The most popular Linux. Rating of Linux distributions

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 manipulations of writing an ISO image of the operating system to the drive seem complicated to you, then you can familiarize yourself with the manual on our website. Linux installation on the virtual machine.

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

Although Linux Mint is a standalone distribution 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 provide optimal performance 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 CentOS documentation, 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;
• security updates are released to the OS corporate level.

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:

• It has big number 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 target audience which are beginners who want to move 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 get the opportunity to run most games and Windows 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). Additional Applications the user can download it himself, using the Zorin Web Browser Manager for this - 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 immediately after installation has everything necessary tools to interact 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 to install/remove packages and search 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 installed this distribution. hallmark This OS is that most of the applications that come with it are developed 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.

Has come New Year, which means it's time to look to the future, to find the best, most promising Linux distributions.

Linux distributions are often task-oriented. Therefore, you can’t just make a list of operating systems and say: “they are the best.” Here are several areas Linux usage and selected those distributions that have every chance of becoming the first in their niche in 2017.

Best Distribution for System Administrators: Parrot Linux

Parrot Linux is based on Debian and offers almost every penetration testing tool imaginable.

Any administrator is always full of work. Without a good set of tools, his days are a constant test of strength, a continuous race. However, there are many Linux distributions out there that are ready to help. One of them is Parrot Linux. I'm sure it will gain serious popularity in 2017.

This distribution is based on Debian and offers a huge amount of tools to test the security of systems against unauthorized access. Here, in addition, you can find tools from the field of cryptography and computer forensics, tools for working with cloud services and packages to ensure anonymity. There is also something for developers, and even programs for organizing time. All this (in fact, there is a sea of ​​​​tools) works on the basis of a stable, time-tested system. The result is a distribution that is great for software professionals. information security and network administrators.

Parrot Linux currently occupies the 57th position in the Distrowatch ranking. I believe by the end of the year we will see a significant progression of this distribution to the top of the rankings.

Best Desktop Distribution: Elementary OS

Nice appearance is not the only advantage of Elementary OS Loki. This OS is stable, convenient, its creators are attentive to details

I may be biased towards this distro, but I am sure that Elementary OS Loki will do the impossible and drop Linux Mint from the top spot, earning the coveted title of "best desktop distro" in 2017. If so, then Elementary OS will accomplish quite an impressive feat, given that Linux Mint consistently wins the Distrowatch rankings.

Now Elementary OS is in sixth place (and Linux Mint continues to reign in first place). Is it possible that Elementary OS can dethrone Mint? It looks like yes. Loki has not only established itself as one of the most beautiful Linux distributions, this system is also stable, convenient, understandable.

Some may think that the Elementary OS desktop looks too much like a Mac. However, such a comparison is a plus of the system, as it speaks of the potential user experience. Of course, customizing the appearance of Loki is not as limited as the OS X customization, so you can make exactly what you need out of it.

Gentoo is a Linux distribution based on compiling packages from source for specific hardware. After installing the OS, the user is required to self-assemble everything that he needs. It not only requires enough high level understanding of Linux, but also patience and time. In the end, however, you can get exactly what you need, and nothing more. Gentoo is not a new project, it has been around for many years. But if, among other things, you want to prove to yourself and others that you are a Linux expert, Gentoo is indispensable.

Best IoT Distribution: Snappy Ubuntu Core

Through the use of snap packages, Snappy Ubuntu Core simplifies software installation and eliminates the headaches of updates. As a result, we have an OS that is great for IoT

Now we are talking about small form factor devices. The Internet of Things, or IoT, is an area where embedded Linux simply has no equal. There are many distributions that are suitable for IoT. However, I'm sure 2017 will be the year of Snappy Ubuntu Core.

Thanks to the use of snap packages, installing and updating software in Snappy Ubuntu Core is quick and easy. No need to worry about dependencies or interruptions due to updates.

