8 Best Linux Gaming Distributions of 2016

Long gone are the days when it was impossible to find games for Linux. In fact, the number of games being developed for Linux is more and more, the development process does not stop, the growth is stable and this has been most noticeable in recent years.

While there are hundreds of Linux distributions out there, all with different mantras and for different purposes, distros created for the sole purpose of gaming are not released very often. But of course there are some really good ones that have been developed and are already available to everyone. Today we'll be looking at a comprehensive list of the best Linux distributions for gaming.

These distributions are equipped with various drivers, software, emulators and tools for a more convenient gameplay, so you can install them right now and enjoy the gaming experience.

The Best Linux Distributions for Games

Just to clarify, the distributions that will be listed below will be considered in random order, this is not the top from the first position to the last, which one you choose is completely up to you since it is quite difficult to determine the best one by the top, I hope you will try it and unsubscribe in the comments which is better and why.

1.

Steam OS is one of the most popular gaming distributions developed by Valve Corporation. From the creators of Steam. Steam OS is designed exclusively for running games from the Steam client.

• Based on: Debian 8 (Debian Jessie)
• Desktop environment: GNOME, optimized for quick keyboard and joystick access.
• Package format: DEB

Steam OS supports a variety of graphics cards and joysticks/gamepads. If by chance the driver for your hardware is not included out of the box, you can always manually configure it.

Equipment requirements :

• Processor: Intel or AMD supporting 64-bit architecture
• Memory: 4 GB or more RAM
• Hard drive: 200 GB or larger drive
• Video card: NVIDIA video card/ AMD video card (RADEON 8500 and higher) / Intel Graphics
• Additionally: USB port For UEFI installations firmware (recommended)

Pros:

• Soothing user interface
• Mail support for all the latest Graphic Cards
• Compatible with various additional devices, joysticks/gamepads
• Huge collection of games from the built-in Steam client

Minuses:

• High hardware requirements
• Running games only from Steam

If you have upgraded your computer and your machine meets the requirements of the Steam OS, without a doubt, this distribution is worthy of being installed on your computer, whether to install it or not is up to you.

2. Sparky Linux - Gameover Edition

Sparky Linux - Gameover Edition is another one of the best distributions for games.

• Based on: Debian
• Desktop Environment: LXDE
• Package format: DEB

Sparky Linux - Gameover Edition comes with built-in special utility which is called Aptus Gamer. This utility makes it easy to install support for various consoles, emulators and other tools for gamers. Aptus Gamer supports a very large list of emulators.

A large number of Linux games come pre-installed with this distribution. Apart from the above, it also comes with a pre-installed Steam client, Windows gaming with Wine pre-installed and PlayOnLinux bundled with Sparky Linux - Gameover Edition.

It is also worth adding that a utility is provided pre-installed to help you install proprietary drivers for your video adapters and additional devices, set-top boxes, joysticks, and you can also install multimedia codecs using this utility.

Pros:

• Steam Games supported
• Support for installing games using Wine and PlayOnLinux
• Aptus Gamer Tool support
• Stable version of the distribution

Minuses:

• I would like to mention it, but I can’t, it’s too good.

If you want a stable Linux gaming distribution that supports a wide range of games from a variety of platforms, try this one.

3.

Game Drift Linux is optimized to provide the best gaming experience on Linux. It provides out-of-the-box support for Linux and popular games for Windows.

• Based on: Ubuntu
• Desktop Environment: MATE
• Package format: DEB

Game Drift has its own game store filled with various games with open source code, has both simple and a large number of high-quality Linux games in its list. The game store is regularly updated with new games, there is never any downtime. The game store in this distribution supports the installation of games with one click of a button without additional husk like I agree and so on.

There is built-in support for CrossOver technology to run Windows games. You can play more than 1200 games that are developed for Windows. You will also be able to run various Windows software with CrossOver.

