eeny meeny miny moe
Posted on 01 Mar 2024 by penguiva — 5 min
It's hard to find the right Linux distribution. There's no such thing as perfect distributions. Choosing a distribution is all about what you need, how skilled you are, what desktop you like, and what hardware you have. Think about those things when making your decision. Picking a distro will be a breeze once you know what you want—haha, sure.
There are tons of Linux distros to choose from. Here's what you need to know.
Linux distros compile and package code from open source projects to build an entire operating system using the Linux kernel. In addition to the Linux kernel, distributions also incorporate components from the GNU Project, including utilities, shells, compilers, and libraries. You have the parent distributions and their offspring. Parent distributions are the building blocks for making a derivative distribution. If a distribution is based on another, it's called a derivative or fork.
There are seven parent distributions.
Arch
Debian
Fedora
Gentoo
OpenSUSÉ
Slackware
Mandriva
Distinct from the distributions listed above, independent distributions stand on their own.
Examples:
Parent Distribution > Child Distribution /Fork
Arch > Garuda Linux
Debian > Sparky Linux
Fedora > Nobara
Gentoo > Redcore Linux.
OpenSUSE > Gecko Linux.
Slackware > Salix Linux.
Mandriva> Mageia
Independent > Void
You will usually see lists that rank distributions according to a user’s skill level. The list would look something like this.
For beginners: PCLinuxOS, LMDE, MXLinux.
If you're not a total noob with computers, Fedora, OpenSUSE, or Debian.
For the pros: Void, Arch, Gentoo, Slackware.
For the Totally Nuts Linux from Scratch.
When you’re choosing a Linux distro for everyday use, make sure you take a few things into account in order to make a well-informed decision.
Hardware Support
Using a VM is a good way to get a sense of a distro, but you might wanna test it with a live CD to see if it works on your hardware. Don’t bother with a distro that won’t play nice with your hardware. I’m telling you, if you install it just because everyone else is or because it looks cool, you’re gonna regret it.
Software
The software plays a big role in choosing a distribution. If you're just starting out with Linux and don't know much about the free and open-source alternatives to the nonfree software you're using, you might want a distribution that comes with all the software you need and makes it easy to add more later. Once you have more experience under your belt, you’ll probably only want to install the software you actually want and get rid of the unnecessary “bloat”.
When managing software, here's what you need to know.
Package Manager: A program that takes care of installing, removing, and updating the software listed below.
A. Application packages.
B. Distribution Upgrade.
C. Security updates.
In Linux, software packages are packaged as package files.
pkg.tar.zst: Arch Linux
deb: Primarily used in Debian -based distributions.
rpm: Found in Fedora, Mandriva, and SUSE-based distributions.
snap: Linux distribution-agnostic
flatpak: Linux distribution-agnostic.
appImage: Linux distribution-agnostic.
ebuild: Gentoo Linux
eopkg: Solus
apk: Alpine Linux
pisi: Pardus
tar.gz: Linux distribution-agnostic.
Software repository: an online location that stores software that can be installed on a particular operating system.
Each parent distribution will have its own separate software repositories listed in their software sources.
A derivative distribution will include one or more software repositories from the parent distribution in their software sources.
Besides the software repositories listed in their software sources from the parent distribution, derivative distribution may have one or more independent software repositories.
Upgrade Cycles
There are essentially three options for a distribution to choose from when it comes to update cycles.
Stable distributions follow a predetermined schedule for releasing updates, with security and maintenance patches between each release.
Semi-Rolling distributions have a point-release based system for their core packages, but third-party packages operate on a rolling release model.
Rolling distributions ensure packages are always updated to the latest versions. While this model ensures users can access the newest software, it may need more frequent maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Some distributions offer users the option to choose between two or more different cycles.
Desktop Environments
Different flavors or desktop environments are available for most distributions. Some of the well-known desktop environments include Gnome, KDE, XFCE, LXQT, Cinnamon, and MATE. Some lightweight distributions offer a range of window managers (x11) or compositors (Wayland). i3, Qtile, Openbox, Awesome, and Bpswm are among the window managers that are commonly used. Included in the selection of compositors are Sway, Hyprland, Winter, and Wayfire.
Community/ Resources
It is important to consider the community of a distribution. When something goes wrong, that community is who you'll seek help from. What kind of user are you? Do you prefer asking for help or solving problems independently using wikis and documentation? Smaller projects frequently lack sufficient documentation, if any at all. Being familiar with the parent distribution allows you to leverage their documentation for troubleshooting. You can also explore their forums to find solutions to similar issues, as most instructions should apply to the derivative distribution.
Keep in mind, popularity shouldn't be your only deciding factor. Don't forget about the practical stuff. If you stick to your list, you'll definitely find a few options that work. Choose a distribution that feels easy and doable for you.
Always remember the golden rule: don't talk about politics, religion, money, or Linux distributions in polite company. Debating about the best distribution is like arguing about religion - it's a waste of time.