Know the list of 11 popular Linux distributions
What are Linux distributions? Do you know what are the best Linux distributions?
Suppose you are looking for a professional operating system. In that case, you should know that Linux is the most popular and compatible open-source operating system for developers, which has several superior features compared to other operating systems in terms of security, flexibility, and scalability.
In this article, we will review the best Linux distribution and tell the difference between different versions of Linux. We will also answer your questions, such as which version of Ubuntu is better or whether Fedora is better than Ubuntu or not.
To find out which version of Linux is better, it is necessary to learn more about the different versions of Linux and then choose the best Linux operating system from among the Linux distributions.
An Overview of the History of Linux Versions
Linux is not a complete operating system package. The real concept of Linux is that Linux is just an operating system kernel. This kernel was produced in 1991 by Linus Torvalds.
Before Linus Torvalds created the Linux kernel, many programmers had developed applications managed by the kernel but failed to produce a coherent kernel. Kernel to end up in a coherent operating system. Until Linus Torvalds created a kernel, which he named Linux.
Due to its open-source nature, the Linux operating system has led to the creation of different versions of Linux such as Debian or Ubuntu. Each of these Linux distributions is developed by different companies. In this article, we will compare Linux distributions and discuss which Linux is better, and we will also mention the difference between different versions of Linux.
What is a Linux distribution?
You may be wondering what Linux distributions are and how to use them.
In fact, a Linux distribution is an operating system made of software based on the Linux kernel, and Linux users can obtain Linux distributions from various sources.
What is the difference between different types of Linux distributions?
There are different Linux distributions in the world. Many of them have their philosophies, and some, such as Fedora, do not allow coded software (other than Open Source – read more about open source in the What is open source article) to be installed at the system level. In contrast, some Other Linux distributions like Mint have support for coded software to make things easier for users. Many of them use Packet Manager, configuration programs, and other software to make the configuration very quick.
Some distributions are not supported for a long time. Distributions like Ubuntu LTS or RedHat are designed as stable distributions that are supported for several years with security updates and bug fixes. Some Linux distributions are intended for desktop computers, others for servers without a graphical interface, and others for specific uses such as home PCs. The comparison of Linux distributions does not end here, and regarding the difference between Linux versions, you should see what kind of use you are looking for in Linux distributions.
Introduction of various Linux distributions
Linux was an operating system in that different people or companies compiled a set of apps along with the kernel and used it as a package. This process continued until the three big companies started producing very coherent packages along with providing great support.
- RedHat
- Debian
- Slackware
After these three major companies produced their packages, all Linux distributions that were produced became a subset of the three main distributions.
Now, if you intend to install Linux as your operating system, you should select and install one of the available Linux operating systems based on your needs. You can also use Linux From Scratch to compile and generate a new Linux distribution.
In the following, we will introduce you to the top 10 Linux distributions + 3 attractive Linux distributions and tell you what the best Linux distribution is.
1- ArchLinux is one of the best Linux operating systems
Suitable for: programmers and developers
In the list of Linux distributions, ArchLinux is one of the light and flexible distributions you will face in a user environment.
Following an open-source model, this distribution offers the latest stable versions of most software. One of the features of this distribution is its user-centeredness, versatility, and simplicity.
2- Debian – one of the best popular Linux distributions for beginners
Suitable for: beginners
Debian is very popular like all Linux distributions,; some people even consider it the best. Various Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, PureOS, SteamOS, etc., choose Debian as a base for their software.
Debian is an operating system comprising free, open-source software and is among the list of Linux distributions approved by the Free Software Foundation. The Debian project has produced software since 1993 and continues providing new versions.
But Debian, in general, is known for moving slowly and steadily. Its update speed is lower than operating systems such as Ubuntu and Mint. This makes Debian Stable, which is excellent for some plans.
Ubuntu was created based on Debian to create a more stable platform and faster updates and optimizations. Software packaging happens together in a user-friendly environment, which offers faster updates.
Features of Debian Linux distribution as the best Linux distribution:
Strong hardware support;
It runs software well;
Security support of different versions by Linux developers;
There is a lot of free and open-source software for this version of Linux;
3- Fedora – one of the most powerful Linux distributions
Suitable for: software developers, educators
Fedora’s Linux distribution, like many Linux distributions, creates an ideal platform for your hardware and cloud space and allows developers to build solutions tailored to their users. Fedora has a user-friendly interface that you can efficiently work with.
In fact, Fedora is a project focusing on free software. You cannot find a simple solution to install graphics drivers on it. Although unofficial repositories are available and provide this possibility, it is still not as simple as other Linux distributions.
Fedora is a bleeding-edge operating system and includes the latest software version. Because of this, it was mentioned in the postmortem that the latest updates that are put into Fedora are tested in the real environment. If the test is successful, it will be installed on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Unlike Ubuntu, Fedora has not developed its own user interface. Instead, the Fedora project uses upstream software. This user interface has provided a platform that has all the upstream items together without adding special tools to it. By default, Fedora uses the GNOME 3 user interface.
