Linux operating system versions. Why is it needed, this Linux

It is quite difficult for beginners in the field of administration to decide on the choice of a LINUX distribution kit, since a very large number of them have been developed and each of them has its own characteristics and purpose. Popular Linux myths covered.

In this article, we will consider popular distributions that are based on the LINUX kernel. The distribution kit is the kernel itself and a set of very different software, that is, it is an operating system based on LINUX. Linux vulnerabilities and their types.

In this article, we will consider distributions:

• Debian
• red hat
• Arch Linux
• Gentoo
• Linux From Scratch
• Chrome OS
• Android
• Slackware
• OpenWrt 10 Tizen
• OS for supercomputers

Debianand systems based on it - a set of distributions that use the Deb package management system. It was created for Debian and is now used quite often by popular distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, LinuxMint, AstraLinux, Elementary and others. They are based on the original Linux kernel with several fixes that only remove errors. Debian Benefits Considered article.

The second most popular system based on the Linux kernel isred hat. Red Hat has created its own package manager, Rpm. Therefore, all traditional Linux distributions have split into two sides - those that use deb and fans of rpm. It cannot be said that any system is better or worse, because each of them has advantages and disadvantages. The RPM package management system is used by CentOS, Fedora, Red Hat, OpenSUSE and other less popular but still in demand OS distributions.

The next system in the review that does not use the Deb and Rpm packages. This is a distributionArchLinux. It is based on its own pacman package manager, which has similar functions as deb, but in addition a simple rolling release system is implemented. This ensures always new software. Arch is quite popular and other distributions are developed on its basis - Manjaro, Antergos, Cinnarch.

System Gentoodesigned for users who need the ability to compile their own system. This allows you to choose software, as well as get optimization for your hardware. The Gentoo distribution is based on the Linux kernel, using the emerge package manager. The user of the system receives rolling releases, as well as the ability to easily compile the operating system on his PC. The emerge package manager already comes with built-in build scripts, so you don't need to add anything.

LINUX FROM SCRATCH -special is a set of tools that allow you to build your own distribution based on the Linux kernel. You are provided with a kernel and need the source code for the required programs. You create your distribution from the init system and shell to the desktop environment.

Google has released its specialized operating system for netbooks on the Linux kernel.Chrome OSbased on Gentoo, although these operating systems are fundamentally different, so you should not combine them into one item. Google has implemented the idea of ​​a cloud-based Linux operating system. At the same time, your workspace is a browser where you can edit documents, work with videos and a Linux terminal in the browser. All files are stored in the cloud.

ANDROIDthe most popular mobile phone OS also uses the Linux kernel. True, only the kernel remains from Linux here. Everything else Google has replaced with various frameworks. Linux features are limited, but in the terminal you can work with Linux commands, and in a chroot environment you can run a Linux distribution. Therefore, ANDROID is also considered a Linux distribution.

SLACKWAREis a very old Linux distribution. Once upon a time, several distributions were based on it - Blacktrack, Slax, VectorLinux, etc. But over time, it became unpopular. The system uses its own package manager, which is weaker than deb and rpm. Among the shortcomings of the system, users highlight the fact that dependency resolution is not supported. The commands for removing and installing packages are in different utilities, which is quite inconvenient.

openwrt- a specialized OS that is designed for routers and routers based on Linux. The system comes with a stripped-down version of the C library, standard Linux utilities, and BusyBox. It is designed specifically for routers, so it takes up little space. Settings are made using the command line.

System TIZENdesigned for various TVs, smart watches and other gadgets. Based on the Linux kernel. The OS was developed by Samsung. It is installed on many popular gadgets.

OS for supercomputers. According to research in 2017, Linux-based operating systems are most often used on supercomputers, since each company creates its own solution based on the kernel, and this solution is ideally optimized for its goals and objectives. So out of 500 powerful supercomputers, 498 run on Linux and two more on UNIX like the IBM AIX system. As you can see, Linux is a very popular operating system for solving various kinds of problems.

On our You can test most of the popular Linux distributions. You will definitely come in handy, which every user needs to know. Contact us and we will be happy to find the best option for you!

