We're not in Ubuntu Anymore: The Linux Distros You've (Probably) Never Heard About Before

guest · Oct 26, 2021

We're not in Ubuntu Anymore: The Linux Distros You've (Probably) Never Heard About Before
October 26, 2021
https://www.techspot.com/article/2334-linux-distros/

Ubuntu is based on Debian Linux and uses the GNOME desktop environment. A desktop environment can make or break the user experience, but there are other versions of Ubuntu with different environments, so you can pick one that's right for you.

However, there are other Ubuntu-based experiences available, each offering a unique take on Linux...
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Pop!_OS, elementary OS, and Zorin are closely related to Ubuntu and Debian. They differ through their selection of software, desktop environment, and overall theme.

Zorin and Pop!_OS are ideal for users interested in gaming or transitioning from Windows operating systems. This is due to their overall design, hardware support, and built-in tools for emulation of apps typically used with the Microsoft operating system.
elementary OS features a striking design that many have likened to macOS.
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If you want to get away from Ubuntu entirely, there are a few more options that stand out:

The emergence of Manjaro has been a pleasant surprise in the Linux community as it’s closely related to Arch, which is a bleeding-edge distro with tons of new features but can be cumbersome to use, especially for Linux newcomers.

Fedora is the upstream source of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and has been around since 2003, gaining a ton of popularity over the years, including the creator of the Linux kernel, Linus Torvalds.
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Those seeking a bit more of a modular experience may be interested in openSUSE.

Solus is another choice for users seeking a user-friendly Linux experience. Its gorgeous Budgie desktop environment is sure to turn heads. Users have also experienced short boot times and impressive stability with Solus, making it a worthwhile alternative to the established players.
Niche distros
While most of the above distros are fit for everyday desktop computing, others meet more specific purposes. For example, those with home theatre PCs may want to check out LibreELEC, a purpose-built Linux distribution revolving around Kodi and consuming media.
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Batocera can be installed and booted up from a USB drive, which is pretty convenient. It supports all the recognized gaming systems including NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Sega Dreamcast, Playstation 1, Playstation 2, and Playstation 3, assuming your hardware can handle it.

Lakka incorporates LibreELEC and RetroArch and requires users to install it to their hard drive to work. It features support for a similar set of retro systems.

Scientists and engineers may find CAELinux appealing, as it features many tools to help with mathematical modeling, computer-aided design, prototyping, 3D printing, electronic PCB design, and microcontroller programming.
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Barebones and Security
For example, Puppy Linux works wonders on older hardware, even though it’s roughly based on an older Ubuntu version. It’s small at just about 400 MB but supports a wide list of popular applications.

Looking for something even more barebones?
Consider Tiny Core Linux, which is available in three versions: Core, TinyCore, and CorePlus. Core weighs in at 16 MB, while TinyCore is 21. CorePlus is a whopping 163 MB. Each provides the barest of operating systems, as the Core version lacks a GUI, so you better be familiar with the command line.
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There are various Linux distros that are perfect for those concerned about security and privacy as well. Tails (which stands for “The Amnesiac Incognito Live System”) is the official choice for the Tor project and is a well-recognized security-based distro.

Alternatively, there's Kali Linux, which specializes in security penetration. Its popularity skyrocketed thanks to the TV Show Mr. Robot, but it's a great distribution for those in digital forensics.
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NormanF · Oct 26, 2021

There's openSUSE which is based on SUSE.

Most people who can't stand GNOME can try out one of the official and unofficial Ubuntu flavors.

fblais · Oct 26, 2021

NormanF said: ↑

There's openSUSE which is based on SUSE.
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It's already listed between Solus and Fedora.

Most people who can't stand GNOME can try out one of the official and unofficial Ubuntu flavors.
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Mint is an interesting distro based on Ubuntu, and also a secondary branch based on Debian.

Krusty · Oct 26, 2021

I like my Solus and Mint., oh and of course Kubuntu.

moredhelfinland · Nov 1, 2021

+1 for Solus. I'm using old 2013 Samsung laptop with Intel/Nvidia hybrid graphics(aka Optimus). As a "serious" distrohopper, Solus was only one that actually can install Nvidia Optimus drivers without endless tweaking of .conf files etc.
Solus is fast, really fast, and it looks good too. Fedora recognize Optimus too out-of-the box, and if you want to run Firefox with Nvidia, just right click firefox icon and run "with discrete graphics card". Now i have to find a way to "always run firefox with discrete graphics card"
As for now, Solus or Fedora is my choice of Linux distros.

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