MX Linux, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and OpenSUSE are like the top favorite flavors at an ice cream shop when it comes to Linux versions. They’re super popular because they’re easy to use and work with lots of different programs. While there are other versions like Arch Linux and Debian that some people who know a lot about Linux like to use, they’re not as straightforward or user-friendly as the first bunch.

Even though new versions of Linux might pop up as more people start using it, it’s pretty unlikely any of them will become more popular than the big names we already have. This is mainly because not as many people use Linux compared to Windows or macOS, so there’s not as much push for developers to come up with something new and different for a small group of users.

That said, the Linux versions we have now are pretty good for most people. But everyone has their own taste. Some might want something simpler and faster, while others might be looking for the latest and greatest features. No matter what you’re into, there’s probably a Linux version out there that’s just right for you.

Today, I want to talk about the most liked Linux versions you can find right now. We’re picking these based on how much people use them, how well they are received, and how many apps they support. Let’s dive in!

Fedora

Fedora is a friendly Linux version that’s perfect for beginners. It’s known for being easy to get the hang of, with lots of helpful features and a bunch of software options. It’s like the friendly neighborhood of Linux versions, welcoming newcomers with open arms.

There’s a big group of developers who are always tweaking and improving Fedora, making sure it stays fresh and up-to-date. Imagine a bunch of tech wizards constantly upgrading your computer’s brain to make it faster and cooler, without you having to do a thing.

Fedora is backed by Red Hat, a big name in the tech world, along with support from other tech companies. It organizes its software a bit like how Red Hat does, using something called RPM Package Manager and Yum, which is just a way to handle and organize all the software and updates your computer needs.

One of the cool things about Fedora is it gets new updates pretty fast. This means you’re always getting the latest tech and features sooner than with other versions of Linux. It’s also the testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which means if you’re using Fedora, you’re kind of on the cutting edge.

To run Fedora, your computer should have at least 2GB of memory, 15GB of free space on the hard drive, and a processor that’s at least 2GHz and dual-core. This is like making sure you have enough room in your garage for a new car and ensuring the car has a decent engine to run smoothly.

OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE is a Linux version supported by a big community, including SUSE Linux and companies like Novell. Instead of putting out new versions all the time, OpenSUSE focuses on being stable and lasting a long time. It uses the same foundation as SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE), meaning they share improvements and features with each other.

The main aims of OpenSUSE are pretty straightforward. First, they want to make OpenSUSE the easiest Linux version for lots of people to use. Second, they aim to create a user-friendly desktop experience that both beginners and pros can enjoy, thanks to working together openly. Lastly, they want OpenSUSE to be the top choice for developers and companies making software, making it simple and efficient to develop and package software for Linux.

OpenSUSE offers a variety of desktop options like Cinnamon, GNOME, IceWM, KDE, LXDE, Openbox, WMaker, and Xfce. It doesn’t chase after releasing new versions regularly; instead, it focuses on providing a stable, long-term option with the latest, stable features.

Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Linux is a super popular version of Linux that’s easy for anyone to use, even if you’re just starting with Linux. It’s built on another version of Linux called Debian, which means it gets its updates and new software from Debian, making sure everything is stable and up-to-date.

The company behind Ubuntu is Canonical, and they’ve worked really hard to make Ubuntu well-known and easy to use not just on computers, but also on phones, tablets, and even web servers. In fact, a lot of websites use Ubuntu to run their servers because it’s reliable and has a big share of the market.

People like Ubuntu because it’s made to be user-friendly — it’s even been called “Linux for human beings.” You don’t have to be a tech expert to get it set up because it guides you through the installation in simple language, and you can even try it out before you install it for real.

With Ubuntu, you have a few options:

• You can replace your old operating system with Ubuntu.
• You can install Ubuntu alongside your current operating system and choose which one to use each time you start your computer.
• You can set up different partitions for different users.

Ubuntu is great for programming or web coding because it comes with Bash, a command-line tool. It’s also pretty good with hardware, meaning you usually don’t have to fuss with drivers or installing basic software like music and video players, or an office suite.

While Ubuntu’s customer support isn’t as hands-on as what you might get with Windows, there’s a ton of helpful info out there and a big community of users ready to help on forums and sites like Ask Ubuntu.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Ubuntu special:

• It’s very stable and secure.
• You can choose from different looks for your desktop, like Gnome, KDE, and more.
• Ubuntu is the base for lots of other versions of Linux, like Linux Mint and Elementary OS.
• It comes with a lot of essential apps already installed, and you can get pretty much anything else you need from its app store.
• It’s customizable, so tech-savvy folks can really make it their own.
• Ubuntu comes out with a new version every six months, and every two years, they release a version that’s supported for a long time, which is great for people who need extra reliability.

MX Linux

First up, we have MX Linux. This one’s special because it mixes things up by using Xfce for its main look and feel, which keeps things running fast and smooth, even on older computers. It also borrows some handy tools from another version of Linux called antiX.

MX Linux is a hit for anyone wanting something that’s easy to get the hang of but still has all the bells and whistles you’d want. It’s packed with features that cater to pretty much anyone, whether you’re new to Linux or have been around the block a few times. And for those not a fan of systemd (a piece of software that’s been a bit controversial), MX Linux comes with it turned off by default.

