12 of the Best Linux Distros in 2022

Linux is a far cry from the esoteric bundles of code it once was, and the number of polished distros offering variants for Windows, OS X and Ubuntu, is testament to that.

Customization: Arch Linux

Arch Linux has grown to become one of the leading Linux distros since its launch in 2002. The distro is very minimal in its default state but offers an unbridled level of customization for the more experienced user.

There’s no default desktop environment, so you can choose and install one that’s best suited to your personal tastes and the power of your PC. The minimum requirements of Arch Linux are a modest 512MB RAM and an x64 CPU.

It’s not the simplest of Linux distros to get your head around, given how much it leaves in the user’s hands to figure out, but the documentation is very good (one of the best), and the sporadic nature of new releases means your custom-tweaked desktop environment won’t deprecate quickly.

Simplicity: MX Linux

Describing itself as a “midweight” Linux distro, MX Linux runs like a dream, even on lower-end PCs, and its fairly minimal starting setup makes it a favorite among developers. Yes, its default XFCE desktop environment may look a little dated next to more renowned distros like Ubuntu, but there’s something to be said for keeping things simple.

The important stuff is never more than a couple of clicks away in MX Linux. The taskbar brings up a menu of MX Tools, which includes crucial things like PC maintenance and setup options for your system sound and keyboard.

The base installation of MX Linux includes a solid bunch of packages that features Firefox, VLC, LibreOffice and GIMP, and you can, of course, get more through the Synaptic Package Manager, which will point you to the package repositories for MX Linux.

Ease of Use: Linux Mint

If you’re fresh to this whole Linux business, then it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed if you’re migrating over from Windows or macOS. For that reason, you may want to start simple, and Linux Mint is just what you need.

Mint comes packed with much of the software you need to get straight back into your workflow, such as LibreOffice and some decent onboard media software. You have a choice of four main desktop environments, with Cinnamon being the most Windows-like, with its pseudo-Start menu (though MATE remains a popular choice too). It’s pretty light resource-wise, too, loading faster and using less memory than the all-popular Ubuntu.

Mint is always in sync with the latest Ubuntu LTS releases, meaning you don’t need to worry about being left vulnerable during zero-day scares or malware outbreaks.

Keeping this in mind, some may also recommend Ubuntu or Elementary OS, but we are sticking with Linux Mint.

Privacy: Tails

Privacy is a strange concept but one that is becoming more important as technology becomes inherently woven into our daily lives. It boils down to what you perceive as your threat model.

If you are trying to be 100 percent anonymous on the Internet, for example, you will have to try very hard. If you want to prevent companies from building a data profile on you, then things are easier.

Tails is a Debian-based Linux distro that comes pre-configured for use with the Tor Network. Tor is a public decentralized network that allows users to send and receive traffic through several relays. The concept is simple – each relay has its own IP address that hides the original location of the user by creating several “layers.” This is especially useful for privacy-conscious individuals or users within countries that have oppressive governments.

Tails is designed to be run from portable storage, as it only uses your RAM and leaves no permanent traces of what you’ve been up to on it (though you can save data on your portable media).

It comes with a bunch of privacy-based encrypted tools, like an instant messenger, KeePassX password manager, and email encryption tools. Crucially, LibreOffice is there for most of your productivity needs.

Forensics: Kali Linux

Linux is a strong player within the area of forensics. There are many distros to pick from in this category, but we’ve chosen Kali Linux.

Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. It is maintained and funded by Offensive Security Ltd.

The toolset is very comprehensive, and prior knowledge would be useful. Beginners should take advantage of Offensive Security’s courses to become a Kali Ninja.

Runs from RAM: Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is a super-lightweight distro that will run entirely within RAM on your machine. This is incredibly useful if you need to perform tasks quickly. The entire system can be run from RAM with current versions generally taking up about 210 MB, allowing the boot medium to be removed after the operating system has started.

It has variations built on Slackware and Ubuntu, but they both have the same tools for the most part.

We generally tend to use it when we need to repurpose and wipe hard drives using either the dd command or hdparm, but it is a fully stocked distro for a variety of tasks.

Old Computers and Netbooks: Bodhi Linux

Despite the rise of the tablet, there are still users who have lighter portable netbooks who make use of Linux. The same can be said for older machines that can be given new life. A great distro for this is Bodhi Linux.

While a derivative of Ubuntu, it is an elegant and lightweight distro featuring Moksha, an Enlightenment-based desktop environment. Along with the polished desktop, Bodhi offers a minimal install, which leaves the user free to customize easily. Bodhi offers a variety of ISO files and can be installed on Chromebooks and legacy devices.

