Linux is a universal gift that has shaped our modern life. In today’s world, we can’t think of a single moment without technology. Linux has brought the most significant and important changes in the world of modern technology. But Linux was not like the way now it is. It has come a long way through versatile crafting and drafting from an open source loving community.
Linux Distros are always customizable and resourceful, making a personalized desktop environment as per requirement. Thus we really can’t make a single list of Best Linux Distros. The Best and Popular list is totally subjective and depends on how a user wants to have a distro based on their working environment.
So what we are going to discuss here? It’s none other than a short, hand-picked, and task-oriented list of Best Linux Distros from each sector of users like developers, programmers, gamers, and an old machine, laptop, working station, etc.
An Ultimate List of Best Linux Distros
Let us begin with the list of task-oriented best Linux os that will help users pick the best one and have an idea about overall Linux distros.
1. Best Linux OS For Laptop: Ubuntu Mate
Ubuntu Mate is the best and lightweight ubuntu variations for the laptop, based on the Gnome 2 desktop environment. Its main motto is to offer a simple, elegant, user-friendly, and traditional-classic desktop environment for all sorts of users. Ubuntu MATE is a proud member of the Ubuntu distro family, and it’s all compatible with official Ubuntu software libraries and repositories.
Main Features
- Ubuntu MATE is perfectly fitted for all sorts of modern computers, old machines, and single-board computers.
- It makes modern laptops fast and old computers usable.
- Provides a complete set of desktop applications, including utility software, a complete office suite, backup managers, image management tools, play videos, etc.
- Good for newcomers because its interface looks like windows one.
- The MATE tweak tool helps to change the core interface easily as per needs.
System Requirement
Minimum
- Pentium M 1.0 gigahertz
- 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM
- 9 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
- Bootable DVD-ROM drive
- Keyboard and mouse (or other pointing devices)
- Video adapter and monitor with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
- Soundcard
- Speakers or headphones
Recommended
- Core 2 Duo 1.6 gigahertz
- 2 gigabytes (GB) RAM
- 16 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
- Bootable USB flash drive
- Keyboard and mouse (or other pointing devices)
- 3D capable video adapter and widescreen monitor with 1366 x 768 or higher resolution
- Soundcard
- Speakers or headphones
Recommended Read: Top 5 Best Linux For Laptop: Choose The Best Fitted One Now
Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Deepin, and much much more.
Minimum System Requirement
- 700 MHz processor
- 512 MiB RAM
- 5 GB of hard-drive space
- VGA capable of 1024×768 screen resolution
- Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
- Internet access is helpful.
Recommended Read: Most Stable Linux Distros: 5 versions of Linux We Recommend
Linux Mint is the #1 most popular and best user-friendly Ubuntu-based Linux distro available out there. Linux Mint is a similarly perfect fit for both newcomers and advanced users. The main motto of Linux Mint is “From freedom came elegance,” which provides a stable, powerful, easy to use, and completely out of the box experience.
Main Features
- Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based Linux distro so that it will be fully compatible with Ubuntu software repositories.
- Comes with a full-packed system including browser plugins, media codecs, support for DVD playback, Java, and other components.
- Linux Mint comes with different flavors per user’s needs, including Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE, MATE, and Xfce.
- Its installation process is super easy for any newbies to go ahead.
- If you like Mac OS, you must definitely go for the Linux Mint Cinnamon desktop environment, which is super stable and looks elegant.
Minimum System Requirement
- 512MB RAM (1GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
- 9GB of disk space (20GB recommended).
- Graphics card capable of 800×600 resolution (1024×768 recommended).
- DVD drive or USB port.
Recommended Read: Most Popular Linux Distro: Explore Top 5 and Get The Best One
Elementary OS has got the No 1 trophy of Best Looking Linux Distro. This OS has both the beauty and crafted Looks of Windows OS and Mac OS. Moreover, it is self-declared as “A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS” on the official website. Elementary OS is an Ubuntu LTS based open source OS that is powered by the Pantheon desktop environment.
Main Features
- Offers Clean and sharp, beautiful UI experience.
- Comes with vibrant wallpapers and crisp icons.
- Supports multi-desktop mode
- Very stable to use as it based on Ubuntu LTS
- Well documented and regularly updated
Recommended Read: Top 5 Best Looking Linux Distro We Recommend You To Use
Steam application and based on Debian. SteamOS is created, maintained, and designed by Valve. Although SteamOS has only Steam installed but anytime, you can activate “Desktop Mode” which lets you enjoy a full-fledged Linux desktop environment. Thus you can run any application besides games to complete your daily task.
As it is crafted keeping in mind of gaming experience; thus, it provides pre-installed software and drivers. You need not worry about anything to run the games smoothly. That’s why this distro is on our recommendation list as the best Linux distro for gaming. SteamOS is perfected fitted for Newcomers and gamers.
Facts and Features
- Intuitive User Interface.
- All the things are pre-installed and configured for running the games smoothly.
- Steam comes pre-packed out of the box.
- Supports high-end games and build on a strong performance.
- Except for Steam, which is proprietary, everything on SteamOS is free and open source.
- Outstanding support for all sorts of drivers and hardware like controllers, graphics cards, etc.
- Offers stable software repositories as it is based on Debian.
- SteamOS is not suitable for an older machine.
Minimum System Requirement
- Require NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD graphics card
- 250 GB HDD or more
- 4 GB RAM or more
- Intel or AMD 64-bit processor
Recommended Read: Best Linux Gaming Distros: 5 Shortlisted Recommendation
best and most secure Linux distros for your system.
Resource Link: 15 Most Secure Linux Distros for Privacy and Security Concern Users
9. Best Windows Alternative Linux Distro
It is an era of modern technology, and the time is really updated. So, why you stay on back? Windows is a good operating system, but some operating systems are waiting for you much better than Windows. Yes, we are talking about Windows alternative operating systems that are faster, more attractive, and more useful than Windows.
Here, we will write about ten different operating systems that can give you a feeling of innovation and enjoyment. Almost all of us are really tired of using the traditional operating system (Windows).
Resource Link: Top 10 Best Windows Alternative Open Source Operating System
10. Best Linux OS for Kids
Linux comes with a wide range of different distros. You can easily get confused to choose the best Linux distro for your children. Here I’m to help you get out of the confusion. Today, I’m going to share a genetic list of the 15 best Linux for kids. Choose wisely.
Resource Link: 15 Best Linux for Kids: Let Your Kids Learn Linux with Fun
Choice of End Users
Here I must mention that Choosing the best Linux distro or platform is totally subjective and differs from user to user based on how the works need to finish. There are thousands of Linux distros that allow the end-users to get the best one. I have just tried to make a shortlist of the Best Linux Distros, which is checked and tested personally. And I can assure you that you will give a trial to any of the above-listed distros and will not regret it at all.
Let us know if you like any Linux Distros from this list? Or which one did you use? Share your suggestions and feelings in the comment section below. Finally, if any friends of yours want to get some suggestions about which distro is good, please refer to this content to them. Share this article on social media with your friends and family. Thanks for your valuable time and patience.