The Linux Operating System is part of the triumvirate of the most popular platforms used by desktop devices, along with Windows and MacOS. Linux can be known as the most unique operating system, among others; easy to expand and customize (as long as you understand how this operating system works).
Linux provides thousands of distributions developed by various communities with various purposes of use. The operating system is open source. Linux Core (kernel) and the various distros available are absolutely free (free). This is the advantage of Linux over Windows and MacOS.
There are so many communities with diverse distros, you can have a distro according to your needs. You can use Linux distros for desktops, laptops, workstations, servers, A/V Editing, gaming, and some distros can be useful in general. Here's a complete list of the best linux distros:
- Mx Linux
- Manjaro
- Mint
- Tiny Core
- Puppy Linux
- Sparky Linux
- Ubuntu
- Linux Mint Cinnamon
- Zorin OS
- Steam OS
- Linux Console
- Batocera Linux
- CentOS
- Fedora Server
- Ubuntu Server
- Kali Linux
- BackBox
- Parrot Security OS
- Edubuntu
- Sugar on A Stick
- Debian Edu
You can install this distro on a Chromebook, desktop device, or Mac instead of your current operating system. You can also use dual-boot mode – one device with two operating systems, or use it inside a virtual machine like VirtualBox and the like.
20+ Best Linux Distros
Best is of course still relative. Sometimes there are Linux distros that run fine on one device, but have problems running on another. Therefore, I will discuss one by one the best and popular linux distros in their respective groups.
Here are the Best & Most Popular Linux Distros that you can try to maximize the performance of your device:
Most Popular Linux Distro
Linux users are not just professionals. There are many new users who want to try using Linux. Among the various Linux distributions, below are the distributions that are quite popular today:
1. MX Linux
MX Linux is an open source distro built using antiX and MEPIS. Both are Debian based distros. This distro is designed to provide an operating system that is elegant and efficient to use. This distribution can work on older PCs with maximum specifications.
MX Linux is a mid-range Linux distribution that is highly configurable and offers users reliable performance. This distro is very easy to develop and use, even for beginners.
Users can directly install this distribution directly from USB. MX Linux also has a community that can help you whenever you have a problem or want to ask for advice.
2. Manjaro
Manjaro is an operating system built using Arch Linux. This distro is quite interesting and very suitable to replace MacOS or Windows. I myself am currently using Manjaro as the main operating system on my laptop.
The Manjaro community aims to make the 'magic' of Arch Linux available to everyone. The development team designed custom hardware builds for Manjaro to make the user experience more inclusive.
Manjaro is available for 64-bit architectures on KDE, XFCE, and Gnome while the community manages and maximizes 32-bit and ARM architectures.
All editions of Manjaro use the same base, but they offer a more unique experience through a desktop environment. So make sure you choose one of the desktop environments that best suits your taste.
3. Mint
Linux Mint is the preferred distribution by the Linux user community. This distribution is known to be easy to access and simple. Linux Mint provides three views of MATE, Cinnamon, and Xfce, all of which offer features that are quite powerful, stable, reliable, and a user experience that is quite innovative.
Linux Mint provides quite interesting features with a user interface with fairly smooth transitions. You also have access to a pool of communities ready to help you run. This distro is a product of the Ubuntu coder collection. So if you've used Ubuntu before, you'll be pretty familiar with this distribution.
Best Linux Distros For Old Computers (Lightweight)
Linux has always provided choice and hope for users who still love old hardware. For those of you who have devices that are old and no longer compatible with the latest operating systems today, don't worry, there are Linux distros that are quite light. Some of them even only require 46 MB RAM (64 MB recommended) and a Pentium 2 level CPU.
4. Tiny Core
Minimum hardware requirements for Tiny Core Linux:
- RAM: 46 MB (64 MB recommended)
- CPU: Pentium 2
You must be surprised, because this operating system only requires very small specifications. Even the lightest Windows operating system is predicted to be bigger than Tiny Core Linux. Tiny Core Linux only takes up 15 MB in size! It's almost the same size as a low-quality video clip.
Not only the size, the features and various supports in it will also impress you. This distro presents a minimalist look and several pre-installed applications. If you have an outdated computer, give this distro a try and see if your computer rises from the grave. In addition, the boot process is quite fast compared to other operating systems.
This small distro uses FLTK/FKWM and the BusyBox desktop by default. While you may find many applications that are still not installed, you need not worry because you can manually install various applications if you wish.
There are three variants of this Linux distribution, namely Tiny Core namely Core, Tiny Core, and CorePlus. Core is a distro that uses the most basic system that only displays the CLI (Command Line Interface). It would be great if it could be run on an old computer. Unfortunately, the CLI is only recommended for experienced users. For your information, the Core version is only 9 MB in size.
