8 Most Popular Linux Distributions - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

Linux is an open-source operating system that has spawned a multitude of distributions enabled to various needs and preferences. These distributions, often called “distros,” range from lightweight and user-friendly options like Ubuntu and Linux Mint to more advanced and customizable ones like Arch Linux. Each distro comes with its package management system, desktop environment, and default software selection, making the Linux ecosystem diverse and versatile. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a hassle-free experience or an advanced user seeking full control over your system, there’s a Linux distribution out there to suit your requirements.

Popular Linux Distributions

1. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and extensive software library. It’s based on Debian and offers a stable and secure operating system suitable for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. With regular updates and long-term support (LTS) versions, Ubuntu is a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Features of Ubuntu:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Ubuntu provides a clean and intuitive desktop environment, making it accessible to users transitioning from other operating systems.
2. Extensive Software Repository: It has a vast repository of software applications and packages, allowing users to easily install and manage their desired programs.
3. Security and Stability: Ubuntu prioritizes security by providing regular updates and patches. Its stability is particularly notable in LTS (Long-Term Support) releases, which receive extended support and maintenance.
4. Versatility: Ubuntu is versatile and suitable for a wide range of use cases including personal computing, servers, and cloud deployments.
5. Community Support: It benefits from a large and active community of users and developers, providing forums, documentation, and resources for troubleshooting and assistance.

2. Debian

Debian is a robust and stable Linux distribution known for its focus on free software principles and strong community support. It serves as the foundation for many other popular distributions, including Ubuntu. Debian provides a reliable operating system suitable for servers, desktops, and embedded systems, with a wide range of pre-configured software packages available through its repositories.

Features of Debian:

1. Stability and Reliability: Debian is renowned for its stability, making it a preferred choice for servers and mission-critical systems. Its rigorous testing process ensures software reliability and consistency.
2. Wide Hardware Support: Debian supports a vast array of hardware architectures, making it suitable for diverse computing environments, including older hardware and embedded systems.
3. Package Management: Debian’s package management system, APT (Advanced Package Tool), simplifies software installation, updates, and dependencies management. It provides access to a comprehensive repository of free and open-source software.
4. Community-Driven: Debian is developed and maintained by a dedicated community of volunteers and contributors worldwide. This collaborative effort ensures ongoing development, security updates, and responsive support channels.
5. Flexibility and Customization: Debian offers flexibility in system configurations and software choices, allowing users to tailor their installations to specific needs. It supports various desktop environments and software stacks, accommodating diverse user preferences.

3. Fedora

Fedora is a cutting-edge Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat, known for its focus on innovation and emerging technologies. It offers a stable yet up-to-date operating system, making it ideal for developers, enthusiasts, and those seeking the latest software advancements. Fedora consists of open-source principles, community collaboration, and a secure computing environment.

Features of Fedora:

1. Leading-Edge Technology: Fedora incorporates the latest software versions and technologies, providing users with access to cutting-edge features and improvements.
2. Developer-Friendly: It offers robust tools and environments for software development, including support for multiple programming languages, integrated development environments (IDEs), and containerization technologies like Podman and Docker.
3. Modular Design: Fedora’s modular design allows users to customize their installations with different software stacks and components, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
4. Security Emphasis: Fedora prioritizes security with features like SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux), strong encryption standards, and regular security updates to mitigate vulnerabilities.
5. Community Collaboration: As a community-driven project, Fedora encourages active participation and contributions from users and developers worldwide, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of support and innovation.

4. CentOS

CentOS is a fre­e operating system. It come­s from the code of Red Hat Ente­rprise Linux. CentOS is very good for se­rvers. People like­ it because it works well. It doe­s not break or stop easily. The community he­lps make CentOS bette­r. Red Hat Enterprise Linux costs mone­y. But CentOS is free to use­. Many people choose Ce­ntOS for servers. They know it will ke­ep running without issues.

Features of CentOS:

1. Stability and Reliability: CentOS is built from the same source code as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), providing a stable and reliable platform with long-term support and regular security updates.
2. Enterprise-Class Performance: Designed for enterprise use, CentOS offers high performance, scalability, and security features suitable for critical applications and services.
3. Package Management: Uses the YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) package manager, which makes it easy to install, update, and manage software packages and dependencies.
4. Security: Includes SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) for enhanced security policies and access controls, ensuring a secure operating environment.

5. Arch Linux

Arch Linux is an operating syste­m. It follows a rolling release mode­l. This means it offers the late­st software updates all the time­. You can also customize how Arch Linux works. Arch Linux is popular among users who like to work on se­tting up and maintaining their system themse­lves. These use­rs have more expe­rience with computers.

Features of Arch Linux:

1. Rolling Release Model: Arch Linux uses a rolling release model, meaning that users receive continuous updates without needing to reinstall the system. This ensures that the software is always up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
2. Pacman Package Manager: The Pacman package manager is a powerful and efficient tool that handles package installation, updates, and management with ease, providing a seamless experience for managing software.
3. Arch User Repository (AUR): The AUR is a community-driven repository that contains a vast array of user-contributed packages, making it easy to find and install software that is not available in the official repositories.
4. Documentation: Arch Linux boasts comprehensive and well-maintained documentation, known as the Arch Wiki. This resource provides detailed guides and tutorials, making it easier for users to configure and troubleshoot their systems.

6. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is famous for being e­asy to use. It can play videos and music right away. People­ who used Windows before can fe­el at home with Linux Mint. It has a straightforward desktop. It also works smoothly without crashing.

Features of Linux Mint:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Linux Mint offers a familiar and intuitive desktop environment, with options like Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, making it accessible for users transitioning from other operating systems.
2. Stability and Reliability: Built on the stable base of Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support), Linux Mint inherits its robustness and long-term stability, with updates and security patches provided regularly.
3. Pre-Installed Software: Linux Mint comes with a comprehensive suite of pre-installed software, including multimedia codecs, office applications, and utilities, ensuring a ready-to-use experience out of the box.
4. Software Manager: The Linux Mint Software Manager is a user-friendly application that simplifies the process of browsing, installing, and managing software, with access to a vast repository of applications.

7. openSUSE

Using openSUSE is a choice­. It has two kinds of releases. The­ first is a stable release­ called Leap. The se­cond is a rolling release name­d Tumbleweed. It is famous for its YaST tool. This tool he­lps set up the system. It also supports many de­sktop environments. Users can choose­ the one they like­ best.

Features of openSUSE:

1. YaST (Yet another Setup Tool): A comprehensive system management tool that simplifies system configuration, software management, network settings, and more through a user-friendly interface.
2. Zypper Package Manager: A powerful command-line package management tool that provides efficient handling of software installation, updates, and dependency resolution.
3. Btrfs and Snapper: openSUSE uses Btrfs as the default filesystem for the root partition, enabling advanced features like snapshots. Snapper is integrated with Btrfs, allowing users to create, manage, and restore system snapshots easily, enhancing system recovery capabilities.
4. High-Security Standards: openSUSE prioritizes security with features like AppArmor, which provides mandatory access control, and regular security updates to protect against vulnerabilities.

8. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a widely-used enterprise-grade Linux distribution developed by Red Hat. It is known for its stability, security, and performance, making it a popular choice for businesses and organizations that require a robust and reliable operating system for their mission-critical applications and workloads.

Features of Red Hat Enterprise Linux:

1. Enterprise-level Support and Certifications: RHEL offers comprehensive support and maintenance services, with a dedicated team of experts available to assist with technical issues and ensure system reliability. Additionally, RHEL is certified and supported by various hardware and software vendors, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration with a wide range of enterprise solutions.
2. High Security and Compliance: RHEL places a strong emphasis on security, with regular security updates and patches to address vulnerabilities. It also adheres to industry standards and regulations, such as FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) and Common Criteria certifications, making it a preferred choice for organizations with stringent security requirements.
3. Scalability and Performance: RHEL is designed to handle demanding workloads and scale efficiently, making it suitable for large-scale deployments across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. It offers advanced performance optimization features and tools to ensure optimal system performance.
4. Robust Ecosystem: Red Hat provides a comprehensive ecosystem of tools, utilities, and applications tailored for enterprise environments. This includes Red Hat Satellite for systems management, Red Hat Virtualization for virtualization, and Red Hat OpenShift for container orchestration, among others.
5. Long-Term Support and Stability: RHEL follows a predictable release cycle, with each major version receiving extended support and maintenance for several years. This provides organizations with a stable and reliable platform for their critical applications, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
6. Extensive Documentation and Training: Red Hat offers comprehensive documentation, knowledge resources, and training programs to help administrators and developers effectively manage and utilize RHEL within their organizations.

Selection Criteria

1. Intended Use: Determine whether the distribution is for personal computing, servers, development, or specialized tasks.
2. Stability vs. Cutting Edge: Choose between distributions that prioritize stability (e.g., Debian, CentOS) and those that offer the latest features and software (e.g., Fedora, Arch Linux).
3. Package Management: Consider the package management system used (e.g., APT for Debian-based distros, YUM/DNF for Red Hat-based distros, Pacman for Arch).
4. Desktop Environment: Evaluate the default desktop environment and its customizability (e.g., GNOME, KDE, Xfce).
5. Community and Support: Look for active user communities, forums, and available support resources.
6. Hardware Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your hardware, especially if using older or specialized equipment.
7. Security Features: Check for built-in security measures and regular updates (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor).

List of Linux Distributions – FAQs

What is a Linux distribution?

A Linux distribution is a complete operating system package that includes the Linux kernel, software, and tools for a fully functional system.

How do I choose the right Linux distribution for my needs?

Consider your intended use, stability requirements, preferred desktop environment, community support, and hardware compatibility.

How do I install software on a Linux distribution?

Use the package manager specific to your distribution (e.g., APT for Debian-based, YUM for Red Hat-based, Pacman for Arch) to install, update, and manage software.

See Also

Everything You Need to Know about Linux Input-Output Redirection

What are the advantages of a rolling release model like Arch Linux?

A rolling release model provides continuous updates without version upgrades, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.

Can I switch between desktop environments on Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora?

Yes, most Linux distributions allow users to switch between different desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, Xfce, etc., offering flexibility in customization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the diverse range of Linux distributions caters to various needs, from user-friendly interfaces to advanced customization and stability. Understanding your requirements and the features of each distribution can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and use case.