If you are tired of struggling with your Microsoft Windows Operating System or for some of you, after Windows 10 Home and Pro end of support, then it might be time to migrate to another Operating System. Below is a selection of solid alternative and easy to use Linux distributions for Windows users.
ABOUT LINUX
Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. It is widely used in various platforms, including cloud computing, embedded devices, mainframe computers, mobile devices, personal computers, servers, and supercomputers.
Key Characteristics
Open-source: Linux is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.
Community-driven: The Linux kernel is maintained by a large community of developers and contributors.
Monolithic kernel: Linux uses a monolithic kernel architecture.
Available in multiple languages: Linux is translated into many languages, making it accessible to a global user base.
Runs on various platforms: Linux can be installed on a wide range of hardware architectures, including Alpha, ARC, ARM, C-Sky, Hexagon, LoongArch, m68k, Microblaze, MIPS, Nios II, OpenRISC, PA-RISC, PowerPC, RISC-V, s390, SuperH, SPARC, x86, and Xtensa.
Famous Entities Using Linux
Stephen Fry: Actor and comedian who uses Linux.
Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook creator who uses Linux.
Mark Shuttleworth: Businessman and computer scientist who uses Linux.
Linus Torvalds: Creator of Linux, uses Linux.
Ken Thompson: Helped design the Unix operating system and uses Linux.
CERN: European nuclear research lab uses Linux (Scientific Linux, a customized version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or CERN CentOS 7) for its desktops and servers.
Facebook: Uses Linux on its servers.
Amazon: Uses Linux on its servers.
Google: Uses Linux on its servers and is a major contributor to the Linux community.
IBM: Offers Linux certifications and uses Linux in its products and services.
Oracle: Uses Linux and offers Linux-based products and services.
SUSE: A major Linux distributor, providing enterprise-grade Linux solutions.
Red Hat: A leading Linux distributor, offering Red Hat Enterprise Linux and other Linux-based solutions.
NASA: Uses Linux on its servers and desktops.
The European Parliament: Uses Linux on its desktops.
The City of Munich: Uses Linux on its desktops.
Please note that this list might not be exhaustive, as the search results only provide a snapshot of information from various sources. Additionally, the use of Linux by these entities might have changed since the search results were compiled.
What is a Linux distribution also known as distro?
A Linux distribution (distro) is a customized version of the Linux operating system, compiled from various open-source components and designed to meet specific user needs and preferences. With hundreds of distributions available, there’s a Linux distro for every type of user, from beginners to experts.
A selection of good Linux distributions for desktops and laptops.
What is the best Linux distribution?
There is no answer, the best Linux distro is the one that:
Works with your hardware.
You feel comfortable with.
Covers your needs.
Take the time to try different distros to find the one that is the best for you!
CachyOS is an Arch Linux-based distribution that focuses on performance optimization and customization. It offers an easy installation process and provides several options to tailor the system to individual user preferences.
CachyOS implements various optimizations to improve system performance across multiple areas, including kernel scheduling, file systems, and architecture-specific optimizations.
CachyOS is a rolling-release distribution, with new installer ISO images published approximately once a month.
🛈 CachyOS is an excellent choice for gaming and content creation.
Debian is an operating system and a distribution of Free Software. It is maintained and updated through the work of many users who volunteer their time and effort.
Debian is one of the most popular Linux distributions, and many other distributions have been created from the Debian codebase, most notably Ubuntu.
A new stable branch of Debian gets released approximately every 2 years. It will receive official support for about 3 years with update for major security or usability fixes.
ℹ Browsing the Debian website is a terrible experience, the ISO image file you probably want is AMD64. Look at the bottom of the page to find the .iso file.
Fedora Linux is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project which is sponsored primarily by Red Hat with additional support and sponsors from other companies and organizations.
Fedora Workstation is a polished, easy to use operating system for laptop and desktop computers, with a complete set of tools for developers and makers of all kinds.
The Fedora Project releases a new version of Fedora Linux approximately every six months and provides updated packages (maintena
nce) to these releases for approximately 13 months.