As a result, we have an ideal software platform for IoT. Ubuntu Snappy Core can already be found in enthusiast boards (like the Rasberry Pi), but also in Erle-Copter drones and Dell Edge Gateways, Nextcloud Box and LimeSDR.

Best Server Distribution for SMBs: CentOS

CentOS is a reliable server platform

There is nothing surprising in the fact that CentOS remains a welcome guest on the servers of small and medium organizations. There is one very important reason for this state of affairs: CentOS is based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source code. Because of this, when choosing CentOS, you can be sure that you have a reliable, proven server platform in front of you.

The main difference between RHEL and CentOS (besides different marketing strategies) - support. RHEL users are provided with official Red Hat technical support. However, since 2004, CentOS "support" has been a huge community of enthusiasts.

As a result, if you are a small or medium business owner who is looking to migrate their servers to an open source platform, you should first look at CentOS.

Best Enterprise Server Distribution: RHEL

Red Hat perfectly matches the needs of corporate customers

Again, we can say that there is nothing surprising here. For example, SUSE is making significant efforts to capture the enterprise OS market, one day these efforts will lead it to the heights of glory, but this will not happen this year, unfortunately. In 2017, the first position among the most popular corporate distributions will hold Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

According to Gartner, RHEL owns 67% of the Linux distribution market for large organizations, with RHEL subscriptions generating Red companies Hat about 75% of income. There are many reasons for this state of affairs. So, Red Hat offers to corporative clients exactly what they need, but other than that, the company puts a lot of effort into the development of many open source projects.

Red Hat knows what Linux is and what the corporate sector is. Red Hat is trusted by many Fortune 500 companies (eg ING, Sprint, Bayer Business Services, Atos, Amadeus, Etrade). The RHEL distribution brought many developers to new level in the areas of security, integration, management, in the field of working with cloud systems.

I think, in addition, Red Hat will invest a lot of effort in the field of IoT this year. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of 2017 SUSE takes a little more bite off Red Hat's market share.

The choice is yours

One of the most remarkable aspects Linux platforms is that, ultimately, the choice is up to the user. You can choose from hundreds of systems, many of which will perfectly meet the most sophisticated requirements. However, if you use one of the above distributions, I'm sure it will not disappoint you.

What are you using and why? What from the world of Linux can you recommend to our readers?

Today, there are a huge number of different Linux distributions and distributions of Linux distributions, such as the Ubuntu family. All of them differ in functionality, requirements, etc. You don’t immediately figure out what you need exactly.

You can go to an older friend for advice, or reach out to all users of Linux distributions and find out what the majority uses. In order not to ask on the street what kind of Axis is on their computer, there is a special site http://distrowatch.com/. Here you can find the ranking of Linux distributions for different periods of time and years, as well as a brief description of each distribution and get acquainted with the latest. Based on this site, I have compiled a short menu of the most popular Linux distributions over the past 12 months.

10Puppy Linux

Our hit parade starts with a distribution kit from Australian developers who endowed the dog with lightweight agility. High performance is caused by the fact that when booting to a virtual disk, all the necessary components will not be loaded from the LiveCD, but will be fully loaded into RAM. This means that all applications are launched "on the fly" and respond to user control instantly. You can download Puppy from a CD or flash drive.

Specification: architecture - i386, Desktop - JWM, Openbox. Puppy is best used on older computers or mobile PCs.

9.CentOS

This OS is considered a reliable server. The out-of-the-box version assumes a good set of tested and stable Linux kernel packages and parent software - Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Despite the fact that the project was launched on a voluntary basis, it has gained a reputation for stable and unwavering performance, is great alternative commercial servers is especially common among experienced system administrators. CentOS is also suitable for the desktop if you prefer reliable and stable operation, product support and security updates have been going on for 5 years, which is a good indicator. But if you are in a hurry for new technologies and new software packages, then this OS is not for you, the update intervals are large and not very significant, there are also problems with the compatibility of new applications with the distribution.

Specification: architecture-i386, x86_64, Desktop - GNOME, KDE.

I think you've warmed up and I suggest moving on to more detailed review Linux distributions.

