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Linux is on the rise. I consider the recognition of the open-source working system will proceed to extend. Though Linux did not attain the ten% mark as I had anticipated by the tip of the 12 months, all indicators level to regular progress that would result in a major change in 2026.
Due to the recognition of Linux, I assumed I might create a listing of my all-time prime 11 distributions that I’ve used over time. A few of these distros are not with us, whereas a few of them are nonetheless thriving.
Are you able to take a journey with me? Let’s go.
1. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS has been my go-to Linux distribution for a while now. A part of the explanation for that’s that I have been utilizing System76 computer systems for the previous decade and have discovered Pop!_OS to run extraordinarily nicely on them. In spite of everything, System76 does ship these machines with Pop!_OS because the default working system. The efficiency of Pop!_OS and the System76 {hardware} is actually one thing to behold.
Of all of the Linux distributions I’ve used, Pop!_OS has been essentially the most environment friendly, whereas additionally being a gorgeous desktop working system. In fact, System76 is about to unleash the COSMIC desktop model of Pop!_OS, which I consider will elevate the working system to even greater ranges of efficiency and ease of use.
In order for you a do-all Linux distribution, you can not go improper with Pop!_OS. One issue to remember, nonetheless, is that you just aren’t going to revive outdated machines with Pop!_OS, so you will need a system with loads of sources.
2. Ubuntu Budgie
If I needed to migrate away from Pop!_OS, the one distribution that may be first on my record can be Ubuntu Budgie. This distribution does borrow a few of GNOME’s underpinnings, however there isn’t any mistaking that this distribution stands by itself. Ubuntu Budgie is attractive. And though the builders have created a beautiful structure that ought to please anybody, Budgie additionally occurs to be extremely configurable.
You may just about make this desktop feel and appear precisely the way you need. I usually think about migrating from Pop!_OS to Ubuntu Budgie. The one cause holding me again is how nicely Pop!_OS performs on the System76 {hardware}; in any other case, you’ll be able to guess I might be operating Ubuntu Budgie.
3. Rhino Linux
If there may be one distribution that would beat Ubuntu Budgie within the seems division, it is Rhino Linux. Early on, Rhino used the Xfce desktop to attain this lovely look, however the builders not too long ago introduced they might be including new spins, which can more than likely see all of them wanting nearly as good because the default.
Rhino Linux additionally occurs to be a rolling launch distribution, which suggests it should at all times have the newest best software program. It is not only a fairly face. With this Linux distribution, you get a number of package deal managers, so you can’t solely get pleasure from tons of obtainable software program, however you can too set up it together with your favourite instruments.
4. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux holds a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of its Moksha desktop relies on considered one of my favourite desktop environments, Enlightenment. Bohdi Linux can also be quick and light-weight, making it an important choice for reviving outdated {hardware}.
Two of my favourite components of the Bodhi Linux desktop are the desktop menu (which will be accessed from anyplace on the desktop) and the power to shade home windows. After which there are the themes… so many themes. You may mess around with the feel and appear of Bodhi till it’s precisely the way in which you need it. Bodhi Linux relies on Ubuntu, so you realize it is dependable.
One factor I’ll say about Bodhi Linux which may give some customers pause is that it is not one of the best distribution for many who are new to Linux as a result of the desktop does take some getting used to.
5. elementaryOS
elementaryOS is one other distribution that holds a particular place in my overstuffed coronary heart. elementaryOS was my default for about 5 years, and it was a beautiful distribution, by and thru. This Linux distribution seems lovely from each angle. It doesn’t matter what you do or open, you know you are utilizing elementaryOS. elementaryOS additionally takes your privateness severely, with the assistance of a function known as Safe Session.
In case you ever wished a Linux distribution that appears and looks like MacOS, elementaryOS is what you need. The builders have gone to nice lengths to make sure that each side of the OS maintains a constant feel and appear. I might additionally go as far as to say that elementaryOS is without doubt one of the greatest distributions for brand spanking new Linux customers.
