What are the Best Linux Distros?

Overview

Based on Unix, Linux is a free and open-source operating system. Because of Linux's versatility and security, it has recently attracted a lot of attention and is widely utilized. This article will discuss some of the top Linux distributions, often known as Linux Distros.

The official version of the Linux operating system that you use on your computer is called a Linux distribution (abbreviated as "distro"). The majority of Linux distributions include everything you need to get started.

It includes:

• The kernel of Linux (the heart of the operating system).
• The setting on a desktop.
• Applications for different uses and a wide range of other utilities.

These are the Top Linux Distributions:

• Ubuntu Desktop
• Pop!_OS
• Drauger OS
• Tails
• Linux Mint
• Kali Linux
• Puppy Linux
• Elementary OS
• ArchLinux
• CentOS Stream

Best Linux Distros for Laptops

Let's now examine the top Linux distributions for laptops in 2022 to determine which one can give our laptops the most freedom and security.

1. Linux Mint: Popular Linux distributions based on Ubuntu and Debian include Linux Mint. It is a free and open-source Linux distribution with a large number of packages that is community-driven. With an interactive user interface, it is simple to use. The greatest distribution of 2012 as of October was the Linux distribution known as Linux Mint. It was first made available in 2006 as the Ada beta version. The most recent version of mint is "Ulyssa," which was launched in July 2022. LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, HexChat, Pidgin, and Transmission are included by default, and other programs can be downloaded via the package manager.

2. Ubuntu: One of the most widely used Linux distributions is this one. It is favored by many Linux newbies because of its elegant design and user-friendly interface. It can be utilized on tablets, smartphones, and PCs in addition to those devices. Many other Linux distributions, including Kubuntu 20.04, Lubuntu 20.04, and Linux Mint 20.04 LTS, is based on Ubuntu (Ulyana). Every six months, it predictably delivers upgraded versions that include security and bug patches. In addition to being a well-liked operating system for cloud computing, Ubuntu also offers frequently used programs including Firefox, LibreOffice, Audacious, GIMP, and others.

3. Pop_OS! from System76: System 76 created Pop OS!, a Linux distribution with a unique GNOME desktop. It was recently created and initially made available in October 2017. Numerous pre-installed programs, such as Geary, LibreOffice, and Firefox, are also available in Pop OS! Other programs can be downloaded and installed using APT, Pop OS's package manager.

4. MX Linux: Popular Debian-based Linux distro MX Linux is used. It offers both new and experienced Linux users a user-friendly experience since its initial release in March 2014. Its debate began inside the MEPIS group, and antiX later joined for development. Basic tools for MX Linux include a graphic installer, a GUI-based way to modify the Linux kernel, MX-snapshot, etc.

5. Elementary OS: Another Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS, Elementary OS is created and updated by Elementary, Inc. It includes several bespoke programs, like Photos, Music, Videos, Calendar, Terminal, Files, and more, along with a unique desktop environment called Pantheon. It also includes some well-known applications, such as a fork of Geary mail and the Epiphany web browser. It is a quick, open, and privacy-respecting alternative to Windows and macOS, according to Elementary OS.

Best Linux Distros for Developers

Pop! OS was created from the bottom up to be an operating system that is helpful to developers. It comes with everything you require to create, modify, test, and launch your projects. Every step of the development cycle for this well-known Linux distribution has been integrated by Pop! OS developers. In addition, System76, a Denver, Colorado-based open-source hardware manufacturer, uses this distribution as the default operating system on their laptops and desktop computers.

Some of the key features of Pop!_OS are:

• A huge selection of pre-installed tools and libraries: It includes every feature a developer might want. It includes deep learning tools like Tensorflow and Matlab, for instance. VS Code, ROS, Postman, R, Bioconductor, Bioconda, and other engineering and bioinformatics tools are also included.
• Developer-focused: All the tools a developer needs are contained within Pop! OS. Due to this feature, multitasking is made simple and distraction-free. These consist of window stacking, workflow personalization, and auto tiling.
• Encryption: One of the safest Linux distributions is Pop! OS since it starts encrypting right after installation.

Pros:

• The distribution that supports developers the most.
• Although the user interface is simple, it is highly effective.
• The most recent Linux Kernel releases, including LTS releases, are available from the developers. For instance, Linux Kernel 5.13 is included with Pop! OS 20.04 LTS.
• A speedy upgrade procedure.
• Users won't need to continuously drag and drop open windows to arrange them for faster access thanks to an auto-tiling manager.

Cons:

• When adding new applications, the POP OS store occasionally has glitches.

Best Linux Distros for Gaming

The standard Linux kernel is used by Drauger. The kernel was built by the developers to ensure low latency, and the scheduling frequency was increased from 250Hz to 1000Hz. These changes give gamers better performance, more modest screen tearing, and greater frame rates.

The desktop environment is a customized version of Xfce, and the distribution starts with a recently installed Steam Client. In addition to various PlayStation controllers, Drauger is compatible with the majority of Xbox and Xbox 360 controllers.