8.PCLinuxOS

After a few years and development of releases, PCLinuxOS is rapidly approaching direct leadership. In terms of usability, the project offers support for many of the technologies that most Windows migrants to Linux will expect from a new operating system. On the software side, PCLinuxOS is KDE-centric, user-customized and always with modern versions popular desktop environment. Its growing database contains other desktops, however, and offers a wide variety of desktop packages for many common tasks. For system configuration, PCLinuxOS retained much of the Mandriva control center but replaced it with the APT package management system and Synaptic, a graphical package manager.

As for the negatives, PCLinuxOS lacks any form of development and promotion. Despite the growing public involvement in the project, the very development and decision making remains in the hands of Texstar, who tend to take the side of the conservatives when evaluating the stability of the release. As a result, the PCLinuxOS development process is often hampered. Despite repeated calls for a 64-bit version, developers only started considering it in late 2011, claiming that their 32-bit versions work equally well on 64-bit computer systems. In addition, the project does not make any security recommendations, relying instead on the willingness of users to keep their systems up-to-date with the bundled management tool updates.

• Pros: LiveCD; update mechanism; modern software.

• Minuses: no support for languages ​​other than English; lack of safety advice; unstable 64-bit version.

• Package management system: Advanced Package Tools (APT) using RPM packages.

• Available versions: KDE, KDE Full Monty, KDE Minime, LXDE, LXDE Mini, Openbox, Openbox Bonsai, Phinx, Phoenix for 32-bit (i586) processor architectures.

In addition to its favorite feature - updates from package sources, Arch Linux is also famous for its fast and powerful package manager called "Pacman" - the ability to install software packages from source codes, easy creation binary packages thanks to its AUR infrastructure, as well as a growing repositories of well-reviewed packages. Its highly acclaimed documentation, complemented by the excellent Arch Linux Handbook, makes it possible to install even less advanced users linux. Powerful tool base, available to users, means that the distribution is infinitely customizable down to the smallest detail and that no two installations are the same.

On the negative side, any update mechanism has its dangers: human error, a library or dependency goes missing, a new version of the application already in the repository has a previously reported critical error... It's not right to end up with a system not booting after a Pacman update. Thus, Arch Linux is a kind of distribution that requires its users to be vigilant and have enough knowledge to fix any such possible problems. In addition, the infrequent installation of media releases means that it is sometimes not possible to use the old media to install the distribution due to major system changes or lack of hardware support in the old Linux kernel.

• Pros: Excellent software management infrastructure; free customization of the distribution kit and options by the user; excellent online documentation.

• Minuses: Occasional instability and risk of relapse; rare installation of media releases.

• Package management system: "Pacman" using TAR.XZ packages.

• Available versions: Minimum installation and network drives for 32-bit (i686) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors.

• Possible alternatives based on Arch and the likes of Arch: ArchBang Linux, Chakra GNU/Linux, Bridge Linux, ConnochaetOS.

6.Debian

The success of Debian GNU/Linux can be illustrated in the following way. It is developed by over 1,000 volunteer developers, its databases contain over 20,000 packages (compiled on 11 processor architectures), and it is responsible for distributing over 120 Debian-specific distributions and CDs. These numbers are unmatched by any other Linux-like operating system. The actual development of Debian is taking place in three main directions (or four, given that one includes an "experimental" branch) of improving the level of stability: "unstable" (also known as "sid"), "testing" and "stable". This progressive integration and stabilization of the package and features, together with the project's well-known quality control mechanisms, has earned Debian a reputation as one of the best tested and bug-free distributions available today.

However, this long and complex development style also has some disadvantages: Debian stable releases are not very new and they age quickly, especially when new versions are only released every 1 to 3 years. Those users who prefer the latest packages and technologies are forced to use Debian with bugs. Debian's highly democratic structures have led to controversial decisions and disputes among developers. This led to stagnation and an unwillingness to make radical decisions that would move the project forward.