Garuda Linux is a Linux distribution based on the Arch Linux operating system.
Garuda Linux is an appealing Arch Linux based Distro with BTRFS (modern filesystem), Linux-zen kernel, auto snapshots, gaming edition and a lot more bleeding-edge features.
Linux Mint is a community-driven Linux distribution based on Ubuntu.
Linux Mint is an operating system for desktop and laptop computers. It is designed to work 'out of the box' and comes fully equipped with the apps most people need.
Linux Mint’s release schedule follows that of Ubuntu’s LTS releases. Linux Mint releases come out a few months after the corresponding Ubuntu LTS release because the Linux Mint team needs time for their own development and testing work. Each Linux Mint release is supported for five years, which is the same as the corresponding Ubuntu LTS release.
🛈 Mint is a good choice for beginers and Windows users who want to switch to Linux.
The Nobara Project is a modified version of Fedora Linux with user-friendly fixes added to it.
The Nobara Project fixes some of the important things that are missing from Fedora, especially with regards to gaming include WINE dependencies, obs-studio, 3rd party codec packages such as those for gstreamer, 3rd party drivers such as NVIDIA drivers, and even small package fixes here and there.
openSUSE Tumbleweed
An open source Linux distribution developed by the "openSUSE project" supported by SUSE and others.
The Tumbleweed distribution is a pure rolling release version of openSUSE containing the latest "stable" versions of all software instead of relying on rigid periodic release cycles. The project does this for users that want the newest stable software.
Instead of classical version numbers and periodic updates, a rolling release system is used: updates happen continuously; previous states of the operating system are saved as "snapshots".
Pop!_OS is a free and open-source Linux distribution, based upon Ubuntu.
Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Pop!_OS is also a good choice for gamers.
Pop!_OS is based upon Ubuntu and its release cycle is the same as Ubuntu, with new releases every six months in April and October. Long term support releases are made every two years, in April of even-numbered years. Each non-LTS release is supported for three months after the release of the next version, and LTS releases are supported for five years.
Ultramarine Linux is an easy to use distribution based on Fedora Linux.
Ultramarine Linux is a Linux-based operating system designed for your own personal workstation (or battlestation). It is designed to be as easy to use as possible, and stays out of your way. Ultramarine Linux keeps up with the latest and greatest software in the open-source community, while trying to be stable and secure. Ultramarine is for everyone, from the beginner to the tech enthusiast, and even Windows dropouts!
Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It uses a GNOME 3 or XFCE 4 desktop environment as default, although the desktop is heavily customized in order to help users transition from Windows and macOS easily.
Zorin OS is the alternative to Windows and macOS designed to make your computer faster, more powerful, secure, and privacy-respecting.
Overview of Linux distribution families and what they are based on.
🛈 Some distributions may overlap between families or have complex relationships (e.g., Ubuntu is based on Debian, but also has its own package manager and community). This overview aims to provide a general understanding of the major Linux distribution families and their characteristics.
Arch family
Arch Linux (bleeding-edge, community-supported)
Manjaro (community-supported, user-friendly)
Antergos (community-supported, Arch-based with GUI installer)
SteamOS (gaming-focused, based on Arch Linux)
CachyOS
EndeavourOS
Debian family
Debian (stable, testing, unstable)
Ubuntu (commercially supported, popular desktop distribution)
Linux Mint (community-supported, popular desktop distribution)
Kali Linux (security-focused, based on Debian)
Tails (anonymous, live-distro based on Debian)
Fedora family
Fedora (community-supported, bleeding-edge)
Rocky Linux (community-owned, compatible with RHEL)
Aquamarine
Bazzite
Gentoo family
Gentoo Linux (highly customizable, compiled locally)
Google’s ChromeOS (based on Gentoo, used in Chromebooks)
Red Hat family
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
CentOS (community-supported, compatible with RHEL)
AlmaLinux (community-owned, compatible with RHEL)
Oracle Linux (commercially supported, compatible with RHEL)
Are you curious about Linux and want to give it a try? Here are 5 ways to experience Linux without committing to a full installation:
LiveCD/LiveUSB: Boot from a Linux LiveCD or LiveUSB and run Linux directly from the CD or USB drive. This way, you can try Linux without modifying your current operating system.
