Unlike Windows and macOS, there is a world of Linux versions, known as distributions, for users to experience. However, those switching to Linux on the desktop usually become pointed in the direction of Ubuntu due to its popularity and big community.

That'south a fair suggestion since Ubuntu is frequently updated and supports a lot of hardware. Just when at that place are then many other Linux distros out there, users may be curious about what else might piece of work for them. Fortunately, there is a quick guide...

Ubuntu alternatives

Ubuntu is based on Debian Linux and uses the GNOME desktop surround. A desktop environment tin can brand or suspension the user experience, but there are other versions of Ubuntu with dissimilar environments, so you lot tin can pick one that'southward correct for you. Kubuntu uses KDE, Lubuntu uses LXQt, Ubuntu MATE uses the older Gnome 2 interface, and Xubuntu which uses Xfce. Ubuntu besides offers versions that are platonic for use in a server setting.

Nevertheless, at that place are other Ubuntu-based experiences bachelor, each offering a unique take on Linux...

Pop!_OS, elementary OS, and Zorin are closely related to Ubuntu and Debian. They differ through their pick of software, desktop environment, and overall theme. Some of these distros utilise proprietary or closed-source software, which some Linux enthusiasts experience is against the open up-source philosophy of the operating system.

Zorin and Pop!_OS are platonic for users interested in gaming or transitioning from Windows operating systems. This is due to their overall blueprint, hardware support, and born tools for emulation of apps typically used with the Microsoft operating arrangement.

elementary Bone features a striking pattern that many have likened to macOS. Information technology features a gorgeous dock and simply named apps like Web (for the browser) and Code (for the text editor), which helps strengthen that connection to Apple tree's OS. unproblematic as well packs its ain desktop surround known as Pantheon.

Something a fleck dissimilar

If you want to get away from Ubuntu entirely, in that location are a few more options that stand out:

The emergence of Manjaro has been a pleasant surprise in the Linux customs as it'south closely related to Arch, which is a haemorrhage-edge distro with tons of new features only tin can be cumbersome to use, especially for Linux newcomers. It has an easy-to-use interface and is bachelor with a wide variety of desktop environments including Xfce, KDE, and Gnome. Manjaro also offers a version for Arm systems like the Raspberry Pi, Odroid, and Pino products.

Fedora is the upstream source of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and has been around since 2003, gaining a ton of popularity over the years, including the creator of the Linux kernel, Linus Torvalds. Information technology's available with a wide selection of desktop environments and uses the RPM and DNF packet managers.

Users can easily install new and different repositories if they want other software, though you may not need that every bit Fedora comes with plenty of familiar software like Firefox and LibreOffice. Many say Fedora is as bleeding edge every bit Arch Linux, simply as stable and user friendly every bit Debian and Ubuntu. There are even Fedora distros designed for server employ Fedora Server and Fedora CoreOS.

Those seeking a bit more of a modular experience may be interested in openSUSE. Information technology's available with plenty of desktop environments including Gnome, KDE, Cinnamon, MATE, LXQt, and Xfce. Ameliorate yet, it'south pretty stable with all of them, which is uncommon.

openSUSE also has a defended customs, and the developers appoint with them regularly, seeking and taking feedback from their users. I of the best parts of openSUSE is YaST, which is a fantastic organisation control panel, providing access to basic and advanced settings. One more important detail: openSUSE tin too be installed as a server operating system which is super handy.

Solus is another pick for users seeking a user-friendly Linux experience. Its gorgeous Budgie desktop environs is sure to turn heads. Users take also experienced curt boot times and impressive stability with Solus, making information technology a worthwhile alternative to the established players. While this doesn't take many software packages, it offers full support for Snap and Flatpak packages, which amend app availability.

Niche distros

While most of the above distros are fit for everyday desktop computing, others meet more specific purposes. For example, those with home theatre PCs may want to cheque out LibreELEC, a purpose-built Linux distribution revolving around Kodi and consuming media. It supports x86 PCs, in addition to single-board computers similar the Raspberry Pi.

Linux can also serve as the base for several retro-gaming-oriented operating systems. Lakka and Batocera are two Linux distributions that plow your PC into a gaming panel.

Batocera can exist installed and booted up from a USB drive, which is pretty convenient. It supports all the recognized gaming systems including NES, SNES, Game Male child, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Sega Dreamcast, Playstation 1, Playstation ii, and Playstation 3, assuming your hardware can handle it.

Lakka incorporates LibreELEC and RetroArch and requires users to install it to their difficult drive to piece of work. It features support for a like set of retro systems.

Scientists and engineers may notice CAELinux appealing, as it features many tools to help with mathematical modeling, computer-aided design, prototyping, 3D printing, electronic PCB blueprint, and microcontroller programming. It can even be operated off an 8GB pen bulldoze for extra convenience.

Some users may want a distribution that'southward a bit more streamlined. Clear Linux is an Intel projection that'due south ideal for developers and researchers. Its speed and efficiency accept been noted by both Intel and AMD. Users have also pointed out that Clear Linux has a low memory footprint upon booting, and offers plenty of applications and tools for power users.

Barebones and Security

Some other distributions are known to be lightweight and help revive older machines.

For example, Puppy Linux works wonders on older hardware, fifty-fifty though it's roughly based on an older Ubuntu version. It's small at simply well-nigh 400 MB but supports a wide list of popular applications.

Looking for something even more barebones?

Consider Tiny Core Linux, which is available in three versions: Core, TinyCore, and CorePlus. Core weighs in at 16 MB, while TinyCore is 21. CorePlus is a whopping 163 MB. Each provides the barest of operating systems, as the Cadre version lacks a GUI, so you lot improve exist familiar with the command line. TinyCore and CorePlus land with more hardware support but little else. Y'all'll have to do all the extra legwork of installing and configuring the system yourself, which may appeal to some DIYers.

There are diverse Linux distros that are perfect for those concerned about security and privacy every bit well. Tails (which stands for "The Amnesiac Incognito Alive Arrangement") is the official pick for the Tor projection and is a well-recognized security-based distro. It can run from a DVD or USB, which ways nothing will be stored locally. All network activeness is routed through Tor, which conceals the user's location and activity. All of the applications included are besides hyper-focused on security and privacy.

Alternatively, in that location's Kali Linux, which specializes in security penetration. Its popularity skyrocketed thank you to the Telly Show Mr. Robot, merely information technology'southward a great distribution for those in digital forensics. It comes with over 600 tools to test a systems security including nmap (a port scanner), Wireshark (a packet analyzer), John the Ripper (a password cracker), Aircrack-ng (penetration-testing wireless LANs), Burp suite and OWASP ZAP (both web awarding security scanners). It can exist run from a USB or DVD, besides.

So now yous know, Linux means more than than simply Ubuntu. From server operations to reckoner-aided pattern, to lightweight Os'southward and fifty-fifty gaming, there are a whole bunch of distributions out there that may be perfect for your needs.