• Pros: Very stable, wonderful quality control; includes more than 20,000 software packages, supports more processor architectures than any other distribution.

• Minuses: conservative - due to its support for many processor architectures, the latest technologies, which are not always included; slow release cycle (one stable release every 1 to 3 years); developer discussions mailing lists and blogs can be uncivilized at times.

• Package management system: Advanced Toolkit (APT) that uses DEB packages.

• Available versions: installation CD for 11 processor architectures, including all 32-bit and 64-bit processors from Intel, AMD, Power, and more.

• Possible Debian based alternatives: Ubuntu, MEPIS Linux (KDE desktop), KNOPPIX (LXDE disk), CrunchBang Linux (Openbox desktop), aptosid (KDE or Xfce desktop), Saline OS (Xfce desktop), Parsix GNU/Linux ( GNOME desktop).

5.openSUSE

SuSE Linux was acquired by Novell Inc. at the end of 2003, and then fell into the hands of Attachmate in November 2010. Major changes in the development, licensing, and availability of SUSE Linux followed shortly after the initial acquisition - YaST was released under the General Public License (GPL), these images were freely distributed on public download servers, and, most importantly, development distributions were open to the public for the first time. Since the launch of the OpenSUSE project and the release of version 10.0 in October 2005, the distribution has become fully available. The OpenSUSE code became basic system for Novell commercial products, first named Novell Linux but later renamed SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

Today, OpenSUSE has many satisfied users. The main reason why OpenSUSE gets such a high rating from users is a nice and flawless desktop (KDE and GNOME), a great utility system administration(YaST), and for those who buy the edition, some of the best printed documentation available in any distribution. However, the infamous deal between Novell and Microsoft, where Microsoft's argument that it has the intellectual property rights to Linux, has led to many Linux personalities being condemned and prompted some users to switch distributions.

• Pros: Comprehensive and intuitive configuration tool; large repository of software packages, excellent website infrastructure and printed documentation.

• Minuses: Novell shared patents with Microsoft in November 2006, which legalized intellectual rights Microsoft ownership of Linux; resource-heavy desktop settings and graphical utilities are sometimes seen as "bloated and slow".

• a graphical YaST command line utility using RPM packages.

• Available versions: OpenSUSE for 32-bit (i386), 64-bit (x86_64) processors (also installation CD edition); SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop/Server for i586, IA64, PowerPC, s390, s390x and x86_64.

4.Fedora

Although Fedora wasn't officially open until September 2004, its origins date back to 1995, when it was launched by two Linux experts, Bob Young and Mark Ewing, under the name Red Hat Linux. The company's first product, "Mother's Day" Red Hat Linux 1.0, was released that same year and quickly followed by several bug fixes. In 1997, Red Hat introduced its revolutionary RPM package management system with dependency resolution and many other advanced features that greatly contributed to the distribution's rapid growth and overtook Slackware Linux as the most widely used distribution in the world.

In 2003, just after the release of Red Hat Linux 9, the company introduced some sweeping changes to its product line. He kept trademark Red Hat for its commercial products, particularly Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and introduced Fedora Core (later renamed Fedora), a Red Hat sponsored but socially oriented distribution aimed at the "Linux hobbyist". After initial criticism of the changes, the Linux community accepted the "new" distribution as a logical extension of Red Hat Linux. Several quality versions was all it took for Fedora to regain its former status as one of the most beloved operating systems on the market. At the same time, Red Hat has quickly become the largest and most profitable Linux company in the world, with an innovative line of customer-supported products and other popular initiatives such as the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certified software.

While Fedora is still largely controlled by Red Hat Inc. and the product is sometimes seen - rightly or wrongly - as a testing platform for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, there is no doubt that Fedora is one of the most innovative distributions today. His contributions to the Linux kernel, Glibc and GCC are well known and his later integrations of SELinux functionality, virtualization technology, systemd manager-service, advanced magazine file system and other enterprise-level features are highly valued among the company's customers. Concerning negative side, then Fedora still doesn't have a clear desktop. A focused strategy that would make the product easier to use for those with "Linux amateur" goals.