Virtual Machine: Install a virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware and create a virtual machine running Linux. This allows you to run Linux alongside your current operating system.
Dual Boot: Install Linux alongside your current operating system and dual-boot between the two. This way, you can try Linux without replacing your current operating system.
Old Laptop: Take an old laptop and install Linux on it. This is a great way to try Linux without worrying about affecting your main computer.
DistroSea: Try Linux in your browser using DistroSea, a website that allows you to run Linux distributions in your browser without installing them.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Start with a beginner-friendly distribution like Linux Mint.
Take an old laptop or use a virtual machine to minimize the risk of data loss or system corruption.
Be prepared to learn new commands and interfaces, as Linux can be different from what you’re used to.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or search online for solutions to any issues you encounter.
Trying Linux is a great way to experience the operating system and see if it’s right for you.
🛈 TRY LINUX!
The Live mode is good way to try a Linux distribution on a machine without make any change to it. It is highly recommended to try a Linux distribution [1][2] in its Live mode before you install on your hard drive, to check if it works with your hardware (GPU, Webcam, Audio, Internet, Wi-Fi, Etc.)
The Linux file system is a fundamental component of the operating system, providing a flexible and scalable way to organize and manage files and directories. Understanding the different file system types, their features, and limitations is essential for effective system administration and configuration. By choosing the right file system for your use case, you can ensure optimal performance, reliability, and data integrity.
The Linux file system is a hierarchical structure that organizes files and directories on a storage device. It is designed to be flexible, scalable, and efficient. Here are some key aspects:
File System Types
ext2/3/4: The most widely used file systems, known for their stability and backward compatibility.
XFS: Optimized for large files and high-performance environments, commonly used in media servers and databases.
Btrfs: A modern file system with advanced features like snapshotting, deduplication, and online defragmentation.
ZFS: A file system and volume manager developed by Sun Microsystems, known for its robust data management capabilities.
File System Structure
Root Directory (/): The topmost directory, containing all other directories and files.
Mount Points: Directories where file systems are mounted, allowing access to external storage devices or network shares.
Directories: Hierarchical organization of files, with each directory containing subdirectories and files.
Files: Individual data storage units, including regular files, directories, and special files (e.g., devices, sockets).
Key Concepts
Permissions: Controls access to files and directories, defined by user IDs, group IDs, and permissions bits.
Inodes: Data structures containing metadata about files, such as ownership, permissions, and location.
Block Devices: Storage devices, like hard drives or SSDs, divided into blocks for efficient data storage.
Mounting: The process of attaching a file system to a mount point, making its contents accessible.
Practical Tips
Format a partition: Use mkfs (e.g., mkfs.ext4) to create a file system on a partition.
Mount a file system: Use mount (e.g., mount /dev/sda1 /mnt) to attach a file system to a mount point.
Unmount a file system: Use umount (e.g., umount /mnt) to safely detach a file system before removing a storage device.
Check disk usage: Use df (e.g., df -h) to display disk space usage and available free space.
A desktop environment (DE) in Linux is a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides an intuitive and interactive way to interact with the operating system. Here's an overview of what you might expect from a typical desktop environment:
Components:
Window Manager: This component handles window management, such as creating, resizing, moving, and closing windows.
Desktop Background: The background image or color that appears when no other windows are open.
Taskbar (or Panel): A bar at the bottom of the screen where you can find icons for frequently used applications, notifications, and system tray icons.
Start Menu (or Application Launcher): A menu that provides access to installed applications, settings, and features.
Desktop Icons: Small images or text labels representing files, folders, or devices on your computer.
Features:
Icon-based interface: Most DEs use a visual representation of icons for menus, windows, and other UI elements.
Drag-and-drop functionality: You can easily move files between windows and directories by dragging them with the mouse.
Context-sensitive menu options: Right-clicking on an item often provides context-specific options for that particular item.
