Which version of Linux to choose for your home. Which Linux to choose? Best Linux Distributions

Everyone asks this question Windows user who wants to switch to the Linux operating system. And today I will try to help you answer this question, in other words I will list Linux distributions that are suitable for a beginner Linux user, naturally with justification for why these particular distributions are suitable for a beginner.

We have already reviewed quite a lot of Linux distributions on this site, there were beautiful ones like Linux Deepin, popular and powerful ones like Ubuntu and Debian, not very popular, but at the same time simple, compact and fast like Manjaro Linux, as well as many other good ones distributions. And now it’s time to highlight from all this those distributions that are best suited for a novice Linux user.

Note! If you are a regular user home computer and want to get acquainted with Linux take a closer look, I recommend reading my book - “ ", in it I talk in detail about the basics operating system Linux

And first, let's define the criteria that a Linux distribution for beginners should meet, in other words, what I was based on when compiling the list of distributions.

Criteria for choosing a Linux distribution for a beginner

Installing the distribution should be simple;
Intuitive, simple and at the same time powerful desktop environment;
The distribution must be multilingual with support for the Russian language out of the box, i.e. for localization, no additional actions need to be taken, except for selecting a language at the system installation stage;
A sufficiently large and developed community so that if any problem arises there is always someone to turn to;
A good set of programs, both installed by default and those that can be installed additionally;
Stable, reliable and safe operation;
The distribution must be actively developed so that a situation does not happen where, for example, we installed an operating system, but its support and development in general stopped after six months;
The distribution must be free;
It should be popular both in the world and here in Russia.

If we talk specifically about the desktop environment, and you should already know that Linux has many graphical shells, then KDE is suitable for a beginner, since it is basically similar to the Windows shell and thus mastering the new system will be much easier, in addition it is powerful and popular.

And now let me bring list of Linux distributions for beginners, there will be only three distributions in it, since I believe that in this case there is no need to provide an extended list; it will complicate the choice rather than simplify it. And I’ll start, of course, with the most suitable distribution, which is just perfect for novice users.

Linux Mint

This is a distribution Linux Mint, which is a great option for beginners as it meets all the criteria listed above. Its installation is very simple, this process we looked at this, the set of programs is huge, and their installation is very simple, since the distribution implements one of the best program managers, for example, in the article about installing the Skype program, you can look at its operation and interface. This distribution is based on Ubuntu, which indicates its stability and reliability. The distribution officially supports desktop environments: Cinnamon, MATE, KDE and Xfce. The Russian language is present, the community is large, the distribution is actively developing, and Linux Mint is the most popular Linux distribution according to the site.

Screenshots of Linux Mint 17.1 in the Mate graphical shell

Mint desktop and menu

File manager

Program Manager

Control Center

Linux openSUSE

openSUSE is also a great distribution for a beginner. I put it in second place, because it seems to me that Mint is a little simpler or something, but this is my personal opinion. openSUSE itself is a very powerful, popular and at the same time simple distribution, which, like Mint, is aimed at ordinary home computer users. The default desktop environment here is KDE, and the openSUSE developers also accept active participation in the development of KDE, so I believe that openSUSE should only be installed with this graphical shell. We discussed the installation of this distribution in the material Installing Linux openSUSE, it is also very simple and even a beginner can handle it.

Screenshots of Linux openSUSE 13.2 in the KDE graphical shell

Desktop and main menu

File manager

YaST Control Center

Linux Mageia

Linux Mageia is another distribution that is suitable for a beginner Linux user. This distribution is also actively developing, has a good community, and is very easy to install and manage ( We looked at the installation process here), it is also aimed at beginners. The default desktop environment is KDE.

Screenshots of Linux Mageia 4.1 with KDE desktop environment

Desktop and menu

Control Center

Program management

The Linux distributions listed above are excellent option for novice users. This is where I propose to end your good luck in mastering the Linux operating system.

So - the decision has been made. We will assume that you are convinced of the promise and convenience of the Linux system and, instead of buying a new computer running Win8, you have decided to replace WinXP with a free OS. How to be? There are so many things around... Not every Linux is equally useful for a “refugee”, but the choice of suitable options is quite wide. Currently, about 350 distributions use the Linux kernel, in addition to systems based on Debian, there are also systems based on Slackware, Red-Hat, Arch and Gentoo. Many options are very specialized and fall off the list of candidates for replacing WinXP at home.