Some of the key features of Drauger OS are:

• Performance: Drauger OS is designed with gaming in mind, performs faster than the other distributions, and strives to address some of the frequent issues that gamers encounter, like input lag.
• Pro Gaming Tools: A frontend emulator called RetroArch and Steam are two more pre-installed tools on Drauger that are specifically designed for professional gamers. Nintendo DS, Nintendo Gameboy, PlayStation 1 and 2, and SNES are all included.
• Xfce 4.14 desktop: The Xfce desktop features three panels: a main bar at the top, a quick launcher panel on the left, and a bottom panel for workspaces.

Pros:

• Linux kernel with low latency.
• It has gaming optimization.
• Various gaming platforms
• It works with a variety of controllers, including Xbox.
• Several emulators are already installed on Drauger.

Cons:

• In the Live environment, there is no browser.
• Unreliable system installer.

Best Linux Distros Security and Privacy

Some of the best Linux Distros for Security and privacy are:

1. Linux Kodachi: Kodachi is a modified Debian-based Linux distribution that runs without a hitch of a DVD, portable USB stick, or even an SD card. It features an XFCE desktop. To increase online privacy and give customers a secure surfing experience, it is pre-installed with VPN services and browsing programs that support Tor.

   The distribution includes DNSCrypt, which hides TCP/IP protocol parameters, allowing privacy filters to be applied to any online activity. Additionally, users can use the advanced cryptographic tools included in the distribution to encrypt their email messages, instant messages, and file directories.

2. Tails: The Tor project's official Linux distribution is called Tails. Users may therefore assume the same level of security and privacy that experts in cryptography and privacy have come to expect from the Tor network. You can start Tails, a portable Live Operating System, on almost any computer using a USB stick or DVD. This distribution comes with a built-in firewall, uses Tor for all connections, and encrypts all of your online activity.

3. Qubes OS: With the Fedora-based Linux distribution Qubes OS, you may run connected devices and apps as separate entities in a virtualized environment powered by Xen. Its compartmentalization characteristics are useful for desktop computing that focuses on security as well as server-side network stack and firewall management. Additionally, Whonix's interface with Qubes enables users to access Tor on the entire system.

4. Kali Linux: One of the most widely used distributions for sophisticated security engineering is Kali Linux. An extensive collection of penetration testing tools and programs are included with this Debian-based distribution. Kali is a beginner-friendly distribution since it may be used right out of the box. The OS has some development and community support, which makes it possible for comprehensive documentation. This also includes any advice you might need for meta-packages and customizations (including ISO customizations).

5. BlackArch: A cunning rival to Kali's specialized Linux-based testing capabilities is BlackArch. It is based on Arch Linux and has a testing suite with about 3000 tools. You may package test solutions for portable execution on any target machine thanks to its modular packaging capabilities. BlackArch provides a wealth of documentation, and the XFCE desktop environment makes it even simpler for beginners to navigate. The desktop environment is unique since it exclusively makes use of pre-configured window managers, which makes it a true pleasure to use.

Best Linux Distros for Forensics and Pen Testing

Some of the best Linux distros for Forensics and Pen Testing:

1. Kali Linux: A Linux distribution with Debian roots called Kali has been tailored for penetration testing and security auditing. Several open-source network security testing tools are also pre-installed on it. Additionally, Kali Linux is frequently updated to stay abreast of the most recent exploits and security flaws discovered in the most widely used software. This Linux distribution can be used with both modern ARM hardware and 32- and 64-bit PCs.

2. BackBox: BackBox's most recent version is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, uses the Xfce desktop, and is only offered as a single ISO for 64-bit computers. The distro's boot menu also provides the option to boot into a forensics mode, which doesn't mount the computer's discs, in addition to the standard boot options. Some of the most popular security and analysis tools are included in BackBox. The project seeks to accomplish a wide range of objectives, including network analysis, stress tests, sniffer, vulnerability assessment, computer forensic investigation, exploitation, privilege escalation, and more.

3. BlackArch: BlackArch, as its name would imply, is based on Arch Linux. The distribution's major selling point is its enormous tool library, which includes over 2500 items, many of which you won't find in any other distros. The distribution organization organizes the tools by grouping them into categories like anti-forensic, backdoor, and cracker. However, they are listed alphabetically and don't have any subcategories, which creates some intriguing navigational challenges. For instance, scrolling through the menus becomes difficult when certain categories, including cracker, recon, and automation, each offer more than a hundred options.

4. Parrot OS: Parrot OS has a broader purpose than most of its competitors, including Kali Linux, even though it is built for penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. The distro's comprehensive boot menu is one of the first features you notice. You can select to boot into the Live environment and a persistent partition to save your changes, for example, while using a USB device. The option to encrypt this permanent partition is also quite helpful.

5. Pentoo: Although Pentoo runs Xfce on the desktop, it is based on the ancient source-based Gentoo distribution, therefore understanding Gentoo is necessary for maintaining the distribution. Additionally, Pentoo is offered as an overlay, allowing Gentoo users to quickly and easily add Pentoo on top of their current systems. The distro's use of a customized hardened kernel with various pertinent patches is another distinguishing feature.