I always want the system to work as stable as possible, never break down or buggy. Unfortunately, this is not possible, but nevertheless, not all operating systems, including Linux distributions work equally stably. Some contain proven software, in which most of the problems have already been fixed, while others consist of completely new software, in which various errors and problems often occur.
In this article, we'll take a look at the most stable linux distributions. In our list will be as distributions corporate level as well as those developed by the community. Using these distributions, you run the least risk of getting any problems with the system. But in most cases, the price for stability is the use of old software versions released a year or a year and a half ago. If you're ready to go for it, let's get started.
This is one of the most popular distributions among experienced users and for servers. During its development, it has been positioned as the most stable Linux distribution. And for good reason. At the same time, it is one of the oldest distributions. In fact, the software is tested by users and developers for a long time and thoroughly before entering the repositories of the distribution kit. So thoroughly that we receive new versions of programs with a delay of one to one and a half years.
But on the other hand, these programs are completely stable and most of them have already been fixed. known bugs... The system receives security updates very quickly, so there is no need to worry about this side. Because of this approach to software stability, Debian has gained popularity on servers, but among home users it is not used so often, it affects the fact that everyone wants new versions of programs. Debian has unstable repositories and you can install new software from there, but using them loses all the advantages of this stable system.
2. Red Hat Enterprise Linux
This is already a commercial-grade system being developed for use on servers by Red Hat. You can download and install the distribution kit for free, but for updates and technical support have to pay. The company takes money for the fact that you receive all security and software updates in a timely manner, as well as for keeping the system in working order. And they cope with this task with a bang. Updates are released frequently enough.
But there remains a problem inherent in Debian, you get slightly older versions of the software. Yes, usually the versions of the programs here are newer than in Debian, but nevertheless, shutting down the program in the repository should go through certain time... As far as stability is concerned, the distribution is as good as Debian. If in Fedora all new technologies are only being tested, then here they already come fully debugged.
3. CentOS
It is a community maintained distribution based on Red Hat. In fact, this is Red Hat, only it is completely free and synchronized from time to time with the Red Hat codebase so that you can receive software and security updates. Here you get the same stability as in Red Hat, since all branding is stripped from the system, and everything else is almost identical.
CentOS is most often used on servers, but it is also popular as a distribution for home computers, since the repositories contain all the software necessary for the average user and the system is quite stable.
4. OpenSUSE
The OpenSUSE distribution is developed by Novell and is based on the distribution kit. SUSE Linux Enterprise. It is not as stable as previous options as it contains newer software. But this can become the golden mean for those who want new software on the one hand, and on the other a fairly stable system.
Since the developers are simultaneously working on commercial version, bugs and bugs are fixed pretty quickly. Perhaps, after the release, you can find a couple of bugs and bugs in the system, but after some time everything will be fixed and you will get a completely stable system with fairly new software.
conclusions
I would also like to mention Ubuntu in this list, Linux Mint and other great distributions, but no. They fall short in terms of stability. About regular version Ubuntu has nothing to say, it is full of bugs and problems after each release, the LTS version is doing a little better, but not as good as Debian or Red Hat. The Linux Mint distribution also uses new software and is not always sufficiently tested, so it cannot be positioned as the most stable Linux distribution in 2016.
These were the most stable Linux distributions in my opinion, but your opinion may differ from mine. Which distributions do you think are the most stable? Write about it in the comments!
To finish, I offer you a video about the most beautiful Linux distributions:
Many users do not hesitate and download the most latest version... People think that in the updated version the developers have fixed all the bugs, added useful functions, made the design more attractive, and made the interface more user-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 evaluated all the pros and cons, install the distribution kit.
There is no one size fits all system. Each person needs something different. Functionality, security and capabilities are important to the administrator remote control... For a beginner, a friendly and simple interface. For a lover of innovations, there are interesting options that are not present 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”, issues errors, terminates programs, no other advantages will push it to the top of 2016. You will have to constantly look for the causes of failures and recover corrupted data. It doesn't matter what task you use a modification for - its stability is always important.