• Processor: 1-2 GHz processor (32 or 64 bit)
• Memory: 1-2 GB RAM
• Hard disk: 4GB hard disk
• Video card: ATI, Nvidia or Intel
• Additionally: LAN / Internet

Pros:

• Your own game store
• Windows game support

Minuses:

• CrossOver is not free as you need to buy a key to activate it

If you want to have Windows support games and can afford to spend money on purchasing a CrossOver license, Game Drift Linux is a good choice for you.

4.

Play Linux is another good gaming distro for Linux and comes with Steam and PlayOnLinux pre-installed.

• Based on: Ubuntu
• Desktop Environment: Nebula
• Package format: DEB

Nebula is a lightweight and customizable environment that includes a wide range of settings for the appearance of Play Linux. Play Linux automatically detects the load on the processor and disables unnecessary functions without user intervention, such as Compiz, temporarily while you are busy with the gameplay so as not to load your video card with unnecessary loads that you can do without.

Unique features for the Play Linux distribution are provided by the integrated AutoGPU installer. It automatically configures and installs its graphics drivers so you don't have to waste your time.

Pros:

• Simple and lightweight distribution
• Steam support
• Pre-installed PlayOnLinux (for Windows startup games)
• Automatic installation of graphics adapter drivers

Minuses:

• Beta version of the distribution
• May not be suitable for very new games, although this will smooth out over time

If you want a gaming distribution that is also compatible in addition to gameplay with normal use desktop for everyday tasks, you can choose Play Linux.

5.

Lakka OS is completely different from the distributions we discussed above. It's a lightweight Linux distribution that turns your computer into a full-blown gaming console, literally.

• Based on: OpenELEC
• Desktop Environment: RetroArch

Lakka OS is capable of emulating a wide range of consoles. Systemically provided support for all necessary console emulators for comfortable gaming in the RetroArch environment.

All emulators are provided with pre-improved configurations, specially optimized so that games in Lakka OS run more smoothly and without problems, which cannot be said about emulators without prior configuration. Most games have very low hardware resource requirements, with the exception of Playstation or Xbox games.

The key features of Lakka OS are Multiplayer, Savestates, Shaders, NetPlay, rewind and wireless joystick support.

Pros:

• Easy in robot
• Beautiful interface
• Large number of supported emulators
• Various supported hardware
• Automatic joystick recognition
• Various useful functions for games

Minuses:

• No support for Steam or Windows games

If you are a hardcore gamer with a console and a high-end computer, Lakka OS is without any doubt waiting for you.

6.

Fedora Games Spin is a great example that demonstrates the capabilities of the Fedora distribution for running games.

• Based on: Fedora
• Package format: RPM

Fedora Games Spin comes with thousands of Linux games. With a link to the official website:

The included games cover several genres, first-person, real-time and turn-based strategy, all games are logical in nature.

Steam client, Wine or PlayOnLinux are not installed by default. If you want Steam and Windows game support, you'll need to manually install them using a package manager. To run some pre-installed games additional requirements are also required to launch and begin playing the game.

Pros:

• Thousands in advance installed Linux games
• Stable, fast and lightweight distribution

Minuses:

• No out-of-box support for using Steam and Windows games
• Drivers are not pre-installed
• Not for hardcore gamers

Although this distro is not that advanced for gaming, but if you are a Fedora hobbyist and fan, you should try this distro.

7.

Ubuntu GamePack is a gaming distribution that provides support for about six thousand Linux and Windows games. It was developed to bridge the gap in game availability between Linux and Windows.

• Based on: Ubuntu
• Desktop Environment: Unity
• Package format: DEB

Ubuntu GamePack does not include any games outside the box. Rather, it opens the door to running Linux, Steam games, Windows games and various consoles on your computer.

The Steam client, Lutris, Wine and PlayOnLinux come pre-installed with the Ubuntu Gamepack. Lutris is an open gaming platform for managing console, Linux, Steam and Windows games.

Support available Adobe Flash and Oracle Java. So, you won’t have any problems when playing online games.

