New Linux distributions have been springing up like mushrooms lately. Every year Linux develops faster and becomes more friendly to new users. Newer distributions are more and more aimed at beginners rather than advanced users.
The main distinguishing feature of Linux is the ability to choose what you want. Each distribution is based on the Linux kernel, but they all have something special. In this review, we will look at the new Linux distributions in 2016. Some of them came out a long time ago, but were abandoned and only now received new versions, while others were created recently.
Has received quite a bit of attention lately. It's a great operating system built from the ground up. It is not based on Ubuntu or Debian. It uses the Gnome-based Budgie desktop environment popular in newer distributions.
Generally speaking, SoulsOS has existed before. Its first version was released in 2012 and was based on the Debian stable branch. As part of that project, its own package manager and other improvements were developed. But then the project was closed. And it just started up last year. The new operating system is being developed from scratch, but will use some of the work from the previous version.
If we talk about the interface, it looks minimalistic and very interesting. A very promising project. Now the OS is developing the Budgie desktop, its own configurator, installer and package manager.
2. Chalet OS
ChaletOS is based on XUbuntu 16.04, and is as accessible to beginners as Canonical's operating system, if not more so. The system is fully compatible with software for Ubuntu because it uses its repositories.
The main goal of the ChaletOS project is to help Windows users successfully migrate to open source software, in the form of an operating system with a Linux kernel. The system has a very beautiful and unconventional user interface for Linux OS, using it you will forget that you are using Linux. It uses a specially configured XFCE desktop environment, with the ability to customize the environment for yourself. There is also a special utility for configuring system settings. Together with the system, a large amount of software is installed on the computer to make it easier for the user to configure the system after installation, these are the firefox Internet browser, thunar file manager, gimp, playonlinux, BleachBit, Disks, Disk Analyzer, GDebi Package Installer, Synaptic Package Manager, Task Manager, GParted, Ubuntu Software Center, Wine, Windows Wireless Drivers and some games and more.
3.VeltOS
VeltOS is based on Arch Linux and uses the same Budgie desktop environment, but the developers have forked the original environment and are developing their own version. The distribution appeared last year, but is still at the Technical Preview stage. VeltOS has one notable feature, every feature, program or component of the system is voted on by the community. Thus, it is the community that decides what the distribution will be.
This is not the first distro with a democratic approach to development. Of the popular and widely used distributions, Debian has a community discussion when new features are introduced, and moves on only when a consensus is reached. But VeltOS takes democracy to the next level. A voting system was developed, in which it is enough to register and vote for the desired function in order to express your wishes for the development of the project.
The interface of the system looks very good, I must say the Numix theme does its job. It has all the standard controls, menus and bottom bar. Everything looks minimalistic and beautiful.
4. eMod OS
The development of the distribution kit began in April 2014, and it is being developed by one person - a programmer from Italy - Luca Di Martino. Since then, three versions of the system have been released, Kronos 1.0, Afrodite 2.0, Omega 3.0, but the final version has not yet been released.
The fact is that Luca wants to bring his distribution to perfection. Its target is Windows 10 users. Although there are already enough such distributions, eModOS will stand out with something of its own. The latest version of the distribution uses Ubuntu 16.04 as the basis and, in addition to a similar user interface and ease of use, it has improved support for running Win32 applications out of the box. For example, you can run Photoshop or Microsoft Office on the system.
In addition to the standard software, the distribution comes with Google+, Facebook, Feedy and Google Maps applications. Something similar can be obtained in Chrome, but here everything is integrated into the system.
conclusions
These were all new distributions of Linux 2016. PapyrOS should also be mentioned, but this distribution is still at the alpha stage, and despite the promises of the developers, they are not going to release at least some usable version. If you know of other new Linux distributions not mentioned in the article, write in the comments!
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, such as 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 surpass models of past years, but there are also weaker mobile machines. For such devices, you can choose an optimized system that will consume fewer resources and run faster.
In this article, we will try to choose the best Linux for a laptop in 2019. We're going to take a look at ten of the best Linux distributions for your laptop that will really make it go faster. After reading the article, you will be able to decide which Linux to choose for your laptop and which one is more suitable for you.
1.Cub Linux
It is a modern, fast, beautiful and stable Linux distro with low battery consumption. It was previously 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 the highlights is that Cub Linux uses Openbox as its default window manager, which ensures longer battery life and minimal resource usage. By default, the distribution comes with the Chromium browser and many other useful applications.