Differences between Windows and Linux operating systems in the following.

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Let's calmly figure out why, in fact, Linux is needed by an ordinary person, not a computer fan and not a hacker.

Let's start with benefits Linux:

1. Free. The Linux distribution can be downloaded from the Internet, burned to DVD or CD, and booted from this disk, installed.

2. Any Linux distribution kit already contains in its composition all the programs conceivable for the average user: text editors, word processors, programs for working with images of any complexity, several browsers, the whole gamut of Internet applications such as Skype, Asec, Messengers and others, installation and removal tools programs, hard disk partitioning, dictionaries, simple games like solitaire and tetris, and so much more that you won't try even in a year. All this does not need to be purchased and installed, it is installed automatically with the operating system. And it takes up no more than 10 GB of disk space with the system.

3. Linux is built for local area networks and for the Internet. It's faster, more reliable, and has one giant advantage: it's immune to viruses. More precisely, just over a hundred viruses are known for Linux, and greedy collectors exchange them like rare butterflies. Accordingly, you do not have to install and update an antivirus weekly, reinstall Windows when it simply stops working under the onslaught of viruses, overpay for Internet traffic when viruses start sending spam from your computer all over the world.

For the sake of objectivity, let's talk about the main shortcomings Linux:

1. An extraordinary variety and a rich selection of options that are incomprehensible to a neophyte: a lot of distributions, a lot of programs, a lot of file systems, a lot of unsystematized and often outdated information.

2. Difficulty in exchanging programs between different distributions. A beginner is forced to use the programs that the distribution's software repository (repository) offers him.

3. Complex modern games do not work (or work poorly) under Linux.

More recently, the main difficulty was installing Linux on your computer; now, with many distributions, this procedure is easier than installing Windows.

The so-called LiveCDs are extremely common, allowing you to run a Linux distribution directly from a CD or DVD and try it out. The hard drive of your computer is not involved in this in any way, it may simply not be there. And if you need to save something, then save it to a USB flash drive.

But enough pros and cons, it's time to answer the main question: "Why?"

Before answering it, you should understand that Linux is a very Windows-friendly system. To install Linux, you do not need a separate computer, or even a separate hard drive (hard drive), you just need to push Windows a little, freeing up 10-15 gigabytes of space on the disk. With modern disk sizes, this is quite a bit.

The cohabitation of Windows and Linux on the same disk looks as if a junior lieutenant was placed in a communal apartment with a general. Windows simply does not see the partition occupied by Linux. And Linux knows perfectly well where Windows has everything, allows you to read and modify Windows files and folders, copy them and exchange data with Windows. So in case of an accident, Linux will save valuable files from the Windows partition. Moreover, it will install its own bootloader and will boot Windows first (if you want).

When it's time to reinstall Windows, the new version will overwrite the Linux bootloader and install Windows. But it does not matter, Linux is not proud and can be run from a flash drive, from a CD or from a floppy disk (if you remember what it is). After starting Linux, you can easily restore its bootloader, which allows you to boot any number of operating systems.

So, we got close to the answer. Here he is.

There is no need to decide whether to "switch" to Linux or "stay" under Windows. You can simply have a second Linux operating system on the same hard drive (or on a different one if there are several drives).

With the help of Linux, it is convenient to access the Internet, receive and send mail, upload and distribute programs and other files, talk on Skype, use ICQ and other communication capabilities. In short, everything that is associated with the risk of “picking up” viruses should be done under Linux. Linux is very well written: its text editors are rich in useful features, while they are fast and light.

But if you need Word, then copy the text file to the "territory" of Windows and enjoy your favorite processor. Even under Windows it is better to work in programs such as Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, Corell Draw and the like - they do not work under Linux. If you use Microsoft Office, then do it in your native environment. The same applies to games.

Thus, you will protect yourself from viruses and gradually master another operating system - a useful skill.

And for a snack, I would venture to advise a distribution kit that is ideal for the scheme I have described.

