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General Use
Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu/Lubuntu/etc
One of the most popular general-use distributions with one of the largest selections of software. Based on: Debian |
Fedora
The most cutting-edge general-use distribution on a 6-month release cycle. It’s cutting edge in two ways: new versions of software, and it uses new software before other distributions use them. Based on: Itself; Originated from: Red Hat |
openSUSE
A stable, general-use distribution for everyone that excels in enterprise environments. openSUSE includes a few different defaults such as it’s package manager and the KDE desktop environment Based on: Itself; Originated from: Slackware |
Debian
One of the most stable distributions in existence, with a large selection of software. It is often used as the base of many other distributions. Based on: Itself |
Linux Mint
A highly-customized distribution that includes many features out-of-the-box that other distributions do not, including codecs. Linux Mint has such a large following that it’s starting to look toward going in its own direction. Based on: Ubuntu, Debian |
PCLinuxOS
Another general-use distribution that combines technologies from different distributions to present an overall great experience. Originated from: Mandrake Linux |
PinGuy OS
A general-use distribution that comes with a number of customizations to make an easier out-of-the-box experience. Based on: Ubuntu |
Slackware
One of the oldest living distributions, Slackware allows plenty of configuration and is a great general-use distribution. It requires some knowledge of Linux and isn’t recommended for new users. Based on: Itself; Originiated from: Itself |
Gentoo
A general-purpose distribution that is centered around machine-specific optimization. Until recently, all software was compiled on the system rather than installing binaries. Not recommended for new users. Based on: Itself |
Hybryde Evolution
An Ubuntu-based distribution which lets you switch between desktop environments without restarting. Based on: Ubuntu |
Mageia
A multi-purpose distribution which aims at creating an easy desktop computing experience. Based on: Mandriva |
Minimal
Arch Linux
A minimal rolling-release general-use distribution where you install only what you want or need. It’s highly cutting-edge and there are no default installations. Most customizations are done manually in text files. Based on: Itself; Originated from: Itself |
Puppy Linux
A very small distribution that uses an extremely low amount of resources. Great for older systems or those that need every drop of power for their tasks. Based on: Itself; Originated from: Itself; Compatible with: Slackware, Ubuntu, others with Woof tool |
Bodhi Linux
A great lightweight alternative for systems that can’t run other desktop environments. Still very functional and relatively elegant. Based on: Ubuntu |
Tiny Core
An extremely minimal distro which you can build up yourself. |
Crunchbang
A very lightweight Debian-based distribution which uses the Openbox desktop environment as its default. |
Commercial
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
A commercial solution from Red Hat for a great enterprise system, both desktop and server. Costs of the distribution come from support packages. Based on: Fedora; Originated from: Itself |
SUSE Enterprise Linux
One of two preferred enterprise systems for most Linux administrators. SUSE includes plenty of tools to make the admin’s job a lot easier. Based on: openSUSE |
Enterprise
CentOS
A great, free clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux for a pure, stable enterprise system. Based on: Red Hat Enterprise Linux |
Specialised Purpose
Joli OS
A distribution aimed for use on netbooks and working with different cloud services. Who needs ChromeOS? Based on: Ubuntu |
ArtistX
A specialized distribution that includes virtually every single multimedia application for Linux that you can think of. Great for work on images, sounds, and videos. Based on: Ubuntu |
GParted
A distribution made especially for partitioning hard drives. The distribution comes as a LiveCD only and contains only the GParted partitioning software and a console. Based on: Debian |
Parted Magic
A distribution aimed specifically at partitioning your hard drives, but includes plenty of other features that make it more of a rescue disc than a lone partitioning tool. |
Backtrack Linux
A fantastic distribution that is specialized for network penetration testing and security auditing. It includes all kinds of software and needed patches to do the job. Based on: Ubuntu; Originated from: Whoppix |
For Mac & Windows Users
Pear Linux
A very beautiful general-use distribution that mimics the look, feel, and functionality of Apple’s Mac OS X. Based on: Ubuntu, Debian (soon) |
ZorinOS
A general-use distribution that mimics the look, feel, and functionality of Windows. This is geared for those who prefer the Windows interface or need an easier way to transition from Windows to Linux. Based on: Ubuntu |
Disclaimer: All distributions listed were thoroughly reviewed. MakeUseOf is not responsible for any damage and/or data loss
that might result from use of any of the above mentioned plugins.
