What is the best Linux Distro for me?
So you have finally decided to make the big move to Linux from Windows. At this point, you feel the hardest decision is now behind you and its smooth sailing from here. But then, you find out that there are over 600 different Linux distributions with 500 in ongoing development. You then find out that Linux is not even an operating system and is actually just referring to the kernel. Suddenly, you feel like you may have made the wrong decision to move away from your trusty old Windows operating system. Don’t worry. As people always say, “it’s always better to have choices, then no choices at all.”
Why are there so many operating systems out there?
Well lets start by discussing the Linux kernel. Someone once described the kernel to me like being the engine of a car. The engine is essential to a car just like a kernel. Just like an engine can’t drive on its own, a kernel needs the other tools like the desktop environment and shell in order to properly use the operating system.
Since the Linux kernel is free to use, people have taken it and developed their own spins and distributions in order to create the LInux that is right for them. So now the question is, which Linux is right for you?
Factors to consider when selecting the right distro for you
Obviously, with anything you choose to use in life, you need to make sure it makes sense for what you need it for. Here are some questions to consider when choosing your distro:
1. Are you using it for desktop or server use?
If for desktop use, you may not need to worry so much about release cycles or stability. Obviously for a server, you don’t want to maintain it constantly.
2. Is it compatible with your hardware?
Depending on the age and type of processor, a Linux distribution may not be compatible with your configuration. In addition to the chipset (x86, x86_64, ARM, and PowerPC), the age is important as older computers will be better with a lightweight environment like XFCE or LXDE. Higher resource environments would be KDE or Budgie. Although your device may not have full compatibility, Linux distributions have quickly been updating and ensuring they can handle all hardware out of the box.
3. What software do you plan to use it for?
Just like why some users choose Mac over Windows, it is important to take a step back and figure out what software you plan to use and if its in the distribution’s repositories. Even if the software you want isn’t in the distribution’s repository, it does not mean its the end of the world, but it will be more difficult for the beginner to figure out how to get it on their system. There are more and more mainstream applications being added by the distributions such as Slack, Telegram, and Steam.
4. How much do you want to configure your desktop environment?
Linux has always been known for being more configurable than its Windows and Mac counterparts, but there are definitely levels of configuration within the Linux world as well. Many of the newer environments are less configurable, but it definitely varies by distribution. As a rule of thumb, XFCE, LXDE, Cinnamon, MATE, and KDE tend to be highly configurable while Deepin, GNOME, and Pantheon are less configurable. You could really challenge yourself and try Arch Linux or Gentoo which do not ship with a desktop environment and you have to install it all on your own.
5. How much help do you think you will need?
Linux has always been known for their amazing and talented communities, and you will find a number of places where there will be people to help you whether on the internet, messaging applications, and IRC. This is also something worth looking into as certain distributions have much larger communities than others.
Don’t worry, you are not alone!
The question of which is the right Linux distro is for you has been a question for years, and the great thing is that there is definitely no right answer, and as I mentioned before, you have plenty to choose from. Fortunately, there are some great resources out there that people have created in order to help guide you in the right direction.
This is an excellent website which has hundreds of pages of information on each distribution, websites, reviews, newsletters, and recommendations. In addition, there are rankings which give you a feel for which distributions are popular at the moment.
A well put-together site that takes you through a “test” of 16 questions in order to help determine the right distribution for you.
A similar site to Distrochooser.de, but is more geared towards beginners and has a easier to view interface.
A desktop as a service site which provides over 10 pre-installed Linux distributions on your cloud computer. This allows you to properly test and take your time with a distribution, and if you don’t like it, you can re-install a new operating system in just minutes without ever having to worry about putting anything on your hardware.