- Safety. Holes in the system are a godsend for any virus. Linux is, of course, a great example of reliability. But it depends on Firewall, access log, security parameters. It is better to choose a distribution in which it is already exposed optimal settings and closed all the "loopholes" for malicious software.
- Functionality. Availability of useful and interesting options. Or some kind of "flavor" that has not been added to other Linux systems. The main thing is not to overdo it. If the assembly contains a huge number of functions you do not need, it is better to take something simpler. After all, they will overload the system.
- Convenience. The interface should be not only clear, but also practical. So that all important options are "at hand". So that when you turn on your computer, you can get to work.
- Modernity. Outdated systems in many ways are good. They are time-tested. If you have used them before, after switching to the 2016 distribution, you will have to get used to. Yes and new modifications may not meet expectations. If it was released recently, it is likely to contain bugs. But still it is better to take modern Linux. Not necessarily the most recent version. Developers make programs targeting new systems. At some point it may come out useful application which will be incompatible with your build. And you have to update.
- Design. Of course, the shell is not the main thing. After all, there may be nothing under it. But if the other criteria suit you, why not take a look at the design of the distributions. It can be changed. Therefore, it is not worth compiling a list of the most beautiful Linux of 2016. Just when choosing a modification, see what design options it contains.
- Support, community. This refers not only to the development team and the official Linux technical support. The people who use the operating system are important. They chat on forums, discuss builds, make reviews. They can answer questions, suggest how to solve the problem. If you install unpopular Linux version, then you will have to deal with it yourself. After all, there will not 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 stop at the most common version. Check out a few options. What other people like may not work for you personally.
Run the assembly you like in a virtual machine or using a LiveCD. No rating, review or opinion replaces personal experience... Linux is unpredictable in this regard. You will be able to understand if the program is right for you only after you have been working with it for a while.
A build that is constantly being improved. New versions are released frequently. Ubuntu is still popular in 2016. Although it was released 10 years ago.
The system is suitable for beginners who decide to "try" Linux. It's easy to install. She is comfortable 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 - 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 often added to Ubuntu. And along with them - new bugs. They are eliminated as soon as they are discovered.
- Free distribution. Many programs and modifications are free to download.
- Quick installation - 10 minutes, and the distribution kit is already on the computer.
- Intuitive and friendly interface. It is easy to understand it.
- No viruses. More precisely, viruses simply cannot infect the system. On Linux Ubuntu nothing happens without the user's permission. If you don't "miss" the malware yourself, it won't get into the build.
- Multiboot operating systems are available. Ubuntu can be installed alongside Windows. You don't need to configure anything for this.
- The assembly comes with a set of software.
- No top Linux distribution is complete without Ubuntu. This is a common build. If you have a problem, you can find a solution in the community or forum.
- Low stability. Crashes occur periodically. But with correct setting the system will work fine. Despite this, Ubuntu and some of its modifications - best builds Linux. After all, failures in it are not so critical.
- You may get errors that no one else has encountered. This is what new versions are guilty of.
- If you do decide to try other Linux distributions, it will be difficult to rebuild after Ubuntu.
Mint
Intuitive graphical interface. There is a module that will speed up the adaptation if you switched to Mint from the Win system. They have similar taskbar, desktop, navigation. You will quickly get used to the new "environment". There are several working environments. Just choose the one that is convenient for you to work with.
Mint is based on Ubuntu. The creators of Mint decided to remove all the flaws that are inherent in Linux. The peculiarity of the assembly is that it has built-in multimedia codecs. And the programs that are needed for full-fledged work on the computer.
Perfectly adjusted Feedback... The creators of the modification are interested in the opinion of users, listen to it.
- 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 working environments.
- Modifications and updates are often released.
- There are no public security bulletins.
- The developer is not an official company, but enthusiasts. This is largely 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 Linux representatives. But it is popular in 2016 due to its stability and security. He has a huge development team. But new versions are rarely released.
