What do you know about Linux Distros? Linux is a far cry from difficult bundles of code it was, and the lots of clean division out there, offering variants on OS X, Windows, and Ubuntu, is testament to that.
If you’re Linux newbie or wondering for a change, these divisions are easily among the best choice in 2020. This list was designed to cover various experience levels and use cases. So whether you’re a system expert, developer, or a desktop user, you’ll find something to interest you.
Contents
Linux Distros:
Customization: Arch Linux
Arch Linux become one of the leading Linux distros once its launch back in 2002. The distro or division is very small in its default state but offers an unrestricted level of customization for the many experienced users.
However, there’s no default desktop environment, so you can select or make one that’s suites on your tastes and the power of your computer. The minimum requirements of Arch Linux are an advanced 512MB RAM and an x64 CPU.
Clarity: MX Linux
Explaining itself as a “midweight” Linux distro, MX Linux executes like a dream on lower-end PCs. Also, its quite minimal beginning setup makes it the best among developers. Yeah, it’s default XFCE desktop environment might look a little dated next to many renowned distros such as Ubuntu.
The important thing is never more than a few taps away in MX Linux. The taskbar brought a menu of MX Tools, which adds difficult things such as PC maintenance and use options for your PC sound and keyboard.
The installation of MX Linux includes lots of packages. Such as Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC, and GIMP. Also, you can get many using the Synaptic Package Manager, which points you to the package repositories for MX Linux.
Easy To Use: Linux Mint
If you’re new to this Linux business, then it’s natural to feel a little bury if you’re moving over from Windows or Mac OS. For whatever reason, you might want to simply start, and Linux Mint is just what you want.
Mint comes wrapped with lots of software you want to get straight back into your workflows, like LibreOffice and some good onboard media software. You have an option of 4 main desktop environments. But Cinnamon being the most Windows-like using its pseudo-Start menu. It’s quite light resource-wise, too, loading quicker and using less memory than all-popular Ubuntu.
Mint is always in sync with the newest Ubuntu LTS releases. It means you don’t want to worry about vulnerable during zero-day scares or viruses outbreaks.
Remember that, some people suggest Ubuntu or Elementary OS, but we’ll stick with Linux Mint.
Security or Privacy: Tails
Privacy is the main issue but one that is more important is becomes woven into our daily lives.
If you are trying to become anonymous on the Internet, for instance, you want to try very hard to do this. If you like to secure companies from building a data profile on you, then things are quite simpler.
The best technique to become more anonymous is to use Tails.
Tails is a Debian-based Linux distro that uses the Tor Network. Tor is a public decentralized network that enables users to send and receive traffic through various relays. The concept is quite easy or simple. Every relay has its own IP address that hides the location of the user after creating many “layers.” This is especially essential for privacy-conscious users within countries that have harsh Governments.
Tails are built to execute from portable storage. It means that it uses your RAM and leaves no permanent trail of what you’ve been up to on it.
Also, it comes with lots of privacy-based encrypted tools such as KeePassX password manager, instant messenger, and email encryption tools.
Forensics: Kali Linux
Linux is a powerful player within the area of Forensics. There are lots of distros to select from in this category, but I am picking Kali Linux.
Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution built for penetration testing or digital forensics. However, it is maintained and supported by Offensive Security Ltd.
The toolset is quite comprehensive, and earlier knowledge would be essential. Beginners should take benefit of Offensive Security’s to become a Kali Ninja.
Runs from RAM: Puppy Linux
The best choice here is Puppy Linux.
Puppy is a very-lightweight distro that runs fully within RAM on a given machine. This is quite essential if you want to perform tasks fastly. The whole system can be executed from RAM with a recent model taking up about 210 MB. Also, it enables the boot medium to be erased after the operating system has started.
It has variations built on Ubuntu or Slackware, but they both have the same tools for the most part.
I use it when I want to wipe or repurpose hard drives using the dd command or hdparm but it is a fully stocked distro for lots of tasks.
Old PCs and Netbooks: Bodhi Linux
Besides the rise of the tablet, there are still individuals who have lighter portable netbooks and make use of Linux.
The best and powerful distro for this is Bodhi Linux.
Bodhi Linux is a Ubuntu derivative. However, it is the lightweight or elegant distro. It features Moksha, an Enlightenment-17-based desktop environment. Also, with the polished desktop, it offers the least install which leaves the user free to customize easily. Bodhi also offers a huge variety of ISO files, and, in specific, it can be installed on legacy devices or Chromebooks.
Rolling Launch: Manjaro
If you are sick of having to constantly upgrade your Linux distro from model to model. Then Arch Linux is one of the best for you. Manjaro is based on Arch Linux and comes with all the advantages of a full vanilla Arch install. Also, it leaves that difficulty at the door. Manjaro is Arch with no assembly needed.
The Arch Linux Wiki is unparalleled when it comes to dividing documentation. Everything in Arch applies to Manjaro. You also add the advantage of Arch’s massive repositories, which are always updated, and the AUR (Arch User Repository).
If you’re comfortable with Linux and view for the new distribution packed with options or power, Manjaro is definitely worth consideration.
For More Experienced: Gentoo
Gentoo probably looks like an odd choice after paying proper attention to all the noise or memes around it. Gentoo is the most flexible distribution around. Also, you configure it to be as stable as you want. Essentially, Gentoo is whatever you want it.
Gentoo is the source-based division. It means that you can compile every package that you install from its source code once you install it. While it takes extra time. Also, it provides an opportunity to customize every package to meet your requirements.
After installing Gentoo on a server or desktop, you can tailor it precisely. For PCs, you can select your desktop environment or window manager without any unwanted bloat. Servers give the same situation, enables for lightweight purpose-built installations. After added bonus, Gentoo doesn’t make any decisions for you, not for something like Systemd. If you don’t like it, you don’t want it.
If we talk about security, then the Gentoo Hardened project is one of the best. Also, without the GRSecurity patches that were earlier a big part of the project, Gentoo Hardened is an amazing choice for server or desktop security.
Conclusion:
What are your opinions? Do you have any other alternatives of Linux Distros? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
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