Ubuntu GamePack also provides a dedicated repository with a collection of hundreds of games.

Pros:

• Pre-installed Lutris
• Compatibility for online play
• Support for installing games from Steam and launching Windows games and consoles

Minuses:

• May seem a little slower than other distros listed above

8.

MGAME (formerly known as Manjaro Gaming) is a distribution designed for gamers and Manjaro fans.

• Based on: Manjaro
• Desktop Environment: Xfce

MGAME automatically installs necessary drivers for popular graphics cards. It also provides various tweaks for an optimal gaming experience.

MGAME comes with various additional utilities and sources that are often needed by gamers; additionally, pre-installed applications for video editing, video recording and streaming, applications for creating high-quality screenshots, etc.

There is pre-installed support for a huge list of console emulators. Wine and PlayOnLinux are also pre-installed to run Windows games. If you want to play games on Steam, you'll have to manually install the Steam client, which is a feat on Arch Linux-based distros since Steam is not officially supported on Arch.

Pros:

• Pre-installed tools for gamers
• Wide range of supported consoles, emulators

Minuses

• Not suitable for hardcore gamers

MGAME is a relatively new distribution in the gaming category. But if you are a fan of Manjaro, you may want to try it.

Have you had experience using one or more of these distributions? Which one is especially the best? Let us know!

Thinking about Linux? Maybe you have doubts about which Linux to choose in 2016? Just a couple of months ago, Linux Mint 18 was born - its successor previous version distribution (namely, Linux Mint 17). Don't understand what we're talking about? Then read below!

What is Linux?

Linux is an open source operating system. In other words, anyone can remake the OS to suit themselves. Despite its low popularity (relative to Windows), Linux has such advantages as free distribution, stable operation, use of a small amount of system resources and minimizing the likelihood of infecting your computer.

Features of Linux Mint 18

Let's return to the recently released release. One of the innovations of this distribution is the lack of multimedia codecs - for many users this is a disadvantage, which, however, can be eliminated in a few minutes by installing them.
The visual component of Linux Mint 18 has also undergone changes. Do you like to experiment visually? Then this distribution will delight you with the presence of special icons and new themes that you can customize at your own discretion. Linux Mint 18 now supports HiDPI. What does it mean? This means that your monitor can really surprise you with a high degree of detail and good graphics.

It is worth mentioning the innovations regarding the performance of the system. The new distribution not only has the same capabilities of Linux Mint 17, but also the ability to use new commands to optimize the process of working on a computer. By the way, many popular applications have become available in Linux Mint 18 - now their installation has become much easier.

Windows or Linux?

“So which operating system should you choose?” - you ask.

Of course, most users are already so accustomed to the Windows interface that the transition may cause some difficulties (You will feel approximately the same sensations that you felt, for example, during the transition from Windows XP to Windows 8).
But in reality everything turns out to be much simpler than it seemed before. The Linux distribution is an excellent desktop environment, as proven by the experiences of users who have already switched to it. You will be amazed at how Linux flies because it consumes much less system resources.

What do you currently have installed on your computer?

A couple of browsers mail program, player, skype? In this case, Linux is ideal for you - all these programs are supported by this distribution. If you are a fan of playing games that office computers after seeing minimum requirements to install, burn out, then Linux is most likely not for you. The same can be said about users of specialized “heavy” software (AbobePhotoshop, SonyVegasPro, AutoCad, 3dsMax).

So what's the bottom line?

We can say with complete confidence that the devil is not as terrible as he is painted. Try it, experiment! Your nerves, which constantly suffer when Windows freezes, will thank you!

We have long known that Linux is the most secure and reliable open source operating system. When choosing Linux for a computer, we can try any distributions we like, for example Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Fedora and so on. But laptops have their own specifics. Many modern laptops are comparable in their characteristics to computers, and sometimes even superior to models of previous years, but there are also weaker mobile machines. For such devices, you can choose an optimized system that will consume fewer resources and work faster.