Debian is installed on servers. It is suitable for remote administration. It has the best package management systems.
The assembly is not suitable for beginners. She has more quantity programs and settings that you need to understand. But installing the build is easy.
- This is an example of stability.
- Support for many different architectures.
- Works quickly and efficiently.
- Provides security.
- There are a huge number of programs. About 43,000 packages.
- Debian is easy to upgrade.
- Suitable for servers and remote administration. There is a package management system.
- After installation, you need an initial setup.
- The settings themselves are difficult to figure out.
- The distribution is already out of date. Popular in 2016 only because it is the most stable and reliable build on Linux based.
- Updates are rarely released.
- The amount of software is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It will not be easy for a beginner to understand such a variety of software.
Other assemblies
- Arch Linux. Simple and convenient build. If you want to understand and learn to use Linux, Arch Linux is the best choice. But the distribution has one significant disadvantage... After installation, you will not see anything. All functions must be searched for and configured independently. And no automation. Before downloading this assembly, read the instructions for it.
- Chalet OS. If you are yesterday's Windows user, Chalet OS is for you. This build is very similar to Win. But Linux is hidden under the shell. You will be able to manage the new system using your familiar graphical interface. The assembly came out recently. There may still be flaws in it.
- Elementary OS. A distro with a stunning design. And these are all its advantages. The modification added only those applications that do not violate the overall composition of the desktop. No new solutions or features. Elementary OS is just a beautiful operating system.
- Cub Linux. Suitable for laptops. The build is stable. It has a practical and uncluttered interface. This allows the battery to last longer. Cub Linux can run software designed for Ubuntu. He doesn't need powerful computer... It is even installed on old laptops. But there is also a minus - the system boots slowly.
Highly specialized distributions
Here are the best Linux distributions of 2016 designed for highly specialized tasks.
- Ubuntu Studio. Multimedia studio based on Ubuntu. Professional build intended for designers, sound engineers and those who are engaged 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 among programs.
- Tails. If you don't want to be followed, install Tails. It is based on Debian. The build provides security, privacy and complete anonymity online. Runs from LiveCD.
- Snappy Ubuntu Core. Innovation for innovation. Designed for smart things. With it you can control the tools home automation(microwave ovens, coffee makers). The system doesn't need a lot of resources to work.
- Steam OS. A huge problem for Linux - there are not many games on it. Because of this, many users preferred Windows. And they were not going to completely abandon it. But Valve found a solution - they provided "Linux for Games." Operating room Steam system Debian based OS. 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, don't hesitate to install.
Which Linux do you think is the best?
Let's face it, Linux can overwhelm almost any complexity for new users. But then, it is not Linux that brings this complexity, it is most likely the “novelty” factor that causes such feelings.
This article is especially for those who have no idea what else you can work on your computer instead of Windows or Mac OS.
Best distributions for new users
Please remember that this is a list in no particular order. The main criteria for compiling this list are ease of installation out of the box, ease of use, and availability of software packages.
If you have ever been interested in Linux on the Internet, then it is very likely that you have already encountered. Ubuntu is one of the leading Linux distributions. And it's almost the perfect distro to start your Linux journey.
Ubuntu has been labeled Linux for the people. This is because Ubuntu has already put a lot of effort into universal usability. Ubuntu doesn't require you to be a child prodigy. It breaks the notion of a Linux line - for programmers, and that's one of the highlights.
Ubuntu offers a very user-friendly installation procedure. The installer simply says, "What language do you want to install me in?" You can even try Ubuntu before starting the installation procedure. The installer provides simple options:
- Erase disk and install Ubuntu
- Installation Ubuntu is near with an existing OS (a choice is given at each startup to select the OS to boot).
- Setting up sections for users who know what they are doing.
Initial tip: Choose the second option if you're not sure what to do.
The user interface in Ubuntu is called Unity. It is a very simple desktop shell. Launch and favorite applications in the dock on the left side (the so-called “Dash”) and search for applications, which is carried out by clicking on the Super (Windows) button or by clicking on the Ubuntu logo. It couldn't be easier, right?