Main parameters:
- Founded: Ubuntu LTS
- Architecture: x86/64
- Environment: open box
- 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:
Pros and cons:
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 is slower than other distributions
- Not for Unity fans
2. LXL Linux
LXLE is another best laptop Linux 2016. It is an easy to use, lightweight distro 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 common users, and provides a good set of default applications. Also useful modifications have been added here to improve performance and increase functionality.
If you are used to Windows XP or Windows Vista, LXLE is 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, the Synaptic package manager, etc. Additional PPAs are already included in the system for installing and updating software.
LXLE Linux is prettier than other distributions based on LXDE. Here you can find over 100 gorgeous wallpapers, Explse pre-installed, 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, 2 GB recommended for 64 bit system
- CPU: Intel/AMD @ 1.5 GHz
- Disk space: 8 GB, 20 GB recommended for software installation
- External media: USB 4 GB for installation
- Net: wired or wireless internet connection
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- High flexibility
- Low battery usage
- Complete desktop environment
- Added custom PPAs for easy software installation
- Great for laptops
- Starts in less than a minute
Minuses:
- Not for beginners
3. Deepin Linux
In the "best Linux for laptop" list, Deepin Linux occupies one of the top places. This is a distro specifically for beginners, it is fully suitable for both laptops and desktops. Its simplicity and beautiful, modern design make Deepin one of the best distros of 2016.
Deepin Linux is based on Debian but 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 - MacOS X style, Windows 7 style, and classic minimalistic - Windows XP style. It has an application launcher that behaves the same as it does on MacOS and is similar to Ubuntu Dash. Thus, you can access any application directly from your desktop, and even uninstall it.
Deepin comes with a lot of default applications such as Google Chrome, Kingsoft Office, Deepin Music, Movie, Deepin File Manager. Deepin also has its own application center, which is called 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:
- Founded: 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: USB 4 GB or DVD
- Net: internet access
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Beautiful, modern, easy to use
- Lots of software preinstalled
- Has an app center
- Control Center similar to MacOS
Minuses:
- Rapid battery drain
- Consumes a lot of resources
- Does not support encryption
4. Antergos
This is a great laptop distribution based on ArchLinux. Despite this, it is very easy to install and use, as well as quite stable. Unlike ArchLinux, it has a graphical installer which is great 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. As a desktop environment, you can choose KDE Plasma, Gnome, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE and Openbox. In addition, the distribution can use the AUR to install third-party programs.
Main characteristics:
- Founded: 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: USB 4 GB 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 PC and laptop
- There is a graphical installer
Minuses:
- Internet connection required for installation
5. Peppermint OS
Even though Peppermint OS is not yet as popular as other Linux distributions, it is still one of the best Linux distributions for laptops. It is compatible with cloud applications, consumes little power, and also has its own software manager, and this makes it stand out from the rest.
Peppermint is one of the best distributions based on Ubuntu, and it comes with the ability to integrate cloud services. You can connect any cloud applications like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Twitter with desktop programs. Peppermint comes preinstalled with the Chromium browser and the Dropbox client. Thus, you can immediately use your laptop after installing the system.
Also installed with Peppermint: Mint application center, update manager, and Nemo file manager. It is a distribution similar to the light edition of Linux Mint.
Main parameters:
- Founded: 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
- Cloud Application Integration (ICE)
- Built-in Nemo file manager
- Built-in Mint App Center
- Low power consumption
Minuses:
- Not so pretty interface
6.Elementary OS
If you've used a Mac, or are just an avid fan of MacOS X operating systems, Elementary will be the best solution for you. It can be safely categorized as "the best linux distributions for a laptop", which are created specifically for MacOS lovers.
Like Deepin, it uses its own desktop environment - Pantheon. It has several features, such as the notification area, application launcher, magnification setting, hot corners, etc. are the same as in MacOS.
Elementary OS ships a large number of applications from Ubuntu by default: its own music player, video player, and the Midori web browser. 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
- Graphic card: 1024 x 768 or larger
- Net: Network access
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Similar to macOS
- Easy to use
- Multifunctional music and video player
Minuses:
- Uses a lot of resources
- Drains battery quickly
7. Zorin OS
Love Windows but don't want to install it? Zorin OS will be a great solution. While Zorin OS is primarily designed for desktops, it is also the best distro for laptops. A feature of Zorin OS can be considered an easier launch of EXE files. Here, Wine (the Windows program launch library) is preinstalled by default, as well as the shell for it - PlayOnLinux. In addition, the system comes along with the main Windows fonts and the necessary dll files. You can install the software using the Zorin app center, the Synaptic package manager, or the Gdebi installer.