Hide 145 Comments
I like the way you categorized them. Sweet page!
I love Ubuntu!!
Two missing distros from my favs list:
- Peppermint OS (like Joli OS) – I have it running happily on a 1st generation Asus eee-pc (701) and they work really well together;
- for an OS X feel, (not a clone, though) check out elementary OS. It doesn’t feel out of place as a Parallels VM on my MacBook Pro.
Thanks for the Elementary suggestion. I’ve herd of it, but have not checked it out until now. I love the looks of it. Thanx!
With all due respect to RHEL and Centos, server admins would do far better to seriously consider one of the BSD variants such as FreeBSD or OpenBSD for server use. They’ll thank themselves for it. Especially when it comes time to upgrade, since Linux servers generally recommend a “install a fresh copy of the latest” whereas upgrades are just “business as usual” affairs for BSD installations. Just my 2¢.
I get what you are trying to say and I don’t disagree in principal, but i think you’ve missed that RHEL’s use case is when a company needs to be able to hold another company accountable for the OS’s operation. It has “real” support and pre-packaged commercial software that’s covered under the support contracts. By “real” support I mean you can pick up a phone and say “this isn’t behaving, fix it now” and they will.
but i think you’ve missed that RHEL’s use case is when a company needs to be able to hold another company accountable for the OS’s operation.
You’ll need to explain that one for us. That’s as close to
‘corporatespeak’ as I’ve heard.
Here’s something important about RedHat
Hardware compatability
Ubuntu and Puppy; all i ever seem to want/need. Great list, Thx!
Solid list. The Minimal category could use a few more. I recommend WattOS for anyone who likes an LXDE environment. It is super fast and efficient. And while Puppy is great in so many ways, it is not an easy to navigate desktop environment.
Very nice! I would say BrowserLinux and Mijnpup would be good additions to the minimal category, also Macbuntu and XP-Like would are good candidates for the Mac and Windows Users section.
If Arch Linux is minimal, the so is Debian. And where is SUSE Linux Enterprise or CentOS in the enterprise section?
Good stuff but would be nice to see an article about the best distros to easily run from a pen drive.
You have Puppy Linux and you can save your work on exit & Tiny Linux
OK I’m respect you but exists not only Linux!
FreeBSD and his user friendly and popular products like PC-BSD and GhostBSD are very good too.
yeah .. the subject should be changed to best Unix distros, shouldn’t it?
We have already changed it a couple of days ago.
Bodhi Linux should be on the Minimal list
Great page! I seem to keep keep coming back to Peppermint with LXDE on an Acer Aspire One
I was disappointed that Gentoo was not included.
How do I download one of these distributions on to my computer and still leave Windows on too?
The Ubuntu installer will do this for you. But it would be best to read up on hard-drive partitioning, just so that you are familiar with the ideas of logical and extended partitions, swap space, etc. To get started, all you really need to do is decide how much disk space you want to use for each OS, and the installer will prompt you for that. Have fun!
You would have to make a dual boot system. At the installation of the distro you will have an option to install alongside Windows. When all is done you will have an option in Grub to load Windows or your distro. Cheers!
Someone had to ask this sooner or later.
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS install windowz first.
Bill Gates does not play nice.
Be sure to check the partitions, then install from a disk. The USB stuff can be a PITA.
No sweat with Ubuntu or Suse. RedHat was a pain- quite hardware specific
Use can use the Wubi installer in Ubuntu/Kubuntu within Windows to try Linux out. It will add Linux to the list of OSs while booting and you can later remove via Add/Remove Programs. I suggest this for a newbie to get the feel of Linux and once you get the hang of it you can take the more hardcore route of installing it via a live CD and partitioning the HD. Hope this helps.