This is the world's most popular Linux distribution - Ubuntu. Just download the latest version, which is currently Ubuntu 9.4. This simple distribution is dedicated to several Russian-language forums, where friendly young people will answer your most amateurish questions. A ton of articles, guides, and tutorials are also available. We just need to remember about Google and Yandex.

If your task is to learn and understand Linux, then Ubuntu will allow you to take the first step in this direction. And for those who want to have one more OS in parallel with Windows, install Ubuntu, and you simply won’t notice the difference.

Distributions / Not demanding on resources

Linux distributions that are not demanding on computer resources. Distributions can run on weak computers and consume little RAM.

Some distributions are already "sharpened" for weak platforms, and some require manual compilation and configuration. The downside of speed is usually a simpler interface, no effects, and possibly more complex installation and configuration.

MX Linux

MX Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution based on Debian Stable.

React OS

ReactOS is a free and open source operating system compatible with Windows drivers and programs.

Xubuntu

Xubuntu is an Ubuntu-based distribution that uses the Xfce desktop environment. The distribution kit has a good set of pre-installed software, a high-quality interface and can work on relatively weak computers.

Manjaro

Manjaro is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux that has a simple graphical installer and a "preinstalled" graphical environment (XFCE, Openbox, and others). Manjaro is much easier to install than Arch Linux. The distribution uses its own repositories, but is compatible with the AUR (Arch User Repositories).

Slitaz

SliTaz is a very small Linux distribution for computers with low amounts of random access memory (RAM) and older computers. The distribution image occupies only 35 megabytes and is fully loaded into RAM, providing high speed. SliTaz can be installed on a hard drive or run in LiveCD mode.

Damn Small Linux

Damn Small Linux (DSL) is a very small Linux distribution. Literally translating the name of the distribution kit - devilishly small Linux.

Linux Mint (linux mint)

The size of the distribution kit is only 50Mb. Damn Small Linux is designed to be used on weak (older) computers, as it consumes very few resources.

Tiny Core Linux

Tiny Core Linux is a tiny Linux distribution that runs very fast. The size of the iso image is only about 12 megabytes. The distribution can run on very weak computers. The distribution does not contain built-in software. Tiny Core Linux is hardly suitable for beginners, as it requires Linux experience.

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is a small, fast and feature rich Linux distribution. The size of the distribution kit is only about 85Mb. Contains a large set of installed programs and has a full graphical interface. Able to run from LiveCD and run entirely from RAM. Not demanding on computer resources.

Lubuntu

Lubuntu is a lightweight distribution based on Ubuntu with an LXDE graphical environment. Designed mainly for use on weak computers.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a stable, fast Linux distribution that can be completely customized. Designed for experienced Linux users. Uses only stable versions of packages. The distribution is optimized for i686 and x86-64 architectures.

Gentoo

Gentoo is a fast Linux distribution that installs packages from source. Gentoo aims to be as flexible as possible.

Distributions based on:

Linux Mint - Linux champion!

Today I downloaded Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon, release candidate (see the official site). Since before that I also had Linux Mint 16, at first glance nothing has changed, except for the desktop wallpaper, where instead of the inscription Linux Mint 16, the inscription Linux Mint 17 admires. But this, of course, is only the outside.

And so at least the fact that Linux Mint 17 is based on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS has changed - a version of Ubuntu with long-term support (how to install Ubuntu described HERE).

So this system can not be reinstalled for at least 2 years.

I will not describe the installation of Linux Mint 17, since it is installed as standard, you can read about it in the article about installing Linux. I installed everything without problems, I think that you will not have problems either. What is interesting in this candidate release?

Since this is a release candidate, it still has some bugs, many of which will disappear when updates are installed.

Important information about Linux Mint 17:

Login screen freezes when logging in in German. (Unlucky Germans :(
The NVIDIA Optimus video card is not working yet. (But this is sadness, since I have just such a video card. But they reassure that YET :)
EFI Support - Extensible Firmware Interface. (I didn’t understand whether it works or not, and how it will affect the work? You just wrote a phrase and whatever you want, then think)
Requires PAE kernel installation for 32-bit systems.