Rolling Release: Manjaro

If you are tired of having to constantly upgrade your Linux distro from version to version, Arch Linux is the one for you. Manjaro is based on Arch Linux and comes with all the benefits of a full vanilla Arch install but leaves that complication at the door. Manjaro is Arch with no assembly required.

The Arch Linux Wiki is unparalleled when it comes to distribution documentation. Everything in it applies to Manjaro. You also have the benefit of Arch’s huge repositories that are always up to date and the various AUR helpers.

If you’re more comfortable with Linux and looking for a new distribution packed with power and options, Manjaro is definitely worth consideration.

For the Experienced: Gentoo

Gentoo might seem like an odd choice if you’ve paid attention to all the memes and noise around it. Gentoo is no joke, though. It’s easily the most flexible distribution around, and you can configure it to be as stable or bleeding edge as you need. Essentially, Gentoo is whatever you make it.

Gentoo is a source-based distribution, meaning you compile every package that is installed from its source code when you install it. While this does take additional time, it also presents an opportunity to customize every package to meet your needs.

Whether you are installing Gentoo on a desktop or server, you can tailor it precisely. For desktops, you can choose your desktop environment or window manager without any unnecessary bloat. Servers provide a similar situation, allowing for lightweight purpose-built installations. As an added bonus, Gentoo doesn’t make any decisions for you, not even for something like Systemd. If you don’t want it, you don’t need it.

On the side of security, the Gentoo Hardened project is one of the best, if not THE best, projects within a Linux distribution to increase its overall security. Even without the GRSecurity patches that were previously a large part of the project, Gentoo Hardened is an excellent option for server or desktop security.

Reproducible: GNU Guix

GNU Guix is a brilliant Linux distribution that allows you to build systems that you can recreate on any computer. This can be especially useful if you are a systems administrator and want a quick way to deploy Linux.

The way GNU Guix does this is only using a single programming language to manage the entire system. Unlike other distributions, you only need to remember a single format for all of your program’s configurations.

Further, GNU Guix also creates a transactional sandbox history of every package that you install. Similar to NixOS, this allows you to roll back and seamlessly jump through different versions of your software. It is useful if you want to either experiment with new software or want a reliable package system.

Gaming and Multimedia: Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is a simple, yet effective distribution that aims to create an easy-to-use environment for multimedia and gaming in Linux. It was originally a fork of Ubuntu and is currently the default operating system in System76 laptops.

Aside from its multimedia support, Pop!_OS also sports a custom version of GNOME that includes a number of extra features. For example, it is possible to convert your desktop into either a stacking or tiling layout. It can be especially useful for power users who want to have a quick way of managing windows.

Further, Pop!_OS also has extensive support for a number of scientific and development software. By default, it includes IDEs, such as Jupyter, MATLAB, and Android Studio. Pop!_OS can be an option if you are looking for a distribution that you can use for both work and play.

Stability: Slackware Linux

One of best Linux distros you can install is Slackware and is one of the three original Linux distributions. Alongside Debian and Red Hat, it aims to provide you with a simple and flexible UNIX-like experience.

One of its best features is its commitment to stability. It strives to maintain the same tools and processes for its users across different versions. For example, you can follow a guide for an older version of Slackware, and it will still work today.

This approach encourages users to invest time in learning how their system works since they can be confident that it will not change over time. Further, it also means that programs you install on your machine will rarely break. Slackware is a highly attractive distribution for users who want a system they can learn and rely on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common pitfalls when choosing a Linux distro?

Almost all Linux distributions today offer similar hardware compatibility because the Linux kernel already includes support for the most common hardware. Unless your machine uses a rare architecture, most Linux distributions should work out of the box.

However, Linux distributions often differ with software availability. This is because most distros today build and provide their own package repositories. You need to be aware which distributions offer the software that you need. For example, Slackware does not provide most third-party packages out of the box.

Is it better to use a rolling release or an LTS distro?

This will largely depend on how you intend to use your machine. A rolling release distribution benefits users who are constantly on their computer and need the latest software updates. For example, if you are writing a program that you want to work with the latest software, you’ll have to use a rolling release distribution.

On the other hand, a Long-Term Support (LTR) distribution tends to cater to users who want a stable computing experience. This could either be a family relative who is not familiar with computers or a security-conscious user who wants to create an air-gap machine. This is because most LTS distros are stable and mature enough to not require constant system updates.