Notification system: The DE may display notifications for events, such as new emails or updates available.
Popular Desktop Environments:
GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment): A modern and feature-rich DE with a focus on user-friendly design and seamless integration with the Linux operating system.
KDE Plasma: A highly customizable DE that offers advanced features, such as window management options and extensive configuration capabilities.
Xfce: A lightweight and efficient DE suitable for older hardware or those who prefer a more minimalist interface.
Cinnamon: A desktop environment based on the GNOME infrastructure but offering a unique look and feel with traditional-style menus, applets, and effects. Cinnamon is particularly popular among users looking for a modern take on classic desktop experiences.
Pop!_OS Cosmic (formerly Pop OS): A highly customized DE developed by System76 specifically for their own hardware offerings. It provides an intuitive interface that's easy to use while still offering advanced features, such as multi-monitor support and GPU acceleration.
Some common interactions:
Clicking on an icon to launch an application.
Right-clicking (or secondary clicking) to access context menus.
Dragging files between windows, folders, or devices.
Using the start menu to search for and launch applications.
PACKAGE MANAGER
A package manager in Linux is a set of software or tools that allows the user to manage packages effectively. The user can install, upgrade, remove, and configure packages using the supported package manager on the Linux operating system.
POPULAR PACKAGE MANAGERS
APT (ADVANCED PACKAGE TOOL): APT is one of the most popular Linux package managers, as it comes with Debian-based distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, etc.
DPKG (DEBAIN-BASED PACKAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM): The package manager uses the .deb extension. Unlike APT, it cannot automatically install packages and their dependencies.
DNF (DANDIFIED YUM): Successor of YUM. DNF utilizes the RPM package as its underlying package management. Used by Fedora.
RPM (RED HAT PACKAGE MANAGER): Used by Red Hat-based Linux operating systems, CentOS, Fedora.
PACMAN: Pacman is the package manager for Arch-based Linux operating systems, such as Arch, Manjaro, Garuda. It uses the .tar.xz file format.
ZYPPER: Zypper is the package manager for openSUSE. It is a CLI tool that handles packages in the openSUSE Linux distro. It uses a .rpm package file format, similar to YUM and DNF.
PACKAGES
A package is at the core of the Linux operating system. Technically, it is an archive file containing an executable binary file, a related configuration file, and information about the dependencies required to run it properly.
DEPENDENCIES
Linux operating system is complex. It consists of multiple software that depend on each other. For any software to work, it would require some other software or package.
REPOSITORIES
Repositories or repos are virtual online places that list all the packages. These repos are accessible through the internet and help the Linux user to gain access to the packages required during software installation.
PACKAGE MANAGEMENT BENEFITS
INSTALL PACKAGES: Automate package installation without any intervention.
REMOVE OLD PACKAGES: Get rid of old packages that you don't need.
RINSTALL PACKAGES: Reinstall packages to fix broken configurations without manual work.
UPDATE PACKAGES: Update packages automatically to receive new features and bug fixes.
Linux OS⟶Package Manager⟶Repository⟷Package Metadata⟷Packages⟵Package Dependencies
SHORT SUMMARY OF THE FUNCTIONS OF PACKAGE MANAGERS
Ensure that the packages are authentic. Also, ensure the integrity of the package is maintained by doing proper checksum and digital certificate authentication.
Automate package combining for ease of use.
Make sure to install any dependencies to avoid “dependency hell.”
Manage packages, including downloading, searching, and installing new or existing software.
The goal of ProtonDB is to gather reports from other gamers as they test games with Proton on Linux and provide aggregate scores of how well games perform.
Steam is a video game digital distribution service and storefront developed by Valve Corporation. It is the ultimate destination for playing, discussing, and creating games.
Proton is a tool released by Valve Software that has been integrated with Steam Play to make playing Windows games on Linux as simple as hitting the Play button within Steam.
Wine (originally an acronym for "Wine Is Not an Emulator" is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, & BSD.
HARDWARE
These companies offer hardware, desktops and laptops compatible or optimized for Linux.
