MX Linux, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and OpenSUSE are a few of the most popular Linux distros available on the market. These distributions have remained popular due to their user-friendly interfaces and wide range of software support. While other distributions, such as Arch Linux and Debian, will continue to be popular among more experienced users, they do not offer the same convenience or ease of use as these four distributions provide.
As the Linux ecosystem continues to grow, there will likely be even more distributions that become popular in the coming years. However, it is unlikely that any of these new distributions will unseat the current leaders. This is because the user base for Linux is relatively small compared to other operating systems such as Windows and macOS. This means developers are less incentivized to create new distributions catering to a specific niche.
While the current crop of Linux distributions is more than adequate for most users, there is always room for improvement. For example, some users may prefer a more lightweight and efficient distribution. Others may want a distribution that offers more cutting-edge features. Whatever the case, there will surely be a Linux distribution that meets your needs.
Most Popular Linux Distros
In today’s article, we will highlight a list of the most popular Linux distros currently available. This list is based on a number of factors, including user popularity, distribution popularity, and software support. Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. MX Linux
MX Linux is a Debian-based distro with a unique combination of Xfce as the default desktop environment and tools from the antiX distribution. It’s light on resources and provides a good balance of speed and power.
MX Linux is great for those looking for a stable and user-friendly Linux distro. It comes with a variety of features that make it an excellent option for all types of users. Additionally, it ships with systemd included but disabled by default, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid the controversies surrounding it.
The MX Linux project has a focus on stability and ease of use, making it ideal for users who want a reliable and friendly distro that “just works.” The minimum system resources required are a Modern i686 Intel or AMD processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage space.
create a bootable USB stick to install any of these operating systems.
This operating system is distinct from other distributions because it is not based on Ubuntu. Instead, it is built using Arch Linux. With some Linux OS, getting all your hardware working can be daunting. Luckily, this is not the case with Manjaro. It is designed to scan the systems and installs the required drivers automatically.
Main Features
- Supports both cutting-edge software base and stable application base in line with Arch.
- Comes in many flavors like KDE, Cinnamon, LXDE, MATE, LXQt, Gnome, Xfce, and much more.
- Offers a very easy and intuitive installation process.
- It comes with a set of pre-installed packages, including multimedia codecs, to enjoy audio and video.
- Extensive desktop configuration ability.
- You can install multiple kernels, and it offers a special bash script for managing graphics drivers.
stable Linux distros made by SUSE Linux and other companies – Novell. After using the same code base in collaboration and sync with SUSE Linux Enterprise – SLE, it stops releasing the regular version rather than focusing on stable and long life cycles. So basically, OpenSUSE code takes all the useful features from SUSE Linux Enterprise and gives vice versa.
OpenSUSE has a total of three main goals – make OpenSUSE the easiest and widely used Linux Distro, make OpenSUSE the most usable desktop environment for newbie and experienced users based on openly sourced collaboration, make OpenSUSE simple, easy, and best choice for development and packaging processes to Linux developers and software vendors.
It comes in many variations, including Cinnamon, GNOME, IceWM, KDE, LXDE, Openbox, WMaker, and Xfce. It does not focus on regular release but rather on rolling for a long-term cycle and cutting-edge stable features.
command line, it can be the right choice for learning programming or web coding. Working on servers, local files, and development environments is easier with Ubuntu.
Moreover, with this operating system (OS), you hardly get issues with driver downloads and installation. Usually, the installation comes with basic software solutions such as a music player, video player, and office suite.
Speaking of customer support, it is not as devoted as you get with the Windows operating system. However, it has comprehensive documentation and community support. Users may raise their queries in Debian makes it easy to install new applications and configure old ones. As an administrator, you won’t need to worry about library problems, overwriting previous versions of configuration files, etc., as the package system handles these things.
The OS comes with a large number of software programs (almost 51000). Even if you have proprietary software that runs under GNU/Linux, you can still use Debian. Currently, the O.S. supports many kernels and architectures such as alpha, armel, hppa, i386, mipsel, sparc, etc.
Debian is quite fast and easy on memory compared to other Linux distributors. Speaking of security, Debian is utterly responsive. It ensures quick fixes of security problems. The good thing is that the fixed packages are uploaded within a few days.
Main Features
- Debian always comes with a super stable version that is thoroughly tested and bug fixed.
