10 best Linux OS distributions to suit your needs – Linux is an open source operating system that is very popular and this can be an alternative to the Windows operating system which is guaranteed to be more secure, free from annoying viruses and of course free for you to use than you are using a pirated Windows operating system. Apart from that, linux is also a very popular operating system for running servers. And mostly hosting server built on linux.
Linux OS does offer many choices, when you want to use linux for the first time, maybe you will feel confused about which Linux distro to use, because there are so many linux distros that you can find. Therefore in this article I will provide a guide to help you choose the best Linux distro that fits your needs. Some distros perform better at one task type, some are versatile, and so on. So, let’s get started and find the one that works best for you.
Read: A complete explanation of Linux distributions, and what’s the difference?
Best Linux Distro As Needed
In this discussion I will not list the best linux distros according to the number of users or popularity, but will provide a list of the best linux distributions according to your needs, so when you want to use linux and know your purpose for using linux then you can choose the wrong one. one linux distro below.
1. Best Linux distributions for PCs and laptops: Ubuntu
Ubuntu Canonical’s is a linux distro that has been very popular among Linux users. Ubuntu is built on the Debian architecture, and Ubuntu has managed to balance stability and new features like no other distro in it. That’s why ubuntu is a linux distro that is unmatched in popularity. If you are running a computer with limited hardware capabilities, you should try an Ubuntu flavor such as Ubuntu MATE, Xubuntu, or Lubuntu.
For users who want to install the Ubuntu OS on PCs and laptops, Ubuntu runs the perfect GNOME desktop. With the introduction of Snaps, installing applications has become even more convenient. It also has a growing community of users and a very active forum where you can find answers to any problem. Overall, Ubuntu is a pretty capable Linux distro that lets you multitask and get your work done efficiently.
Why choose Ubuntu for a powerful PC?
- Lots of software available
- Broad community and supportive forums
- User-friendly and poweful
- Supports many popular applications
Read: Complete Guide: How to Install Linux Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Desktop
2. Best distro for beginners: Linux Mint
Linux Mint is one of the fastest growing Linux distributions. And this mint linux continues to challenge Ubuntu to be the most popular. Additionally, Linux Mint has established itself as the perfect replacement OS for the Windows operating system with a near flawless desktop experience. Another reason why I call it the best Linux distro for new users is its ability to provide users with an unusual experience. This means you don’t have to spend a lot of time installing distros and packages before you can get some real work done.
Why is Mint best for beginners?
- Easy-to-use Cinnamon desktop
- Big and supportive community
- Out-of-the-box user experience
- There is Access to the Ubuntu software repositories
3. Linux distro for servers: CentOS
Many linux distributions issue special operating systems for servers, but here I will provide the best linux distro for your server, namely CentOS. CentOS is also known to be very stable with good performance. Other factors that are important are hardware support, safety, power efficiency and optimized performance. There are many free and paid options for such a scenario.
RHEL enjoys the same position in the corporate arena that Ubuntu enjoys in the Linux desktop world. CentOS is a way to get the benefits of RHEL without spending a single fee. In other words, CentOS is an RHEL supported community. Since the binaries are RHEL compatible and the repository has all the tried and tested software, you can use them as your system or server. It is also well known as a general-purpose operating system.
Why choose CentOS for servers?
- RHEL’s free version
- Popular rpm and yum package management
- Broad support in the technology industry
- Long Term Support
4. Best Linux distro for older hardware: Ubuntu MATE
For people who believe in the importance of internet security, seeing Windows XP running in government offices and banks is frustrating. However, there are many reliable and safe alternatives in the form of Linux distributions. When deciding on the best Linux distro for outdated hardware, feel free to use Ubuntu MATE. 17.10, because this version is the most important release of Ubuntu MATE and brings many new features.
The minimum hardware requirement for the Ubuntu MATE linux operating system is only 512MB. There are other lighter distributions like Puppy Linux and Bodhi Linux too, but Ubuntu MATE has the perfect balance in terms of performance and features over others.
Why choose Ubuntu MATE for older computers?
- Lots of layout options
- Active user community
- Perfect performance light balance
- Access the Ubuntu software repositories
5. Best Linux distro for ethical hacking: Kali Linux
The Kali Linux distro comes with hundreds of useful tools for vulnerability analysis, wireless attacks, web applications, exploitation tools, stress testing, forensic tools, etc. Based on the Debian Testing branch, most of the packages in the distro are imported from the Debian Repositories.