A new Category suggestion: Firewall / security Linux
Security linux entries : Zentyal, Clear os, pfsense, smoothwall,
New Category suggestion: Video monitoring
entries: zoneminder
New Category: Internet Distribution
entries : zeroshell
These are only the ones i have been using for the past few months. testing and validating their features. Great for home use and great for some Small business or in certain cases (with dedicated hardware, turn key solutions and paid appliances) great for enterprise usage.
I am sure i can expand the list further. will comment as more come to mind. hopefully others will expand my lists too. i tested over 20 security based linux platform but i can only remember 4 atm.
Any way we can chat offline about this- I need something which can handle video cams and DVRs.
Got some links or a way we can exchange mail?
Uncle
What about good ole’ Knoppix- one of the original rescue distros? The lastest version – Version 6.7.1 DVD is also jam-packed with all sorts of software: utilities, office , multimedia, games, education – you name it
I love “Best *” articles!
Thanks
CAIN didn’t make it? A distribution specialized for forensics should have some pretty good tools for data recovery and system rescue and cloning, I would think. (I haven’t tried it yet.) I would have thought it was worthy of mention just for that utility alone. Hmm. Maybe I won’t bother trying it if it isn’t even worthy of mention.
The Best part is the addition of PingiyOS. Its a class apart.
What would be good if I wanted to run a dedicated server off of a netbook connected to a 500GB external drive (for example)? For easy transfer of data when I inevitably forget to bring my flash drive.
I love the software packs…the best gift of 2012 thanks makeuseof team
Peppermint Two should be listed here too.
LXDE, I also run it on a EEEPC 701. Dependable and very light weight distro.
wow
why use the fedora logo?
And whaddabout servers?
How about some details? Maybe its time for one of those awesome
MakeUseOf guides on Linux Servers
ArtistX is for graphics and video. Musicians use UbuntuStudio, TangoStudio or AVLinux
GENTOO FOREVER
Where is Slackware ?!?!?!?!
Any one can recommend me any flavors of Linux to run on my old Acer Travelmate C300 tablet. It needs at least a rotatable screen, pointing device input and wireless. Thanks!
General Use:
Fedora? Really? Maybe IF you are a RHEL Admin and want a desktop that is Redhat Linux for continuity. Otherwise for “General Use”? Really?
And Mandriva? Didn’t I read somewhere a while ago, that the Mandriva Project was closing? No longer supported/maintained? So …. ?
Commercial: No SuSE?
Enterprise: Again no SuSE?
And then you left out ArchBang, CrunchBang and Peperment, but included Linpus? Ok, but it leaves me questioning your judgement about Linux Distros. Or at the very least the parameters you are basing your picks on. The fact they look like they run on a smartphone maybe?
But otherwise really not a bad try.
I was just about to mention CruchBang. Glad to be beaten to it!
Excellent list, with some distros I didn’t know (ZorinOs). I have Puppy in my laptop and there’s no going back for me; nothing beats the power of booting in 39 seconds!
ALSO Dream Linux forgotten, nice interface like Mac OS,
what about uberstudent?
Why isn’t the PARDUS there? :/
My techs learn that the word “why” is a waste of time and effort, until we understand “what”
I still want a MakeUseOf on Linux Servers – anything but RedHat
You guys are the best!!!
You forgot one of the newest and most up to date Builds yet. Its called Linux Regal. Give it a look and I think you’ll be impressed.http://pctrends.freeforums.org/linux-regal-elite-x32-x64-1-14-2012-t245.html
Yeah, awesome for beginners. Can anyone suggest a dell compatible one? I have an Inspiron 1545. Seems to hate linux and freezes anytime I try to install. Some of them will run fine up until the install.
Still no answer?
I think best would be to ask this on MakeUseOf Answers, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
Aibek
I have a Dell Inspiron 2600 that I have been trying to get linux to play nice on and so far have found that Centos 5 works reasonably the best so far. DSL works though I don’t like the desktop. Slax works. Simply Mepis works but is very disk intensive so that slows it down. Hope this helps you out.
I believe your best option is to go with the good old Ubuntu flavor. I have a Dell, on which I’ve tried installing the Mint distro. Just as you describe, it kept freezing up.
