Best and Most Popular Linux Distros – On this occasion we will discuss various kinds of Linux distributions. If you want to know more about what Linux distributions are, let’s look at the following discussion because Linux users are not only professionals in their fields, but also many new users who want to try.
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What is a Linux Distro?
Linux distribution is an operating system derived from the Linux kernel, equipped with additional components such as modules, applications, services, and other packages to support the creation of specific goals that have been determined in advance by the developers.
These Linux developers issue and also distribute the latest version of Linux to the public and the general public with the results of this development called Distro.
Linux presents a variety of distributions that have been developed and improvised for the entire community with each intended use based on an open source or free operating system, which is an advantage of Linux compared to Windows and macOS.
The number of distributions available in the community can help meet their respective needs and can be used through desktops, laptops, workstations, servers, editing, gaming, and many more commonly used distributions.
Best 21 Linux Distribution Software For Everyone in 2024
1. MX Linux – Midweight Simple Stable Desktop OS
MX Linux is a free Linux Distro that comes with antiX as well as Debian based MEPIS. This type of Linux distribution provides a charming and elegant operating system service, as well as efficiency in doing work.
Another advantage is that it can work with maximum specifications on old PCs, even though they are classified as middle class. MX Linux still provides easy configuration with very reliable performance.
Not only that, MX Linux is very easy to develop and use, even for beginners. Its users can download the MX Linux distro directly via USB. The MX Linux community is ready to help us when we have a problem or need advice.
2. Manjaro – enjoy the simplicity
Manjaro is an operating system derived from Arch Linux with a quality that is quite attractive and suitable if used as an alternative to MacOS or Windows.
Manjaro’s goal was to provide a more inclusive user experience that is available to everyone with hardware manufacturing designs built on Arch Linux.
Manjaro works with the 64-bit architecture found in KDE, XFCE, and Gnemo. On the other hand, the community manages and is maximizing 32-bit and the existing ARM architecture.
Overall, Manjaro uses the same base, but Manjaro provides a more unique interesting experience with the help of a desktop environment . Therefore, it is recommended that we can choose the right desktop according to taste.
3. Linux Mint: Home
Linux Mint is one of the distributions that has many fans from the Linux user community because it is famous for its ease and simplicity in accessing it.
This distribution offers three display offerings including MATE, Cinnamon, and also Xfce with stable, powerful features , and provides a new experience for its users.
There are various interesting features provided by Linux Mint, one of which is the user interface which is equipped with smooth transitions. Not only that, we can access communities who will be happy to help us in developing and running it.
We need to know that Linux Mint is a product of the Ubuntu coder mix. Have you ever used Ubuntu? If so, you will definitely be familiar with using Linux Mint.
4. Tiny Core Linux, Micro Core Linux, 12MB Linux GUI Desktop
Tiny Core is one of the best and lightest Distros for old computers so that users of old hardware can still have a chance to experience Linux Distros. The reason is, Tiny Core Linux has the capacity for hardware needs with 46 MB RAM and a Pentilium 2 CPU.
Surely we are wondering, how can this distribution require specifications that are quite small and are believed to have an operating system that is smaller than that of Windows with even the lightest operating system.
This distro only has a requirement of 15 MB which is almost the size of one low quality video clip. Not only that, the features and support provided by Linux are equally impressive and impressive.
The display that is presented is quite minimalist with several applications that are automatically downloaded with a faster boot process than other operating systems.
Please note that Tiny Core uses FLTK/FKWM as well as the BusyBox desktop which is set up by default . So even if we find there are many applications that have not been downloaded, we don’t need to worry because we can download them manually.
There are three variants of Tiny Core, including Core, Tiny Core, and also CorePlus. Core itself has the most basic system with a Command Line Interface ( CLI ) display with a size of 9 MB which is very suitable for older computers and experienced old users.
The Tiny Core version is intended for users who are experienced with the Graphical User Interface . However, for beginners there is no need to worry because this version is easy to understand.
While the last CorePlus is an image installation file and is not for distribution, therefore it is highly recommended for new users with WIFI access and not using the US keyboard layout .
5. Puppy Linux Home
Puppy Linux requires software capacity with 64 MB RAM and 333 MHz CPU. Therefore, this version is considered small enough so that the use of Ram becomes more efficient and performance becomes faster.
The USB used to run Puppy Linux is also composed of various kinds of personal data. As for the Quirky version 7.0.3. which has a smaller size than the latest version which is 176 MB.
This version takes advantage of the JVM as well as the OpenBOX Windows Manager which is set by default. This distribution is suitable for older computers, especially because it does not demand high graphics specifications, and is light when in use.
6. Sparky Linux
This distribution has minimum specifications, including 256 MB Ram, i486/amd64 CPU, and 5 GB of storage capacity. Linux is included in the third best Linux distribution because it is light when used. Sparky Linux is a branch of Debian development.
Not only old computers, Linux also targets modern computer users with two versions, namely a light version for users of old devices and a full version for users of modern devices.