In this article we will try to choose best linux for laptop 2019. We'll look at the ten best Linux distributions for your laptop that will really make it faster. After reading the article, you will be able to decide which Linux to choose for your laptop and which one is best for you.

1. Cub Linux

This is a modern, fast, beautiful and stable Linux distribution that consumes little battery power. It was formerly known as Chromixium OS. Cub Linux can be used on any laptop or netbook from old to new and modern. It is very similar to Google's Chromium OS and is based on Ubuntu. It supports running any software, including from the Chrome Store, as well as software from the Ubuntu repositories using Synaptic or Gdebi.

One of important points The thing is that Cub Linux uses Openbox as its default window manager, this ensures longer battery life and minimal resource usage. By default, the distribution comes with the Chromium browser and many other useful applications.

Main parameters:

• Based: Ubuntu LTS
• Architecture: x86/64
• Environment: Openbox
• Package format:.deb
• Firmware: Chromium, Youtube, Google Drive

System requirements:

• RAM: 512 MB, 1 GB recommended
• CPU: dual-core Intel/AMD 1 GHz
• HDD: 4 GB or 8 GB recommended
• External media: 1 GB USB for installation or DVD-RW
• Screen extension: minimum 800 x 600, recommended 1024 x 600
• Net:

Advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Small, fast, beautiful
• Low system requirements
• Low power consumption
• Similar to Chromium OS
• Support for Chrome and regular apps
• Good for laptops

Minuses:

• Inconvenient application menu
• Loading slower than other distros
• Not for Unity fans

2. LXLE Linux

LXLE is another best Linux for laptop 2016. It is an easy to use, lightweight distribution with LXDE desktop environment based on Lubuntu. Compared to the latter, LXLE has several advantages: it is based on Ubuntu LTS, meets the needs of most general users, providing a good set of applications by default. Also added here are useful modifications to improve performance and increase functionality.

If you are used to Windows XP or Windows Vista, LXLE will be a great solution. It is a highly customizable operating system where you can make your desktop look like Windows, MacOS or even Ubuntu Unity. In addition, the system runs on LXDE and consumes a small amount of resources.

LXLE comes by default with applications such as Libreoffice, Mozilla Firefox, package manager Synaptic, etc. The system already includes additional PPAs for installing and updating software.

LXLE Linux is prettier than other LXDE-based distros. Here you can find over 100 great wallpapers, pre-installed Explse, Aero Snap, quick app launcher, access panel and many more features.

Main parameters:

• Founded: Lubuntu LTS
• Architecture: x86/64
• Environment: LXDE
• Package format:.deb
• Firmware: LibreOffice, Mozilla Firefox

System requirements:

• RAM: 1 GB, recommended 2 GB for 64 bit system
• CPU: Intel/AMD 1.5 GHz
• Disk space: 8 GB, 20 GB recommended for software installation
• External media: USB size 4 GB for installation
• Net: wired or wireless connection to the Internet

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• High flexibility
• Low battery usage
• Complete desktop environment
• Added custom PPAs for easy software installation
• Great for laptops
• Starts up in less than a minute

Minuses:

• Not for beginners

3.Deepin Linux

In the list of “best Linux for laptop”, Deepin Linux ranks high. This distribution is specifically for beginners, it is completely suitable for both laptops and desktop computers. Its simplicity and beautiful, modern design make Deepin one of the best distros of 2016.

Deepin Linux is based on Debian, but it has its own desktop environment. This is not KDE, Xfce, LXDE, Gnome or Openbox and others, it uses Deepin Desktop Environment. This environment is developed using HTML5 and the Qt framework. Deepin has three types of desktop: modern - in the style of MacOS X, in the style of Windows 7 and classic minimalist - in the style of Windows XP. There is an application launcher that behaves the same as in MacOS and is similar to Ubuntu Dash. This way, you can access any application directly from your desktop, and even uninstall it.

