Linux Distros
Elementary OS
If you’re after a distro that gets you as far away as possible from the image of a nerdy hacker type bashing away at a terminal interface, Elementary OS is what you need. It’s probably the most attractive distro around, with a style similar to that of macOS. This operating system’s superb desktop environment is known as Pantheon, and is based on Gnome.
The latest version of Elementary OS is called Loki, which as well as being that bit prettier and neater than its predecessor Freya, has its own application installer UI called AppCenter. It’s a delightfully simple way to install apps outside the terminal, which is handy as there aren't very many preinstalled.
Elementary OS does, however, come bundled with the Epiphany browser, the Geary email client and a few basic ‘tool’ apps. You may need to add more programs but this is more than made up for by Elementary OS’ Elegance.
You can get started with Elementary OS here
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment Pantheon
Purpose Lightweight yet elegant desktop operating system
Download Link https://elementary.io/
Based On Ubuntu
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Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a great ‘default’ distro for new Linux users, as it comes with a lot of the software you’ll need when switching from Mac or Windows, such as LibreOffice, the favoured productivity suite of Linux users. It also has better support for proprietary media formats, allowing you to play videos, DVDs and music out of the box.
You can download four main starter flavours of Mint 18, each of which uses a different desktop environment, the top-most layer of the interface allowing you to change elements such as the appearance of windows and menus. Cinnamon is currently the most popular, but you can also choose the more basic MATE, Xfce or even KDE.
All these desktop environments offer a good deal of customisation options, so feel free to download a few and boot as Live CD prior to installing to see which works best.
You can get started with Mint here
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE, KDE
Purpose General Desktop Operating System
Download Link http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
Based On Ubuntu, Debian
Arch Linux
If you’re willing to try a slightly less user-friendly distro, Arch Linux is one of the most popular choices around. Arch allows you to customise your build using the terminal to download and install packages, and it’s particularly handy for developers and those with older machines who may not want unnecessary packages taking up space.
Of course, this used to be the way all Linux distros were set up, but there are now much more user-friendly methods available. There’s even such a version of Arch Linux – it’s called Antergos. This comes with more drivers, more applications and a bunch of desktop environments to let you change the look of the system. Its aim is to hold your hand and get you up and running with all the basics right from the initial install, but it’s still Arch Linux underneath.
The hardcore crowd may turn their noses up at packages like Antergos, but when it saves those newer to Linux hours of potentially frustrating fiddling about, we’re all for it.
Antergos’ graphical installer can guide you through the setup process and boot you to the Gnome 3 desktop environment. It can also use the Cinammon, MATE, KDE and Xfce environments if you prefer. Antergos doesn't come with an office suite but you can install this and other programs via the delightfully named Arch package manager ‘pacman’.
You can get started with Arch Linux here or Antergos here
Level Of Expertise Required Medium High
Desktop Environment Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE (+ others)
Purpose Multipurpose desktop operating system
Download Link https://www.archlinux.org/download/
Based On N/A
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Kali
Kali is a specialist Linux distribution built for security and penetration testing.
It is based on the Debian test branch which means it is fairly straight forward to install but obviously the tools included require a certain amount of knowledge and expertise.
Level Of Expertise Required Medium High
Desktop Environment GNOME
Purpose Security and penetration testing
Download Link https://www.kali.org/downloads/
Based On Debian (Test branch)
AntiX
AntiX is a lightweight general purpose distribution based on Debian with the IceWM desktop environment.
It is fairly easy to install and there is a decent set of applications although not all of them are mainstream and well known.
The performance is insanely good but to be that good the eye candy has been removed.
Level Of Expertise Required Low Medium
Desktop Environment IceWM
Purpose Lightweight desktop operating system for older computers
Download Link http://antix.mepis.org/index.php?title=Main_Page#Downloads
Based On Debian (testing)
Antergos
Antergos like Manjaro aims to provide an operating system that anybody can use whilst also providing access to Arch Linux.
Not quite as polished as Manjaro but it offers the choice of multiple desktop environments and is fairly easy to use.
The way you choose the desktop environment is during the installation stage and through the installer you can choose all manner of features such as the applications you wish to install such as LibreOffice.
Generally speaking a very good distribution but not so easy to dual boot.
Level Of Expertise Required Low / Medium
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE (+ others)
Purpose General desktop operating system
Download Link https://www.mageia.org/en/downloads/
Based On N/A
KDE Neon
KDE Neon is a Ubuntu based distribution which aims to provide a repository of all the latest software for the KDE desktop environment as it is released.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment KDE Plasma
Purpose General desktop operating system focusing on KDE and its applications
Download Link https://neon.kde.org
Based On Ubuntu
Slackware
Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions available and you will need considerable Linux knowledge in order to use it as it uses an old school approach to package manager and getting things working.
Level Of Expertise Required High
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE, XFCE, + many more
Purpose Multi purpose desktop operating system
Download Link http://www.slackware.com
Based On N/A
Android x86
It is Android (you know, the one that is on your phone and tablet) but on your laptop or desktop computer.
