Best For: Professional creators and developers
Elementary OS is another good Linux distribution. Its user interface is clean and modern, which resembles the macOS user interface.
Linux Mint Cinnamon
One of the Linux distributions that “works” out of the box on “any” type of hardware. Linux Mint is fourth on this list. The above three distros (Fedora, Ubuntu LTS) may not work well on old hardware (PC or laptop) with low memory and old CPU. But Linux Mint is perfect for these use cases with its unique ability to adapt to all.
Also, with Linux Mint, you don’t need to install any additional applications after a fresh installation. It comes with all possible drivers and utilities for all use cases. For example, your printer, webcam, and Bluetooth would all work on Linux Mint.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu hardly needs an introduction. It is one of the most popular and widely used Linux distributions on which the above mentioned distributions and many more were based. Ubuntu is inspired by Debian and has a strong LTS release cycle, which means it receives features and updates at fixed time intervals.
One of the highlights of Ubuntu is its desktop which, by default, features the GNOME desktop environment, which is easy for beginners to use, intuitive and requires little effort to navigate.
1- Ubuntu
Ubuntu is probably one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world. This distribution system is based on Debian. But the source has its own software repositories and doesn’t use Debian’s. Many included software is synchronized with the Debian Repository software. The best thing about Ubuntu is that it has the complete repository of all distributions.
The Ubuntu project focuses on producing robust desktop and server versions for a good user experience of the operating system. As a result, it is not afraid to create new, fully customized technologies to enhance the user’s sense of experience. Ubuntu used to use the GNOME 2 user interface, but now uses their interface called Unity. Ubuntu is the only company that uses Mir’s GUI server, while other distributions use Wayland.
Additional distributions
- If low-end hardware specifications limit you, try the following lightweight Linux distributions: Lubuntu, EndeavourOS, and Linux Lite.
- Kali Linux Simplified Installation: A Debian-based rolling release distribution without penetration testing tools. It features timely security updates, support for the ARM architecture, a choice of four popular desktop environments, and continuous updates through rolling releases. Kali Linux is designed to meet the demands of professional penetration testing and security audits. Due to the nature of security audits, Kali Linux will be installed with a “single root user” by default. …Not recommended. Update: Kali Linux now defaults to a non-root installation. As such, I have moved this layout out of the bonus section as this setup has always been one of my favorites. Now Kali has just set up the default non-root installation process. Congratulations to them! If you are installing Kali for penetration testing, please visit their website. However, if you want an alternate install that will NOT install with a root login and (now by default) and will NOT install pen testing tools, try this custom no-root install for a Kali-managed Debian progressive release.
Notable Mention: Linux from Scratch – Not a distribution, but a challenging project that gives you step-by-step instructions for building your own custom Linux system, completely from source code.