OS Linux. What is Russian "Linux": description, characteristics and reviews

(Well, I don’t know, I downloaded the 32-bit version, 4 gigabytes of RAM shows.)
There are also other flaws...

System requirements for Linux Mint 17:

Need x86 processor (Linux Mint 64-bit requires 64-bit processor. Linux Mint 32-bit runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit processors).
512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended for comfortable use).
5 GB disk space (20GB recommended).
Video card capable of at least 800×600 resolution (1024×768 recommended).
CD/DVD drive or USB port.

I don’t know if it’s worth setting everything up or waiting for the release of a stable version in which everything will be corrected? I'm just tormented by vague doubts that just by installing updates, all the jambs will not be removed. I will do this: in this article I will describe all the steps for installing additional programs that I usually use, and when reinstalling, I will save all the downloaded packages so that I can quickly download everything later.

(All packages are stored in the /var/cache/apt/archives directory - you can save the contents of the folder before reinstalling to a USB flash drive, so that you can download them there again later. Then you will not need to download them again from the Internet when installing and updating programs.)

The first thing to do after installation is to add the necessary additional repositories that are not in Linux Mint or if there is a more recent repository. Although, one can praise Linux Mint for having its own repository, which contains a lot of additional software from third-party manufacturers. But I usually put the following repositories in the same way:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:vincent-c/cherrytree sudo add-apt-repository ppa:me-davidsansome/clementine sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-wine/ppa sudo add-apt-repository ppa:andrew-crew -kuznetsov/xneur-stable sudo add-apt-repository ppa:slytomcat/ppa sudo add-apt-repository ppa:dhor/myway

Now I will install my favorite programs that are not installed by default in Linux Mint. I will not describe each program, as I write more for myself, and besides, many programs are well known. (I already wrote about many programs and just put links to articles about them) I am writing the installation with one command, since it will then be easier to install everything again with a possible reinstallation of the system.

sudo apt-get install lekhonee-gnome ttf-mscorefonts-installer filezilla geany pinta docky gxneurclementine yd-tools wine1.7cherrytreevirtualbox-4.3 google-earth-stable skypeopera nemo-dropbox tilda deluge chromium-browser tasque parcellite bumblebee-nvidia unetbootin-translations unetbootin

Something like this, maybe I forgot, but if I remember, I'll add it later. And what additional programs do you install?

Yes, and for those who are not at all in the subject, here is a short video about the most popular Linux at the moment. Have you regretted buying your Windows yet? It's time to start :)

Linux operating system, why is it better?

Operating system Linux Why did I choose her? Why don't I use the world's most popular Windows 7, or the successor Windows 8? Which operating system is better, Windows or Linux? Of course, a special conversation is required about Windows 8, since the system is still new and very unusual for many. But, perhaps, after updates and the return of the start button, she will find her fans.

And so most people are quite satisfied with these operating systems, they have everything they need. But in fact, there are reasons to use the Linux operating system, and not just me. What are they? Here are my PERSONAL observations.

1. The Linux operating system is virus-free

The first thing that attracts many, and me personally, is the absence of viruses. Here some say that there are no viruses in Linux just because it is not widespread and hackers are simply too lazy to write them. I won't argue, but I don't quite agree with this.

Linux is on almost all servers and on the computers of millions of ordinary users. If everything were so simple, then there would be quite a few smart people to write viruses. Moreover, hacking servers is the first favorite pastime of hackers. Yes, there are rootkits that break Linux servers, but this is not relevant for home computers.

Someone can argue with me here, but I can draw such conclusions even on the basis that no antivirus company makes an antivirus for SPECIFICALLY Linux. No, each antivirus has versions of antiviruses for Linux, but they are designed to search for and neutralize Windows viruses.

2. Linux operating system is free

You should not think that all Linux users are miser, and that is why they use Linux. But the fact is that the FULL version of the same Windows 7 or 8 costs VERY well. And under the license, you can install one version on one computer.

Linux operating systems

What if I have 3 computers? Plus, you have to buy every NEW version of Windows if you want to stay on top of new technologies from Microsoft. And that's good money too.