Ubuntu has no problem installing drivers, which comes with a hardware detector that detects, downloads, and installs the optimal drivers for your PC. In addition, the installed system comes with all basic software such as music player, video player, office suite and other useful programs.
Ubuntu has a lot of documentation and community support. The Ubuntu and Ask Ubuntu Forums provide significant quality support in almost every aspect of Ubuntu. And it is very likely that any question you want to ask may already be answered by someone.
If you decide to install Ubuntu, then you can download this distribution on the official website.
Linux Mint Cinnamon
Most computer users are Windows users. And when a Windows user gets Linux, there are a fair amount of ‘weaning processes’ that the user must go through. A huge number of operations have been recorded in our muscle memory. For example, a mouse going to the lower left corner of the screen (Start), you probably want to launch an application every time. I can only advise you on a distro that alleviates all these problems on Linux, and half the battle is won. Look at .
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution with a well-polished Linux distribution that is well suited for users moving from Windows. Although almost every Linux distribution can be used by everyone, some people are very unaccustomed to seeing someone else's desktop, and Zorin OS will make this transition point easier for you.
Package managers seem at first Linux newbies, something supernatural. This is why Zorin OS comes with a huge (I mean really huge) list of pre-installed software. Everything you need is already installed in Zorin OS.
Zorin OS comes with an amazing theme changer feature. It offers some heavy-handed customization options with presets to make your OS look like Windows 7, XP, 2000, or even Mac.
These features make Zorin OS the best Linux distribution for beginners, right?
Go to the official site to download the latest version of Zorin OS.
Since we looked at distributions for Windows users let's see something for macOS users. rose very quickly in the rankings, and is now always included in the list of the best distributions, all due to its aesthetic essence. Inspired by the look of MacOS, Elementary OS is one of the prettiest Linux distributions out there.
Elementary OS is another Ubuntu-based distribution, which means that the operating system itself is undoubtedly stable. Elementary OS comes with the Pantheon desktop environment, and you can immediately notice the similarities to MacOS. This is an advantage for macOS users who are switching to Linux, as they will feel very comfortable with the distribution, and it really makes it easier to get around this change.
The menu is very simple and customizable according to the user's preferences. The operating system is non-intrusive, so you can really focus on your work. It comes with very little software pre-installed, so any New user will not be distracted by huge bells and whistles, but it will have everything you need out of the box. For additional software, Elementary OS provides a neat AppCenter that is affordable and easy to use. Everything in one place. You can get all the software you want and update with just a few clicks.
You should try it. You can download Elementary OS on the official website.
A large number of people who come to Linux are eager to revive old computers. In the operating room Windows system 10, many computers that had decent performance just a few years ago have become incompetent. And if you are looking for a distribution that would resurrect your old computer then look in Linux side Mate.
Linux Mint Mate is a very lightweight, undemanding, yet polished distro. It can run smoothly on weak computers... Desktop environment won't bring you bells and jingles. But in no way inferior in functionality to any other desktop environment. The operating system is non-intrusive and allows you to be productive without losing quality.
Again, Linux Mint Mate is based on Ubuntu and takes advantage of Ubuntu's huge solid software repository base. It comes with a minimum of essentials pre-installed. Easy installation drivers and system configuration management is very accessible even for beginners.
You can run Linux Mint Mate even if you have 512MB of RAM and 9GB of free hard disk space (the more the better).
If you have already decided on the choice, then you can download Linux Mint Mate on the official website.
Before you say that you can't direct a newbie to a complex distribution like ArchLinux, listen to me first.
Arch is considered the distribution for experts only because of the very complicated installation procedure. Manajro and Arch Linux have a common origin. But they are pretty much different in everything else.
Has a very beginner friendly setup procedure. Many things are automated, such as installing a driver using Detect Hardware. With Manjaro, you'll forget the hassle of searching for driver installation manuals that plagued many other Linux distributions. And even if you have questions, Manjaro has amazing community support.