Deepin comes with big amount default applications such as Google Chrome, Kingsoft Office, Deepin Music, Movie, file manager Deepin. Deepin also has its own application center, which is called the Deepin Application Center, with the help of which you can install any software in a few clicks. It also has its own control center, similar to MacOS, even more flexible and powerful than the Ubuntu control center.

Main characteristics:

• Based: Debian
• Architecture: x86/64
• Environment: DDE
• Package format:.deb
• Firmware: Google Chrome, Kingsoft Office

System requirements:

• RAM: 2 or more gigabytes
• CPU:
• Disk space:
• External media: 4GB USB or DVD
• Net: Internet access

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Beautiful, modern, easy to use
• Lots of software preinstalled
• There is an application center
• MacOS-like Control Center

Minuses:

• Battery drains quickly
• Consumes a lot of resources
• Does not support encryption

4.Antergos

This is an excellent laptop distro based on ArchLinux. Despite this, it is very easy to install and use, and is also quite stable. Unlike ArchLinux, it has a graphical installer, which is a great plus for beginners.

Antergos uses a rolling update system, so you will receive updates for all system components and applications as soon as they are available. The desktop environment you can choose from is KDE Plasma, Gnome, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE and Openbox. In addition, the distribution can use AUR to install third-party programs.

Main characteristics:

• Based: Arch
• Architecture: x86/64
• Environment: GNOME
• Package Manager: pacman

System requirements:

• RAM: 2 or more gigabytes
• CPU: dual core AMD/ Intel 2 GHz
• Disk space: 10 GB, but 20 GB recommended for software installation
• External media: 4GB USB or DVD
• Net: Internet access

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Based on ArchLinux
• Stable and easy to use and configure
• Rolling update system
• Good for both personal computer, and for laptop
• There is a graphical installer

Minuses:

• An internet connection is required for installation.

5. Peppermint OS

Although Peppermint OS is not yet as popular as other Linux distributions, it is another best Linux distribution for a laptop. It is compatible with cloud applications, consumes little power, and also has its own software manager, which makes it stand out from the rest.

Peppermint is one of the best distributions based on Ubuntu, comes with integration options cloud services. You can connect any cloud applications such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Twitter with desktop programs. Peppermint comes pre-installed Chromium browser and Dropbox client. This way, you can use your laptop immediately after installing the system.

Also installed with Peppermint are: the Mint application center, the update manager, and the Nemo file manager. This is a distribution similar to a lightweight edition of Linux Mint.

Main parameters:

• Based: Ubuntu LTS
• Architecture: x86/64
• Desktop environment: LXDE
• Package format:.deb
• Firmware: Chromium, Dropbox

System requirements:

• RAM: 512 MB or more, 1 GB recommended
• CPU: AMD / Intel 1 GHz
• Disk space: 4 GB, but 8 GB recommended
• Installation media: USB 2 GB or DVD-RW
• Net: Internet access

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Fast and stable
• Integration with Cloud Applications (ICE)
• Built-in Nemo file manager
• Built-in Mint App Center
• Low power consumption

Minuses:

• Not so nice interface

6.Elementary OS

If you've used a Mac, or are just an avid fan of the MacOS X operating systems, Elementary will be the best solution for you. It can be safely classified as “the best Linux distributions for laptops,” which are created specifically for MacOS lovers.

Like Deepin, it uses its own desktop environment - Pantheon. It has several features like notification area, app launcher, zoom setting, hot corners, etc. same as macOS.

Elementary OS comes with a large number of applications from Ubuntu by default: native music player, video player and web browser Midori. If you want an open source replacement for MacOS, you can choose Elementary OS.