But even this is not a problem, one could buy and forget. But there is only one Windows, and there are a lot of Linux distributions, and they can be downloaded, installed and tested for FREE. And here we come to the third advantage of the Linux operating system.

3. The Linux operating system is diverse

There are several basic modifications of the Linux operating system and many of their modifications for every taste. In addition, for each version, you can install one of the many working environments. If you want, put Gmone, if you want KDE, if you want LXDE, and so on, or you can choose everything at once and choose when you log in.

In general, for creative people there is just a HUGE field for experimentation. But that's not all. All programs for Linux are also free and at the same time do not contain the MIRACLES of toolbars that are so fashionable to build into software today.

4. The Linux operating system has a repository

Yes, Windows also has a lot of programs, and probably even more than Linux. But I like Linux's very approach to installing software that can be installed from the trusted repository of their software manager. And there is no need to crawl through warez sites that are teeming with viruses and obscene banners.

Of course, when switching from Windows, it may be unusual that analogues of programs are called differently, but over time you get used to it.

5. Linux operating system is more convenient

And this is my personal opinion. I worked both there and there, and I can say that the interface of the same Gnome is much more convenient than Windows 7. For example, when installing programs in Linux, each program occupies the right section in the menu and is then very easy to find.

In Windows, everything falls into a heap, and if you have a lot of programs, then it is very difficult to find the right one later. And there are a lot of such SMALL things, but they ultimately create convenience at work.

6. Linux operating system has all drivers

It probably happened to you that when you connected new equipment, Windows saluted that there was no necessary driver and the equipment did not work. In Linux, all drivers are built into the kernel, and as a rule, any new hardware immediately starts working. If you put in Windows 7 a new flash drive for it, then it will install the driver for a couple of minutes, while Linux will connect it in 2 seconds.

And there is another funny situation. You install Windows for the first time, but it does not find a driver for the network card. But to download a driver for it, you need to connect to the Internet. Vicious circle. In Linux, I have never encountered this, the network card has always worked out of the box.

7. Linux operating system encrypts the drive

I'm not paranoid, but I understand perfectly well how important it is to keep your documents and passwords from prying eyes. When installing Linux (particularly Ubuntu), you are immediately prompted to encrypt your home folder. And now, if your laptop falls into the wrong hands, he will not be able to extract files from it. Yes, in Windows this can also be done using third-party programs, but all this is more complicated and few people think about it until it's too late.

Probably the list could be continued, but even this is enough for you to understand why the Linux operating system is installed on all my computers. But on the other hand, I don't want to convince anyone to switch to Linux, since it's like with religion, a person must get to this himself. And then it will be his decision, with which he will live and work.

If you know more advantages of the Linux operating system, then tell us about them in the comments. Tell us about the cons, they certainly exist ...

Many who begin to learn the world of Linux are interested in the question: “ What Linux distributions are there and what to choose?», « Where can I download a Linux distribution? ". It is natural not to describe all variants of distributions, and their properties. Therefore, we will make a general version, according to the list and the merits of each:

Debian (GNU/Linux)- the oldest distribution, which is one of the most popular today, serves as the basis for many other distributions. A strict approach to including non-free software.

How to install linux ubuntu

The development of this distribution is carried out by specialists from all over the world.

Download Linux/Linux Debian distribution from the official website:

ubuntu- a distribution kit based on Debian GNU / Linux, which gained popularity in a short time. The main developer and sponsor is Canonical Ltd. The principle of this system is ease of use and development. There is both a minimal build and a server build.

Download Linux/Linux Ubuntu distribution from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Linux Mint- this distribution was developed on the basis of Ubuntu, and later there were variants based on Debian with repositories of the testing branch by default. It should be noted that Linux Mint is fully compatible with Ubuntu. And also includes Adobe Flash, Java and more.

Download Linux distribution/Linux Mint from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Mageia- based on Mandriva Linux since 2010. At the same time, the bulk of the distribution's developers were former employees of Mandriva itself. The development of Mandriva Linux itself has been discontinued.

Download Linux distribution / Linux Mageia from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Fedora- the distribution is developed by the RedHat Corporation, which releases solutions based on the free Linux operating system: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (distributed by an annual subscription) and Fedora (distributed freely).