Manjaro has its own software repository that supports the very latest software, and this is a priority for users. One of the main differences between Arch and Manjaro is that Manjaro delays package releases to make sure they are completely stable and will not cause regressions. You can also access the Arch User Repository on Manjaro, which has everything you need available.
If we look at the ranking of Linux distributions on Distrowatch, we can see that statistics have not changed much over the past twelve months. The very famous operating systems are still at the top, and have been there for a long time.
Surprisingly, over 170 distributions are still on the waiting list, and many have been around for about five years now. Some of these distributions are very interesting. This proves that a distribution is not necessarily bad or unnecessary if it is not approved by Distrowatch.
Most likely, Ubuntu and Linux Mint will remain at the top of the TOP for a long time, but one should not neglect other distributions that have not yet reached such ratings but have great potential.
Remember the history of EOS? This operating system, developed a few years ago, in 2011, has garnered a lot of attention for providing something that didn't exist yet.
Not all distributions are the same as EOS, but if you've been using Linux for a long time, you've probably noticed that the speed with which developers make new distributions has significantly decreased compared to ten years ago.
Modern Linux 2016 distributions try to be simple and accessible to a large number of users. We will consider such distributions in this article. We will be mainly interested in the Linux 2016 novelties.
It's hard to find the best distributions to try in 2016 because they are all the best in their field. Some of them are for all users, others for a specific audience. But let's get down to the list already.
I like to view a distribution with the motto "Developed by the community, for the community". VeltOS is just that. This system takes an unusual approach to Linux, it is completely a community project. Developers will allow users to choose what they would not like to see in future releases, and vice versa, what features they want.
This is pure free software policy. Developers place power in the hands of the community, so all functions and capabilities are completely community dependent.
You can pretty much define what the operating system will look like and what it will do with the voting platform. You can create polls about adding new features, or removing existing ones. The Velt shape is completely in your hands.
However, it's important to know that VeltOS is still very young, they just released their first Technical Preview three months ago and it's no surprise that it has garnered so much community attention. The idea of voting for new features is not new; quite a few distributions accept comments from their users to make the distribution better. But VeltOS in VeltOS implements this mechanism very transparently, so to speak, it is a distribution in the spirit of OpenSource.
VeltOS is based on ArchLinux, mainly due to its simple and very convenient system rolling releases, flexibility, and the latest software. Arch allows you to install software using its own Pacman package manager, with which you can always update your system up to date.
Basically, the Technical Preview is a test release to see what the community likes and what doesn't. TP1 comes with a modified Budgie Decktop desktop environment by default, from the Souls project with a light display manager, login manager and welcome screen, and a Numix theme.
Now the developers have already received enough feedback from users about what should be shipped by default in VeltOS.
They are currently working on creating their own VDE desktop environment, from scratch in C and Vala.
Co-founder of the project Stefan Kwiczynski says that they will not support Budgie and will make their own environment, because user voices differ in many ways from what is in Budgie Decktop. The new environment will be developed in accordance with the Google concept Material Design and will be released along with the second Technical Preview, which is expected in March 2016.
You can try the first version with Budgie Desktop right now by downloading the image on the official website. It may not be the best Linux 2016 distribution, but it is definitely one of the best.
2. PapyrOS
Formerly known as QuartzOS or QuantumOS. The system is based on the Material Design concept, and is based on the ArchLinux distribution.
The idea for this distribution was proposed by Michael Spencer, who at this moment is the lead developer. Development started in November 2014.
The goal of PapyrOS is to make an operating system that is equally suitable for ordinary people and for fans of open source software.
At the moment, the project is in the Pre-Alpha state, the progress bar can be viewed on the official website or using a special Android application.
PapyrOS will take Linux user-friendliness to the next level with its great looks, Material Design-based desktop environment and ArchLinux quality framework.
PapyrOS will support rolling updates and rollbacks in case something breaks, thanks to OsTree.