• Pros: High innovation; outstanding security features; a large number of supported packages; strict adherence to the philosophy of free software.

• Minuses: Fedora tends to prioritize feature enhancement over desktop usability; some features, such as the early adoption of GNOME 3, sometimes turn some users off.

• Control software package: YUM graphical and command line utilities using RPM packages.

• Available versions: Fedora for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors, Red Hat Enterprise Linux for i386, IA64, PowerPC, s390x and x86_64; also CD editions with GNOME, KDE, Xfce or LXDE desktops.

• Possible alternatives based on Fedora: Kororaa (DVD with GNOME or KDE), Fuduntu (DVD with codecs and other handy features), Fusion Linux (DVD with mint menu and other handy features)

• Possible alternatives based on Red Hat: CentOS, Scientific Linux, PUIAS

3.ubuntu

The launch of Ubuntu was first announced in September 2004. Despite being relatively new in the Linux distribution arena, the project took off like no other, and its mailing lists were soon filled with discussions from avid users and enthusiastic developers. Within a few years, Ubuntu has grown to become the most popular Linux distribution and has contributed greatly towards the development of an easy-to-use and free operating system that rivals any proprietary system available on the market.

What was the reason for the overwhelming success of Ubuntu? First, the project was created by Mark Shuttleworth, a charismatic South African billionaire, former Debian developer and second space tourist in the world, whose company, the Isle of Man-based Canonical Ltd, currently funds the project. Secondly, Ubuntu eliminated the bugs of other similar projects and avoided them from the very beginning - it created a great web infrastructure for Wiki-style documentation, original error reporting and a professional approach to users. And thirdly, thanks to the wealthy founder of Ubuntu, it was possible to send free CDs to all interested users, thereby contributing to the rapid distribution of the distribution.

On the technical side, Ubuntu is based on Debian "Sid" (Unstable), but with some well-known packages such as GNOME, Firefox, and LibreOffice updated to their latest versions. It has a predictable, 6-month release schedule, with rare Long Term Support (LTS) versions that support security updates for 3 to 5 years, depending on the version (non-LTS version is supported for 18 months). Other special functions Ubuntu: Installable Live CDs, Creative Artwork and Desktop Themes, Migration Assistant for Windows users, support for the latest technologies such as 3D desktop effects, easy installation of device drivers for ATI and NVIDIA graphic cards and wireless networks, and on demand, support for proprietary or proprietary media codecs.

• Pros: Fixed release and support cycle; a wealth of documentation, both official and user.
• Minuses: Lack of compatibility with Debian, frequent major changes due to lack of users.
• Package management system : Advanced Toolkit (APT) using DEB packages.
• Available versions: Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu (desktop with LXDE), Edubuntu, Ubuntu Studio and Mythbuntu for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors.
• Possible alternatives based on Ubuntu: Linux Mint (desktop), Ultimate Edition (desktop), Pinguy OS (desktop), Zorin OS (desktop), Trisquel GNU/Linux (freeware), Bodhi Linux (desktop).

2.Mageia or dark cardinal.

Mageia is primarily a desktop distribution. Its most favorite features among users are: advanced software, excellent management system (Mageia Control Center), ability to attract a large number of contributors, and wide internationalization support. It has one of the simplest yet powerful install systems and also releases many KDE or GNOME images with comprehensive language support, with the ability to install it on HDD directly from the working session. Established package management features, with powerful parameters command line and graphical software management module, allow easy access to thousands of software packages. The unique Mageia Control Center continues to improve with each release, offering Linux newbies powerful tools to customize virtually every aspect of their computer from the terminal.

While the Mageia distribution has skyrocketed at launch (it was created in September 2010) there is some concern about the developers' ability to maintain the distribution over a long period, where much of the work is done on a volunteer basis. It also lacks the infrastructure that accompanies some of the larger Linux distributions. The project documentation could also have had some improvements. Also not in its favor is the 9-month release cycle, which can be seen as a disadvantage in terms of receiving release news, especially compared to other major distributions that use a short 6-month development process.