- More than 50000 stable and free software is there in the Debian repositories.
- Literally, a user can find every effective and useful application in the Debian software repository, which is entirely free.
- It comes with all the desktop flavors that a user can imagine, like AfterStep, Awesome, Black Box, Cinnamon, Fluxbox, flwm, FVWM, GNOME, i3, IceWM, ion, JWM, KDE, LXDE, MATE, Openbox, pekwm, Ratpoison, LXQt, WMaker, XBMC, Xfce.
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.
Linux Mint is a community-driven Linux distribution that is considered both easy to use and powerful. It does not disappoint the newbies who are in the phase of habituating themselves to Linux software packages. Not only is its software easy to use but also grouped under categories.
Linux Mint offers multimedia support without any need to install any software. Clement Lefebvre formed the project Linux Mint and developed it with the Linux Mint Team and Community.
Linux Mint is also earning praise for its performance. It runs fine on older computers as well. It is built upon a robust Ubuntu base and uses the same software solutions as Ubuntu. If you had been a Windows 7 lover earlier, the good news is that the Linux Mint desktop is quite similar to Windows 7. You will find a similar toolbar, menus, and tray icons.
Main Features
- Linux Mint is a Ubuntu-based Linux distro, so 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.
- If you like Mac OS, you must definitely go for the Linux Mint Cinnamon desktop environment, which is super stable and looks elegant.
Zorin OS is built based on Ubuntu; therefore, the installation will be pretty much the same. One of the key features of Zorin OS is its theme engine known as “Zorin look changer.”
This theme engine offers heavy customization options and allows you to change your desktop according to the environment you are familiar with, whether it is Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu Mate.
With Zorin, you get some amazing applications that improve the user experience to a large extent. These applications include Maps, Weather, Photos, and videos. These applications further support other applications. For instance, the photos application supports Google Photos, whereas the video application works with popular video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
Elementary OS, you will find a minimal number of pre-installed software. If you are looking for more software, you can go through theiralternative to Windows or macOS. Below are the main reasons why Linux is so popular:
1. Open Source Nature
Compared to other operating systems, Linux is entirely open-sourced. Linux’s plus point is that you can look at its source code, which has allowed it to become quite popular. With Linux being an open source, various distributions are accessible to the end user. The few of the distributions available to the end-user are Mint, Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora. You can download these distributions for free.
2. Secure
Linux is a lot more secure than the other operating systems. Its concept of repositories, the process of package management, and a few other features make it more secure.
With Linux, you don’t need to purchase or download antivirus programs to keep your desktop free from malware and hacks. But, there are a few software tools available to keep your computer away from threats.
Having a secure operating system by nature will make things easier for you and help you save money you would have otherwise spent purchasing premium antivirus software.
3. Software Updates
With the Linux operating system, you will observe more regular updates to fix the issues you might be facing. Not only that, but you will also notice quick software updates. Simultaneously, the other operating systems force a software update only when a system gets a couple of issues together or if something big has to be fixed.
4. Customization
One of the biggest advantages of using a Linux operating system is that it comes with many customization options. So, if you like adjusting or setting up your system’s looks, then Linux is the best choice for you.
With Linux, in addition to installing themes, you get various other icon themes. Also, you can do a lot more with wallpapers in Linux.
5. Variety of Distributions
As you can read in this post, various Linux distributions are available to cater to different needs. So, according to your requirements, you can select to install any of the Linux distros available. There are Linux distributions available for programmers, hackers, and even for extremely old computer systems.
6. Free to Use
Linux is available for free to the public, which is not the case with other operating systems. You don’t have to pay a hefty amount to get a genuine copy of Linux distributions such as Fedora or Ubuntu.
Final Thought
Linux is gradually becoming more popular as people realize its benefits over other operating systems. Its open source nature, security, and regular software updates are some of the main reasons why it is being adopted more and more in the server market. Additionally, its customization options and variety of distributions make it a great choice for everyone. And finally, Linux is free to use!
So here are some of the well-known and popular Linux distributions. Whether you are new to Linux or wondering which Linux distribution you should choose to start your journey, this post will hopefully help you make an informed decision.
Which one did you like from the above list of the most popular Linux distros? Did you try all or just one? Share your Linux experiences and suggestions with the other users in the comment below. And share this article with your friends and family through social media and spread Linux love to all.