Will have to sort it out a bit

All sorts of things Arch And Gentoo- the lot of Linux specialists glorified on the Internet and are not entirely suitable for the average user. Of all the options RedHat You can look at only two versions that are easily suitable for immigrants from WinXP:

Fedora Linux(https://fedoraproject.org/ru/) pleases the eye every time and amuses with the freshness of its functionality. However, no one there cares about the economy of old hardware and is not particularly worried about newcomers who are about to switch from Windows. But everything is beautiful and very relevant.

Mageia(http://www.mageia.org/ru/) was released at the beginning of 2014 in version 4 and also belongs to the family RedHat. Perhaps, of all the options, this is the only one that is clearly aimed at a simple end consumer. The best system installation manager in the Linux environment and a very successful graphical shell (your choice of KDE or Gnome). One argument against Mageia: this is still a young development and it is unknown how it will develop in the future.

Open SuSe(http://www.opensuse.org/ru/) - the only member of the family Slackware, which can be discussed here. For more than a decade, this distribution was generally the only option that was tailored for the desktop computer and created for the convenience of the end user.

Ubuntu and comrades - people from a glorious family Debian and are currently the best choice for novice users. Anyone who needs a simple, fast and stable system, but does not want to delve into the settings, will be pleased. Among other things, a friendly company of different Ubuntu offers, on a common basis, numerous options for different tastes and needs.

The best Ubuntu for those who want to "switch"

This is almost a standard for desktop Linux -- Ubuntu(www.ubuntu.com). The current version 14.04 is the so-called LTS (long time support), which is also suitable for production use (server, etc.), as it will be provided with updates for another five years. Installing Ubuntu It's simple; using the system is almost intuitive. Some may find the Unity work surface criticized by traditionalists strange, but general impression little suffers from this. And for those who really can’t bear it, there are options for every taste.

Kubuntu(www.kubuntu.org) is still Ubuntu with all the amenities, but instead of Unity it uses a very elegant KDE surface. This shell shines with the greatest possible variability and has a huge number of settings and additions. Kubuntu expresses its advantages on a larger monitor and fresher computers. Any fan of tinkering with system settings will be simply happy. Numerous communities on the Internet are full of “tuned” desktops of proud users.

Ubuntu Gnome(http://ubuntugnome.org) - this option replaces Unity with the Gnome graphical shell, as the name implies. This environment is also elegant and thoughtful, but all the graphics “stuff” requires its attention from the processor and video card.

A relative novelty is Elementary OS "Luna"(http://elementaryos.org), based, for now, on the previous LTS version of Ubuntu 12.04. The main feature of this distribution is the Pantheon surface derived from Gnome, which, in some way, copies MacOS. The authors have created a nice system with a set of especially economical and fast programs. But the user can assemble everything to his taste - the main components of Ubuntu are preserved.

Linux Mint(http://linuxmint.com) is currently distributed in version 17 and is also based on Ubuntu. This version of the OS differs from the above in having the lowest hardware requirements. The Cinnamon desktop is a departure from Unity, and the traditionally designed menu is a clear invitation to those moving from Windows.

The system is quickly and easily installed, configured and expanded. Unlike other systems, Linux Mint is able to handle all audio or video codecs immediately after installation. Updating Mint versions follows Ubuntu versions. And for KDE fans there is also a corresponding version - currently it is Linux Mint 16 "Petra".

Fresh wind on old iron

Often, after removing WinXP from service, the home is left with a rather weak computer with outdated peripherals. But don’t give in to despondency - minimalist Linux shouldn’t look poor and modest. Already from Pentium III or Athlon AMD and RAM on 512MB you can run a pretty decent system that can adequately replace the old Windows. In general, you can rely on operating systems that use the XFCE or LXDE graphical shell. These are, respectively, Xubuntu And Lubuntu. Again, Linux Mint comes in a version with an LXDE environment.

They manage resources even more economically Bodhi Linux And Precise Puppy Linux. Note to the inquisitive user, as they say. There are several outdated versions of “light” Linux, but it’s better to leave them aside.

