While Ubuntu is hailed as the most popular desktop Linux distro, there are many alternative distros liked as much as Ubuntu itself, and some of them based on Ubuntu itself. Let’s peek at the other elegant options for an excellent desktop Linux experience.
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Table of Contents
Linux Mint
One of the most popular Linux desktop distributions is Linux Mint with its customizable green-themed desktop. It has two different setup media for download one containing Cinnamon desktop system while the other uses MATE. Linux Mint is like “expanded Ubuntu” ton include things like multimedia support and other proprietary software pieces that Ubuntu versions generally avoid for licensing issues. While Canonical backs ubuntu itself, Linux Mint is more community-driven, more open to new approaches. As it is based on Ubuntu with additional software repositories, usage scenarios and management differences are minimal. We should admit that Linux Mint is the first choice of whom dislike Gnome desktop on Ubuntu.
Official website: https://linuxmint.com/
Debian
As being one of the most famous distributions, Debian is the base of most of the popular modern Linux distributions like Ubuntu. GNU/Linux distribution with its roots back in 1993 when Ian Murdock decided to create a distribution himself. Debian distribution, by released installation media, contains only free software (free as in freedom of speech) with a later option to install proprietary software afterward. Debian has three pillars of guidelines; Debian Constitution, Debian Free Software Guidelines, and Debian Social Contract, which defines the philosophy and logic behind the movement.
Official website: https://www.debian.org/
Fedora
It is a good alternative for the Linux experts. It includes all the latest software, driver updates, and Linux features. So it is one of the favorite Linux distros of a wide spectrum of millions of users, administrators, and developers worldwide. Fedora is a by-product of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and arguably the most loved Linux enthusiasts’ distro. It is easy to see why, as it is usually at the forefront of new technologies that come into the Linux community.
Official Site: https://getfedora.org/
CentOS
Another derivative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS provides a precise governance model, increased transparency, and access. Generally used in the server scene, CentOS’s desktop version is not wrong either. The thing with this distribution is that it resides in the same sphere of influence of Red Hat and Fedora, having an everyday basis of usage scenarios, system management, and development environment.
Official Site: https://www.centos.org/
Slackware
Aa an advanced Linux operating system, Slackware has ease of use and provides stability as top priorities. It includes a full range of development tools, editors, and up-to-date libraries. Developed since 1992, beginning one year after the initial release of Linux kernel, it is one of the oldest still maintained piece of software around. Slackware may not be as user-friendly as your usual Ubuntu setup but is reliable and has a solid base to be a decent desktop operating system.
Official Site: http://www.slackware.com/
Gentoo
From all in the list of distributions here, Gentoo is a little bit different about how it does what it does. Of course, it is a GNU/Linux distribution, no argument on that. But Gentoo is a Python-based OS, and most of the regular things are done with it. Its system core depends on Portage, a package manager which also handles some of the core system features. Gentoo also has a BSD-based version if you prefer. Distribution targets to provide near-ideal tools for everyday tasks and efficiently enable users to do whatever they want to do.
Official Site: https://www.gentoo.org/
Arch Linux
Arch Linux preferred mostly by Linux experts because of its solid base and complete customization capabilities. It is meant to be a lightweight and straightforward distribution with minimalism in mind. It has been developed since 2002. Arch Linux differs from other distributions as its release cycle: There is no cycle. It has a rolling release structure which ensures different parts of the software on your machine is irregularly updated when it is time to do so. What you would download for installation is nothing more than a recent snapshot of the core components and required base software.
Official Site: https://www.archlinux.org/
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