• Pros: convenient for novice users; excellent central configuration utility; very good support dozens of languages.

• Minuses: not sure about the ability to support long-term distributions.

• Package management system: URPMI with Rpmdrake based RPM package.

• Available versions: installation DVDs for 32-bit (i586) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors; installation CDs, for 32-bit (i586) processors.

And here he is our main character! Meet!

1.Linux Mint

Linux Mint, a distribution based on Ubuntu, was first launched in 2006 by Clement Lefebvre, a French IT professional based in Ireland. He, originally working on Linux support websites and forums dedicated to providing help, advice and documentation for new Linux users, saw the development potential of Linux distributions. After receiving many responses from visitors to his site with requests to improve the technical aspects of Linux systems, he began to implement and develop what many today call "improved Ubuntu" or "proper Ubuntu".

Linux Mint is not just Ubuntu with a new set of applications and updated desktop themes. From the beginning, the developers have been adding various graphical "mint" tools to improve usability, this includes MintDesktop - a desktop setup utility, MintMenu - a new and elegant menu structure for ease of navigation, MintInstall - easy-to-use installation software, MintUpdate - update software. And these are just a few of the many other tools and hundreds of additional enhancements.

The project also develops its own artwork, while its reputation for usability has been enhanced by the inclusion of proprietary and patented multimedia codecs that are often missing from most distributions due to possible legal threats. However, one of the best things about Linux Mint is the fact that developers listen to users and are always quick to implement. good suggestions. While Linux Mint is available in free download, the project generates income from donations, advertising and professional technical support. It doesn't have a fixed release schedule or a list of planned features, but you can expect a new version of Linux Mint a few weeks after every stable Ubuntu release. In addition to being a "master" edition that has the GNOME desktop in its properties, the project is also building various "communities" of alternative desktop editions such as KDE, Xfce, and Fluxbox. Although it is often completed several months after the release of the "major" GNOME edition and may occasionally omit some tools and other features from mint, it is considered the project's flagship product. The most recent addition to Mint is a "rolling-release" edition based on the Debian test branch. Linux Mint does not adhere to the principles of software freedom and does not publish security bulletins.

• Pros: Great collection of "mint" tools developed in-house, hundreds of handy enhancements, inclusion of multimedia codecs, open to user suggestions.
• Minuses: the alternative publication "community" does not always include new features, the project does not issue security bulletins.
• Package management system: APT using MintInstall DEB packages(compatible with Ubuntu Database Object Store).
• Available varieties: "major" edition (with GNOME), various "secondary" editions (with KDE, Xfce and Fluxbox), Linux Mint "Debian" editions (rolling release of GNOME or Xfce).
• Possible alternatives: Ubuntu, Pinguy OS, Zorin OS, SimplyMEPIS, Peppermint OS.

The absolute and undisputed champion according to http://distrowatch.com/.

I will not draw any conclusions, since the choice of OS is a purely subjective matter, one suits classic assemblies, the other gives the hottest and newest.

Good luck with your experiments.

It's time to sum up, because the year is coming to an end. There have been a lot of really great and interesting releases in the world of Linux, some distributions have received new versions, others have changed the development vector, and still others are completely engaged in the development of a new concept for their products. There are many accomplishments, and keeping track of all the task is difficult, and perhaps even incomprehensible for someone. However, here and now we have collected for you top 5 best Linux distributions for 2017 according to GitJournal. Naturally, our opinion is purely subjective, and does not claim to be the ultimate truth, but nevertheless, if you want to add or refute something, write about it in the comments. You can also check out and.

Best Linux distributions of 2017

Manjaro Linux

No matter what anyone says, but this distribution kit confidently breaks out to the first places of Distowatch`a. In 2017, Manjaro quickly jumped to 3rd place, and perhaps in 2018 he will become the leader of this ranking.