Easy to install but can be a nuisance to navigate and the applications are a little bit hit and miss.
Run it in a virtual machine or on a spare computer. Not a mainstream desktop operating system.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment Android
Purpose It is Android, play games and watch videos
Download Link http://www.android-x86.org/download
Based On N/A
Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is a superb Linux distribution designed to run from a USB drive with a very small download and memory footprint.
Despite it's small size Puppy includes a whole host of applications.
Level Of Expertise Required Low Medium
Desktop Environment JWM
Purpose Lightweight operating system designed to be run from a USB drive.
Download Link http://puppylinux.org/
Based On N/A
Lubuntu
Lubuntu is a lightweight version of Ubuntu utilising the LXDE desktop environment. It comes with a full set of desktop applications but they aren't as fully featured as the ones you will find in the main Ubuntu operating system,
As Lubuntu provides access to the main Ubuntu repositories you can install any application that you really need to use.
Perfect for older computers and netbooks.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment LXDE
Purpose Lightweight Desktop Operating System for older hardware
Download Link http://lubuntu.net/tags/download
Based On Ubuntu
LXLE
LXLE is basically Lubuntu on steroids. Lubuntu is a lightweight version of the Ubuntu distribution utilising the LXDE desktop.
LXLE is a respin of Lubuntu with a more complete set of applications and tools included. The fact that LXLE is more popular than Lubuntu shows that the extras added do provide good value.
Easy to install and great for older computers and netbooks.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment LXDE
Purpose General Desktop Operating System for machines with low resources
Download Link http://www.lxle.net/download/
Based On Lubuntu
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Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular flavours of Linux and along with Mint is strongly recommended for Linux newbies, as it's extremely accessible.
At the time of writing we’re up to Ubuntu 17.04, just note that this is not an LTS (long term support) release. These guarantee five years of security and general maintenance updates, so you can carry on using your machine without the hassle of running a full upgrade every few months.
The current version of Ubuntu uses the Unity interface, which may be less familiar to Windows and macOS users. There are variations of Ubuntu which employ different environments such as Lubuntu, which uses the minimal LXDE desktop environment and a selection of fast, lightweight applications. This places far less strain on system resources than the graphic-intensive Unity.
You can get started with Ubuntu here
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment Unity
Purpose General desktop operating system
Download Link http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop
Based On Debian
Ubuntu MATE
Before Ubuntu started using the Unity desktop it utilised the GNOME 2 desktop which was a popular desktop environment which was both lightweight and customisable.
The MATE desktop environment provides a desktop very similar to the old GNOME 2 desktop although it utilises GNOME 3.
What you end up with is all the goodness of Ubuntu with a good performance and a highly customisable desktop environment.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment MATE
Purpose General Desktop Operating System, will work well on low powered computers
Download Link https://ubuntu-mate.org/vivid/
Based On Ubuntu
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Tails
Tails is a privacy-oriented Linux distro which has the aim of concealing your location and identity as much as possible. Even Edward Snowden used it.
The OS routes all its internet traffic through the anonymising Tor network, which is designed to prevent data from being intercepted and analysed. Underneath all the security measures, it’s based on Debian Linux and uses the Gnome desktop so the interface is still clear and user-friendly.
Tails isn’t for everyone, but this niche OS does give you some peace of mind if you’ve been fretting about all the worrying privacy-trampling legislation being passed these days.
You can get started with Tails here
PCLinuxOS
It is unbelievable that this distribution is so low in the rankings. As easy to install and use as Ubuntu or Mint and has a great set of repositories and a good community.
This would be my true alternative to using Ubuntu or Mint. What is more is that it is a rolling distribution meaning that once it is installed you never need to upgrade as it is always up to date.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment KDE, GNOME, LXDE, MATE
Purpose General purpose desktop operating system
Download Link http://www.pclinuxos.com/get-pclinuxos/
Based On N/A
Mageia
Mageia rose from the flames of the Mandriva project when it briefly ceased to exist.
A general purpose distribution similar to openSUSE and Fedora with a good range of software and a simple to use installer.
There are a few quirks but nothing insurmountable.
Level Of Expertise Required Low / Medium
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE (+ others)
Purpose General desktop operating system, experiments with new concepts
Download Link https://www.mageia.org/en/downloads/
Based On N/A
Linux Lite
Linux Lite is another Ubuntu based operating system designed to be lightweight. It is easy to install and comes with a full suite of applications.
It isn't an official Ubuntu spin off but it has been going for a number of years now and it is definitely worth checking out.
As it is based on Ubuntu it is easy to install and use.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment XFCE
Purpose Lightweight Desktop Operating System
Download Link https://www.linuxliteos.com/download.html
Based On Ubuntu
Solus
Solus is a fairly new distribution which focuses on providing quality over quantity. Whilst this makes a great distribution on the surface certain key applications aren't available.