The easiest way is to rely on Lubuntu or Mint LXDE- after installation, the user receives a fully functional system, and the Windows-style operating menu makes it easier for experienced users to switch to Windows.

Based on materials from Linux WELT magazine (03/2014)

Victor Hartmann
Berlin

Many users have no doubt and download the most latest version. People think that in the updated version the developers have eliminated all the bugs, added useful features, made the design more attractive, and the interface more friendly. But this is not always true. In 2016 alone, several modifications and assemblies were released. Among them there are different systems: both good and bad. Therefore, you need to think about which Linux to choose. And only then, having assessed all the pros and cons, install the distribution.

There is no universal system that will suit all users. Each person needs something different. The administrator cares about functionality, security and capabilities remote control. For a beginner - a friendly and simple interface. For those who love innovation, there are interesting options that are not available in previous versions.

Many distributions were released in 2016. Among them there will definitely be one that you need. But no rating will make the choice for you. It is better to independently evaluate the option you like.

There are several general criteria that are important in any version of Linux:

Stability. If the system constantly “crashes”, produces errors, terminates programs, no other advantages will push it into the top 2016. You will have to constantly look for the causes of failures and restore damaged data. It doesn’t matter what tasks you use the modification for, its stability is always important.
Safety. Holes in the system are a godsend for any virus. Of course, Linux is a great example of reliability. But this depends on the Firewall, access log, and protection settings. It’s better to choose a distribution that already has the optimal settings and closes all the “loopholes” for malicious software. software.
Functionality. Availability of useful and interesting options. Or some “zest” that was not added to other Linux systems. The main thing is not to overdo it. If the assembly contains a huge number of functions that you do not need, it is better to take something simpler. After all, they will overload the system.
Convenience. The interface should not only be understandable, but also practical. So that all important options are at hand. So that when you turn on your computer, you can start working.
Modernity. Legacy systems are good in many ways. They are time-tested. If you have used them before, you will have to get used to them after switching to the 2016 distribution. And the new modification may not live up to expectations. If it was released recently, it will most likely have bugs. But it’s still better to take modern Linux. Doesn't have to be the latest version. Developers make programs focusing on new systems. At some point it may come out useful application, which will be incompatible with your build. And you will have to update.
Design. Of course, the shell is not the main thing. After all, there may be nothing underneath it. But if the other criteria suit you, why not look at the distribution design. It can be changed. Therefore, there is no need to rank the most beautiful Linux of 2016. Just when choosing a modification, look at what design options it has.
Support, community. This refers not only to the development team and official Linux technical support. The people who use the operating system are important. They communicate on forums, discuss assemblies, and do reviews. They can answer questions and suggest how to solve the problem. If you install an unpopular version of Linux, you will have to deal with it yourself. After all, there won’t be many users who work with it. And you are unlikely to find them. This criterion does not apply to highly specialized modifications.

If you're deciding which Linux distribution to choose, don't settle for the most common version. Browse several options. What other people like may not suit you personally.

Run your favorite build on a virtual machine or with using LiveCD. No rating, review or opinion can replace personal experience. Linux is unpredictable in this regard. You will only be able to understand whether a program is right for you after you have worked with it for some time.

A build that is constantly being improved. New versions are released frequently. In 2016, Ubuntu is still popular. Although it was released 10 years ago.

The system is suitable for beginners who decide to “try” Linux. It's easy to install. It has a convenient and beautiful interface. There is nothing superfluous in it.

You can work with Ubuntu without even using a terminal. It is not like “classic” Linux - in it you have to work with command line. This is both a plus and a minus. You will easily get used to the new environment. But if you decide to install another build, you will not be able to use it without instructions.

New features are added frequently to Ubuntu. And along with them - new bugs. They are eliminated as they are discovered.

Distributed free of charge. Many programs and modifications can be freely downloaded.
Quick installation - 10 minutes, and the distribution kit is already on your computer.
Clear and friendly interface. It's easy to understand.
No viruses. More precisely, viruses simply cannot infect the system. On Linux Ubuntu, nothing happens without the user's permission. If you don't "pass" the malware yourself, it won't make it into the build.
Multi-boot operating systems are available. Ubuntu can be installed next to Windows. You don't need to configure anything for this.
A set of software is included with the assembly.
No ranking of Linux distributions is complete without Ubuntu. This is a common build. If you have any problem, you can find a solution in the community or on the forum.