Download Linux distribution / Linux Fedora from the official site:
*Link will open in a separate window!

CentOS is another distribution based on the free source of Red Hat's commercial distribution of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Updates happen fairly frequently, resulting in an easily maintainable, reliable, predictable, and scalable Linux environment.

Download Linux distribution / Linux CentOS from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

openSUSE- a distribution kit developed by the well-known company Novell. Won its niche thanks to its easy setup and maintenance, based on YaST (proprietary operating system configuration and package installation/upgrade utility).

Download the Linux/Linux openSUSE distribution from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Gentoo- a distribution for experienced Linux users (experts). It is assembled entirely from source codes, which speaks of its flexibility and performance. Sometimes called a meta distribution.

Download the Linux/Linux Gentoo distribution from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Arch Linux- a distribution kit for those who are ready to constantly install new updates and receive the latest versions of programs. Focuses on competent users.

Download the Linux/Linux Arch Linux distribution from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

We also note the builds of PCLinuxOS, SlackWare and the famous FreeBSD:

Download Linux distribution / Linux PCLinuxOS from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Download Linux distribution / Linux SlackWare from the official site:
*Link will open in a separate window!

Download the Linux/Linux FreeBSD distribution from the official website:
*Link will open in a separate window!

All this is a small list of the most popular Linux distributions. I do not want to offend anyone by the absence of other distributions, they exist and deserve the right to exist, but for a beginner, the ones described above are enough. Therefore, the answer to the question: What Linux distributions are there? - listed above.

Personally, I want to add on my own, for any beginner, the most optimal would be: Ubuntu and Debian. And then you can consider more complex options. There are many and they are constantly changing, but for starters - start with these!

According to statistics, about 90% of personal computers are running Windows. Microsoft has made its product so successful that Windows has become something of a standard for desktops and laptops. The operating system allows us to perform almost any action on the PC.

Frequent makes this OS even more powerful and convenient. Therefore, it is not surprising that most users do not even know about alternative operating systems. You too? In this article, you will learn about one of the alternatives to Windows, its advantages and disadvantages.

linux

Linux is a UNIX-like operating system developed by Finnish-American programmer Linus Torvalds. Linux is free software. This OS is distributed absolutely free under the GPL license, and its source code is available to everyone. For this reason, there are so many Linux distributions out there. These are peculiar versions or “assemblies” of the OS. Most distributions are developed by enthusiastic programmers who thus contribute to the development of free software. But there are also large companies developing their own distributions.

A few years ago, there was a stereotype that Linux was only for programmers and advanced users. Indeed, many actions were carried out in the Terminal (analogue) using various commands. Setting up the OS was also not an easy process for the average user. But now there are a large number of beautiful graphical shells that turn the “dark Terminal window” into a full-fledged operating system.

The most popular Linux distributions are Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, OpenSUSE, Elementary OS. All of them have a friendly graphical interface that even a housewife will understand. There are also special distributions for servers, distributed systems, for security testing, such as Kali Linux. (Installing Kali Linux). But we will consider the main advantages and disadvantages standard Linux distributions versus Windows.

pros

• Free distributions. As noted above, many Linux distributions are free. All you need to do is download from the official website and install it on your PC. Why do some companies choose Linux? Because Windows is a paid OS, and a pirated version can be prosecuted. It's much easier to install a free Linux distribution and not get in trouble with the law.
• Free software. One reason for Linux's low popularity is the stereotype of a lack of software. Indeed, many programs that you are used to using on Windows are not here. But there are many free alternatives. There are a lot of programs for Linux, in most cases they cover all user requirements. And the main difference from Windows is that many useful programs are already built into the distribution. After installation, there is no need - it is already ready for your use.
• stability and customization. Linux systems are highly customizable. With some knowledge, you can fully customize this system, its appearance, and control its every process. Stability and reliability have made Linux the standard solution for servers.
• Safety. On UNIX-like operating systems, viruses almost do not exist, as well as anti-virus programs. Whatever files you open, the Linux protection system will not miss malware. All Linux software resides in repositories - trusted software repositories. What can not be said about Windows. Thousands of viruses that live on the Internet can infiltrate your PC. - The usual thing.
• Graphic arts. Some graphical shells look much more attractive than Windows. Linux allows you to change and customize the graphical interface of the system up to windows, panels, icons, animations, transitions, etc. Using themes, you can customize the appearance so that it is difficult to distinguish it from Mac OS or Windows. It is worth noting that you can install different graphs on one Linux distribution. shells (KDE, Gnome..), which allows you to enjoy a beautiful interface even on weak computers.
• Work on weak machines. This alternative operating system is capable of running on weak configurations. Distributions that are undemanding to resources allow you to work on old PCs without glitches. Have an old netbook, but Windows slows down on it? Install Linux.