The full version or full edition can be run directly along with some applications without the need to install them, but is not intended for use on older devices. While the light version or base edition does not have heavy applications and can be processed lightly.
7. Ubuntu: Enterprise Open Source and Linux
Ubuntu is one of the best Linux Destros intended for beginners who are still unfamiliar with Linux because the use and menu are different from those on Windows. Ubuntu is considered very popular and suitable for beginners who are learning to operate Linux.
As Ubuntu’s motto ‘ Linux for human beings ‘ contains the hopes of its developers that Linux can be universally useful without having to have special technical skills to operate it.
Read Also: How to install linux in VirtualBox
The installation process is quite easy, equipped with a guide from several languages and a simple display. Not only that, Ubuntu uses an interface called Unity that can help us be more productive.
As for some applications that are already in Ubuntu, so we don’t need to manually install them again, which is supported by many drivers . So, we no longer need to download one by one.
8. Linux Mint Cinnamon
If we previously explained about MX Linux, now we will discuss Linux Min which is one of the most popular Linux which has high consistency with an elegant appearance and reliable processing rate.
Linux Mint is a development product from the basic Ubuntu code that uses a repository , so that updates are made when the program has done several checks and is final. So that users can feel safe from disturbances that can occur at any time.
9. Zorin OS – Make your computer better.
This distro is also made from Ubuntu program code with the best possible appearance as an alternative to Windows. Zorin’s appearance is simpler compared to Windows.
The packet manager is a new Linux concept used by Zori with a complete and large number of pre- installed applications. Not only that, Zorin also provides a ‘Zorin look changer ‘ display with several complete customization options.
10. Steam OS
Steam OS is a distro designed specifically for games and is quite popular than others developed by Valve Crop – creator . Steam OS is specially designed so that users can operate several games at once in the Steam application.
This distribution has a number of variants including graphic cards, joysticks , or gamepads . We can do the installation manually if there is a problem with the software driver.
No need to worry, because this distribution is equipped with a user interface that has high flexibility, is compatible with any joystick , has a large collection of games, and supports various types of graphics cards . Although there are some drawbacks, namely the software must have high specifications.
11. Linux Console
Linux Console is a distro that is quite light when it comes to playing games and supports some interesting games .
Linux Console is a distribution with various advantages, one of which is suitable for children. This distribution also allows for data processing, design applications, emulators, and others. However, heavy games are not compatible with this distro, and Steam OS is recommended.
12. Batocera Linux
Batocera Linux is a distro that is suitable for playing retro games such as Atari, Super Nintendo, Dreamcast, such as GameBoy Advance. With this distro, we don’t need to partition the storage when downloading the operating system.
Only with USB, this distro will automatically boot to play games. As for some other advantages, namely supporting Nvidia graphics, no need to modify the hard disk , and also supports Raspberry and Odroids.
However, it needs to be considered because there is a drawback that it can only be used to play retro games.
13. CentOS
CentOS is one of the best distros for servers and is developed by the Linux community of enthusiasts and is derived from the paid-for Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS. CentOS supports repair and upgrade processes until 2024.
14. Fedora Server
Fedora Server is a distribution that comes from Red Hat development with the aim of helping us develop and manage servers that use Rolekit tools and are supported by PostgreSQL Database Server.
We need to know that this distribution is equipped with FreeIPA which helps us in managing important authentication, accessing information, and auditing in one central location.
15. Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu is known as a competitive server that develops a version of Ubuntu Server that is similar to Ubuntu Desktop with a Long Time Support version . This version will be supported for up to five years after its release and will help us deal with all kinds of server issues.
16. Kali Linux | Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Linux
Kali Linux is a Linux that has long been known for its hacking tools . Therefore, developers are constantly working on developing this Linux to help them in the hacking process which will be useful when doing forensics.
In using it, we can immediately operate it because hacking and forensic tools are already available very complete.
Kali Linux was developed by Offensive Security from the Debian distribution which has a rolling release model so that it supports every tool to always be up-to-date .
17. BackBox Linux
BackBox is Linux developed from Ubuntu which aims to test penetration and test the security of a system. There is a software repository with stable versions in various system versions and network analysis tools .
18. Parrot Security OS
This Linux destro is relatively new and is intended for users who want a penetration testing system in a comfortable and encrypted environment . Like Linux for hacking and other forensics, this distro is part of Debian.
19. Edubuntu
Edubuntu is one of the Linux distributions aimed at children in the educational version of Ubuntu that can be accessed for free and is the result of the collaboration of educators.
This version helps teach technology to children very easily both at school and at home. Because the operating system is very easy to learn, even though it is not widely known.
20. Sugar On A Stick- SOAS
Sugar is a Linux for kids developed from fedora and can be used as a desktop environment on a PC and downloaded easily and save on a USB.
With this distribution, we can teach children about this information technology which can support the teaching and learning process easily.
21. Debian Edu / Skolelinux Bullseye — a complete Linux solution
The last Linux distribution is Debian Edu or Skolelinux. Both are different operating systems, but both are equally devoted to children from Debian development. The goal is that teachers can educate students easily.