Low stability. Crashes occur periodically. But when correct setting the system will work normally. Despite this, Ubuntu and some of its modifications are the best Linux builds. After all, failures in it are not so critical.
You may encounter errors that no one else has encountered. This is the problem with new versions.
If you decide to try other Linux distributions, it will be difficult to transition from Ubuntu.

Mint

Clear graphical interface. There is a module that will speed up adaptation if you switched to Mint from a Win system. They have a similar taskbar, desktop, navigation. You will quickly get used to the new “situation”. There are several working environments. Just choose the one you feel comfortable working with.

Mint is based on Ubuntu. The creators of Mint decided to remove all the shortcomings that are inherent in Linux. A special feature of the assembly is that it has built-in multimedia codecs. And the programs that are needed for full-fledged work on the computer are already included.

Perfectly organized feedback. The creators of the modification are interested in the opinions of users and listen to them.

Mint is almost the most common build of 2016. There is a huge community. You can contact the developers directly with a proposal or idea.
It's free.
There are a number useful functions: plugins for easy installation of programs, downloading updates, launching programs.
Convenient graphical interface. You can switch between work environments.
Modifications and updates are released frequently.

There are no public security bulletins.
The developer is not an official company, but enthusiasts. In many ways this is an advantage, since the creator of the system will be closer to the users. But he can make mistakes, because he does not have a team of professionals.

One of the oldest representatives of Linux. But it is popular in 2016 due to its stability and security. It has a huge development team. But new versions are rarely released.

Debian is installed on servers. It is suitable for remote administration. In it best systems package management.

Assembly is not suitable for beginners. It has a larger number of programs and settings that you need to understand. But installing the build is easy.

This is a model of stability.
Supports many different architectures.
Works quickly and efficiently.
Provides security.
There are a huge number of programs. About 43,000 packages.
Debian is easy to update.
Suitable for servers and remote administration. There is a package management system.

After installation, initial setup is required.
The settings themselves are difficult to understand.
The distribution is already outdated. Popular in 2016 only because it is the most stable and reliable build based on Linux.
Updates are rare.
The amount of software is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It will be difficult for a beginner to understand such a variety of software.

Other builds

Arch Linux. Simple and convenient build. If you want to understand Linux and learn how to work in it, Arch Linux will be the best choice. But the distribution has one significant drawback. After installation you will not see anything. All functions must be found and configured independently. And no automation. Before downloading this assembly, read the instructions for it.

Chalet OS. If you are a "yesterday" Windows user, Chalet OS is for you. This build is very similar to Win. But underneath the shell is Linux. You will be able to control new system using the familiar graphical interface. The collection was released recently. There may still be shortcomings in it.

Elementary OS. A distro with a stunning design. And these are all its advantages. Only those applications that do not disturb the overall composition of the desktop were added to the modification. No new solutions or features. Elementary OS is simply a beautiful operating system.

Cube Linux. Suitable for laptops. The build is stable. It has a practical and uncluttered interface. Thanks to this, the battery lasts longer. Cub Linux can run software designed for Ubuntu. He doesn't need powerful computer. It can even be installed on old laptops. But there is also a minus - the system loads slowly.

Highly specialized distributions

Here are the best Linux distributions in 2016, designed for highly specialized tasks.

Ubuntu Studio. Multimedia studio based on Ubuntu. A professional build designed for designers, sound engineers and those involved in video editing. The functionality of the system is aimed only at this - it is not intended for other tasks. Ubuntu Studio doesn't need a lot of resources. They can be distributed between programs.

Tails. If you don't want to be tracked, install Tails. It is based on Debian. The build ensures security, privacy and complete anonymity on the network. Runs from LiveCD.

Snappy Ubuntu Core. Innovation for innovation's sake. Designed for “smart things”. With it you can control home automation tools (microwaves, coffee makers). The system does not require many resources to operate.

SteamOS. A huge problem for Linux is that there are few games on it. Because of this, many users preferred Windows. And they weren’t going to give it up completely. But Valve found a solution - it provided “Linux for games”. Operating system Steam OS based on Debian. The functions of the Steam platform are available in it.