These are far from all the advantages of Linux (programmers will confirm), but it's time to consider the disadvantages.

Minuses

• There are no special programs. If you work with non-standard programs, you may not find good alternatives for Linux. There are very few adequate Linux programs for working with printed publications, text, architecture, and design, and it’s not a fact that they will suit you.
• Difficulty of transition. Several years of working with Windows have developed some habits in working with the OS. After switching to Linux, at first you will experience inconvenience. Many things are done in a different way, which can be intimidating to beginner Linux users.
• Terminal. Despite the advanced graphics, some settings and actions are still carried out through the Terminal. Therefore, it seems that Linux is a difficult alternative operating system for a beginner.
• Games. Linux is definitely not suitable for avid gamers. Most modern games work only under Windows. Developers do not make games for Linux due to low popularity. However, some games were able to be ported to Linux. Steam, for example, created its Steam OS distribution to run games from Linux.
• Fonts. Modern website interfaces amaze with the number of animations, sliders, colorful transitions, including fonts. Some fonts are not included as standard with typical Linux distributions. Sometimes websites look bad because they don't have the right fonts.
• Support. Linux has a large community that is ready to help at any time. But you must admit, the number of Windows users is much larger. The chance that your problem will be solved is much higher. Programs released under Windows usually have good technical support. Microsoft itself responds to problems with the system and software. Programs under Linux cannot boast of high-quality user support. This phenomenon is quite natural - this is free software that is developed by altruists.

Linux is a very powerful alternative to Windows that can be of interest to both programmers and ordinary PC owners. Trying it is definitely worth it, if only to look at the work for a PC from a different angle, to get a new experience. It's not the only alternative operating system. In one of the following articles, we will talk about another alternative to Windows −

There are a huge number of versions of Linux. Over 300 distributions have been flagged on DistroWatch.com in the last month alone, and there have been about 700 of them in the history of Linux. How to choose among this abundance?

The two main criteria to consider are:

1. Distribution popularity. The more popular your distribution is, the easier it will be to find manuals for it on the web. The large community means you can easily get help on the distribution's forums if you're having trouble getting started. Finally, the more common a distribution is, the more applications and packages are ported for it. It is better to choose popular solutions with a ready-made package base than to suffer from building from source in some exotic distribution.
2. The development team behind it. Naturally, it's best to look at distributions supported by large companies like Canonical Ltd., Red Hat, or SUSE, or distributions with large communities.

Keep in mind that even the best distributions have analogues that are not much inferior to them. If you are not satisfied with the choice of Lifehacker, you can try alternatives.

For those who have never used Linux - Linux Mint

New users migrating from , should definitely install Linux Mint. Today it is the most popular Linux distribution. This is a very stable and easy to use system based on Ubuntu.

Linux Mint is equipped with an easy and intuitive interface (Cinnamon shell for modern computers and MATE for older machines) and a convenient application manager, so you will not have problems finding and installing programs.

Pros: simplicity, care for ordinary users. You don't need any specific knowledge to install and use Mint.

Minuses: a large number of pre-installed software that may never come in handy.

For those who want to have the latest software - Manjaro

It is a popular Linux distribution based on Arch. Arch is an incredibly powerful and feature-packed distribution, but its KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) philosophy, contrary to its name, makes it too hard for beginners. Arch is only installed via the command line.