Main parameters:

• Founded: Ubuntu LTS
• Architecture: x86/64
• Desktop environment: pantheon
• Package format:.deb
• Firmware: Midori, Music

System requirements:

• RAM: 1 GB, 2 GB recommended
• CPU: AMD/Intel 1 GHz, 2 GHz recommended
• Disk space: 15 GB, but 20 GB is better for software installation
• Installation media: USB 4 GB or DVD-RW
• Graphics card: with 1024 x 768 resolution or greater
• Net: Network access

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Similar to MacOS
• Easy to use
• Multifunctional music and video player

Minuses:

• Uses a lot of resources
• Battery drains quickly

7. Zorin OS

Like Windows but don't want to install it? Zorin OS will be a great solution. Although Zorin OS is primarily intended for desktop computers, it is also the best distribution for laptops. A feature of Zorin OS can be considered easier startup EXE files. Here, Wine is preinstalled by default (launch library Windows programs), as well as the shell for it - PlayOnLinux. In addition, the system comes with basic Windows fonts And necessary files dll. You can install the software using Zorin App Center, Synaptic package manager, or Gdebi installer.

Zorin OS uses its own desktop environment, Zorin Desktop Environment. You can configure it with Windows themes 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Ubuntu Unity, MacOS and Gnome 2 themes.

Zorin OS comes with software such as media codecs, Mozilla browser Firefox, LibreOffice, GIMP, OpenShot video editor and so on. This is one of the fastest Ubuntu-based distributions.

Main parameters:

• Based: Ubuntu
• Architecture: x86/64
• Desktop environment: ZDE
• Package format:.deb
• Built-in applications: Firefox, LibreOffice

System requirements:

• RAM: 512 MB or more, 1 GB recommended
• CPU: AMD/Intel 1 GHz (Dual Core 2 GHz recommended)
• Disk space: 10 GB, 20 GB recommended
• Minimum extension: 640x480
• Net: wired or wireless connection

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Newbie Friendly
• Made for Windows lovers
• Wine and PlayOnLinux pre-installed
• Super fast and beautiful
• Highly customizable

Minuses:

• The free edition has fewer features than the premium edition

8. GalliumOS

If you like Chromebooks and ChromeOS, then you'll like this distro. It is an actively developed and highly customizable operating system for Chromebooks. GalliumOS is based on Xubuntu, which means that the distribution uses the XFCE environment by default. The system boots very quickly unlike other distros, it is also optimized to save battery and comes with a zram already configured instead of a swap partition.

The distribution supports all programs developed for Linux and Ubuntu, so you don't have to worry about software compatibility like you do with ChromeOS. It may not be the best distribution for a laptop, but it is the best for Chromebooks.

Main parameters:

• Based: Xubuntu
• Architecture: x86/64
• Desktop environment: XFCE
• Package format:.deb
• Built-in applications: Firefox, LibreOffice

System requirements:

• Works on almost all Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. You can find a more detailed list of supported devices on the official website.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Open source distribution
• Optimized for battery saving
• Undemanding on resources
• Supports all common Linux programs
• Contains zram by default.

Minuses:

• The user interface is not as convenient as we would like.

9. Feren OS

Feren OS is a great replacement for those who like the interface of Windows and Mac OS X. Although the distribution is based on Linux Mint, it uses a rolling update system so you always have the latest software. The distribution does not collect any user data like Windows 10, but at the same time consumes less resources compared to Linux Mint.

By default, Feren OS uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which you can customize as you wish.

Main parameters:

• Founded: Linux Mint
• Architecture: x86/64
• Desktop environment: Cinnamon
• Package format:.deb
• Built-in applications: Vivaldi, Skype, Krita, WPS Office

System requirements:

• RAM: 1 GB or more
• CPU: AMD/Intel 2 GHz
• Disk space: 10 GB, 15 GB recommended
• Net: wired or wireless connection

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Very nice design
• High performance

Minuses:

• May not be of interest to experienced users

10. Macpup

Macpup is also on the list of “best Linux distros for laptop”. It consumes very few resources and can be used on any hardware: from laptops to netbooks.

Macpup is based on the Puppy Linux distribution and uses the same packages from Puppy Linux. This distribution consumes a small amount of resources and is similar to MacOS. If you have a Pentium 2 or 3 based laptop, then you can use Macpup without a second thought.