To decide which Linux to choose, you need to try several builds you like. In reviews and tops you can only look at the options. But if you know exactly what you need, install without hesitation.

Which Linux do you think is the best?

After the not entirely adequate actions of Microsoft related to the tenth version of Windows, many users are thinking about switching to alternative operating systems. Free software in this regard can only be offered by OSes based on the Linux kernel. Their advantages are obvious compared to the proprietary "ten" that always spies on the user. Nevertheless, there are a huge number of Linux distributions. Which Linux to choose? This is a question from a novice user who is just starting to get acquainted with this wonderful OS. And it needs to be answered. But first, some general information.

What is Linux?

Strictly speaking, "Linux" is not the name of an operating system. This is the name of the kernel on which the OS is based. It was created quite a long time ago by a man named Now Linus is the messiah for all free software lovers. The Linux ideology assumes that the user must decide for himself what the OS should look like, what software to use and what to do on the computer in general. That is why there are a huge number of desktop shells for the Linux OS. And you can customize them as you please. quite complicated for an untrained user. But there is no need to be afraid of this, since there is a huge free software community on the Internet. Linux experts will be happy to help a beginner.

Initially, Linux was created as a product of Microsoft. However, for a long time, things were not going well for the newly created operating system. And this was due to the fact that equipment manufacturers did not recognize the alternative OS and refused to supply it with drivers. But in the last five years the situation has changed dramatically. Now all Linux devices work perfectly. Therefore, it became possible to use this OS in the mass segment. The Linux operating system has many advantages compared to Windows. And we will talk about them now.

Advantages of Linux over Windows

The first and main advantage is that you don’t have to pay a penny to use Linux. This is a free operating system. Also important is the fact that Linux uses a completely different algorithm for working with programs. Therefore, the risk of virus infection is minimal. Strictly speaking, not so much. In any case, to run malware on this system, a certain user action with a password is required. Who would consciously run this on their PC? Also the OS uses a completely different file system for the section with the files necessary for work. This increases safety and speed of work.

It is also worth considering the fact that in the Linux structure there is no such thing as a “registry”. Windows has it and is constantly cluttered. There is nothing to be cluttered in Linux. Therefore, a properly configured OS can work for years without user intervention. Stability is the calling card of Linux. And, of course, about spy functions. "Ten" sends almost all user data to Microsoft. Including text entered from the keyboard. Only Gates knows how the company uses this information. Linux is quite capable of providing anonymity and does not collect any data. Now let's talk about which Linux to choose and look at some of the most popular distributions.

Linux Mint

On at the moment Mint is the most popular distribution, according to the Disrtowatch rating. It is this one with the standard Cinnamon working environment that is most suitable for novice users, since its design is most similar to Windows. However, there are other OS options with different designs. Including the lightweight XFCE or LXDE environment for weak machines. Mint is based on Ubuntu. And he, in turn, uses classic Debian. The distribution repositories contain many programs necessary for full operation in the OS. The capabilities of Linux Mint OS are extremely wide. It can be used by both professionals in any field and ordinary users. Game lovers will also not be left out, since the Wine-Staging package allows you to run almost all games written for Windows.

Since Mint is the most popular and user-friendly Linux distribution, a review of all its features and capabilities would require a separate article. But the main thing that the user needs to know is that Mint supports almost all equipment out of the box. That is, after installing the operating system, you can immediately start working. The exception is some “exotic” devices. You will also have to configure the operation of laptops with hybrid graphics (Intel + nVidia), since Linux does not support switching graphics like Windows. But there are a lot of instructions on how to configure this component on the Internet. This won't be a problem. Now it's time to move on to the next distribution.

Ubuntu

This distribution is based on the Debian package base. But unlike the latter, it cannot boast of the same stability. Until recently, DE Unity was used as a working environment. But from version 17 of Ubuntu I switched to the classic Gnome. For an untrained user, this design is a dark forest. However, "Gnome" is quite convenient once you get the hang of it. The beauty of Ubuntu (like Minta) is that after installation the user receives a fully functional operating system. All equipment works out of the box. in the case of Ubuntu they are not a deficiency. It is for this OS that there is a huge amount of both specialized and ordinary software. There is no shortage of programs.