TinyCore version is presented for casual users who are familiar with GUI (Graphical User Interface). Beginners can easily understand the various functions in this version. The latest version of this distro is only 15 MB in size. Very small isn't it?!
Whereas CorePlus is an image installation file and not a distribution. This file is highly recommended for new users who only have access to wifi network or users who don't use US keyboard layout.
CorePlus includes a core Core System and installation tool to provide the setup process with several options; 'window manager' selection, wireless support of multiple firmware files and ndlswrapper – a linux module that can take advantage of the windows driver (.inf) in the wifi/wireless installation process, non-US keyboard support, and remastering tools. The latest version of CorePlus is only 72MB in size.
5. Puppy Linux
Minimum hardware requirements to use Puppy Linux:
- RAM: 64MB (recommended 256MB)
- CPU: 333MHz
Puppy Linux is so small that it can save RAM usage on your device and make it run faster. On the USB that you use to run Puppy Linux, you can also store various kinds of personal data. Uniquely, version 7.0.3 is even smaller than the current version which is only 176MB.
Puppy Linux uses the JVM window manager and OpenBox by default which makes it quite fast in resource usage. If you use Puppy Linux on a fairly old computer, this distro is quite suitable for you to use and does not demand high graphics specifications. Even so, you can try to get some light work done using simple apps and tools.
Because Puppy Linux is built to run fast, it was not included with the previous application bundles. However, the initial installation provides the basic applications. For example, Abiword for word processing, Gnumeric for number processing and various image editors and music or video players. Sometimes Puppy Linux users use it to help the process of recovering a problematic OS.
6. Sparky Linux
Minimum specs for using Sparky:
- RAM: 256 MB RAM for LXDE, e17, Openbox, GameOver and 384MB RAM for MATE, LXQt
- CPU: i486/amd64
- Disk space: 5 GB drive space
The third best Linux distro for older computers is SparkLinux. SparkyLinux is the lightest Linux distro like Puppy Linux and Tiny Core. It doesn't stop there, SparkyLinux sometimes targets modern computer users. So SparkLinux provides two versions; light version (basic edition) for older devices and full version (full edition) for modern devices.
You know Debian? Now! SparkyLinux is developed based on the Debian development branch and has several Desktop Environments (DEs). For example, LXDE, OpenBox/JWM, e17, MATE, and LXQt.
As previously explained, there are two versions of this distribution; full edition and basic edition. The full edition runs directly with a few applications on it so you don't need to install it, but it's not recommended to run it on older computers. While the basic edition is not installed with some heavy applications, so the processing is quite light and does not require too many system resources. However, the base edition has its own repository that provides a large selection of apps so you can install them at any time.
Best Linux Distros For Beginners
Linux is sometimes still quite foreign to some people. The menus and usage are very different from Windows – an operating system that is quite familiar and ingrained. In order not to be confused and discouraged using Linux as your current operating system, here are some Linux distributions that are quite similar to operating systems in general:
7. Ubuntu
When looking for information about Linux on the internet, you can be sure you will find Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a very popular Linux distribution. This distro is also the most suitable for those of you who are starting to learn the Linux operating system.
Ubuntu is known for its motto Linux for humans. The label came about because of the constant efforts of the developers to make Ubuntu universally useful. You can operate Ubuntu even without having any technical skills. This means that Ubuntu is able to overcome the impression of "Linux = Command Line". That's what causes Ubuntu users to thrive all over the world.
Ubuntu offers a fairly easy installation process. The installation instructions have multiple language guides with a simple interface. You can also try this distro without having to plug it into the device, using a USB stick.
Ubuntu uses an interface called Unity. Unity brings a simple look and allows you to be as productive as possible. You can create shortcuts for your favorite apps via the dock on the left of the screen.
After the installation process, you don't need much manual installation process. Although newly installed, Ubuntu already has several applications that can help your work. No need to worry about drivers because Ubuntu currently supports multiple drivers. So you don't need to install the drivers one by one manually.
8. Linux Mint Cinnamon
In DistroWatch's search, prior to the advent of MX Linux, Linux Mint was the most popular Linux compared to other distros and the 'fan base' of this distribution was fairly consistent. It looks elegant and graceful without sacrificing a reliable level of processing.
Linux Mint uses the Cinnamon Desktop Environment (DE). New Linux users will find it easier to understand because the interface in Cinnamon is quite familiar. All applications can be accessed according to their respective categories. So that users who are new and do not know the use or information about Linux can easily find out.
This distribution is an extension of the basic Ubuntu programming code. Linux Mint uses the same repositories as Ubuntu. So users don't have to worry about repository problems, because Ubuntu generally only updates when the program is final or after several checks. This means that anything in the Linux Mint repository is pretty safe as users don't have to deal with unexpected crashes or glitches.
For new Linux users, I recommend using Linux Mint. You will definitely find it easier to operate Linux than some other distributions.
9. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a distro created from Ubuntu program code. The appearance of this distribution is structured in such a way that it becomes a suitable alternative to replace Windows. Some distributions provide a simple look that is different from Windows. But Zorin instead displays an overall appearance similar to Windows.
Although Zorin has the advantage of a display that has been designed similar to Windows, this distribution also does not rule out technological factors. For example when discussing package managers.
Package managers are a new concept in the latest Linux releases. Of course, this is also used by Zorin which has a fairly complete and (very) many pre-installed application. If that's still not enough, you also have access to Wine and PlayOnLinux which are also pre-installed to run Windows applications and games.
Meanwhile, in terms of the theme itself, apart from giving the appearance of Windows, Zorin also offers a pretty charming theme called 'Zorin look changer'. This theme has several customization options that are quite complete and can make your distro similar to Windows 7, XP, 2000, or even Mac. You will feel you've used this distro before.
Best Linux Distros For Gaming
Linux used to be notorious for not being able to run games that could run on Windows and Mac. However, now all that is answered by Linux with support for running even light to heavy games.
While almost all Linux supports running games, there are some Linux distributions that are specifically designed for gaming. Some of these distributions are optimized to run games. Because it is useful for playing games, of course, some of these distributions have a minimum hardware requirement that must be met.
10. Steam OS
Steam OS is a distro for games that is quite popular compared to other game distributions. This distribution was developed by Valve Corp – the creators of Steam. So this distro is designed to be able to run several games on the Steam application.
This distribution is a development of Debian 8 (Jessie). By default, the Desktop Environment (DE) used is GNOME. Although using GNOME, there are several optimizations that have been done such as making it easier to access using the joystick and keyboard.
Steam OS supports several variants of graphics cards, joysticks/gamepads. If the driver for the hardware is not available, you can install it manually.
As for hardware requirements, Steam OS requires fairly high hardware such as an Intel or AMD 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM or more, 200GB or more storage, NVIDIA/AMD video card (RADEON 8500 and later) or Intel, and UEFI Firmware .
Then the advantages of Steam OS include:
- Flexible user interface.
- Supports a wide variety of graphics cards.
- Compatible with various types of Joysticks/gamepads.
- Has a large collection of games.
However, there are also drawbacks. Requires a fairly high hardware specifications. Only Steam games are available out of the box.
11. Linux Console
Linux Console is a Linux distro which is light enough for console gaming and server for gaming. This distro supports some pretty interesting games like Hedgewars and Pinball.
You can also install games like Cuphead by following the installation guide on the website. You can install the Linux Console using a Live USB Stick or using VMware/VirtualBox.
The Linux console has several advantages, such as the appearance and content of applications that are suitable for children and are still being developed. In addition, this distro also supports several programs for processing data, designing applications, emulators, and many others. Unfortunately, this distro is not suitable for playing heavy games. If you want to play heavy games, it's better to use Steam OS.
12. Batocera linux
Batocera.linux is a pretty impressive Linux distro for playing retro games. You can play retro games from Atari, Super Nintendo, Dreamcast, and some GameBoyAdvance and more.
You do not need to install the operating system by partitioning the hard disk in it. You just need a USB and boot directly from USB to play the game. Batocera.linux also includes Kodia Media Center integration so you can switch to watching movies when you're tired of playing games.
There are several advantages of this distribution:
- It supports Nvidia graphics, but you'll need to enable it by following the guides on online forums.
- No hard disk modification required.
- Supports Raspberry and Odroid
Then for its own shortcomings, this distro can only be used to play retro games. Meanwhile, when run on Raspberry and Odroid it only supports some software. But for those of you who want to have fun or are retro game lovers, it is highly recommended to try using this distro.
Best Linux Distros For Servers
You want to build your own server at home?
Or want to develop a server on a Virtual Private Server (VPS)?
Determining the operating system is an important step before building a server. Not all distributions are suitable for servers. There are some of the best Linux distros specifically for building servers. Choosing the right distro, you can maximize the quality of the server.
Here are some of the best Linux distros you can use for servers.
13. CentOS
CentOS is an open source distro that grew out of a community of Linux enthusiasts who admired Red Hat OS. This distro is a derivative or another version of the paid distribution Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Currently there is CentOS 7 whose support process is until the end of 2020 with maintenance updates until June 2024. This means that until 2024 CentOS supports the process of fixing problems and upgrading servers in the future.
You can get rid of unnecessary packages by installing a minimal ISO from the CentOS Website, which with 906MB you can load a 90-minute CD-R.
When you try to use this distribution, there is a Docker image that you can configure directly in it.
14. Fedora Server
Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by Red Hat. Fedora Server allows you to develop and manage servers using Rolekit tools. This operating system is also supported by PostgreSQL Database Server.