In addition, PapyrOS will support integration with web services such as Gmail, Inbox and Evernote to improve the usability of the system. In addition to the features mentioned above, the system will come with its own cross-platform application development platform based on QtQuick.
The PapyrOS desktop shell can now be tested on other distributions. It is developed using Qt5 and QML. Material Design will be used in both system components and third party applications.
Installing PapyrOS shell
Add following lines to your /etc/pacman.conf:
SigLevel = Never
Server = http://dash.papyros.io/repos/$repo/$arch
Run:
$ pacman -Syu
$ pacman -S papyros-shell
Then you can start the shell with the following command:
$ papyros-session
3. Korora
Korora is a pre-existing distribution, first based on Gentoo in 2005. In 2010 the distribution was reborn and is now based on Fedora. It mainly adds some customization and other cool additions. After installation, the system does not need additional settings and is immediately ready for use.
Unlike Fedora, there are many third-party repositories connected here, so you can easily get the applications you want. Korora still maintains a strong relationship with Fedora, for updates system components the default repositories are used. The goal of the system is to grow Fedora's user base by offering users more technologies that work for them.
Not so long ago, they invited the OzonOS developers to combine their projects. OzonOS is also based on Fedora. It is not developing so actively, due to insufficient funding and a small development team. It's interesting how the Korora developers are going to join forces with OzonOS, but this year we should see the changes already.
Korora currently has five various editions GNOME, KDE, XFCE and MATE. It's also worth noting that Korora includes third party drivers for AMD graphics cards and NVIDIA.
4. SolusOS
We all, of course, know Debian, Arch, Ubuntu, Gentoo and their derivatives, of which there are already more than 300. Most of them are designed for a specific audience, only a few are suitable for everyone. Chances are your distribution is based on one of the above, but what about something completely new and different?
The Souls project was originally based on Debian, but then the developers changed their minds and started a new project - Souls 2.0, which was developed from scratch, but then the project was closed.
Back in February 2014, the EvolveOS project started, using a codebase and outwardly similar to SolusOS, which has been shut down.
First, several alpha and beta versions of the project were released, then there were problems with the name and the distribution was renamed back to SolusOS.
Ike Doherty, project founder and general manager originally conceived of SolusOS as a project built from scratch.
SolusOS offers a completely new desktop environment - Budgie, based on the Gnome 3 stack and offering the user their own window manager, panel, side panel and other interesting additions graphical interface... The final release of this distribution took place at the beginning of this year, which means that the linux 2016 distributions review should include it.
SolusOS uses the Pici and eopkg package manager, which are different from the apt-get or pacman commands you use. The founder of the project confirmed that the package format will be eopkg, and the package manager will be forked three years ago from the Pardus Linux project.
conclusions
For now, everything is possible in the future, the article will be replenished. What distributions would you recommend trying in 2016? which Linux to choose 2016? Write in the comments!
In this article, I would like to consider a list of various promising and interesting distributions GNU / Linux for 2018. The list has been compiled based on MY views and preferences, which may differ from yours. This article has been compiled on the basis of relevant and demanded topics.
For convenience, the top will be divided into several categories, from which you can choose the appropriate GNU / Linux distribution for you and your goals.
Desktop
GNU / Linux desktop distributions are designed to be used on both home PCs and laptops and office computers. The main difference between a desktop and a server is the presence of DE (Desktop Environment) - a desktop environment. I tried to find the most convenient and interesting, in my opinion, distributions:
Q4OS
Q4OS - A Linux distribution that uses the Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE), which in turn is a fork of KDE 3. This distribution is based on Debian. It has both x86_64 and i386 editions. The main task of the project is to ensure the appearance of the system similar to Windows interface xp. This system has quite low system requirements, namely: Pentium 300MHz CPU / 128MB RAM / 3GB disk. There are also special editions for the Raspberry Pi microcomputer, Pine64 and Pinebook.
This distribution is great for old and weak hardware. You can also install it for people who are used to the classic look of Windows.
I would like to warn you right away that he has a problem with switching keyboard layouts. How to fix this is described.
You can download this system from.