Zorin OS uses its own Zorin Desktop Environment. You can customize it with Windows 7 Theme, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Ubuntu Unity, MacOS and Gnome 2 Theme.
Zorin OS comes with software such as media codecs, Mozilla Firefox browser, LibreOffice, GIMP, OpenShot video editor and so on. It is one of the fastest distributions based on Ubuntu.
Main parameters:
- Founded: ubuntu
- Architecture: x86/64
- Desktop environment: ZDE
- Package format:.deb
- Embedded 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:
- Friendly for beginners
- 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
8Gallium OS
If you like Chromebooks and ChromeOS, then you'll love 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 default XFCE environment. The system boots very fast unlike other distros, it is also optimized for battery saving and comes with 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, as is the case with ChromeOS. It may not be the best distro for a laptop, but it's the best for a Chromebook.
Main parameters:
- Founded: Xubuntu
- Architecture: x86/64
- Desktop environment: XFCE
- Package format:.deb
- Embedded 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 to resources
- Supports all common Linux programs
- Contains zram by default.
Minuses:
- The user interface is not as user-friendly 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. Even though the distribution is based on Linux Mint, it uses a rolling update system so you always get the latest software. The distribution does not collect any data about users 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 to your liking.
Main parameters:
- Founded: Linux Mint
- Architecture: x86/64
- Desktop environment: Cinnamon
- Package format:.deb
- Embedded 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 beautiful 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:
- Founded: 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 at 800 MHz
- Disk space: 512 MB, 1 GB recommended
- Installation media: size 1 GB
- Internet connection: needed to 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 has a lot of great options. Naturally, these are not all the best Linux distributions for a laptop, if you use others and find them more suitable, share with us in the comments!
8 Best Gaming Linux Distributions of 2016
Long gone are the days when it was impossible to find games for Linux. In fact, the number of games under development for Linux is more and more, the development process does not stop, the growth is stable, and in recent years this is most noticeable.
While there are hundreds of Linux distributions out there, all with different mantras and for different purposes, distributions built for a single purpose specifically for gaming are not released that often. But of course, there are some really good ones that have been developed and are already available to everyone. Today we are going to take a look at the complete list of the best Linux distributions for gaming.
These distributions are equipped with various drivers, software, emulators and tools for a more convenient gaming experience, so you can install them right now and enjoy the gaming experience.
The Best Linux Distributions for Gaming
Just for clarification, the distributions that will be listed below will be considered in no particular 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 by the top, I hope you 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 to run games from the Steam client.
- Based on: Debian 8 (Debian Jessie)
- Desktop environment: GNOME, optimized for fast keyboard and joystick access.
- Package format: DEB
Steam OS supports various 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
- Video card: NVIDIA video card / AMD video card (RADEON 8500 and above) / Intel Graphics
- Optional: USB port for installing UEFI firmware (recommended)
Pros:
- Soothing user interface
- Support mail all latest graphics 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 upgraded your computer and your machine meets the requirements of the Steam OS, without a doubt, this distribution kit is worthy to be installed on your computer, it's up to you to install it or not.
2. Sparky Linux - Game Over Edition
Sparky Linux - Gameover Edition is another one of the best distributions for gaming.
- Based on: Debian
- Desktop Environment: LXDE
- Package format: DEB
Sparky Linux - Gameover Edition comes with a built-in special utility called Aptus Gamer. This utility allows you to easily 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. Other than the above, it also comes pre-installed with the Steam client, for Windows games 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 install proprietary drivers for your video adapters and additional devices, set-top boxes, joysticks, and you also have the opportunity to install multimedia codecs using this utility.
Pros:
- Supported Steam Games
- Support for installing games using Wine and PlayOnLinux
- Support for Aptus Gamer Tool
- The stable version of the distribution
Minuses:
- I would like to note, but I can not, too good.
If you want a stable Linux distribution for gaming that supports a wide variety of games from multiple platforms, try this one.
3.