Fedora Server also has FreeIPA, allowing you to manage critical authentication processes, access information, and perform audits through one central location.
The Fedora Server file is about 2.7 GB in size and you can also download a Netinstall Image which is 385MB in size.
15. Ubuntu Server
At the beginning, we discussed a little about Ubuntu for desktop. Besides being popular as a desktop distro, Ubuntu is also known as a distro that is quite competitive as a server.
Canonical, the Ubuntu development company has developed a Long Time Support (LTS) version of Ubuntu Server, just like the Ubuntu Desktop version. The LTS version supports up to five years after release – quite a long time. This long support time makes it easier for you to deal with recurring server issues. Canonical also announced the release of Ubuntu Server the same as the Ubuntu Desktop version.
I recommend using Ubuntu for those of you who are new and want to try using Linux for servers. The Ubuntu community is already pretty much on the internet and many topics have been covered. So when you encounter problems during the development process, you can look for solutions in online forums.
Best Linux Distros For Hacking and Forensics
Linux has long been known as an operating system that is useful as a hacking tool. Therefore, developers are trying to develop a special Linux which is useful for hacking and forensics. When you use a distro, you just have to use it because it has comprehensive hacking and forensics tools available.
Below is a list of the best Linux distros for hacking and forensics.
16. Kali Linux
After the 'death' of backtrack – the famous Linux distro of its time – came Kali Linux. Kali Linux is currently known as the most popular ethical hacking and penetration testing. This distribution was developed by Offensive Security by taking some of the core components of Backtrack.
Kali Linux is an extension of the Debian distribution. This distro mostly contains penetration testing for security and forensics. By implementing a rolling release model, every tool in this distribution is always up-to-date.
Compared to some other hacking distros, Kali Linux is the most modern penetration testing platform today. This distro supports a wide variety of tools and devices. Furthermore, Kali Linux provides a very comprehensive documentation and an active community today.
17. BackBox
BackBox is a development of the Ubuntu distribution that aims to perform penetration testing and security testing of a system. This distro is one among several other popular distros in its field.
BackBox has its own software repository that provides stable versions of various system versions and network analysis tools, also known as ethical hacking tools.
This distribution is designed quite minimally using the XFCE Desktop Environment (DE). BackBox is quite fast, effective, and easy to customize. In addition, it also has quite complete features with the help of several active communities spread on the internet.
18. Parrot Security OS
Parrot Security Operating System is a distribution that is still relatively new. Frozenbox as the developer of this distribution has succeeded in bringing Parrot into one of the Linux distributions that is quite complete for hacking and forensics.
The target use of Parrot Security is users who want to use a penetration testing system with a comfortable environment and anonymity online and an encrypted system.
Like other hacking and forensics distros, Parrot Security is also part of Debian and uses MATE as its desktop environment. Almost all penetration testing tools are available in this distribution, of course with some special adjustments by the Frozenbox Network. You can get this distro with the latest version of Rolling Release.
Best Linux Distros For Kids
Linux is a very flexible operating system. You can develop from various distros, even create your own version. This is the advantage of Linux that in my opinion can not be rivaled by other operating systems.
It is very easy for users to customize the distribution. There are communities that develop distributions whose target users are children. Some of these distributions are designed for children who want to interact with information technology. Most Linux distributions for kids are developed from existing distributions.
19. Edubuntu
Edubuntu is an educational version of Ubuntu. This distribution is of course free. This division is the result of collaboration between teachers and educators. Canonical develops an educational version of the distro that is easy for children to use. They developed this distro in order to easily teach technology to children at school and especially at home. Edubuntu is very easy to teach and learn.
Although Edubuntu is not very well known, it is an example of a community that really cares about education. Moreover, this community consists of a collection of students, teachers, parents, even hackers who believe that learning and knowledge should be accessible to anyone who wants to improve their skills around the world.
20. Sugar On A Stick-SOAS
Sugar is one of the best Linux for kids. The Linux distro comes from Fedora development. The most interesting fact is that you can use this distro as a desktop environment on your computer and you can also download it to install on a USB.
That is the reason why Sugar is better known as Sugar On A Stick (SOAS). SOAS is an operating system that can run on a Live USB from Fedora. You can use this distro to teach kids about information technology, especially Linux itself.
For those of you who work as teachers or teachers in elementary schools, you should try this distribution to support the teaching and learning process. In addition, you can easily introduce technology to students directly.
21. Debian Edu / Skolelinux
You can also install Skolelinux or DebianEdu as the best Linux for kids. First thing you need to know, DebianEdu and Skolelinux are two different operating systems developed for kids. It's just that DebianEdu and Skolelinux are distros developed for children.
Both distributions are from Debian development. The name Skolelinux itself comes from the Norwegian 'Skole' which means 'school'. The development of this distribution is indeed for schools so that teachers or instructors can easily teach their students.