Linux Mint
Linux MInt is a distribution based on Ubuntu, which in turn is based on Debian. It’s funny (It also exists). This system supports both x86_64 and i386 architectures. The following environments are officially supported: Cinnamon (Originally developed by the team Linux programmers Mint), MATE, Xfce, KDE. The MATE and Xfce editions are lighter weight.
The main task of the project is to ensure stability, reliability, as well as ease of use of the system. It also has its own application center. The distribution kit also includes quite a large number of software (including proprietary).
Antergos
Antergos is a GNU / Linux distribution built on top of ArchLinux. It's great for people who want to try Arch, but are afraid to poke around in the terminal. For installation, one of the following shells is offered to choose from: Base (just a terminal), Cinnamon, Deepin, GNOME, KDE, MATE, Openbox and Xfce. The choice is quite large, considering that you can install a clean terminal and install a shell that is not on the list by hand. So the system requirements also vary quite a bit.
The distribution kit comes with the Numix icon pack. Also, when installing the system, you can choose which components will be additionally installed (Browsers, AUR, LTS kernel, Bluethooth drivers and printers).
openSUSE
openSUSE is also a fairly old distribution. It is currently owned by Novell inc. The distribution kit is actively used all over the world. Older versions (S.u.S.E Linux) were based on Slackware, but they are now a standalone distribution. A new version the distribution kit is released every 12 months.
The package manager is Zypper, the package format, respectively, * .rpm.
Officially
You can download the distribution kit at. (Also available for Raspberry Pi & &).
For pentest
Penetration test - a method of assessing security individual computers or entire networks. I have not included in this top Kali Linux, because I think it is too cluttered. In my opinion, the distributions given below are among the most promising in this direction.
BlackArch Linux
BlackArch - A GNU / Linux distribution for security testing. It is built on top of Arch Linux, as the name suggests. During installation, you can choose one of the offered window managers, or leave a clean terminal. It can be used as live system, in a virtual machine, install on a computer, or it is possible to turn an already installed Arch into BlackArch (for more details see the office website * eng). BlackArch has in stock huge number utilities for pentesting.
The package manager is pacman.
You can download the ready-made distribution kit from.
Parrot Security OS
Parrot Security OS is a Debian-based distribution. Comes with the MATE desktop environment. This OS has a fairly large number in its set for testing the system for penetration. It is being developed by the Frozenbox team. Also due attention has been paid to outward appearance distribution kit.
Supported architectures: i386, x86_64, ARM (Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, Pine64).
You can load the system with.
Wifislax
WiFiSlax is a Slackware based GNU / Linux distribution. Has the ability to run in Live mode. It is intended for network security auditing. Wifislax includes a long list of pentesting tools. The distribution comes with an Xfce desktop environment.
Since this is Slackware, all additional packages will have to be compiled manually.
Only x86_64 architecture is supported.
Subgraph OS
Subgraph OS is a Linux distribution based on Debian. Key idea project - launch custom applications in isolated sandboxes. All application traffic is also passed through Tor. The DE is again GNOME. Despite all the changes made to the distribution, working with this OS is practically no different from any other GNU / Linux distribution.
The package manager is apt & apt-get, package format, respectively, * .deb.
Only x86_64 architecture is supported.
QUBES OS
QUBES OS is a Linux distribution whose main task is user security through isolation. Virtualization is done with Xen. Graphical shell here is KDE. Since many distributions, whose goal is user security, pay little attention to appearance, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that QUBES OS is quite beautiful.
Applications in QUBES OS are installed and run from templates, so there is no binding to package managers (for example, yum is used to install applications from Fedora, and apt is used from WHOINIX).
Only x86_64 architecture is supported.
Lightweight
This section is pretty topical. After all, I think many have an old and weak laptop or a computer (I generally have an IBM on a Pentium II =)). And there are just those who are used to saving every megabyte). In general, I tried to collect in this section the most interesting and promising in this direction distributions.
Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is a distribution that has editions for Ubuntu and Slackware (there are unofficial forks based on other distributions, such as Arch). This OS tries to be as compact and not demanding as possible. It was developed by Professor Barry Cowler, who is now retired. The distribution is named after the professor's puppy. The JWM window manager is used as a graphical environment. Primarily this distribution designed for loading from a flash drive into RAM, but it is also possible to install it on the hard drive.
A separate graphical utility is used here to install applications.
Supported architectures: i386, ARM (There is a version for Raspberry pi).
You can download the system image at.
Tiny Core Linux
Tiny Core is a minimalistic Linux distribution that aims to provide a complete OS in a minimal size and low system requirements... The distribution kit stands out for its very low weight (Core - 11MB, TinyCore - 16 MB, CorePlus - 106 MB). Lead Developer - Robert Schingledecker. To lighten the distribution, instead of a full-fledged X server, it uses a light version of Xvesa.
The software can be installed via the AppBrowser package manager.
Supported architectures: i386, x86_64, ARM.
You can download the distribution kit from.
ArchBang
ArchBang is a distribution based on Arch Linux. Its main goal is to provide users with an easy-to-install and ready-to-go version, while adhering to all the basic principles of Arch. The working environment here is the Openbox window manager. Yes, this distribution is not as lightweight as the previous 2, but it has more functionality. Currently the developer is Stan McLaren.
The pacman package manager is used to manage the software.
Only x86_64 architecture is supported.
You can download the image from (There are 2 editions. The first on systemd, the second on openrc).
For geeks
Well, or as my friend said: “Not for geeks, but for red-eyed, bearded, pot-bellied penguins” =). The distributions below are some of the hardest for beginners.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is an independent GNU / Linux distribution general purpose... Optimized for i386 platform. Supplied without any WM, let alone DE. Installation is done by hand from the terminal. Someone will say that this is not the most difficult distribution kit, but still, for most beginners, it is difficult to master. As you may have noticed, I have mentioned Arch-based OS more than once in the article, as it is my favorite distro.
The package manager is pacman. But it contains quite a few programs. To fix this, you can add an AUR (Arch User Repository) which can be managed via yaourt for example.
You can download the latest version from.
But since support for i386 systems has been discontinued, it can no longer be downloaded from the official site, but this version actively supported by the community. You can download it.
There is also an unofficial port.
Gentoo Linux
Gentoo - GNU / Linux distribution distinctive feature which is optimization for specific equipment. It is considered the most difficult, since the user needs to assemble most of the system components himself. Frequency of release updates ~ once a week. Due to the flexibility of the system, you can configure it as a server or workstation... In general, you can do quite a lot with this distribution, the main thing is to have patience and experience =).
Package managers: portage & pkgcore & paludis.
Supported architectures: x86_64, i386, alpha, ARM, hppa, ia64, ppc, sparc (and experimentally s390, sh).
Download Gentoo Linux the version you want you can with.
LFS
Linux From Scratch is a book describing the process of building your Linux-based operating system distribution from source codes. Yes, yes, this is a book, or as it is also called "paper distribution". You can do whatever you want, if you can ... Which packages will be included in your system is up to you. The main author is Gerard Beekmans. Recommended for everyone, from beginners to avid Linux users. Although not many will be able to build their own distribution, but for overall development worth reading.
About package management. You collect everything by hand. There is even an instruction on how to attach apt.
Architecture? Under which one you collect, it will work on that one (the instructions are for i386, but if you can, you can at least for ARM).
You can download the LFS book and others related to it at.
conclusions
In this article, we examined the most promising and relevant, in my opinion, distributions for 2018. In the end, I would like to highlight which distributions and from which category I would prefer: Desktop - Q4OS, Server - CentOS, For pentesting - BlackArch Linux, For security - Subgraph OS, Lightweight - Puppy Linux, “For geeks” - Arch ( for personal use) and LFS (for study).
More on the site:
The best Linux distributions 2018: desktop, server, pentest, security, lightweight, for geeks. updated: March 12, 2018 by: linok9757