The arch-like distro is famous not only for its “finishing” and stability, but also for its responsiveness to beginners, as well as improved hardware support. It was thanks to all these nuances together that Manjaro began to enjoy popularity, which ultimately brought him to the leading positions of many tops of the best Linux distributions.

Officially, Manjaro Linux comes with three graphical shells. It's fast XFCE, beautiful and feature rich KDE, and elegant and sophisticated GNOME. But you can also use the community versions, which currently include the following GUIs: Mate, LXDE, LXQT, Cinnamon, Budgie, DDE. There is also an assembly with the i3 tile window manager, but this is for special connoisseurs.

More detailed information you will find about this distribution kit on the official resource. You can also find download links for Manjaro images there, or if you prefer, you can use the button below, which will take you directly to the download page.

Linux Mint

In the same ranking, Distrowarch Linux Mint has been in first place for many years now. But this is far from the only reason why this distribution makes it to our top 5.

Mint is a derivative of Ubuntu version GNU/Linux (more precise than just Linux) specializes in providing users with a convenient and efficient operating system. . That is, immediately after installation, the computer will be ready to work.

Developers use and maintain their own Cinnamon graphical environment, but Linux Mint is also available in other editions. For example, you can use the XFCE, KDE and MATE versions. There may be versions with other shells, but they are already being developed and maintained by the community.

The distribution kit is great for work and simple home use, it has the proper stability, and does not require constant monitoring by users.

For more information, you can go to the official Linux Mint resource, as well as the developers' blog. There, among other things, you will find release announcements and changelogs. And to go to the download page, click on this button:

ubuntu

What top would do without an orange giant. Ubuntu is the ancestor of hundreds of other distributions, and it deserves to be considered one of the best.

2017 was a turning point for Ubuntu. As recently as two months ago, Ubuntu 17.10 was released. A distribution that uses GNOME as its default desktop. Canonical decided to abandon Unity, which was quite a painful act for a huge number of fans. But is everything so bad? Yes, now Unity will not be used as a default shell, but .

Custom GNOME in corporate colors and style looks pretty nice. Many users note that this environment is more convenient and practical. And again, there is the possibility of using other versions, as they say, choose as much as you like. The Ubuntu family has distributions with almost all known graphical environments, so obviously you will not be bored.

We must not forget that, like previous distributions, Ubuntu is a fairly friendly system. Many people fell in love with this system, what can we say, even recommends this distribution, positioning it as “the most beloved”.

You can get acquainted with this system in more detail on the official Russian-language website. You can also read the article:. And the pretty orange button below will take you directly to the download page:

Arch Linux

Perhaps it’s worth starting with the fact that this distribution is definitely not for beginners. Arch Linux is not "user-friendly", and many may have difficulty installing and configuring it. However, if you can still do it, as a reward for your efforts, you will receive a stable, almost indestructible system for home and work.

As already mentioned, installing Arch is quite complicated. It is worth remembering that it is played using console commands and configs that you will edit during the installation. Naturally, all these commands, their sequence and nuances are available in the official documentation. By the way, it is even in Russian. In the Installation guide you can find answers to all your questions. There, literally point by point, the installation and configuration process is described, following which, you will certainly come to the result. However, it is worth saying that you should first try to install this system on a virtual machine, and only then on a real one. So, at least you won't waste time restoring your PC in case you make a mistake somewhere.

The philosophy behind Arch Linux is that the user should be in control of their PC. This means that logically using the system should be more difficult. But no matter how. Using this distribution, you will learn the basics of Linux administration very quickly. You will learn the necessary commands, learn how to work with the terminal and settings, and, in principle, be ready for any surprises. And although everything looks complicated and incomprehensible at first, you will soon begin to understand how your system works.

It is also worth noting here with regards to graphical shells: you are free to install absolutely any environment, because the installation this distribution comparable to the collection of the designer. At a certain stage, you only need to select the one you need, and then, starting from this, continue installing the system.

More information can be found at