Game Drift Linux has been optimized to provide the best access to games 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 open source games, and has both basic and high quality Linux games on its list. The game store is replenished regularly with new games, there is never a downtime. The game store in this distribution supports installation of games at the touch of a button without additional husks like 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 bits)
- Memory: 1-2GB RAM
- Hard disk: 4 GB hard disk
- Video Card: ATI, Nvidia or Intel
- Optional: LAN / Internet
Pros:
- Your game store
- Support for Windows games
Minuses:
- CrossOver is not free as you need to buy an activation key
If you want to have support for Windows games and can afford to spend money on buying a CrossOver license, Game Drift Linux is a good choice for you.
4.
Play Linux is another one of the good Linux gaming distributions that comes with Steam and PlayOnLinux pre-installed.
- Based on: Ubuntu
- Desktop environment: Nebula
- Package format: DEB
Nebula is a lightweight and highly customizable environment that includes a wide range of Play Linux appearance customizations. 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 game process 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 on it.
Pros:
- Simple and lightweight distribution
- Steam support
- Pre-installed PlayOnLinux (for running Windows games)
- Automatic installation of drivers for the graphics adapter
Minuses:
- Distribution Beta
- May not be suitable for games that are too new, although this will smooth out over time
If you want a gaming distro that is also compatible with normal desktop use for everyday tasks other than gaming, you can choose Play Linux.
5.
Lakka OS is completely different from the distributions we discussed above. It's a lightweight Linux distro that turns your PC into a full blown gaming console, literally.
- Based on: OpenELEC
- Desktop Environment: RetroArch
Lakka OS is capable of emulating a wide range of consoles. Support for all the necessary console emulators is provided systemically for a comfortable game in the RetroArch environment.
All emulators come with pre-configured pre-configured configurations, specifically optimized to make Lakka OS games run smoother and more seamlessly than non-configurable emulators. Most games require very low hardware resource requirements, with the exception of Playstation or Xbox games.
Key features of Lakka OS are Multiplayer, Savestates, Shaders, NetPlay, rewind and wireless joystick support.
Pros:
- Easy to work
- Beautiful interface
- Large number of supported emulators
- Various supported hardware
- Automatic joystick recognition
- Various useful features for games
Minuses:
- No support for Steam or Windows games
If you're a hardcore gamer with a console and a beefed up PC, Lakka OS is waiting for you without any hesitation.
6.
Fedora Games Spin is a great example of the Fedora distribution's ability to launch games.
- Based on: Fedora
- Package format: RPM
Fedora Games Spin comes with thousands of Linux games. With a link to the official site:
The included games span multiple 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 your package manager. Some pre-installed games also require additional requirements to run and start playing.
Pros:
- Thousands of pre-installed Linux games
- Stable, fast and lightweight distribution
Minuses:
- No out-of-the-box support for using Steam and Windows games
- Drivers 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 of 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 source game management platform for console, Linux, Steam and Windows games.
There is support for Adobe Flash and Oracle Java. So, for online games you will not have any problems.
Ubuntu GamePack also provides a dedicated repository with a collection of hundreds of games.
Pros:
- Pre-installed Lutris
- Compatibility for playing online
- Support for installing games from Steam and running Windows games and consoles
Minuses:
- May seem a little slower than other distributions from the list above
8.
MGAME (formerly known as Manjaro Gaming) is a distribution aimed at gamers and fans of Manjaro.
- Based on: Manjaro
- Desktop environment: Xfce
MGAME automatically installs the necessary drivers for popular graphics cards. It also provides various tweaks for an optimal gaming experience.
MGAME comes with a variety of additional utilities and sources often required by gamers, additionally comes pre-installed with 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 distributions since Steam isn't 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 Manjaro fan, you can try it.
Have you had experience with one or more of these distributions? Which one is especially the best? Let us know!
A user who just wants to get acquainted with operating systems based on the Linux kernel can easily get lost in the assortment of all kinds of distributions. Their abundance is associated with the open source of the kernel, so developers around the world are diligently replenishing the ranks of already known operating systems. This article will discuss the most popular of them.
In fact, the variety of distributions is only at hand. 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 get a special advantage. By installing a distribution kit for weak hardware, you can 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 below, just download the ISO image from the official website, burn it to a USB drive and start the computer from the USB 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 guide on installing Linux on a virtual machine on our website.
ubuntu
Ubuntu is considered to be the most popular Linux distribution in the CIS. It was developed on the basis of another distribution - Debian, but in appearance there is no similarity between them. By the way, users often argue about which distribution is better: Debian or Ubuntu, but everyone agrees on one thing - Ubuntu is great for beginners.