Antergos

This is a fork of Archa with a friendlier installer interface. The fact is that in the original Arch there is no GUI during installation. Everything needs to be done using the keyboard and terminal. In Antergos, the installer resembles that of Ubuntu, which makes it suitable for beginners. However, you need to be careful with "arche-like" distributions. Updates assume the latest versions of the kernel and applications. And this may conflict with installed drivers. You'll have to correct everything manually. Therefore, to use this distribution, you need at least minimal knowledge of the OS structure and skills in working with a terminal. The Linux Antergos operating system is clearly not for everyone. It's better to get by with simpler distributions.

Elementary OS

This is a Linux distribution based on the Debian package base. It seems like nothing special, but this system is trying its best to pretend to be MacOs. And she succeeds. The interface may be a little unusual for those switching from Windows, but it is not difficult to understand. As for programs, there are no problems here. Linux programs based on Debian are not in short supply. In principle, this distribution can be used quite comfortably. However, it is still in the “finishing” stage, so some inappropriate reactions of the system are possible. However, they are not critical and will not force the poor user to reinstall the entire operating system (as often happens in Windows). But for those who are looking for an OS that is as similar as possible to “window windows”, this option is absolutely not suitable. Alas.

Kali Linux

And this distribution is the dream of all hackers. It is not suitable for everyday use on a home PC or laptop, but it has many tools for testing networks for strength. It is this operating system that is used by some hackers to carry out illegal activities. Kali Linux is capable of providing complete confidentiality and has a rich toolkit for hacking the security of networks of any complexity. If you are going to test the strength of your neighbor's Wi-Fi, then the question of which Linux to choose does not exist for you. For all its specificity, Kali Linux also has an initial set of programs to ensure normal user operation in the operating system. However, let's look at a few more distributions.

Fedora Workstation

Until recently, Fedora OS was intended exclusively for server needs. But now ordinary users can also successfully use it. A distinctive feature of Fedora is its unsurpassed stability. However, to use this operating system you need at least some knowledge in the field of Linux. It is not suitable for beginners. And if you still choose Fedora Linux? Which version should you choose for everyday use? Only the latest one. IN current versions"Fedora" has fixed a huge number of bugs and inaccuracies. These are the most stable releases of this distribution. It is very easy to understand which version is the latest. Each issue has a serial number. The larger it is, the newer the distribution.

Arch Linux

Probably the most user-unfriendly distribution. It is a constructor from which everyone fashions a system according to their own criteria. The main feature is the absence of a graphical installer. Commands in the terminal are used to install and download components. But Arch owners always receive the latest versions of applications even before they reach Debian-based distributions. The situation is exactly the same with updating the kernel. If you are wondering which Linux to choose as an evaluation operating system, then Arch is definitely not for you. It is designed for very advanced users who know what they are doing.

A user who just wants to get acquainted with operating systems based on the Linux kernel can easily get lost in the assortment of various distribution kits. Their abundance is associated with open source kernels, so developers around the world are diligently adding to the ranks of already known operating systems. This article will discuss the most popular of them.

In fact, the variety of distributions is only beneficial. If you understand the distinctive features of certain operating systems, you will be able to choose the system that is perfect for your computer. Weak PCs receive a particular advantage. By installing a distribution kit for weak hardware, you will be able to use a full-fledged OS that will not load your computer and at the same time provide all the necessary software.

To try out one of the distributions presented below, just download the ISO image from the official website, burn it to a USB drive and start the computer from the flash drive.

If the manipulation of writing an ISO image of the operating system to a drive seems complicated to you, then you can read the manual on our website Linux installation on virtual machine VirtualBox.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is rightfully considered the most popular distribution based on the Linux kernel in the CIS. It was developed on the basis of another distribution - Debian, however appearance there is no similarity between them. By the way, users often have disputes about which distribution is better: Debian or Ubuntu, but everyone agrees on one thing - Ubuntu is great for beginners.

Developers systematically release updates that improve or correct its shortcomings. It is distributed free of charge online, including both security updates and enterprise versions.

