I remember the first time I tried out Linux. I must have been around 12 years old, around 2010. The first Linux distro I tried was Ubuntu; this was during the GNOME 2 days, and the interface looked a bit dated even then.
What was great about Ubuntu at that time—and much of this still holds true—was its ease of use and how lightweight it was. It could run perfectly fine on a Windows XP era computer.
I remember fondly the library of games it had like Mines (a Minesweeper clone), Solitaire, Chess, GNOME Sudoku, and Mahjongg. There were also a collection of other apps like OpenOffice and GIMP. It was fun to experiment with these games and apps for a while, but after some time, I got bored with them. That was about it for my Linux experience at that time.
A few years later, I decided to try out Ubuntu again. This was around the time GNOME 3 was released, and when Ubuntu decided to go their own way with their desktop environment called Unity. I didn’t like GNOME 3 and Unity at the time—but I must admit my opinion has changed in later years.
Now, after deciding that Ubuntu didn’t fit my needs, I began looking at alternatives. This is where I found Linux Mint—an Ubuntu-based distro. What I liked about Linux Mint was that it looked more traditional, especially for someone coming from Windows.
This list is not ordered in any particular way. These picks are my opinion, of course, and should not be taken as gospel, but instead as general recommendations based on what your needs are.
1. Debian - Best for security and stability
Image by Motor8 on Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Use cases:
- Servers
- Stable desktops
I have found Debian to be an excellent pick for desktops that need to be stable, like your work computer, for example. This is where I use Debian at the moment, although some of my colleagues might find Debian a bit boring ;)
Key Features:
- Stability: Debian is renowned for its rock-solid stability, making it an ideal choice for servers and critical systems.
- Security: With a strong focus on security, Debian provides regular security updates and a secure default configuration.
- Vast Package Repository: Debian´s repository contains a vast collection of software packages, ensuring you can find the tools you need.
By the way, I currently run GNOME on Debian, where a vanilla version of GNOME 3 is the default choice.
2. Arch Linux - Best for those who like to «live on the edge»
Image by VulcanSphere on Wikimedia Commons / GPL
Use cases:
- Home computer
- Development desktops and servers
I find using Arch Linux a lot of fun, and it is certainly the best pick for anyone who likes to try out the latest software and tinker and customize their system to the fullest.
Key Features:
- Rolling Release: Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, providing you with the latest software and updates as soon as they are available.
- Customization: With Arch, you have full control over your system, allowing you to build a personalized environment tailored to your needs.
- The Arch Wiki: The Arch Wiki is an extensive and well-documented resource, providing solutions to almost any issue you may encounter.
3. Ubuntu - A great general purpose operating system
Image by Esstro on Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Use cases:
- General purpose computers.
- Servers.
Ubuntu is a fantastic all-rounder. It has great support for most hardware, so if you experience some issues with getting drivers for your devices on Debian, this might be the pick for you. With its regular updates and vast community support, Ubuntu remains a solid choice for both newcomers and seasoned users.
Key Features:
- User-Friendly: Ubuntu is known for its ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- Community Support: With a large and active community, you can find help and support for any issue you may encounter.
- LTS Releases: Ubuntu´s Long Term Support (LTS) releases provide stability and security for up to five years.
4. Linux Mint - Great for those who like a more traditional look and feel.
Image by Clement Lefebvre on Wikimedia Commons / GPL
Use cases:
- Everyday use.
- Transitioning from Windows.
After my experience with Ubuntu’s Unity, I sought out a more traditional desktop experience, and Linux Mint seemed like the perfect fit. Mint is based on Ubuntu and provides a desktop environment called Cinnamon as the default, which offers a familiar interface for Windows users. The Cinnamon desktop environment provides a stable and customizable user experience. Whether you’re a newcomer to Linux or an experienced user, Linux Mint is a safe choice.
Key Features:
- Traditional Desktop: Linux Mint´s Cinnamon desktop provides a familiar and intuitive interface for users coming from Windows.
- Ease of Use: Mint is designed to be easy to use, with a focus on simplicity and a hassle-free user experience.
- Out-of-the-Box Experience: With multimedia codecs and proprietary drivers included, Mint provides a great out-of-the-box experience.
5. Raspbian - The best pick for embedded Linux.
Image by Raspbian Project on Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Use cases:
- Raspberry Pi projects
- IoT (Internet of Things)
For enthusiasts and developers working with Raspberry Pi and embedded systems, Raspbian seems like the obvious choice. Based on Debian, Raspbian is optimized for running on the Raspberry Pi’s hardware architecture. It is lightweight, efficient, and comes pre-loaded with educational tools and programming languages, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced users working on IoT projects.
Key Features:
- Raspberry Pi Optimization: Raspbian is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
- Educational Tools: With tools like Scratch and Python included, Raspbian is an excellent platform for learning programming and electronics.
- Community Support: The Raspberry Pi community is vast and active, providing ample resources and support for your projects.
Conclusion
My journey with Linux has been one of continuous learning and discovery. Each distro has its unique strengths and caters to different needs. Whether you´re looking for stability, cutting-edge technology, or a familiar interface, there´s a Linux distro out there for you. Have fun!