Apart from a full-featured desktop, Kali linux can also be installed on Raspberry Pi, Ordroid, Chromebook, BeagleBone, etc. It is also available for Android smartphones with Kali NetHunter. Apart from that, if you want to look for a linux distro for ethical hacking, then There are other popular options like Parrot OS, BlackArch Linux, etc.
Why install Kali for ethical hacking?
- Regular rolling release model
- There are many tried and tested ethical hacking tools
- Debian solid base
- Extensive learning resources
Read: 10 Best and Most Trusted SSL Certificate Services for Website Security
6. Linux distro for playing games: Steam OS
It can be admitted that not many gamers have switched to using Linux OS. This is because there are not many games available for the Linux platform. However, in recent years more and more game titles have been released for Linux. Out of the many linux distros, Steam OS is the top choice for most gamers.
Steam OS comes with additional Linux kernel tweaks to ensure that one gets better gaming performance compared to other distros. It also provides broad support for GPUs, gamepads, and other hardware.
It was made by Valve, the company behind the online game distribution platform Steam. This top distro for 2018 has been specially designed for playing the games available on the Steam Store. Filled with the GNOME desktop environment, Steam OS is also gaining popularity as the best gaming solution because of the Steam box.
Why play games on Steam OS?
- The OS is made focused on gaming, limited features for other tasks
- Attractive user interface
- Compatible with a wide variety of gaming hardware
- Huge game library on the Steam Store.
7. Linux distro for programming: Debian
Many Linux distributions are suitable for programmers according to their needs. They can install all the tools needed for programming, but Debian GNU / Linux is often recommended as the best option.
The Debian Test Branch has a large collection of reputable packages to be regularly tested, updated, and robust. This stability allows the programmer to focus solely on managing program development. However, keep in mind that Debian is only recommended for programmers who already have some experience working with Linux. If you are a beginner, you should use the Ubuntu LTS release or some other stable Linux distro.
Why choose Debian for programming?
- Rock-solid platform for development
- Has a large number of packages
- Popular .deb package management
8. The most beautiful Linux distro: Elementary OS
The most beautiful Linux distro I mean here is not a criterion that can judge the capabilities of an operating system in the true sense, but plays a major role whenever someone chooses a new distro. Thanks to the flexibility offered by the Linux ecosystem, developers can create exciting new distributions. The Ubuntu-based Elementary OS is the most beautiful Linux distro known for its unmatched performance.
An open source OS replacement for Windows and macOS, Elementary OS borrows some design elements from macOS. It also doesn’t feature many of the default Ubuntu applications, as Elementary OS aims to provide a lightweight user experience. With the GNOME-based Pantheon desktop environment, Elementary OS is deeply integrated with applications such as Plank, Epiphany, and Scratch. Overall, it can be used by experienced and novice users alike to perform everyday computing tasks.
Why choose Elementary OS display?
- Lightweight desktop
- Display like macOS
- Less application, smooth interface
9. Linux distro for children: Ubermix
Nowadays learning Linux and open source technology has become very important due to the increasing demand in the industry. Learning to get used to linux for kids is great, and there are some great Linux distros made especially for kids because they are easy to set up and use.
Ubermix is a Linux distribution suitable for kids. This free and custom built operating system also comes with touch screen support, which makes it a great choice for kids who like to explore things with their hands. It tries to be a great tool for students and teachers alike. Thanks to a 5-minute installation, 60 useful free pre-loaded apps, and a 20 second recovery process, Ubermix acts as a powerful distro for students and teachers alike.
Why choose Ubermix for kids?
- Store software and data in multiple partitions for security
- Fast installation and recovery
- Powerful distro for kids
- Touch screen support
10. Linux distro for privacy and anonymity: Taill
If you want to use your computer safely and in privacy while surfing or connecting to the internet without a trace, then the best Linux distro for that is Tail. The Tail Linux distro is a direct bootable operating system on almost any computer using a DVD or ISO via USB. This secure Linux distro based on Debian ensures that all Internet connections are forced to pass through the Tor network. With this, you end up leaving no traces on the computer. It also comes with many cryptographic tools which help you encrypt your e-mails, files and instant messages.
Why choose Tail for anonymity?
- Forces every connection via the Tor network
- Stores everything in RAM without a trace
- Also suitable for general use
- Built in encryption suite
And that’s a list of 10 very good and popular Linux distributions tailored to your needs, please try the list of linux distros above. Hopefully this is useful 🙂