Main parameters:

• Based: Puppy Linux
• Architecture: x86
• Desktop environment: Enlightenment
• Package Manager: Dotpup/PET
• Firmware: Firefox, Gnome Office

System requirements:

• RAM: 256 megabytes, 512 recommended
• CPU: Intel/AMD @ 800 MHz
• Disk space: 512 MB, 1 GB recommended
• Installation media: size 1 GB
• Internet connection: needed for update

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Small and fast
• Very low system requirements
• Similar to MacOS X
• Based on Puppy Linux

Minuses:

• Not for new users

conclusions

Now it will be easier for you to choose Linux for your laptop. This article presents many great options. Naturally, that's not all best Linux distributions for a laptop, if you use others and find them more suitable, share with us in the comments!

If you want to try Linux, then you have to decide on the choice of the most suitable distribution. There are several hundred different Linux distributions. Some of them make it easier for users to adapt to an unfamiliar operating system, while others can be quite difficult for beginners.

"Linux" is only the kernel, the main part of the operating system. Graphical environment, utilities command line and other parts of the operating system are separate projects. Linux distributions combine open source components from various projects into a complete operating system that you can install and use.

Nowadays, switching to Linux is quite easy. You need to download the image and create bootable usb media or DVD. After restarting your computer, you can boot from the created media to use Linux in Live mode (without installing it on your computer).

In Live mode, the Linux distribution will start with boot device without creating potential conflicts with the real system. If you decide that you want to install a Linux distribution on your computer, you can do so directly from the Live environment.

On new computers, you may need to disable the feature secure boot. However, some Linux distributions may boot normally on computers with Secure option Boot.

“Try Ubuntu or Mint” is a very common piece of advice. Indeed, these are excellent Linux distributions to start and learn from. If you're looking for something a little different, Fedora might be the way to go.

Fedora has several philosophical differences from Ubuntu, Mint and many other distributions. Unlike others, Fedora is very sensitive only to software open source. For example, the system does not include closed source hardware drivers. You must find them yourself if necessary.

Fedora developers work directly with open source projects such as GNOME, making small changes and delivering the latest developments to their users. This distribution gives you the latest and greatest projects from the community.

The Fedora desktop is known as "Fedora Workstation" and is great for developers by providing fast access To necessary tools and functions. On the other hand, anyone can use Fedora.

Fedora is the base for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Red Hat's long-term supported commercial Linux product. The Fedora Project releases new versions approximately every six months, and each release is supported by security updates for approximately 13 months. If you want to receive free version Red Hat Enterprise Linux Red Hat, then you can use CentOS. The differences lie in branding and commercial support.

What else can you try?

There are many other reliable Linux distributions that you can try. The DistroWatch website presents a rating of popular distributions with user ratings. Projects with good ratings are probably excellent products.

Some Linux distributions are developed and maintained by small teams of developers, such as . Elementary OS offers a simple and convenient desktop based on its own Pantheon environment. It looks good, but is seriously different from other Linux desktops.

The Linux.com website offered readers its version of the best distributions of the current year. However, for now this is not a statement of fact, but only a forecast based on a noticeable increase in popularity open solutions both in the corporate and consumer sectors.

1 Best Comeback: OpenSUSE

2 Most Customizable Distro: Arch Linux

3 The most beautiful distribution: Elementary OS

4 Best Debut: Solus

5 Best Cloud OS: Chrome OS

6 Best Laptop OS: Ubuntu MATE

7 Best distro for older hardware: Lubuntu

8 Best Distro for IoT: Snappy Ubuntu Core

Snappy Ubuntu Core

9 Best Desktop Distro: Linux Mint Cinnamon

Linux Mint Cinnamon

10 Best distribution for games: Steam OS

11 Best Distro for Privacy: Tails

12 Best Multimedia Distro: Ubuntu Studio

13 Best Enterprise Distro: SLE/RHEL

15 Best Mobile System: Plasma Mobile

16 Best Distro for ARM: Arch Linux ARM

Arch Linux ARM on Raspberry PI