The advantages include:

simple and easy installer;
a large number of thematic forums and articles on configuration;
Unity user interface, which differs from the usual Windows, but is intuitive;
a large amount of pre-installed applications (Thunderbird, Firefox, games, Flash plugin and many other software);
has a large amount of software both in internal and external repositories.

Linux Mint

Although Linux Mint is a separate distribution, it is based on Ubuntu. This is the second most popular product and is also great for beginners. Has more pre-installed software than the previous OS. Linux Mint is almost identical to Ubuntu in terms of internal system aspects that are hidden from the user's eyes. The graphical interface is more similar to Windows, which undoubtedly tempts users to choose this operating system.

The advantages of Linux Mint are the following:

It is possible to select the graphical shell of the system when loading;
during installation, the user receives not only software with free source code, but also proprietary programs that can ensure optimal operation of video-audio files and Flash elements;
developers improve the system by periodically releasing updates and fixing bugs.

CentOS

As the CentOS developers themselves say, their main goal is to make a free and, importantly, stable OS for various organizations and enterprises. Therefore, by installing this distribution, you will receive a system that is stable and protected in all respects. However, the user should prepare and study the CentOS documentation, since it differs quite significantly from other distributions. From the main thing: the syntax of most commands is different, as are the commands themselves.

The advantages of CentOS are the following:

has many functions that ensure system security;
includes only stable versions applications, which reduces the risk of critical errors and other types of failures;
Enterprise-level security updates are released to the OS.

openSUSE

openSUSE is a good option for a netbook or low-power computer. This operating system has an official wiki website, a user portal, a service for developers, projects for designers, and IRC channels in several languages. Among other things, the openSUSE team sends emails to users when updates or other important events occur.

The advantages of this distribution are as follows:

has a large number of software delivered through . True, there is somewhat less of it than in Ubuntu;
has a KDE graphical shell, which is in many ways similar to Windows;
has flexible settings performed using the YaST program. With its help, you can change almost all parameters, from wallpaper to settings of internal system components.

Pinguy OS

Pinguy OS was developed with the goal of making a system that was simple and beautiful. It is intended for the average user who decides to switch from Windows, which is why you can find many familiar functions in it.

The operating system is based on the Ubuntu distribution. There are both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Pinguy OS has a large set of programs with which you can perform almost any action on your PC. For example, turn the standard top panel Gnome is dynamic, like Mac OS.

Zorin OS

Zorin OS is another system whose target audience is beginners who want to switch from Windows to Linux. This OS is also based on Ubuntu, but its interface has much in common with Windows.

However, the distinguishing feature of Zorin OS is the package of pre-installed applications. As a result, you will immediately be able to run most games and Windows programs thanks to Wine program. You will also be pleased with the pre-installed Google Chrome, which is the default browser in this OS. And for lovers graphic editors There is GIMP (similar to Photoshop). The user can download additional applications independently using Zorin Web Browser Manager - a kind of analogue of Play Market on Android.

Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux is based on ArchLinux. The system is very easy to install and allows the user to start working immediately after installing the system. Both 32-bit and 64-bit OS versions are supported. The repositories are constantly synchronized with ArchLinux, so users are among the first to receive new versions of the software. The distribution has everything immediately after installation necessary tools for interaction with multimedia content and third-party equipment. Manjaro Linux supports several kernels, including rc.

Solus

Solus is not the best option for weak computers. At least because this distribution has only one version - 64-bit. However, in return, the user will receive a beautiful graphical shell, with flexible settings, many tools for work and reliability in use.

It is also worth noting that Solus uses an excellent eopkg manager for working with packages, which offers standard tools for installing/uninstalling packages and searching for them.

Elementary OS

The Elementary OS distribution is based on Ubuntu and is a great starting point for beginners. An interesting design that is very similar to OS X, a large amount of software - this and much more will be acquired by the user who installs this distribution. A distinctive feature of this OS is that most of the applications that come with it are developed specifically for this project. Because of this, they are ideally comparable to the overall structure of the system, which is why the OS runs much faster than Ubuntu. In addition, thanks to this, all the elements are perfectly combined in appearance.

Conclusion

It is difficult to objectively say which of the presented distributions is better and which is somewhat worse, just as it is impossible to force someone to install Ubuntu or Mint on their computer. Everything is individual, so the decision about which distribution to start using is up to you.