Is it possible to migrate my files from an old distro to a new one?

Yes! However, the process of backing up your files will depend on the distribution you are currently using. Unlike other operating systems, Linux does not provide a one-click solution to storing your files outside your machine.

Despite that, backing up your files can be relatively straightforward. For the most part, you only need to save your “/home” directory since it contains all of your personal files. Knowing that, you can use a tool such as rclone to upload your files as an encrypted backup.

I’m sorry... Since WHEN does a computer purchase at Best Buy come with a question of which version of windows you will want to have installed on it? Talk about setting up a strawman.

Gramma is never confused by such choices, in windows.

Unlike Linux, where you would have to explain what the latest ‘distro’ is, and the benefits of one ‘distro’ over another, and how you can change it if you want, because NO ONE (except Linux Geeks like you) EVER DOES THAT.

You can always be counted on to tell the group about the latest ‘distro’s that come out and how wonderful this new one is, and fail (over and over) to see my actual point.

My point (and only point) is that Linux got beaten by Windows because of such technical choices, choices that MOST consumers don’t care about. And that is why Microsoft is a gazillionaire company, not anything Linux.

And you always prove my point by missing that, every time.

I also make it a point to try (and TRY) to tell you that I WORK IN BOTH SYSTEMS, for over 30 years, doing low level embedded Linux, and that I know Linux is superior for many reasons- EXCEPT COMMERICAL VIABILITY.

So, what point are you trying to make? Am I wrong about that? Or that I am ignorant because I don’t worship Linux?

I don't know how you post these threads knowing the same group of people are going to jump on it every time and claim how the average user could never use Linux. It would drive me crazy.

Some peripherals like printers can be an issue but that's when you shop for something compatible just like Mac users had to do for a long time and still have to watch out for. Doesn't help that the manufacturers come out with new models every few years that don't actually do anything new but need new drivers.

I've been using various flavors of Ubuntu for 15 years and do more than most users.

Did this with GIMP which people say is unusable. (family pic for a genealogy website I made)

Look what people are creating with Krita, a KDE program, https://krita-artists.org/c/artwork/5/l/top

Professional French cartoonist that uses all open source - https://www.davidrevoy.com/index.php?tag/linux

Gramma is never confused by such choices, in windows systems with pre-installed operating systems.

Fixed it, since Linux does come pre-installed from several vendors.

(I’ve tried it- the answer was “Huhhhhh...?”)

And here you are, moving the goalposts again. Which is it--preinstalled at Best Buy, or you asking which version she wants?

Unlike Linux, where you would have to explain what...

Again, the question is Why would you do that? You already said she's your Gramma. You make that choice, and you install it, and you show her which icons does her email and which one surfs the interwebs.

My point (and only point) is that Linux got beaten by Windows because of such technical choices, choices that MOST consumers don’t care about.

Actually, that is incorrect. Windows won the desktop because they threatened PC makers with higher prices if they did not pre-install Windows on their PCs. Nothing technical about it--it was all business.

And you always prove my point by missing that, every time.

I don't miss it. I just don't agree with it.

Yes, I know. Which is why I don't understand why you would have some sterotypical "gramma" make choices that are clearly above her head--no matter what the OS is.

I’ve always stayed with Ubuntu derived distributions, Lububtu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Kubuntu, Mint etc. Never ran straight Ubuntu because I’ve never like the desktops they chose, Unity and now Gnome. I like to customize so Kubuntu is great for me. I like my desktop widgets/applets. Weather forecast, dial clock with seconds hand, to do list, CPU temperatures and loads.

Type your ubuntu question into a search engine and you WILL get an answer.

I’ve always run off-lease Thinkpads I pick up on ebay and Linux always seems to just work. I think it helps that some Thinkpads have come with Linux pre-installed, especially on business models which is what the off-lease units tend to be. T, X, W & P series

Being off-lease units, I’m always running a 6-7 year old machine to start with and I usually upgrade every 4-6 years. My last upgrade was partly to get a decent screen size, 15.6 inch and upgrade to 1920x1080 pixels. I was running an X60 with 12 inch screen. Next will be P series with 17 inch screen.

Once you’re past the installation, I don’t see how people have problems. You click an icon to open a menu which has programs categorized by subject. Open one and use it. Search the docs or the web to learn how to use it. Networking sucks. I’ve never figured out Samba but I have plenty of USB sticks here if I want to share a file.

With KDE connect, I can click a few buttons on the cell phone and transfer today’s phone camera pics to the PC which also has KDE connect. I can reply to a text/sms message using the PC with a full keyboard instead of tapping on the little phone keyboard. Can be dangerous because it’s easy to text someone a 200 word reply.