When I got sick & tired, I installed the Ubuntu 11.10, and then the 12.04, and so far everything has been great.
Highly recommended.
Ohh..God i hope makeuseof go to more success next time..very good knowleage i have it from makeuseof.Thank you so much.i love Centos
Ubuntu Project
Pardus Great
Thanks for this nice collection. I’d choose OpenSuse and RedHat.
I propose a “Freedom section” with Trisquel GNU/Linux
竟然没有Gentoo!
Great Job!
Where the heck is Damn Small Linux and why has noone suggested it? I know it’s old, but from what I hear, it’s still a great lightweight OS. Seemed like a good OS when I tested it in a VBox VM.
Linpus really should be under the commercial distro section.
someone mentioned here linux Regal and I downloaded it and gave it a try and I am very pleased with it…Distro for me because it has everything I need!
supperb bddy,neva even heard of som names..!!
Arch linux doesn’t seems to me so minimal.
We’re is SLACKWARE !!!
Nice page
Hmm…. I’m gonna need a lot of cds.
Definitely have a look at Mepis. It’s based on Debian, not Ubuntu and uses KDE as the GUI. It’s extremely stable and very easy to install. For a new user it has the benefit of coming with all the players and codecs needed to play a wide variety video and sound files, as found on the Net.
Ubuntu isn’t based on Debian anymore.
Absolutely brilliant
Very Cool poost. Solid!!
Slackware is one of the best for development environment!!!
Mepis 11.0 and its minimalist fork Anti X 11.0 are very stable Debian derived distros that are a pleasure to use. The Mepis Community is the most helpful of all.
I tried fedora, but still think ubuntu is the best.
love barctrack 5 R2
Joli OS 非常有前景 onlineOS
Puppy linux note revived an old pentium III, with only 130m of memory, replroduz videos in Avi, and wireless internet, plus the article http://www.cdef.com.br/projetos/pcfrankenstein
Will any OS in the list boot in a second?? I have the name, KolibriOS…Yes this is based on assembly language, you like people should encourage such innovative developers.
None in the list boot in one second, but some like Arch boot probably within 5 or less, depending on the hardware. KolibriOS sounds like an interesting project, but I can’t include it because it’s not Linux-based although it’s open source.
Very nice roundup. If you ever decide to list a couple of distros for laptops, may I suggest fuduntu? Beautiful, functional, easy to use and good battery life, which obviously for portable computers is important.
Linux Deepin maybe? http://www.linuxdeepin.com/
Slackware rules !!!
Slackware rules!!!
What is the best general use distro??? Hybryde Evolution 12.04 HANDS DOWN! It is based on Ubuntu 12.04.
First, yes, the website is in French. Obviously, though, you can choose English (or another language) when installing Hybryde. I have been using it just fine for the last 5 months and loving it.
You can choose from a multitude of desktop environments, and without rebooting. KDE, Gnome3, Unity, E17, XFCE, LXDE, and FVWM OPENBOX are gathered on this distribution. The Hy-menu allows you to switch from one environment to another quickly and smoothly, without rebooting…and open applications from one environment follow you throughout the other environments.
From version 12.04, you will be able to activate features such as the setting of memory cache of your browser, choose simply and quickly among your window manager metacity, compiz, kwin and mutter. And finally, customize your menu (themes, wallpapers, transparency…).
You have the Ubuntu’s Software Center. I’ve also installed things like the Mint-x theme and Mint-x icons (one thing that is great from Mint).
Word needs to get out about this wonderful distro. Give it a try. I believe that ONCE YOU USE HYBRYDE, YOU WILL NEVER GO BACK TO A PLAIN UBUNTU VARIANT!
http://www.hybryde.org/hybryde_evolution/
Thank you for the elaborate comment, Scrabble! I have put this on the list of distros to review for the next revision of the page.
Absolutely! I completely agree – I love Hybryde. If you want to change the language to English while using it as a live DVD, you can – see the step by step http://danatheteacher.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Change-The-Language-From-French-to-English-in-Hybryde-Evolution-Linux .
