When we recommend a Linux distribution , we usually do it with a standard user in mind, and even beginner users who have never been testing Linux before. This leads us to distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint or Fedora, fairly simple distros designed to save us the most amount of headaches. However, these distros can often fall short for more advanced users, who are always looking to go further.
Of course, the shadow of Linux is very long, and that allows us to find from distros for those who have never left Windows before to distributions for the most advanced users who want to touch on the smallest detail of their computer.
Generally, these Linux distributions give advanced users greater control over the customization and choice of packages they want to install. With this, greater stability of the system and better performance is achieved in all types of hardware. And, of course, also greater security. However, it should be borne in mind that almost everything must be done and configured by hand, which implies that we need the knowledge, and the time, for it.
Of course, once we have configured these advanced Linux distros, we can be sure that we will have an operating system for a long time, always updated and adapted to our needs.
Linux distros for advanced users
Arch Linux: the most advanced for the most advanced
Arch Linux is one of the safest, fastest and most stable distributions that we can install on our computer. This distro is characterized by giving the user absolute control over the packages that are installed and how they are installed. This makes installing Arch Linux a rather tedious task, although if we complete it well, we will appreciate it later.
Arch Linux does not come with programs installed as standard, nor with desktops or other very frequent packages on other distros. Arch is designed so that each user can adapt the distro according to their needs. From their repositories we can install all kinds of programs and packages, but only in case we need them.
Once Arch Linux is installed, we can have an operating system forever. Its updates are of the Rolling Release type, so we can always have it up to date without ever having to reinstall it.
OpenSUSE, another of the advanced distros for the day to day
OpenSUSE is another excellent Linux distro intended for advanced users. Specifically for system administrators. This distro inherits many functions and features from SUSE Linux Enterprise, and although anyone can use it since it comes with a desktop and a complete collection of packages and programs installed by default, to take full advantage of it and take advantage of its security, control and performance functions. and stability it is necessary to dedicate time and have knowledge to match.
We can download OpenSuse from its website .
“Server” editions of other distros
In addition to the desktop editions (generally known as “Desktop”) of distributions like Ubuntu, we can also find other distributions known as “Server”. These distributions are generally much smaller than the desktop ones, eliminating the window managers and all the packages and applications designed for users to work in the smallest possible way.
During the installation of these distros we can choose the packages that we want to install according to our needs. And once the installation is finished, we will have a TTY through which we can begin to configure the distro to our liking and install the applications, or services, that we need.
It is rare to use a Linux server distro on a PC for day to day, but it is an interesting option for advanced users who want to go further.
One of the most popular server distros is Ubuntu Server .
CentOS, one of the most stable
CentOS is a consistent and manageable Linux distro capable of adapting to a wide variety of implementations. For some open source communities, it is one of the best foundations, solid, robust and stable, on which to start programming other projects.
This distro provides users with intermediate development between Fedora and RHEL. Many system administrators turn to it for use on all types of servers due to the flexibility it offers, the large community behind it that is ready to help, and above all for its security and stability.
On its website we can download the latest version of CentOS .
Slackware Linux, a veteran and reputed distro
Slackware is another of the most popular advanced Linux operating systems. This distro is not as complicated as the previous ones that you have to configure almost from scratch, but it has a default application package (quite complete, really) and a desktop that allows you to use it in graphical mode.
Despite this, it is still a distro focused on advanced users. This system offers a balance of stability, performance, safety, flexibility and power. This distro follows the KISS principle and has been the basis for great distros, like Debian.
At the following link we can download Slackware Linux .
Debian (testing), balance between simplicity and control
Many distros, like Ubuntu, are based on Debian. However, if we want a much purer, more stable system that offers better performance, it is necessary to go to the root. That is, Debian as a Linux distro. Specifically to the “testing” branch.
Debian is one of the purest distros that we can find, although, yes, it does come with a desktop and a series of default packages to not be as complicated as, for example, Arch Linux.
Debian’s “testing” branch is also one of the most frequently updated to always be up to date. This distro is constantly receiving patches and news (many even experimental) so that users who choose it can always be up to date.
We can download Debian testing for free from the following link .
Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the ideal choice for companies
The needs of companies are generally different and far superior to those that any other user may need. For this reason, there are also distros designed for business-level use, such as RHEL, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
This distro is based on Fedora and is mainly characterized by coming with a series of added services for companies, such as support and training for workers. Safety, stability and performance are also key factors of such a distro.
We can download this distro from the Red Hat website .
