Linux is a family of free and open-source software operating systems built around the Linux kernel. Typically, it is packed in a form known as a Linux distribution for both desktop and server use.
Linux is the third most popular computer operating system behind Windows in the number one spot and MacOS in pole position. It’s been around for a long time – the first distribution as released in 1991 – and although it hasn’t seen the same take-up as the two commercial leaders, that’s because people tend to think it’s less flexible than the two GUI-focused platforms.
Today in this blog I have put together a list of the top 5 Linux distribution for 2018. Some are free some are not free and some are the mix. I believe this list will help you make the right choice. Below, you’ll find a brief description of each service.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is an alternative to Windows and macOS, designed to make your computer faster, more powerful and secure. It is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for Windows users who want to get easy and smooth access to Linux.
Zorin OS is based upon the Ubuntu distribution, meaning it’s compatible with everything Ubuntu works with. It includes all the libraries and repositories which are used by the Linux distro. It an increasingly popular way of getting Linux on machines because it features a graphical installation process UI, making it easier for newbies to get up and running with the alternative OS.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is among the most popular Linux distributions and it was first released in 2002. Being spear-headed by Asron Grifin. It is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model.
The Arch packages provide the bare bones of the operating system. There isn’t even a graphical desktop environment included with it. You can install any desktop you like over the top of it (along with all sorts of other groovy software and tools) but Arch itself is pared down to the bone.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a complete Linux operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. The Ubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Ubuntu Manifesto.
Ubuntu has been by far the best known Linux distro and with good reason. Canonical, its creator, has put a lot of work into making Ubuntu feel as slick and polished as Windows or MacOS. And it is one of the best-looking distros out there. It is compatible with a huge range of hardware and software. And also Canonical make sure it’s kept regular update. It is the closest thing Linux has to a ‘mainstream’ distro, suitable for both personal and business use.
Fedora
Fedora is a popular open source Linux-base operating system. It was designed as a secure, general purpose operating system. The operating system has developed on a six-month release cycle, under the auspices of the Fedora Project. Fedora is sponsor by Red Hat.
If you want to be at the absolute bleeding edge of Linux, then Fedora is the distro for you. New technologies have integrated into the software as soon as possible, resulting in some of the most innovative features of any distro. It even boasts Linus Torvalds – creator of the Linux kernel – as a user. The downside of this is that support cycles are short – Fedora versions are only supported for one month after the launch of the next-but-one version, with around six months between version launches. The upgrading process is generally painless, however, and doesn’t require full re-installation.
Debian
Debian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer. It provides more than a pure OS. It comes with over 51000 packages, precompiled software bundled up in a nice format for easy installation.
Rather than corporate-run Linux distributions like RHEL and SLES, Debian has primarily operated by the Linux community. This makes it somewhat more flexible than its business-focused counterparts. It’s also available as a desktop OS. It can use in servers and the fact that its support by the community can often make the support structure more valuable. Especially for small businesses or those without large IT needs.