Developers regularly release updates that improve or fix its shortcomings. The network is distributed free of charge, including both security updates and corporate versions.
Among the advantages can be distinguished:
- simple and easy installer;
- a large number of thematic forums and articles on customization;
- Unity user interface, which is different from the usual Windows, but intuitive;
- a large amount of pre-installed applications (, games, Flash plugin and many other software);
- has a large number of software in both internal and external repositories.
Linux Mint
Even though Linux Mint is a separate distribution, it is based on Ubuntu. This is the second most popular, and also a great product 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 inclines users to choose this operating system.
The advantages of Linux Mint are as follows:
- 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, 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 kit, you will get a stable and secure system in all respects. However, the user should prepare and study the documentation for CentOS, as it has quite strong differences from other distributions. From the main one: the syntax of most commands is different for her, like the commands themselves.
The advantages of CentOS are as follows:
- has many functions that ensure the security of the system;
- includes only stable versions of applications, which reduces the risk of critical errors and other kinds of failures;
- Enterprise-grade security updates are released to the OS.
openSUSE
openSUSE is a good choice for a netbook or low end computer. This operating system has an official website powered by wiki technology, a user portal, a developer service, 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 happen.
The advantages of this distribution are as follows:
- has a large number of software delivered via . True, it is somewhat less 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 the settings of internal system components.
Pinguy OS
Pinguy OS was developed with the goal of making a system that was both simple and beautiful. It is intended for the average user who decides to move from Windows, which is why you can find many familiar features in it.
The operating system is based on the Ubuntu distribution. There is both a 32-bit and a 64-bit version. Pinguy OS has a large set of programs with which you can perform almost any action on your PC. For example, turn the standard Gnome top bar into a dynamic one, like in Mac OS.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is another system targeted at newbies looking to migrate from Windows to Linux. This OS is also based on Ubuntu, but the interface has a lot in common with Windows.
What sets Zorin OS apart, however, is its bundle of pre-installed applications. As a result, you will immediately be able to run most Windows games and programs thanks to the Wine program. Also pleased with the pre-installed, which is the default browser in this OS. And for fans of graphic editors there is (analogue). The user can download additional applications on their own using the Zorin Web Browser Manager - a kind of analogue to.
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. Repositories are constantly synchronized with ArchLinux, in this regard, users are among the first to receive new versions of the software. The distribution kit immediately after installation has all the necessary tools for interacting with multimedia content and third-party equipment. Manjaro Linux supports multiple 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 the possibility of flexible settings, many tools for work and reliability in use.
It is also worth noting that Solus uses the excellent eopkg package manager, which offers standard tools for installing / removing packages and finding 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 installed this distribution. A distinctive feature of this OS is that most of the applications that come with it are designed specifically for this project. In view of this, they are ideally comparable with the overall structure of the system, which is why the OS works much faster than the same Ubuntu. In addition, all the elements thanks to this are perfectly combined externally.
Conclusion
It is difficult to objectively say which of the distributions presented is better and which is somewhat worse, just as you cannot force someone to install Ubuntu or Mint on their computer. Everyone is individual, so the decision on which distribution to start using is up to you.
Games have always been the weak point of the Linux desktop. A significant part of the users made the decision to save on a Windows computer solely in order to be able to play.
Valve Software has decided to change this state of affairs. The Steam OS system allows you to run games on various platforms. At the end of last year, the solution was brought to the market.
Best distro for privacy: Tails
Monitoring user actions is a real scourge of modern life. Privacy is gradually becoming a myth. Which led to the need for a system that ensures the confidentiality of information.
The best solution for this purpose: Tails. The distribution is based on Debian and offers the user tools to ensure complete anonymity on the network. This solution is so effective that the NSA considers it a serious threat to their mission.
Best Multimedia Distribution: Ubuntu Studio
Along with games, support for multimedia content is a weak point of Linux. Almost all professional-oriented applications run on either Windows or Mac OS X.
Nevertheless, worthy programs of a similar purpose for Linux are also enough. And all of them are built in the Ubuntu Studio system. The system uses the lightweight Xfce as a desktop, which allows you to direct the maximum computer resources to support the operation of application programs.
Best Enterprise Distribution: SLE/RHEL
A corporate user has long ceased to need advice when choosing a distribution kit for deploying an enterprise's IT infrastructure. This is either Red Hat Enterprise Linux or SUSE Linux Enterprise.
In fact, these names have become synonymous with corporate IT systems. Distribution developers and
