Operating systems based on the Linux kernel are very popular among developers, Gamers and executives. Now that Linux distributions are available for almost every kind of task, for example, there are some best Linux distro for games available for you if are a gamer. For programming, you can download best Linux distribution for free of cost. Thanks to the open source code, every programmer can join numerous projects, fix bugs found, or implement their own ideas. Gradually, free software appears on the computers of ordinary users as well.

Progressors — try new things, administrators-deploy the company's it infrastructure, home craftsmen-look for a free replacement for Windows, cautious users — a tool for safe web surfing. By 2020, hundreds of Linux builds have already been created for various purposes-from complex server systems to lightweight applications that support the Internet of things. In this article, we offered our own classification of Linux distributions and selected the best one in each category. And which Linux to choose is up to you.

Best Linux distributions of 2021

1. The most popular distribution — Ubuntu

The Ubuntu operating system is created and maintained by Canonical. Over the past decade and a half, it has become a full-fledged replacement for commercial products. The name translates from the Zulu language as "humanity".

The system is user-friendly and recommended for beginners. Installing Ubuntu using the wizard does not cause much difficulty. The default shell is GNOME, which includes a browser, an email client, a text editor, a spreadsheet program, and a presentation program. From the built-in store, you can simply install additional applications to perform most user tasks.

2. TOP of the rating Distrowatch.com -MX Linux

This operating system was included in popular linux distributions in 2020 because it is the most popular according to the site distrowatch.com. MX Linux was created as a fast and easy-to-configure OS, undemanding to the hardware. The first release took place in 2014. The name is a combination of the words "MEPIS "and"antiX". This is the name of the operating system components that programmers worked on before combining them.

Installation is done from a Live CD, there are many configuration options, and the process may seem difficult for inexperienced users. The Xfce Manager is used as a shell. The system is fairly well documented, and the community writes detailed manuals.

3. The most beautiful distribution-Elementary OS

Elementary OS started out simply as a set of themes for Ubuntu. The capabilities of the existing GNOME shell were still limited, so the developers decided to write their own OS. The main idea is the visual beauty and clarity of the interface, ease of learning. According to this indicator, the operating system is often compared with Mac OS.

The first release took place in 2011. For the sake of the chosen style, the Pantheon shell was written, as well as key programs — a file Manager, mail, organizer, and others. The system is aimed at unsophisticated users, but it is not very stable in its current state.

4. The distribution for older computers, Lubuntu

For older computers running on Ubuntu, the most lightweight distribution kit has been created — Lubuntu.

As a shell, fast LXQt is used, for which special versions of software are also selected. The installation procedure is similar to the one for Ubuntu. during the installation process, everything necessary for operation is automatically installed.

5. The distribution for servers — Debian

It is one of the oldest operating systems that many modern UNIX operating systems are built on. Released in 1993, it is named after developer Ian Murdoch and his wife Debra Lynn. It supports many hardware platforms, and repositories host tens of thousands of applications.

Debian was developed as a reliable system, and it uses only time-tested packages. Thanks to this, Debian is popular in the corporate environment, used not only for personal computers, but also for servers. By default, the Xfce shell is installed, but you can also install any other shell.

6. The distribution for the media centre — Kodibuntu

An important advantage of open source systems is the ability to create a target distribution. It is not universal, but it performs this function well. One of the best examples is Kodibuntu. This is a special build based on Ubuntu, designed to create a media center.

Instead of the usual desktop, the popular Kodi player (formerly XBMC) is launched. The operating system is not too demanding on hardware resources, contains all the necessary codecs, and also supports remote controls.

7. The distribution for Penticton — Kali

Another special Linux-based tool is designed for employees related to information security — white-hat hackers or PCI DSS assessors. A penetration test — pentest)is one of the conditions for PCI DSS certification. The distribution was developed in 2013 and continues to improve.

The operating system can be run from a Live CD or installed on a laptop. It is not demanding on resources, it works even on Raspberry Pi, you can choose any shell. This operating system is not for Amateurs. it includes more than 600 utilities for network scanning, traffic analysis, vulnerability detection, password cracking, etc.

8. The distribution for the lovers of anonymity — Tails

For those who seek anonymity on the Internet, the tails distribution has been developed. The name translates as "tails", but at the same time it is an abbreviation describing a system that does not remember anything, does not leave traces.

The first version was released in 2009. The main idea is to run using a Live CD or from flash drives, no traces of startup on the computer.

The kit includes all basic programs, including the office Suite. Encryption programs and password managers are available to improve security. Access to the Internet is performed using the TOR browser, which makes it more difficult to detect the user and their actions. The system works in Live mode, saving its settings in a hidden encrypted section.

9. The distribution for Docker containers — Alpine

Work on the fast version of Linux, which requires little computing resources, has been underway since 2010. The main goals of the development team are a stable and secure OS, as well as a small amount of space occupied by it. Verified packages are used to achieve this, and potentially dangerous services are disabled.

Alpine Linux can be installed on low-power hardware, and is widely used as a container for Docker. This Manager allows you to create and link separate computing container entities. Each such container performs a single task (web server, database) and takes only 4-5 MB.

10. Linux for beginners Mint Cinnamon

In order to make it easier for novice users to get acquainted with the Linux world, developer Clement Lefebvre suggested making a simple, but beautiful and powerful OS. The first release of Linux Mint took place in 2006.

The OS is based on Ubuntu, but offers more features. Installation is simplified as much as possible, the necessary plugins and codecs are already included in the delivery, the system independently determines the hardware configuration and installs the necessary drivers. One of the most popular and beautiful shells — Cinnamon-resembles Windows. Linux Mint is included in the TOP 3 distributions according to the site version distrowatch.com. In addition, this is the best linux for the home 2020.

11. Russian-developed Distribution KIT-ROSA Desktop Fresh

The topic of replacing foreign software products is very relevant for Russia. The first release of the domestic operating system was released in 2010. The developer-STC it ROSA LLC-took the Mandriva distribution kit as a basis and created a set of operating systems for government agencies based on it. The free version of Desktop Fresh is available for home computers.

By default, the KDE shell is used, it looks pretty, it resembles Windows. Applications such as the file Manager, app center, launcher, and others have also been developed specifically for Rosa.

12. The distribution for the study — Arch Linux

The first release of Arch Linux took place in 2002. The OS is not like the others. The installer runs in the console, so the distribution is not for beginners. There is nothing superfluous in the system, just the kernel and the command line. The result is a light and fast operating system that doesn't require any hardware.

Additional packages must be installed and configured by the user himself. At the same time, Arch Linux is very well documented, 90% of the questions already have answers and instructions. The system is recommended for anyone who wants to understand the principles of Linux organization and learn how to manage this powerful and flexible environment.

Conclusions

Today we reviewed the best Linux distributions of 2020, this is no longer a rating, but nevertheless it should be interesting. The world of Linux operating systems is rich and diverse. Based on the Linux kernel, a wide variety of operating systems are created, each user in this family will find their ideal-a light and beautiful OS for a laptop, a powerful server application, or built-in firmware for a single-Board computer. On the basis of Linux, you can make a home theater, go anonymously to the Internet, and perform many other very diverse tasks. The choice is yours.

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