Linux is one of the mainstream operating systems all over the world. Linux is nothing more than an OS with some unique properties. We all have heard about Windows – Windows XP, 7, 8.1, 10; Mac OS etc. These are called operating systems that work as the core of a computer, connecting programs with the hardware and perform all the tasks (indirectly). Basically, Linux is a collection of various tools like the Linux kernel, the X server, the GNU shell utils, terminal commands etc. Various communities & organizations put all the source codes together and compile it for you, thus various Linux distributions. the Linux distribution is also called Linux distro. Different distro contains different tweaks, software like Ubuntu provides the Unity interface by default.
With lots of other options, why should we choose Linux? There are plenty of reasons and features of Linux to answer this question.
- Free – Linux is the most available OS for everyone. It runs on any device, it’s powerful and most of all, it’s free of charge! Most of the Linux distributions are completely free of cost. Linux is open source, so anyone can even create his own version.
- Security – Believe it or not, Linux is, by far, one of the toughest OS when it’s the question of security. By default, you don’t need any antivirus/anti-malware tool to keep yourself secure. All the Linux distributions are always updated with all the latest security patches where a big number of devs work on improving them.
- Performance – Linux is a very lightweight OS. Unlike Windows, it runs blazingly fast. If you’re a Windows user, you might notice how your Windows eats up all those RAM, CPU and storage spaces. Linux, being very small and lightweight, eats fewer hardware resources and runs smoother.
- Stability – Linux has been well-known for its stability. Linux doesn’t crash a lot and work smoothly even after years.
- Easy maintenance – Linux is easy to maintain. With a big software collection and easy interface, anyone can figure out everything. When updating, all the software are updated automatically whereas, in Windows, you have to update each one manually & individually.
- Hardware support – Linux comes up with a huge list of supported devices. From the oldest to the latest – almost all the hardware can run Linux. You don’t need to install drivers separately – Linux covers all.
I believe that these are convincing enough to lure you for giving Linux a shot. However, whenever you’re on the web, you’ll find out a lot of Linux distros (distributions), puzzling you which one to choose. Depending on popularity and my experience, I’m providing you a short of the top 10 Linux distros.
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distros. It’s a complete package of your basic needs with stunning interface and performance. If you need a supportive community, Ubuntu is your choice. This distro owns the largest community who share and care for others.
Based on Debian, Ubuntu is available in various other flavors. Each of them comes up with default interface. However, you’re free to switch between them. The original Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop. Get Ubuntu, Lubuntu (LXDE desktop), Xubuntu (Xfce desktop), Kubuntu (KDE desktop), Ubuntu Mate, ubuntu Budgie.
2. Manjaro Linux
Manjaro is a really user-friendly Linux distro. This one is based on the Arch Linux, desktop-oriented. If you’re a newbie to Linux world, I recommend starting with this one, so that you won’t feel like a fish out of water. Once installed, you don’t need to re-install the OS in any situation – all the updates are installed in the current installation, making any installation the latest.
Manjaro also is available in some popular flavors like Xfce, KDE, and GNOME. Get Manjaro Linux now.
3. Linux Mint
It’s another user-friendly and comfortable Linux distro. Based on the Debian & Ubuntu, there are more than 30,000 software packages available for free on the server. Other software is also available to download and install manually.
Requiring almost no maintenance, you won’t feel any difference using Linux Mint. It’s very lightweight and powerful for your everyday tasks. Get Linux Mint.
4. openSUSE
If you’re looking for an enterprise-grade Linux, openSUSE is right there for you. Enterprise Linux like Red Hat is a costly option. As an alternative, openSUSE is the top of all times.
If you’re planning to learn about coding, openSUSE is ready with a collection of great tools and a big package of additional software. Another thing is YaST, the best tool to configure & control your OS – all from one place. Get openSUSE.
5. Fedora
Fedora is another powerful one if you like the “free”dom. This awesome Linux distro doesn’t contain any paid program in the library – your best solution for staying problem free. Moreover, GNOME desktop environment is the best implemented with Fedora. It’s easy to use, struggles to provide the latest available tech first and by far, didn’t hear any news of crashing (besides any bugs).
If you like stability, Fedora is your Linux choice. Get Fedora.
6. CentOS
For servers, CentOS is the most popular Linux. In fact, most of the servers in the world run on Linux (CentOS). It’s truly the server legend for everyone.
Servers require stability and CentOS is proven the most stable. For enterprises, CentOS works as a great RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) alternative. With a big community, you can find all the help and support. Check out CentOS.
7. Mageia
Mageia is derived from the Mandriva Linux. For anyone who wants an introduction to Linux, Mageia is a really nice Linux distro. It comes up with all the important and basic tools for you.
It’s a bit heavyweight Linux, compared to other lightweight ones (installation ISO size is ~3.5GB). With a nice interface, it gives you the best idea on how Linux works. It’s also great for everyday use unless you need some specialized usage. Get Mageia.
8. Parrot Linux
System admins have to work a ton on a daily basis. Without a powerful tool, it’s really hard for them to keep up with all the situations. If you’re a system admin or plan to be, get started immediately with Parrot Linux.
Parrot Linux is also a suitable choice for the privacy worms to stay protected in the cyber world. As it’s based on Debian, there’s plenty of software available. Get Parrot Linux.
9. Gentoo Linux
You might be a Linux pro and want to prove yourself. Not everyone understands Linux well, so Gentoo Linux is your best choice if you love to be a pro. It’s one of the best out there.
Gentoo Linux is for advanced users, so not recommended for average users. From the installation to usage, everywhere it’s challenging. If you know the right things, get Gentoo Linux today!
10. Elementary OS
If you love the comfort and shiny user interface, look no further. Elementary OS comes up with, possibly, the shiniest and most polished interface of any other Linux distro. The target of Elementary OS is becoming the alternative of Windows and macOS.
The interface and apps are quite similar to Windows and macOS. If you wish to leap from them, Elementary OS is your choice. However, Elementary OS is a tricky software to get – when requesting to pay, click “$ Custom” >> enter amount “0” >> “Download Elementary OS”. Check out Elementary OS.
From the list, you’ll surely find your suitable one. In the cyber world, Linux is the ultimate tool for becoming a pro and a better one.
Not true! “However, Elementary OS is a paid software – you have to pay a money for the donation to the project and obtain your software.” ?
How to download free Elementary OS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fGbpkmXHmWh1KAILL-NKdqBU4mV2uaUm/view
Hi Jocix, this is not an authorized way to get Elementary OS. Officially they don’t provide the ISO although it works. Anyway, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
An official way is to put “0” for the price 😉
This is a mistake! the elementary operating system is not paid! if you want to get it just enter the value “0”
deepin is far better than elementary OS. deepin doesn’t try to make it seem like you have to pay for software that is available for free. deepin is at least equally out-of-the-box, fast and at least equally beautiful. deepin’s repositories are perhaps even vaster, it even has Atom and Visual Studio Code in its official (emphasis on official) repositories.
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
I think you forget Debian, very popular in DistroWatch, and equal to Ubuntu in market share. Not to mention stability and community support, and supporting base to many of the distros mentioned.