Manjaro, unlike Arch, has a simple graphical installer and yet combines powerful Arch features such as the AUR (Arch User Repository) and rolling release. AUR is the richest source of Linux packages. If an application is on Linux, it probably already is on the AUR. So in Manjaro you will always have the latest packages.

Manjaro comes with a variety of desktop skins to choose from: functional KDE, GNOME for tablet screens, Xfce, LXDE and more. Manjaro, you can be sure to be the first to receive the latest updates.

Pros: AUR, thanks to which you can install any application without unnecessary movements. Always fresh software.

Minuses: original design of desktop shells. However, nothing prevents you from replacing it.

For home server - Debian

A home server can be useful for many purposes. For example, to store data and backups, download torrents, or arrange your own dimensionless .

Debian will take root well on your home server. It is a stable and conservative distribution that has become the basis for Ubuntu and many other Linux systems. Debian only uses the most trusted packages, making it a good choice for a server.

Pros: stability and a large set of applications.

Minuses: the need to manually configure the distribution after installation.

For Media Center - Kodi

If you want to set up your own media server, choose Kodi. Strictly speaking, Kodi is not a distro, but a full-featured media center player. You can install it on any Linux, but Ubuntu + Kodi is the best choice.

Kodi supports all types of video and audio files. He knows how to play movies, music, arrange your photos. Kodi will turn anyone into a versatile entertainment device.

Thanks to extensions, Kodi can download media files via torrents, keep track of the new seasons of your favorite TV shows, show videos from YouTube and other streaming services. In short, Kodi can do everything.

In addition, Kodi is very beautiful and optimized for remote control or Android device. You can easily customize the Kodi interface with a variety of visual skins.

Pros: a huge number of functions and convenient management.

Minuses: The standard interface may not be to everyone's liking, but it's easy to replace.

Desktop - Kubuntu

The KDE graphical environment is ideal for desktop use, and Kubuntu is the most popular KDE distribution. Like many other distributions, it's based on Ubuntu, which means you won't have any application compatibility issues.

Kubuntu is beautiful, functional, and highly customizable. Even novice users can easily handle it. It is a stable and polished system that provides all the necessary features for a home desktop PC.

Pros: a large selection of packages, a wonderful set of KDE applications, and a huge amount of interface customization.

Minuses: Kubuntu uses the stable version of KDE, which means that the latest features of this shell come here with a delay. If you want to try out the latest KDE, KDE Neon is here for you.

For old computer or netbook - Lubuntu

This version of Ubuntu is based on the LXDE shell, which is lightweight and modest in terms of resource consumption. It is focused on old or low-power machines. If you have a not-so-new computer or netbook lying around that can't handle Windows, you might as well install Lubuntu.

This Linux distribution consumes little system resources and is able to run on almost any configuration.

Pros: very fast and light system. However, it supports the same packages and applications as its older sister, Ubuntu.

Minuses: The look and feel of LXDE may not be to everyone's taste, but that's a small price to pay for performance.

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For tablet or transformer - Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions. As of version 17.10, Ubuntu ends support for the Unity shell and migrates to GNOME. And GNOME looks pretty good on touchscreen devices. If you have a tablet and want to try installing Linux on it, try Ubuntu with GNOME.

Large GNOME interface elements, customizable gestures and extensions make Ubuntu a great touchscreen system.

Pros: Ubuntu is a widespread distribution, which means that you can easily find all the necessary software. In addition, most of the Linux sites are dedicated specifically to Ubuntu.

Minuses: the GNOME shell is convenient, but at first it seems unusual.

For laptop - elementary OS

As the name suggests, this version of Linux is very simple. You won't have any problems learning it. It runs easily on laptops and consumes battery slowly.

The interface of elementary OS is similar to macOS, so it will be a pleasure for Mac fans to use. Animations, window decoration - everything here is so smooth and pretty that you can just admire the system. Nevertheless, behind the beautiful elementary OS shell lies a full-fledged Linux that supports all the applications necessary for work.

Pros: beautiful interface, own indie app store.

Minuses: Pantheon's graphical shell, although it looks stylish, is not very functional.