This should definantly be added to this page in the future @Tina.
well this list needs some updating …….mandriva dying and so is linpus anybody know about ultimate linux
Thanks Simple! We will take this input into account when we do update the list, which will hopefully be soon.
Which of these distros are Live USB capable, beside Ubuntu?
You can burn any distribution’s ISO directly onto a USB drive instead of a CD, so it’s more a matter of which distributions have a LiveCD environment (which would be called a LiveUSB environment when the ISO is burned on a USB drive). If you want an easy way to get a distribution on a USB drive, you can look at this list [1] of supported distributions for that specific burning tool.
[1]: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/
hey very nice list keep it up:D
Thanks
A quick observation: most of the distributions are based on Ubuntu.
Is linux capable of running current gen PC games on hardware meeting or exceeding the recommended system requirements of the game? ive heard of WINE but how efficient and accuratly can it emulate directx and openGL games?
Jer,
Since no one has responded yet, I think it would be better if you asked this question on MakeUseOf Answers. You will definitely receive a quick response there.
WINE is a mixed bag of success and failure in my opinion. It doesn’t do an excellent job of emulating DirectX games, while others don’t really work at all. Of course, the better hardware you have the better the performance, but if you only meet the recommended specs you’ll probably see mediocre performance. I would highly suggest you check http://appdb.winehq.org/ first to see if your desired program runs under WINE and if so how well.
I have tried out just about all of these and what I found is that my favorite has been the Mint Debian edition. This with their new Cinnamon interface has been absolutely awesome.
winamp is already old, there is much more advanced piece of software – aimp, thre are tabs and lots of functions that were missing in winamp
I love nice & great Ubuntu 12.04
Ubuntu is loosing it for sure from 12.04 LTS….the worst linux experience i ever had. ubuntu 12.04 LTS proved that windows is the best OS available at present.
ubuntu reminds me of the past when i am using a pII with win95, whole system freezes all the time only option is to restart loosing all unsaved data. Ubuntu is the time machine with ability to travel only into the past.
code name Precise Pangolin should be changed to Freezing Pangolin.
I’m sorry that’s happening to you. I’m not sure what the problem is, however, because plenty of people have been happy with it, and Ubuntu’s been good to me as well.
specialized is spelled wrong (it was spelled specialised)
Hi Ching,
There are different usages depending on whether you are an American or a Britisher. “Specialised” is British English.
ubuntu is crap . slackware is way faster
Tiny Core linux should be added to the minimal catagory
You should provide a recommendation for somebody who wants fully free software, with no binary-blobs or proprietary components: Trisquel.
Trisquel is based on Ubuntu but uses the Linux-libre kernel and has no proprietary software included in the installation media or repositories.
what about server versions
They’re included. Ubuntu Server Edition won’t be separate, and Debian, CentOS, etc. are listed. There’s also the Commercial section which has server-grade OS’s.
i want to try linux…what distro suited for newbie like me?
Arch will one day rule the world :p
SOMEONE MUST BE ASLEEP HERE!!
LuninuX OS A Debian/Ubuntu based Linux distribution designed to be beautiful, clean, simply, fast, and stable.
Wake up!!
Lol
Regards
David Australia
Check out Deepin, which is Ubuntu based, is stable in the most beautiful linux distro I’ve seen.
http://www.linuxdeepin.com/feature
So many Linux distributions based on Ubuntu now. . . What desktop does this one use? Gnome Shell?
dsl should be included in minimal
I can consider it again, now that they’re apparently releasing a new version. After 4 years, most people thought the project was dead.
I can consider it now that there’s a new version coming soon. But before, there hadn’t been a new version in 4 years, so most people thought the project was dead.
Great Collection of Linux Distros. This page provides a quick overview of different linux flavors :3 for different need.
Debain is the BEST!!!
ubuntu is best for me
Nice categories … and a huge list of distros. Great!!!!
