If you want to make the leap to Linux, here you will find some of the best distros of this operating system that you can use today.
Little by little, Linux is growing, although it is true that it does so without reaching the general public that Windows, macOS, or Android occupy. However, the fall in the use of desktop PCs has something to do with it. The main Linux distros are still for PCs.
Mind you, most of the best Linux distros are ultra-competitive in their industry. We are talking about versions of the OS that can look from you to anyone in terms of performance, interface, and software. It is true that many applications such as those of Adobe are not. If you scratch enough, you will find good Open Source alternatives.
What are we based on to say that a distro is good? For example, in several aspects, the customization possibilities, the ease of installation, and the software that is available to the user in the application store and the repositories.
We have selected some of the best Linux distros, distributions that should be closely watched because they will incorporate or have already incorporated exciting features for the user. From this selection, you will surely get a new distro worth trying to start the year on the right foot.
Some of the chosen ones are light distros or forks of other vanilla versions. The cases of Ubuntu or Mint are the clearest example. They have several versions that vary from a desktop environment and adapt to the needs and possibilities of each user.
Mint Cinnamon
We now come to what we consider to be one of the best Linux distributions. It already was the previous year, and it continues to be so. However, it is legitimate to disagree because the level is really high. Mint Cinnamon is probably the most complete distribution of all at all levels.
Linux Mint is stable, bug-free, and user experience flawless. Installing software is easy, highly customizable, and has an active community ready to solve any problem.
The Cinnamon desktop is not exactly light. With 4 GB of RAM and a moderately acceptable processor, it does not have any problems. It is ideal for those who want an aesthetic experience similar to that offered by Windows XP.
Ubuntu Budgie
As with other flavors, the growing popularity of a desktop led Canonical to embrace it and make it one of their official flavors. Ubuntu Budgie has been with us for a few years and is already one of the main versions of the distribution, one of the best that you can install right now.
With a desktop similar to that of Gnome, it adds some characteristics that make it stand out from its brothers. It is lighter than Ubuntu Vanilla, consuming considerably less RAM. That makes it an excellent option if you have an old or slow computer and want an aesthetically attractive and modern layout.
It has a lower dock, like Gnome, and a side notification panel. One of the benefits of joining the flavor repertoire is that you can now install packages and applications directly from the Ubuntu Software Center.
It is the main alternative to Linux Mint for those who want a good user experience while maintaining a more or less modern interface.
Deepin OS
Deepin OS is an aesthetically very attractive Linux distribution from China. As with Solus, its new desktop environment has inspired others to adapt it to distros that have nothing to do with it.
The layout of the menus and elements in the interface is reminiscent of tablets. Deepin is simple and clean, without too many ornaments. It is not exactly light, but it does not reach the consumption of resources that others like Mint Cinnamon might have.
Although a few years ago the ease of use left something to be desired, it has improved a lot. More and more people decide to use it outside the Asian country.
Ubuntu
Now that Canonical has decided that the desktop of the main version of Ubuntu is Gnome, the picture changes a lot for this distro, much less in recent years.
We had the opportunity to test it, and it must be said that if Canonical wants Ubuntu to be the best Linux distribution available again, it still has a long way to go. It works fine, but with a few minor bugs that a Mint user wouldn’t be willing to put up with.
Manjaro
Another of the best Linux distros is undoubtedly Manjaro, which has grown at a frenetic rate in recent years and promises to continue to do so. Available in various desktop environments, the most popular is perhaps XFCE.
It is aesthetically one of the best and in functionality as well. You can install packages from its software center without problems – something that unfortunately does not always happen – and it is swift, although not enough to consider it a lightweight distro.
It separates a bit from Linux Mint and Ubuntu and is a very attractive distro from an aesthetic perspective and very functional.
Lubuntu
One of the best Linux light distros is Lubuntu. With LXDE desktop, it consumes so little RAM and CPU that it works almost perfectly on any old computer.
In addition, although it is obviously more limited than other more complete distributions, it does not come to be considered a minimal distro. In it, you have practically all the tools that you would have in the vanilla version of Ubuntu.
It’s perfect for new Linux users, as LXDE’s interface looks slightly like Windows XP or Windows 7, with a lower taskbar and start menu on the left, although this is configurable.
You can download it for free from its website, and it has 32 and 64-bit versions.
Nitrux
We now come to one of the revelations. Among the best Linux distros to try, Nitrux is worth doing, albeit limited to a Live session with no installation. It is probably one of the most beautiful layouts in terms of design.
Although it is configurable with a lot of white and soft colors, Nitrux has managed to carve out a niche among the most downloaded of the moment. In addition, you can choose from various desktops, depending on the resources you have available and the PC on the go to install.
KDE or QT are two of the options, one very heavy and the other very light. In both cases, the interface elements can captivate you.
Elementary OS
What has been called “the prettiest Linux distro” is actually a very good copy of macOS. Elementary OS is aesthetically identical to Apple’s operating system but in a Linux version. Of course, it comes with everything that this operating system could offer. This includes its own application store and lower dock.
Manjaro is not a lightweight distribution, although it consumes fewer resources than Ubuntu or Mint Cinnamon. We can say that it is ideal for those who, without having a very powerful computer, do not want to opt for Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or distros with an XFCE desktop.
In stability, it is practically the best. It has a zero rate of failures and errors when updating or fiddling with its menus. It is not the most customizable, although it was expected considering that it is a mirror of another operating system that already exists.
Zorin OS
Now we move on to what is surely the best Linux distribution for Windows lovers. Zorin OS is available in several versions, some of them paid and one free, although they are generally similar.
In addition to maintaining the appearance of Windows, they come with Wine already integrated to execute .exe-type programming, something that few already offer as standard.
There is no doubt that your main target audience is those who want to give Linux a shot but are not attracted to the aesthetics of distros like Ubuntu.
MX Linux
MX Linux is a distribution that is causing a sensation. Today, it is one of the distros preferred by users. It emerged from a merger of two communities, MEPIS and antiX. According to the official description, it is a medium weight OS designed to combine an efficient and elegant desktop that has an easy configuration.
MX Linux is stable and works fine. It uses an easy-to-configure XFCE desktop environment that can be customized in a matter of minutes. It stands out especially for its set of tools. They allow you to carry out different maintenance and configuration tasks in a simple way.
