Best Linux distros 2019: The finest open source operating systems around
Whether it’s for desktop, server or security, there’s bound to be a Linux distro for you
If you’ve spent much time in the world of computing and IT, you’re almost certainly familiar with Linux.
Linux is an umbrella term for a group of wildly popular and highly versatile operating systems that are known for being the tools of choice for developers and for their somewhat high barriers to entry. Despite not being the easiest to use, Linux operating systems as a whole are currently considered to be the third most popular desktop OS on the market, behind Windows and MacOS X.
The open source foundation on which the Linux kernel is built has proved massively popular among developers and engineers, who are able to mould the software to their liking. Given that code can be tweaked and shared with others, Linux represents more of an ongoing collaborative project than a piece of static proprietary software.
The sharing of this code often creates different versions of the software – known as distributions or ‘distros’ – which can vary in their accessibility. The beauty of the platform means you can create something more user-friendly with a graphical user interface, as is the case with Ubuntu, or highly specialised software that barely resembles a traditional operating system, such as Arch.
The key point is that regardless of the distro you use, it will still use the same fundamental Linux code structure and, given the sheer variety of distros, there’s bound to be something that will appeal to your needs – so long as the distro is still being updated.
Most distros are also incredibly lightweight and can be launched from a CD or USB using your computer’s BIOS, rather than having to uninstall your current OS. This means that you can safely test out the Linux distro at any time, before restarting your machine to revert back to your old OS.
That then raises the question of what Linux distro to choose. With so many to choose from, we’ve pulled together some of the more accomplished distros available today to help you decide which will suit your needs best.
Best desktop distros
Desktop PCs are where Linux first got started, and it’s here that it maintains the largest and most vibrant fanbase. If you’re looking to make a change from the two main desktop software providers, these are the best all-purpose distros.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is based upon the Ubuntu distribution, meaning it’s compatible with everything Ubuntu works with, including all the libraries and repositories used by the Linux distro. Zorin OS it’s an increasingly popular way of getting Linux on machines because it features a graphical installation process UI, making it easier for newbies to get up and running with the alternative OS.
Some have even compared it to the closest alternative to the Windows OS, that will come as a welcome relief to those a little nervous about jumping ship. And for those that love a bit of personalisation, Zorin OS also ships with a theme changer that allows you to change some of the colours and styles of icons and the desktop.
Elementary OS
Linux has a bit of a reputation for focusing on function over form, and having a basic, unattractive look. While this is undoubtedly true of some distros, some look downright gorgeous. Elementary OS is one such example, combining a macOS-style aesthetic with a chic minimalist approach.
The distro comes with a minimum of pre-installed apps, but also features its own storefront for downloading software. Some of these apps are paid-for, but many are offered for free, or on a pay-what-you-want system.
Arch Linux
No list of the best Linux distros would be complete without mentioning Arch, widely considered to be the distro of choice for Linux veterans. One of the reason it’s so popular, however, is that it’s very complex, requiring a large amount of technical know-how to properly set up and configure.
It also doesn’t give you much to work with. The Arch packages provide the bare bones of the operating system – there isn’t even a graphical desktop environment included with it. You can install any desktop you like over the top of it (along with all sorts of other groovy software and tools) but Arch itself is pared down to the bone.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is by far the best known Linux distro, and with good reason. Canonical, its creator, has put a lot of work into making Ubuntu feel as slick and polished as Windows or MacOS, and it’s one of the best-looking distros out there.
Ubuntu is compatible with a huge range of hardware and software, and Canonical makes sure it’s kept regularly updated. It’s the closest thing Linux has to a ‘mainstream’ distro, suitable for both personal and business use.
Mint
While Linux Mint is actually based on Ubuntu, there are some differences. For starters, Mint’s desktop environment is reminiscent of older Windows versions like Windows 7 and Windows XP, while Ubuntu is more Apple-esque.
There’s also the issue that while Ubuntu is backed by Canonical, Mint is entirely operated and maintained by the community, through individual volunteers, partner companies and corporate sponsors. This means that support for Mint may be slightly less reliable than with other distros.
Fedora
If you want to be at the absolute bleeding edge of Linux, then Fedora is the distro for you. New technologies are integrated into the software as soon as possible, resulting in some of the most innovative features of any distro. It even boasts Linus Torvalds – creator of the Linux kernel – as a user.
The downside of this is that support cycles are short – Fedora versions are only supported for one month after the launch of the next-but-one version, with around six months between version launches. The upgrading process is generally painless however, and doesn’t require full re-installation.