Fedora is supported by Red Hat and is a foundation of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux project. As we said before, Fedora is a bleeding-edge operating system and no version of it will be supported for long. The Red Hat company itself suggests using Enterprise editions, namely Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
4- Linux Mint distribution
Suitable for: professionals, developers, educators
Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions that is both free and open source. Mint is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, which uses the same Ubuntu repositories and is considered one of the best Linux versions for home users.
Based on Debian and Ubuntu, Linux Mint offers about 30,000 packages and is one of the best operating systems. Therefore, similar software packages are available for both. In general, mint is a side distribution, which has a lot of focus on media codecs that Ubuntu does not include in its distributions by default. One of the lightest Linux distributions is Linux Mint.
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This Linux distribution already has its own identity. You can’t find the Unity UI that is in Ubuntu. Instead, you can use Cinnamon or MATE user interfaces in it. Mint has a slower update routine. Mint does not support the automatic installation of essential updates. This has caused some Ubuntu developers to call this distribution insecure.
5- Manjaro Linux distribution for beginners
Suitable for: beginners
The Manjaro Linux distribution provides you with all the benefits of advanced software for quick startup and automated tools to minimize manual configuration among all Linux operating systems. This version is one of the best Linux versions for home users.
6- openSUSE Linux distribution from beginner to advanced
Suitable for: beginners and advanced users
openSUSE, formerly known as SUSE Linux, is one of the simplest Linux distributions. The purpose of this distribution is to create open source and usable tools for software developers and system administrators.
7- SparkyLinux professional distribution
Suitable for: professional users
SparkyLinux is one of the special Linux distributions created with the support of Debian.
This distribution, like all Linux distributions, is fast and light and has a high ability to process data.
In all types of Linux distributions, this distribution has a desktop environment that even ordinary users can use.
8- Tails Linux security distribution
Good for: Security and privacy
Easily bypass censorship and spying with the Tails Linux distribution. This distribution uses the Tor network to protect your privacy online. In addition, Tails includes a set of programs for working on sensitive documents and communicating securely.
9- Ubuntu is the most well-known Linux distribution
Suitable for: developers, professionals, educators
What is Ubuntu? It is one of the most popular and best Linux distributions that has open-source features. All the necessary programs such as the Office suite, browsers, email and media programs, etc. are also present in this distribution.
Ubuntu is probably the most well-known Linux distribution in the world. This operating system is based on Debian. But it has its own software repositories and does not use Debian repositories. Many of the software in it are being synced with Debian Repository software. The thing that is noteworthy about it is that it has the most complete repository among all Linux distributions.
The Ubuntu project has focused on producing solid desktop and server versions so that its users have an acceptable user experience of this operating system. As a result, it has no fear of producing new and completely customized technologies to increase the sense of better user experience.
Ubuntu used to use the GNOME 2 user interface, but now it uses its own user interface called Unity. It is the only company that uses its own graphical server called Mir, while the rest of the Linux distributions use Wayland.
The operating system has always been updated. He has promised to release a new version once every 6 months. Every 2 years, it offers a version with long-term support. As of this writing, the 16 LTS version is also available.
10- Introduction of Zorin distribution
Suitable for: beginners, professionals
Zorin Linux distribution is a very powerful distribution designed to make things faster, safer and easier for you to use your computer.
The other three distributions include Nix, Kanotix, and BackBox, each of which has its own features.
11- CentOS / Red Hat Enterprise Linux
“Red Hat Enterprise Linux” is a large Linux operating system project designed for both desktop and server purposes. Its server version is used to serve Linux web hosting services. Here, we should mention that today in the country, this service is provided in two forms, foreign and Iranian Linux hosts.
. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is based on the Fedora project. With the difference that its platform is designed to be completely stable and with long-term support. Its main difference with Fedora is that it has placed Fedora as its test version. Apart from testing, it does software troubleshooting in its labs in Fedora and in the real environment.
At one time Red Hat Enterprise Linux was offered for free, but since the company decided to put a paid license on it, the CentOS project started to work. Due to the fact that Red Hat followed the GPL software license, they had to offer Red Hat Enterprise Linux as open source.
Therefore, CentOS prepares a copy of it and makes it available to everyone without a paid license! In fact, CentOS is a free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Currently, these two companies have started to cooperate and CentOS has become part of Red Hat.
What is the best Linux distribution?
Keep in mind that there is no such thing as the best Linux distribution. Because each Linux distribution is created for a specific purpose and you should choose CentOS, Debian or Ubuntu or many other versions of Linux based on your needs.
In general, each Linux distribution has been created with a specific purpose and a specific target market. If you intend to install one of the Linux distros, you can take a look at the various Linux distributions mentioned above.