Hey Make Use Of, according to this page(http://www.zdnet.com/the-5-most-popular-linux-distributions-7000003183/), there’s an Linux distro called Mageia that’s even more popular than Ubuntu(besides Linux Mint), which is Mageia:
“And, number two is, “who?” I can hear some of you asking. Mageia is a September 2010 fork of Mandriva Linux, a commercial Linux distribution, which was once quite popular in its own right. In 2006, Mandriva suffered management and financial problems. Since then, while the firm has continued to have problems, Mageia — freed of Mandrivia’s business woes — has continued on to become a wildly popular Linux distribution.”
I don’t use Linux(I should), but I think it’s worth checking out if it’s more popular than Debian, Fedora and Ubuntu
Debian
Nice suggestions.You have arranged the best linux distros in distinct groups.I too have an opinion that CentOS,SUSE and Redhat are the current best server linux distros.You could have add Gentoo there.
http://www.bestlinuxdistros.com/2012/06/linux-server-distribution-comparison.html
Arch Linux is my favourite,It is very fast and lot of customizations are possible right from the installation.Ubuntu is my second choice for the best linux distro as it is very simple even for the beginners.openSUSE is one of the best for laptops and the beautiful KDE fits slim machines.Backtrack is the best linux distro for security systems and the list goes on.
http://www.bestlinuxdistros.com/2012/04/best-distro-for-your-needs.html
If you want the perfect Linux OS, try Linus From Scratch.
If you want packages to accompany your Operatinng System, I recommend Arch, Debian, or Ubuntu. Otherwise, if you don’t really need to do anything, Slackware, Slitaz, Puppy, Mac Pup, DSL, etc.
If you want to go to bed with Microsoft and the National Security Agency, try OpenSUSE.
If you have selective morals, try Fedora.
If you don’t like streaming video except for YouTube, try any of the distros recommended by the FSF.
If you want things stufffed in to the OS that you’ll never use, try Ubuntu.
If you don’t like Wine or wireless, go with Debian.
If stability and package consistency is unimportant, go with Arch.
I have used Ubuntu in the past. I haven’t used it before the Unity feature came out, but I have heard a lot of complaining about that. Would be interested in trying these other distributions as I get time.
Well Mageia seems to be rising really quickly according to DistroWatch. Kind of sad for me since I’m an Ubuntu fan. Never tried Mageia yet but I plan to soon.
I think im gonna try pearOS since i like the way apple looks so ill give it a try
IATKOS
Google it…
cool, great organization, never would have found w/o
Linux will supplant pay for operating systems,especially Microsoft.
Which one is the best for programmers?
After years in Debian, some months with Ubuntu and a few weeks testing (with disappointment) Fedora, I found my perfect Linux with OpenSUSE.
OpenSUSE 12.2 + KDE 4.9. x is super fast, practical and very productive.
YAST really makes a difference when it is necessary to do some configuration, installation or managing programs.
The main use I make of my computer is for design, illustration and programming.
With all due respect to RHEL and Centos, server admins would do far better to seriously consider one of the BSD variants such as FreeBSD or OpenBSD for server use. They’ll thank themselves for it. Especially when it comes time to upgrade, since Linux servers generally recommend a “install a fresh copy of the latest” whereas upgrades are just “business as usual” affairs for BSD installations. Just my 2¢.
for minimal you could include archbang and crunchbang which are derivatives of arch linux and debian
you should add Dream Studio for multimedia producing distribution, I guess its becoming a top pick if it is’nt allready
. Check it out! http://www.dickmacinnis.com/dreamstudio/
Linux Mint is the best here!!!
..try siduction?
for me that’s the best. it’s a rolling release. easy installation and very good documentation.
i have use ubuntu and arch before. both have their good and
bad sides but siduction is unbeatable.
correction: the link to download linux pear is incorrect, the correct link is http://pearlinux.fr/download/
Thanks for the heads-up, Dante. We will fix the link asap.
I have been using Ubuntu past 8 years, Free OS
Beautiful. I’ll be coming back whenever I need to try a new distro.
Check out Kali, the successor of BackTrack Linux (www.kali.org).
I like linux mint.
No mention of Pinguy OS?! It is a ready to go out of the box multipurpose distro. And Fuduntu.
you forgot http://biebian.sourceforge.net/ and http://ponyos.tumblr.com/