Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a Debian- and Ubuntu-based distribution designed to be user-friendly and familiar for those transitioning from Windows. It includes multimedia support out of the box and features multiple desktop environments, with Cinnamon being the flagship option. The distribution emphasizes stability and ease of use while providing regular updates. Originally, I used a standard Ubuntu distribution. It was very easy to use while still being adaptable and nimble. However, there were several pieces of software I needed for my research that either were misinterpreted under simple commands or were not compatible with my distro. All of this was resolved when I began to use Linux Mint instead.
First of all, it was a lot faster, and I was quickly able to set it up with the aforementioned software without any issues. Overall, Linux Mint offered a much more aesthetic and navigable interface. It was just as suitable for Unix-based manipulation (which one will undoubtedly employ when using Linux) as it was for the more familiar approach one gets growing up with Windows.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Linux Mint for those looking for their first Linux distribution. Personally, I suggest the Cinnamon desktop edition, but that's just me.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux distribution developed by Canonical and widely used for both desktops and servers. It features long-term support (LTS) releases every two years and interim releases every six months. The default desktop environment is GNOME, and the distribution focuses on accessibility and ease of installation. Ubuntu is the most well-known distro, and the one many users start with. It's based on Debian (a more difficult distro to use), which is a very stable Linux distro. If you don't like the default, Mac-like desktop, then consider looking at some of Ubuntu's flavors, each with a different desktop environment.
Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is an official Ubuntu flavor that uses the MATE desktop environment, which provides a traditional desktop experience. It aims to be lightweight while maintaining compatibility with modern software and hardware. The distribution is designed for users who prefer a classic interface with long-term Ubuntu support. My favorite Ubuntu flavor, and the one I'm using right now to write this list, is Ubuntu Mate. It's a good choice for users who want more control over their operating system.
elementary OS
Elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that emphasizes a clean and minimalist design inspired by macOS. It features the Pantheon desktop environment and a curated selection of pre-installed applications. The operating system follows a pay-what-you-want model to support development. This Ubuntu-based distro uses its own custom desktop environment, which looks a lot like the macOS interface. It's a good choice for Mac users to start with.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to resemble Windows, making it suitable for users switching from Windows to Linux. It includes Zorin Appearance, a tool that allows customization of the desktop layout to mimic Windows, macOS, or a standard Linux interface. The distribution comes in multiple editions, including a free Core version and a paid Ultimate version with additional features. Zorin OS is another distro similar to Linux Mint that has a Windows-like GUI.
Peppermint OS
Peppermint OS is a lightweight Linux distribution based on Debian and Devuan, designed for speed and efficiency. It uses the LXDE desktop environment with XFCE components and integrates cloud-based applications through the ICE tool. The system is built to run efficiently on older or low-resource hardware. Peppermint OS is a lightweight distro with cloud-based apps, making it a good alternative to the less privacy-focused Chrome OS.
Fedora
Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat, with a focus on cutting-edge features and open-source software. It serves as a testing ground for new technologies before they are implemented in Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The distribution provides multiple desktop spins, with GNOME as the default environment. Fedora is one of the most innovative Linux distros. It does require some experience to use properly, but it's easy enough for new users to run the distro without having major problems.
Manjaro
Manjaro is an Arch-based Linux distribution that simplifies installation and system management while retaining Arch's rolling-release model. It offers multiple desktop environments, with KDE Plasma, XFCE, and GNOME being the main supported editions. The distribution includes user-friendly tools such as the Manjaro Hardware Detection utility and a graphical package manager. For beginning users who prefer the latest software, there's Manjaro. This is essentially Arch Linux, but without all the frustration and difficulty in installing the OS.
The KDE Edition is slick and easy for beginners but may become annoying due to the constant updates that come with it.
MX Linux
MX Linux is a Debian-based distribution developed as a collaboration between antiX and the former MEPIS community. It features the lightweight XFCE desktop as its default environment and includes tools for system management and ease of use. The distribution emphasizes stability while remaining user-friendly for both beginners and experienced users. As of the day this list was created, MX Linux is the number one most popular distro on the site Distrowatch.
Q4OS
Q4OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed to provide a classic desktop experience with the Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE) as its default interface. It aims to be lightweight, making it suitable for older hardware, and offers a Windows-like user interface for ease of transition. The system provides long-term support and a stable base for professional and personal use. Q4OS is a lesser-known distro that looks and feels exactly like Windows XP. It's good for nostalgia or for old computers, but that's about it.
The Newcomers
? Deepin
Deepin is a Debian-based Linux distribution developed by the Chinese company Deepin Technology, featuring a custom desktop environment called Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE). It focuses on aesthetics, ease of use, and pre-installed applications designed for productivity and entertainment. The distribution includes a software store and a unique control center for system settings.
? Netrunner
Netrunner is a Debian-based Linux distribution that features the KDE Plasma desktop with additional customizations and multimedia enhancements. It provides a polished user experience with pre-installed applications for media, gaming, and productivity. The distribution aims to balance visual appeal with performance and usability.
The Contenders
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution developed by System76 and tailored for developers, creators, and gamers. It features a customized GNOME desktop environment with workflow enhancements, such as window tiling and keyboard-driven navigation. The distribution includes built-in support for NVIDIA drivers and optimized hardware performance.
Solus
Solus is an independent Linux distribution that follows a curated rolling-release model and focuses on desktop computing. It features the Budgie desktop environment by default, with alternative editions using GNOME, MATE, and KDE Plasma. The system includes the eopkg package manager and prioritizes simplicity and user experience. Highly underrated, in my opinion. Solus is an independent distro and incredibly stable. When used with the signature Budgie desktop, it's really slick and intuitive.
Kubuntu
Kubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavor that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment instead of GNOME. It provides a visually rich and customizable interface while maintaining Ubuntu's underlying stability and package ecosystem. The distribution is designed for users who prefer the KDE desktop with Ubuntu's long-term support. Kubuntu combines the ease of use and easy installation of Ubuntu with the absolutely beautiful KDE Plasma desktop environment. This was the first distro I chose to use after Ubuntu and have been using it ever since.