Spectacle screenshot tool is da bomb. Take a screenshot, click Share, click imgur and it uploads to imgur and copies the image url to your clipboard. I use it here on FR a LOT. I have my clipboard set to save the last 20 entries. Can Windows even do that?

Thunar file manager with Ark(archive manager) integration is a favorite because you get the right click, ‘Extract Here’ or ‘Extract To’ dialog. IIRC that’s how Windows works but in this case, you’re not limited to only zip archives.

I have a nextcloud installation on my web hosting and there are two different note taking programs that will sync to nextcloud. Joplin and QownNotes but Joplin isn’t readable within nextcloud so it’s strictly for backup purposes. QOwnNotes is readable because both use markdown so that’s what I’m using.

Everything else is pretty basic. VLC media player, any browser I want, PIA VPN, qBitTorrent, Thunderbird/Evolution, InkScape vector graphics, GIMP, Spotify, LibreOffice, QuiteRSS and all the standard utilities like text editor, calculator etc.

Pollard said:

“I don’t know how you post these threads knowing the same group of people are going to jump on it every time and claim how the average user could never use Linux. It would drive me crazy.”

You replied:

“Yes, I do understand that some Linux developers/distros are not much better, but I am not giving them any financial support.”

Same sentiments here... And I just cannot morally or financially support the Bill Gates agenda period.

I don’t care how many trials and tribulations it bestows on me to use another OS. I would quit using computers before I would ever gave him another dime.

Some things are much much more important than personal comfort and convenience. I can’t even understand how so called moral people can do it and still sleep at night.

https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/3ip24d/linux_on_a_hp_mini_210_netbook/

7 year old conversation which means he/she is speaking of 7 year old versions of Linux/Ubuntu. I’ve got an Acer Aspire with lamer specs that will run Kubuntu 18 but it’s no speed demon. Lubuntu/Xubuntu are supposed to be lighter and Peppermint OS is another light one. There are lighter ones still but they’re odd imho. Damn Small Linux, Puppy Linux. MX Linux was pretty cool. You almost have to try more than one, not only to see which one performs best on a particular machine but to see which one you like best. There aren’t huge differences. A computer is a computer. You click to open a menu with programs and click a program to open it.

Many if not most versions of Linux can be put on a USB stick and run like a live operating system. That makes it easy to check out their looks and see if everything works. Won’t work as fast running from a USB stick of course.

—”Now why would you do something like that?”

The SSD on my wife’s laptop started spitting errors about a month out of warranty and the Win backups were on the same SSD...

I replaced the SSD and installed Ubuntu, a faster and easier install.
Our daughter, a network tech, stopped by and said, ‘MOM WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO RUN LINUX!’...

My wife looked it over and ask for a few minor changes, location of the clock...

SANE the scanner driver was driving me insane, but I was used to it because the WINDOWS driver for her Epson scanner was also a problem after one lengthy MS update.

Yes, a few formatting issues going from WORD to Libre Office...Better with each update...

And finding a solitaire game to her liking, she settled on Pasjans.

I have installed it on over a dozen friends and neighbors’ computers...

No matter how they or their grandkids screwed up the OS, I can usually replace it in the time it takes to have a nice cup of coffee.
Windows problems for me are like jumping down the rabbit hole with Alice. No, I will not give them the name of my firstborn son... or my email password!

Technically Gates left MS but MS is a "partner" in many of the same dystopian projects that the B & M Gates Foundation is. Definitely both into the whole Digital ID thing and weird patents related to controlling every aspect of humans' lives.

https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2020060606A1/en

Human body activity associated with a task provided to a user may be used in a mining process of a cryptocurrency system. A server may provide a task to a device of a user which is communicatively coupled to the server. A sensor communicatively coupled to or comprised in the device of the user may sense body activity of the user. Body activity data may be generated based on the sensed body activity of the user. The cryptocurrency system communicatively coupled to the device of the user may verify if the body activity data satisfies one or more conditions set by the cryptocurrency system, and award cryptocurrency to the user whose body activity data is verified.

Earning cryptocurrency using body movements. Microsoft Systems. Work harder, earn more, slave. Keep moving, slave.

Patent number has 060606 because that's not creepy at all.

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/11/a4/fe/095b0d0459d9c4/WO2020060606A1.pdf

If anyone's curious as to why Windows takes so long to update, it's probably because all your personal data is being uploaded to MS.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.