6. Ubuntu
It is a uncommon event that you will see a better of Linux record that does not embrace Ubuntu. Anybody seeking to hop off the Home windows 10 practice can be good to contemplate Ubuntu, particularly given its prolonged help. Ubuntu is such Linux distribution that just about each distro I’ve used over time has been primarily based on it. That is a persuasive promoting level.
Ubuntu is not simply straightforward to make use of; it additionally has nice {hardware} help. In case you are serious about migrating from Home windows 10 to Ubuntu, I might counsel you strive dual-booting with Ubuntu first. In case you like what you see, then ultimately you’ll be able to scrap Home windows 10. Ubuntu is quick, dependable, and has supplied a constant desktop UI for a very long time.
7. Fedora
Fedora is that Linux distribution that I beloved to hate or hated to like. Previous to the distribution lastly discovering its footing (round model 40), Fedora was doggedly sluggish. When v40 hit, Fedora proved that it may carry out alongside one of the best distributions. Abruptly, Fedora was quick, quicker than any Linux distribution I might used (that wasn’t a light-weight providing).
Fedora defaults to GNOME, however there are spins for a number of completely different desktop environments you’ll be able to strive. Considered one of my favourite spins is Fedora KDE, which is gorgeous whereas nonetheless performing like a champ.
8. Ubuntu Server
If I am deploying a server, you’ll be able to guess that the primary distribution I will use is Ubuntu Server. Although Ubuntu Server does not have a GUI, it is nonetheless one of many best server working methods you’ll be able to set up. Ubuntu Server can also be very straightforward to handle, rock stable, and safe.
Out of all of the server distributions in the marketplace, Ubuntu Server vastly simplifies the software program set up course of with each apt and snap. If the software program you need is not present in the usual apt repository, you’ll be able to simply add extra repositories to increase the number of obtainable apps.
9. ZorinOS
ZorinOS is strictly what a desktop working system must be. It is also a type of distributions that I’ll at all times advocate for brand spanking new customers (and people migrating from Home windows) since you get to decide on the desktop structure as quickly as you log in. Select from a Home windows-esque structure, a GNOME-like desktop, and others. You may even buy the Professional version, which incorporates 10 whole layouts (considered one of which resembles MacOS).
Again in 2023, I proclaimed that ZorinOS was one of the best distribution of the 12 months. In order for you an working system that’s easy to make use of, lovely, and means that you can simply swap between layouts, ZorinOS is the one for you.
10. Mandrake Linux
This is without doubt one of the two distributions on the record that not exists. Mandrake Linux was a particular distribution as a result of it was one of many first that centered on being user-friendly. Though Mandrake went the way in which of the dinosaurs, it lives on in distributions like Open Mandriva.
I will confess that Mandrake Linux is on the record as a result of I keep in mind partying with the event group at my first-ever Linux convention. That group not solely knew how you can have enjoyable, however additionally they knew that the way forward for Linux was listening to the customers and taking their wants and issues very severely.
Mandrake Linux was one of many many the reason why I continued utilizing Linux and have been utilizing it for practically 30 years. So, to anybody who labored on that great distribution, I tip my metaphorical hat to you.
11. Caldera OpenLinux
Like Mandrake Linux, Caldera OpenLinux is not with us. The explanation I included this distribution on the record is that it was the very first Linux distribution I ever used (model 1.0, to be precise). Had it not been for a finicky modem, I in all probability would have caught with Caldera, however that was not the case. Even so, I can not have this record with out together with my first. It is like a primary kiss, a primary residence run, a primary accomplished marathon, the primary ebook you end writing, or the primary time you full a Zelda recreation – it is simply particular.
Caldera OpenLinux will at all times maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. It does not matter how good or dangerous the distribution was; it solely mattered that it existed and helped me make the everlasting leap from Home windows.