Best enterprise server distros
Desktop PCs might be where Linux is most popular, but its use in business servers is one of the main reasons that open source software still makes money. These are the best distros to put at the heart of your datacenter.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux – or RHEL, for short – is the company’s server-based operating system. While it’s offered to developers for free, Red Hat makes its money selling support services and subscriptions to companies that want to implement the software in production environments.
As Red Hat’s primary product, it’s kept regularly updated with new features and security patches. With recent releases in particular, the company has been ramping up support for cloud services, containers and automation.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
Much like RHEL, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is an open-source Linux distro that’s specifically targeting business and datacenter use-cases. As such, integration, compliance and interoperability are high on the list of priorities.
SUSE is also investing in software-defined networking and storage, as well as cloud tools like OpenStack. As with Red Hat, the software itself is free, while associated support contracts are charged.
Debian
Rather than corporate-run Linux distributions like RHEL and SLES, Debian is primarily operated by the Linux community. This makes it somewhat more flexible than its business-focused counterparts.
While it’s also available as a desktop OS, Debian can be used in servers and the fact that it’s supported by the community can often make the support structure more valuable, especially for small businesses or those without large IT needs.
Best lightweight distros
One of the best things about Linux is that it can run on even the oldest and most underpowered of systems. These distros are so light on resources that you could probably get them running on a toaster if you tried hard enough.
TinyCore
TinyCore is one of the smallest distros ever, with the recommended package clocking in at just 16MB. It’s pretty much what you’d expect – a barebones distro that includes the absolute minimum needed to get up and running. The recommended version includes a graphical interface, a window manager, and not much else.
By default, TinyCore operates like a thin client: it boots entirely into the system’s RAM (rather than installing to the hard drive) and while you can install applications, they only last for one session. If you want to enable persistent storage, however, that’s an option.
Puppy Linux
Designed for speed and ease-of-use, one of the main advantages of Puppy Linux is that it can make older computers feel like brand new machines. Its system requirements are incredibly low, meaning that it will run smoothly and quickly even on ancient hardware.
Be warned, though – the nature of Puppy Linux’s development means that there are even more different variants and offshoots than other distros, which can get confusing. Thankfully, it’s so lightweight that you can just jump to another version if you don’t like it.
Lubuntu
Like Tiny Core and Puppy Linux, Lubuntu is built to run quickly and easy on less powerful PCs. As the name suggests, it’s based on Ubuntu, which means that the user experience is a lot slicker than its rivals – although the tradeoff is that it’s not quite as efficient.
Another benefit is that it’s compatible with Ubuntu’s software packages, giving users access to a huge repository of applications that can be installed at will. These cover everything from basic office and productivity tools, all the way up to games.
Best security distros
The privacy and security community is one of the few groups within tech that are as rabidly passionate as the open source community. It makes sense, then, that the two areas would go hand in hand. Here are the best distros for hackers, pen-testers and the terminally paranoid.
Kali
Kali Linux has gained a reputation within the cyber security community for being the hacker’s OS of choice. Kali comes loaded with more than 300 tools for probing, scanning exploiting and attacking your targets, including password crackers, key-loggers and WiFi scanners.
Decidedly not beginner-friendly, the team behind Kali Linux runs online coaching on how to operate it effectively. It’s used by ethical hackers, penetration testers and black hats, and was even referenced in TV’s Mr. Robot, a show beloved within the security community for its realism and attention to detail.
Tails
Tails, AKA The Amnesiac Incognito Live System, is basically private browsing, but for your entire PC. Like Tiny Core, the OS loads into the RAM and doesn’t leave any evidence that it’s ever been there.
The rest of the OS is equally privacy-conscious – all internet traffic goes through the Tor network and all the applications have been carefully chosen to make sure they meet the highest standards of online anonymity.
TENS
Rather than hackers or privacy buffs, the TENS (or, ‘Trusted End Node Security’) distro was actually built by the US Air Force. Like Tails, it boots in ‘live’ mode and leaves no trace of its activities. It’s also got the stamp of approval from the NSA.
It’s featherweight, designed to run only as a live image from read-only media, and with no removable storage. This means that any malware or other infections are scrubbed between sessions, for extra security.
Special Thanks to Dale Walker for this post
Related Posts
The 9 Best Programming Languages To Learn In 2020
36 Amazing Python Open Source Projects (v.2019)
20 Best iOS App Development Tutorials and Online Learning Resources
The Best 15 Mobile Game Development Platforms & Tools in 2018
The Best Python Frameworks for Web Development
Top 10 Linux Operating Systems
5 Best Resources to Get Started with Android Nougat
Applying MediaCodec On An Open Source Android Audio Player