiX. Highly recommended for use in older equipment or with few resources, since they will allow us to have an operating system that demands too much from our team and we get the best possible performance. So much so, that it only requires a minimum of 128MB of RAM, which today is almost insignificant. Antix Download
Point Linux
Point Linux is a Debian-based distro with the productivity of MATE, the fork of the GNOME 2 desktop environment. It is an easy distribution to configure and use by beginner users. It has a minimum of tools and applications necessary to start using the system as soon as it is installed. Point Linux Download
SliTaz
One of the lightest is SliTaz, a distro in Live ISO format and only occupies 100 megabytes when we have it already installed. In addition, it has a series of packages and applications that allow us to use the equipment as soon as it is installed without major problems, being able to add the ones we want depending on the resources of the equipment. SliTaz Download
SparkyLinux
SparkyLinux is a distro of quite light and fast Polish origin based on Debian. Specifically, it is based on the Debian testing version and not on the stable branch. Oriented to all types of users, beginners or advanced and that allows you to choose between different desktop environments and window managers such as LXDE, E19, OpenBox, MATE, LXQt, KDE, among others. SparkyLinux Download