As the distribution evolves it could become a major player but for now I would doubt the average person could use it as their only operating system
Level Of Expertise Required Medium
Desktop Environment Budgie
Purpose General purpose desktop operating system focusing on quality
Download Link https://solus-project.com/
Based On N/A
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CentOS 7
CentOS 7 is a community offshoot of the Enterprise version of Red Hat Linux, and its focus is on stability rather than constant updates. Like Red Hat, security and maintenance updates for CentOS are pushed out up to 10 years from the initial release of each version.
The idea is to make CentOS super-reliable. For that reason, it’s a great choice for a server, if not quite so hot for someone looking for a new OS for daily use on their desktop PC or laptop.
On the plus side, you can enjoy the pleasure of having something for nothing – packages compiled for the commercial version of Red Hat Linux are fully compatible with CentOS, so you can use them free of charge.
You can get started with CentOS here
Level Of Expertise Required Low / Medium
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE (+ others)
Purpose General desktop operating system
Download Link https://www.centos.org/download/
Based On Red Hat
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Ubuntu Studio
If you want a home music recording studio or a video production workstation without spending the thousands of pounds involved with industry standard software, consider installing Ubuntu Studio.
This officially recognised flavour of Ubuntu Linux has been designed for audio and video production, as an alternative to paid software such as Pro Tools. Support for audio plug-ins and MIDI input is built in and a virtual patch bay comes preinstalled.
Ubuntu Studio’s repositories have access to the packages in the main Ubuntu OS as well as a few digital audio sequencers. Its main strength is in audio recording through tools like the JACK Audio Connection Kit.
You can get started with Ubuntu Studio here
openSUSE
Previously known as SUSE Linux and subsequently SuSE Linux Professional, openSUSE is aimed at developers and system administrators. For that reason, it’s extremely stringent on security protocols.
It’s so exact, for instance, that to carry out virtually any task in openSUSE, you’ll need to enter a root password. At the same time, however, openSUSE brings with it a KDE and a GNOME desktop, covering everyone’s login needs.
One of the more polished Linux distros around, openSUSE is consistently ranked in the top five distros on DistroWatch.com. What’s more the openSUSE Project’s website offers the ability for users to choose which packages, a la carte, are included in their openSUSE install.
Level Of Expertise Required Low / Medium
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE (+ others)
Purpose General desktop operating system
Download Link https://software.opensuse.org/developer/en?release=developer
Based On N/A
Debian
Debian is one of the oldest Linux distributions and is the base for many of the other distributions that exist including Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
It is a community distribution and only ships with free software and free drivers. The Debian repositories have thousands of applications and there versions available for a large number of hardware devices.
It isn't the easiest to install and there are various steps you need to go through post installation to get all of your hardware working.
Level Of Expertise Required Medium
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE, XFCE. LXDE (+ others)
Purpose Community distribution which can be used as a server, general desktop operating system, base for other distribution. Truly multipurpose
Download Link https://www.debian.org/distrib/
Based On N/A
Manjaro
Manjaro provides an easier method to install and use an Arch based distribution. Arch is a forward thinking rolling distribution which many expert users swear by.
Unfortunately Arch is somewhat less forgiving on new users and a level of expertise and a willingness to learn and read is required to get up and running.
Manjaro bridges the gap by providing an operating system that intermediate users can use to get a taste of Arch without the hassle. Fairly lightweight which means it will work well on older hardware and machines with low resources.
Level Of Expertise Required Medium
Desktop Environment Cinnamon, Enlightenment, XFCE, GNOME (+ others)
Purpose General Desktop Operating System
Download Link http://sourceforge.net/projects/manjarolinux/
Based On Arch
Fedora
Fedora is a community distribution based on Red Hat.
Designed to be cutting edge, Fedora always comes with up to date software and drivers and was one of the first distributions to introduce both Wayland and SystemD.
Straight forward to install and comes with a good range of software. Can be temperamental due to the fact that it is so cutting edge and not all packages are stable.
Level Of Expertise Required Low / Medium
Desktop Environment GNOME, KDE (+ others)
Purpose General desktop operating system, experiments with new concepts
Download Link https://getfedora.org/en/workstation/download/
Based On Red Hat
Zorin OS
Zorin is based on Ubuntu and has been designed to look and feel like other operating systems such as Windows 7 and OSX. (The user chooses the theme to make it look like one thing or another).
It has a complete set of desktop applications such as office suite, graphics application, audio player, video player etc.
Zorin also has a lot of visual effects.
Level Of Expertise Required Low
Desktop Environment GNOME, LXDE
Purpose General Purpose Desktop Operating system designed to make users of other operating systems feel at home. Includes a lite version for older hardware
Download Link http://zorinos.com/download.html
Based On Ubuntu
Deepin
Deepin heralds from China and is based on Debian. It has its own desktop environment based on QT5 and includes its own software manager, audio player and other tools.
Level Of Expertise Required Low / Medium
Desktop Environment Deepin (based on QT5)
Purpose General desktop operating system
Download Link http://www.deepin.org/en
Based On Debian