The folks behind MX Linux have put a lot of effort into making it stable and simple to use. It’s perfect if you need something dependable that also doesn’t make you jump through hoops to get things done. All you need to get started is a fairly recent computer (doesn’t have to be anything fancy), at least 1 GB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage space.

Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux is a favorite choice for both newbies and seasoned Linux users. It’s built on Arch Linux, which might sound intimidating, but Manjaro makes it super user-friendly. It sorts its software into three groups: Unstable, Testing, and Stable, so you can choose how cutting-edge or reliable you want your apps to be. Plus, installing software is a breeze, whether you like clicking around or typing in commands, thanks to its “Pacman” system.

If you’re new to Linux and want something straightforward, Manjaro is a solid pick. It’s designed to be easy to use, automating a lot of the technical stuff so you won’t need to be a computer wizard to get going. It’s also regularly updated, so you’ll always have the latest security and features without much fuss.

Manjaro stands out because it’s pretty good at handling hardware drivers by itself. If you do run into issues, there’s a community ready to help. It has its own special place to get software, ensuring you get the latest versions.

You can get Manjaro in different styles like Gnome, KDE, and XFCE. To get started, you’ll need to make a USB stick that can boot up the system.

Unlike many Linux versions that are based on Ubuntu, Manjaro is rooted in Arch Linux. This means you typically won’t have headaches getting your computer’s hardware to work right since Manjaro is smart about finding and installing the drivers you need.

Here’s what makes Manjaro stand out:

• It offers both the latest and most stable software options, thanks to its Arch base.
• There are lots of versions (like KDE, Cinnamon, and many more) to choose from, so you can pick the look and feel you like best.
• Installing Manjaro is super simple and straightforward.
• It comes ready with multimedia codecs, so you can enjoy music and videos right off the bat.
• You have a lot of control over how your desktop looks and works.
• Manjaro lets you use different versions of the Linux kernel (the core of the operating system) and has a handy tool for managing graphics drivers.

Debian

Debian is a super reliable version of Linux that really values being a free operating system, loaded with tons of free software for everyone. Unlike some other Linux versions that push out new updates regularly, Debian’s main goal is to be as stable as possible. This means they only release a new, super-solid version every two years. Think of Debian like the wise grandparent of the Linux family, because it’s the base for many other well-known Linux versions, like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Debian has been around for a long time and is known for being really steady and reliable. It might not get as much attention as some newer systems, but it sticks to a slow and careful update schedule. Installing new programs or fixing old ones is pretty straightforward with Debian. It manages all the tricky bits, like making sure new updates don’t mess up your existing settings or software.

With Debian, you get access to a massive library of software – we’re talking about 51,000 programs. And it’s not just about free stuff; if you need to run specific paid programs, Debian can handle those too. It works with a bunch of different computer types and parts, so chances are, your machine can run Debian without any hiccups.

It’s known for being quick and not hogging memory, so your computer can run smoothly. On the security front, Debian is on the ball, quickly fixing any security gaps and making sure those updates are available fast.

Here’s a quick summary of what Debian offers:

• It’s all about stability. Every version is well-tested and polished to fix any bugs.
• You have a massive selection of over 50,000 stable, free programs right at your fingertips.
• No matter what you need, you’re likely to find the software for free in Debian’s collection.
• It supports pretty much any desktop look you could want, from the classic options to the more niche ones, ensuring you can personalize your computing experience just how you like it.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a friendly and popular choice for people who are just starting with Linux or those who already know their way around it. The idea behind Linux Mint is pretty simple: to make a system that’s not only free to use but also looks good and is easy to work with. It’s designed to be ready to go right after you install it, so you don’t have to fiddle around too much to get things working.

This Linux version is made by a bunch of people who work together online to make it as user-friendly and powerful as possible. If you’re new to Linux and worried about finding your way around, Linux Mint makes it easier by organizing software in a way that makes sense. Plus, you get all the multimedia support you need without having to install extra stuff.

The guy who started Linux Mint, Clement Lefebvre, along with a team and other volunteers from around the world, put it all together. People like it because it works well, even on older computers, and it’s built on a solid foundation that comes from Ubuntu. This means it can run pretty much any program that’s made for Ubuntu.

If you were a fan of Windows 7, you’ll find Linux Mint feels familiar with a similar layout for the toolbar, menus, and icons on the bottom of the screen.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Linux Mint stand out:

• It’s based on Ubuntu, so you can use any program that’s available for Ubuntu.
• It comes ready with everything you might need, like web browser plugins, ways to play DVDs, Java, and other bits and pieces.
• Linux Mint isn’t one-size-fits-all; it offers different versions like Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE, MATE, and Xfce to suit your taste.
• If you’re into the look of Mac OS, you might want to check out the Cinnamon version of Linux Mint. It’s not just pretty; it’s also really stable.

Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a version of Linux that came out in 2009 and is similar to Ubuntu, which means if you’ve ever installed Ubuntu, you’ll find setting up Zorin OS pretty straightforward. What makes Zorin OS stand out is its ability to let you change how your computer looks to match what you’re used to, whether that’s Windows, macOS, or a Linux look like Ubuntu Mate. This is done through something called the “Zorin look changer,” which is a fancy way of saying you can make your computer’s desktop look and work the way you like it.

Zorin OS is packed with some cool apps right out of the box, like Maps, Weather, Photos, and videos, making it nicer to use your computer for everyday stuff. For example, the Photos app can work with Google Photos, and the Videos app can play stuff from YouTube and Vimeo.

Elementary OS

Elementary OS is another easy-to-use Linux system that started in 2009 and is built on Ubuntu. It’s aimed at people who are new to Linux and offers a simple way to change the whole look of your computer to resemble MacOS. This is great for anyone who’s used to a Mac but wants to switch to Linux.

The menu and overall feel of Elementary OS are designed to be straightforward and customizable to your liking. It doesn’t come with a lot of apps pre-installed, keeping things clean and simple. However, when you need more apps, there’s an AppCenter where you can find a bunch of essential software all in one place, making it easy to get what you need without the hassle.

Gentoo Linux

Gentoo Linux is a type of Linux that’s known for being a bit of a challenge to set up, mainly because of its use of something called the portage package management system. This system makes Gentoo pretty unique since it was first introduced back in July 2000. Setting up Gentoo can take a lot of time, which might put some people off. Despite this, it’s got a solid fan base, especially among web developers who seem to really like it.

One of the best things about Gentoo is that it has really detailed guides and instructions. These documents cover everything from which bits of the system you need to tweak (like kernel modules), to how to get the whole thing up and running, and even how to fix problems when they pop up.

Even though the Gentoo user community isn’t the biggest out there, it’s filled with people who are more than willing to lend a hand. There are plenty of volunteers who are happy to help out with any issues you might have.

Endeavor OS

EndeavourOS is a favorite among Linux fans because it’s built on Arch Linux, which is known for being powerful, but it makes things a lot simpler for users. It has a huge selection of software ready to go in its libraries. Plus, it works with the AUR, which is a place where Arch users share additional software.

You can try out EndeavourOS without installing it first by using a live DVD or USB stick. This live version has everything you need to get a feel for what EndeavourOS is like. If you like it, you can install it onto your computer or even onto a USB stick to take with you.

EndeavourOS works on both old and new computers, whether they use 32-bit or 64-bit technology. You can download it straight from the EndeavourOS website.

Here’s why people like EndeavourOS:

• It’s lightweight and focuses on bein g simple and easy to use.
• It updates itself with the latest software without needing to reinstall the whole system.
• It’s friendly for users, coming with an easy setup process and a ready-to-use desktop.
• The EndeavourOS team has put together a lot of helpful guides and documentation to help with installation and use.
• It’s designed to be secure, checking that all software is exactly what it’s supposed to be.
• It’s completely free and open-source, meaning anyone can look at and contribute to its development on GitHub.

Why is Linux so popular?

Linux is super popular because it’s reliable, fast, and doesn’t crash as much as Windows does. Plus, it’s really hard for viruses to mess with it. The best part? It’s free! This makes it a go-to choice for anyone needing an operating system without spending a lot. You can use Linux for pretty much anything, from running a website to just doing your everyday computer stuff, whether you’re at home or running a business.

Linux comes in many flavors, each with its own set of pros and cons. It’s an awesome option if you want something speedy, stable, and safe. It’s also great if you’re tired of Windows or macOS and want to try something new. Here’s why Linux is hitting the high notes:

1. It’s Open Source: This means anyone can check out how Linux is made and even change it if they know how. This openness has led to lots of different versions of Linux, like Mint, Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora, that you can get for free.
2. Super Secure: Linux is way safer than other operating systems. It’s set up in a way that makes it tough for viruses to do any damage. While you don’t usually need to get extra antivirus software, there are tools out there to keep your computer even safer, saving you the cash you’d spend on security software.
3. Frequent Updates: Linux gets updated a lot to fix bugs or add new stuff, which happens more often than with other operating systems. These updates come out fast, so you’re not left waiting for ages to get improvements.
4. Customize It Your Way: If you love making your computer look and work the way you want, Linux is perfect. There’s a ton of ways to tweak how it looks, from themes to icons, and even cool wallpapers.
5. So Many Choices: There’s a Linux for everyone. Whether you code, hack, or have an ancient computer, there’s a version of Linux that will work for you.
6. Totally Free: Unlike other operating systems, you don’t have to pay to use Linux. Big names in Linux like Fedora or Ubuntu don’t cost a dime.

Wrapping It Up: Linux is getting more fans by the day, thanks to its benefits over other operating systems. Its freedom, security, and constant updates make it a big deal, especially for servers. The ability to customize and the variety of versions available mean there’s something for everyone. And, you can’t beat free!

So, we’ve talked about some top Linux versions out there. Whether you’re new to Linux or looking for a new version to try, this guide should help you pick.

Which Linux did you dig from the list? Tried one or many? Share your Linux stories or tips in the comments, and pass this info to your buddies to spread the Linux love around.