Linux Distributions

With so many different distributions or 'flavors' of the Linux Operating System it can be difficult to choose which is right for you. Each distribution is unique, having it's own strengths and weaknesses.

In this section we will briefly cover our favorite choices of Linux distributions. These suggestions may help you in choosing the best Linux distribution to meet your objective.

Editions

Some Linux distributions are released as different editions. The table shown below indicates Desktop, Server / Enterprise, Live or Netbook / IoT editions for each listing.

Debian Debian is a Linux distribution that emphasizes free software. It supports most hardware platforms and is considered to be the best for Server installations. Along with a large selection of pre-packaged software, the advanced package management tools allow for easy installation, maintenance and live in place upgrades of the operating system version. Extensive pre-release testing is done to ensure the highest degree of reliability possible, and a publicly accessible bug tracking system provides user feedback. This has made Debian one of the most popular Linux distributions.

Website: debian.org Get it: Debian ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop, Server / Enterprise

Ubuntu Ubuntu is based on Debian and offers both free and paid enterprise support. Each release follows a fixed or Long Term Support (LTS) release cycle that includes a Minimal Edition which has the fewest possible packages installed, a Server Edition which has a standard set of out-of-the-box usability conveniences, and a Desktop Edition which has the default GUI experience preinstalled. Known for a large support community, Ubuntu is very popular among novice users and offers an excellent Linux Desktop experience.

Website: ubuntu.com Get it: Ubuntu ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop, Server / Enterprise, Live, Netbook / IoT

Linux Mint Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and has various editions to choose from, each featuring a different desktop environment. Emphasis is put on the desktop experience along with out-of-box multimedia support and encourages user feedback for improvements. Releases follow the Ubuntu life-cycle and takes a conservative approach to software updates. Linux Mint is a popular alternative to Ubuntu if you're seeking a Desktop variety.

Website: linuxmint.com Get it: Linux Mint ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop

Arch Linux Arch Linux is a popular Linux distribution among enthusiasts and not suggested for the novice user. Installation is a minimal base system, the 'Pacman' package manager attempts to handle dependencies, but there is a lot of configuration by the user to suit their individual needs. Based on a rolling-release model, Arch strives to stay bleeding edge by offering the latest software versions. Development focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and code elegance. Though highly configurable, Arch does not hold your hand.

Website: archlinux.org Get it: Arch Linux ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop

Manjaro Manjaro is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. Manjaro has a focus on user-friendliness and accessibility, with three different Linux Desktop editions (XFCE, KDE or GNOME) to choose from, the system itself is designed to work fully "straight out of the box" with its variety of pre-installed software. Manjaro also features a rolling release update model and uses Pacman as its package manager.

Website: manjaro.org Get it: Manjaro ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop

	Fedora Fedora is a Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora is the upstream source of the commercial Red Hat Enterprise Linux distribution. An obvious free alternative to Red Hat Linux, Fedora leans towards enterprise installations.
	Website: getfedora.org Get it: Fedora ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop

	CentOS CentOS is an Enterprise-class Linux Distribution derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS conforms fully with the Red Hat redistribution policy and aims to be 100% binary compatible. (CentOS mainly changes packages to remove Red Hat branding and artwork.) Basically, CentOS is RHEL without the cost of paying for it.
	Website: centos.org Get it: CentOS ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Server / Enterprise

openSUSE openSUSE, formerly SUSE Linux and SuSE Linux Professional, is a Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE Linux. The focus of its development is creating usable open-source tools for software developers and system administrators, while providing a user-friendly desktop and feature-rich server environment. Two variations are availbe a rolling release named 'Tumbleweed' and fixed release named 'Leap'.

Website: opensuse.org Get it: SUSE ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop, Server / Enterprise, Live

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux distribution developed by Red Hat and targeted toward the commercial market. All of Red Hat's official support and training, together with the Red Hat Certification Program, focuses on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux platform. Though a paid product, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server subscription is available at no cost for development purposes and there are also Academic Editions of the Desktop and Server variants at discounted pricing.

Website: redhat.com Get it: Red Hat ISO download License: Commercial Editions: Server / Enterprise

	Raspbian Based off Debian, Raspbian is the officially supported operating system for Raspberry Pi. The OS comes pre-installed with plenty of software for education, programming and general use. There are several versions to choose from, all are highly optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware.
	Website: raspberrypi.org Get it: Raspbian ISO download License: Open Source (Free) Editions: Desktop, IoT