A Linux distribution is an operating system based on the Linux kernel, which constitutes the heart of the system. The best Linux distros they include, above the kernel, a set of system software, libraries, development tools and pre-installed applications. The main objective is to provide a complete and functional solution for the various categories of users.
Each Linux distribution uses a system of package management (package manager) to simplify installing, removing and updating the software. Common examples of package management systems are APT (Debian and Ubuntu; .deb), YUM (Fedora, Red Hat and CentOS; .rpm) and Pacman (Arch Linux). We also talked about it in the article on how to create a Linux server. The various types of packages are not compatible with each other.
Then there are packages self-contained called AppImage, Snap e Flatpak. The ones mentioned are three formats used to distribute applications on Linux systems. They provide a way to package an application with all its dependencies into one single packagemaking installing and managing applications easier and portable between different Linux distributions.
Let’s name a few: the best Linux distros of 2024 for general uses
The most “obvious” feature of a Linux distro is, evidently, its desktop environment that is, the desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE, Xfce, LXQt, MATE and others (there are over 20 to date…), which provides a graphical interface for the user. At a lower level reside a series of system services for networking tasks, managing graphics, audio, system updates, and so on.
Each distribution has its own philosophy, purpose and goal, but all distros share the kernel (although the version may vary) and maintain compatibility with GNU/Linux applications. The kernel Linux may or may not include patches and changes added by individuals vendor; Furthermore, some distros are LTS (Long Term Support) that is, they offer long-term support.
The availability of an extremely large number of different distributions, which combine many of the features briefly mentioned above, is both the strength and, at the same time, the weakness of the Linux philosophy. He said it anyway Linus Torvaldsin 2019, arguing that at least on desktop Linux must stand together and remedy the confusion that has arisen over the years.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular and widely used Linux distributions, with a very active community of developers and users. It is known for its ease of use and intuitive user experience. Installation is relatively simple, and the graphical interface, usually based on GNOME, is friendly to users who are new to the Linux operating system. It offers high compatibility with a wide range of hardware, meaning you can install Ubuntu on many devices, without encountering driver issues.
The distribution supported by Canonical follows a regular release cycle, with new versions coming out every six months. However, the LTS versions are maintained for a period of five yearsan aspect particularly appreciated in corporate environments and by those who want greater stability and reliability over time.
Thanks to the great support for Docker and for the solutions of containerization Overall, Ubuntu is a popular choice for users interested in creating separate “containers” for running specific applications (along with all their requirements) and “ad hoc” platforms.
Manjaro
Manjaro is a Linux distro that stands out for its simple installation, its user-friendly interface, its ability to recognize and configure the hardware, its update system rolling-release. An operating system characterized by a type update model rolling release it is characterized by a constant and continuous flow of software updates. Unlike the models of versionamento “fixed release” (point release), in which new versions of the operating system are released at defined intervals (as is the case with Ubuntu), the model rolling release aims to constantly adapt the system and applications as new versions become available.
Pop!_OS
One of the distributions that we appreciate most, of all, is Pop!_OS. Developed by the hardware manufacturer System76, Pop!_OS takes its cues from Ubuntu – which constitutes its foundation – but delivers a desktop environment Highly customized GNOME that makes the transition to Linux very smooth for users historically accustomed to using Windows-based workstations. In another article we also presented System76 and, briefly, illustrated the functioning of the systems it designs and markets, all built around Linux.
For those who are now approaching the Linux world, other “human” distros are the following: Linux Mint, ZorinOS, Elementary OS, MX Linux ed Endeavour OS.
What are the Linux distros most used by experts
The “mother” Linux distro of many derivative distributions, including Ubuntu, is obviously Debian. It is a real point of reference, the backbone for many IT administrators who base their systems used in production on it. Debian is a super stable distribution, which can count on a large and reliable development community.
Debian’s philosophy is to never make concessions with respect to proprietary drivers or solutions that do not fully expose them source code. Everything that “runs” on Debian and is available in the extensions repository it’s completely open source.
For use in both desktop and server environments, we remind you openSUSEwidely known for supporting more desktop environment and for its flexibility.
Arch Linux instead, it is a real gem for experts who prefer a completely autonomous approach to configuring and managing the operating system. It is at the same time a lightweight distribution that bases its operation on a scheme rolling-release for distributing and installing updates.
Impossible not to mention, then, Kali Linux. A somewhat particular distribution because it is designed in particular for cybersecurity experts, for security activities penetration testingto do audit of the configurations used to protect networks and individual systems. This does not detract from that Kali Linux can also be used on the desktop to install and run all the software packages intended for the penguin.
A word about immutable distributions
To the Linux distributions mentioned above, we also add immutable Linux distros: they were born in the server sector but more recently they have also gained popularity on the desktop.
The Immutable Linux distributions they adopt a scheme that prevents the state of the operating system from being changed once it has been installed and started. All changes applied to the system, libraries and configurations are temporary and are lost upon reboot. Thanks to this approach, in case of problems or the need to restore to a previous state, it is possible to restart the system and return to a safe working state. The inability to apply permanent changes reduces the risk of errors or unexpected behavior, contributing to greater system stability.
Some final thoughts on Red Hat
The Red Hat world suffered a real earthquake last year, when Red Hat announced the replacement of the CentOS project, a popular distribution derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), with CentOS Stream.
The decision generated a full of controversy within the Linux community, especially due to the limitation of public access to the RHEL sources. SUSE, Oracle and CIQ have teamed up to create RHEL compatible distros while many users have embraced alternatives such as Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. In our article we explained how the latter remained compatible with RHEL despite not using Red Hat code.
Credit immagine in apertura: Microsoft Bing Image Creator.