Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most well-liked supply on Google.
Linux is on the rise. I consider the recognition of the open-source working system will proceed to extend. Though Linux did not attain the ten% mark as I had anticipated by the top of the yr, all indicators level to regular progress that would result in a major change in 2026.
Due to the recognition of Linux, I assumed I might create an inventory of my all-time high 11 distributions that I’ve used over time. A few of these distros are not with us, whereas a few of them are nonetheless thriving.
Additionally: 8 methods I rapidly leveled up my Linux expertise – and you’ll too
Are you able to take a journey with me? Let’s go.
1. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS has been my go-to Linux distribution for a while now. A part of the explanation for that’s that I have been utilizing System76 computer systems for the previous decade and have discovered Pop!_OS to run extraordinarily nicely on them. In spite of everything, System76 does ship these machines with Pop!_OS because the default working system. The efficiency of Pop!_OS and the System76 {hardware} is actually one thing to behold.
Additionally: Wish to save your outdated pc? Strive considered one of these 8 Linux distros without spending a dime
Of all of the Linux distributions I’ve used, Pop!_OS has been essentially the most environment friendly, whereas additionally being a good looking desktop working system. After all, System76 is about to unleash the COSMIC desktop model of Pop!_OS, which I consider will elevate the working system to even greater ranges of efficiency and ease of use.
If you need a do-all Linux distribution, you can’t go mistaken with Pop!_OS. One issue to bear in mind, nonetheless, is that you simply aren’t going to revive outdated machines with Pop!_OS, so you may desire a system with loads of sources.
2. Ubuntu Budgie
If I needed to migrate away from Pop!_OS, the one distribution that might be first on my record could be Ubuntu Budgie. This distribution does borrow a few of GNOME’s underpinnings, however there is no such thing as a mistaking that this distribution stands by itself. Ubuntu Budgie is beautiful. And though the builders have created an exquisite structure that ought to please anybody, Budgie additionally occurs to be extremely configurable.
Additionally: 6 the reason why I’ve caught with Ubuntu-based Linux distros for the final 20 years
You’ll be able to just about make this desktop feel and appear precisely the way you need. I typically contemplate migrating from Pop!_OS to Ubuntu Budgie. The one cause holding me again is how nicely Pop!_OS performs on the System76 {hardware}; in any other case, you possibly can wager I might be working Ubuntu Budgie.
3. Rhino Linux
If there’s one distribution that would beat Ubuntu Budgie within the seems division, it is Rhino Linux. Early on, Rhino used the Xfce desktop to attain this stunning look, however the builders just lately introduced they’d be including new spins, which is able to most certainly see all of them wanting pretty much as good because the default.
Additionally: These 6 Linux file managers are method higher than your default
Rhino Linux additionally occurs to be a rolling launch distribution, which implies it’ll all the time have the newest best software program. It is not only a fairly face. With this Linux distribution, you get a number of package deal managers, so you can’t solely get pleasure from tons of accessible software program, however you can even set up it together with your favourite instruments.
4. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux holds a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of its Moksha desktop is predicated on considered one of my favourite desktop environments, Enlightenment. Bohdi Linux can also be quick and light-weight, making it an awesome choice for reviving outdated {hardware}.
Two of my favourite parts of the Bodhi Linux desktop are the desktop menu (which may be accessed from wherever on the desktop) and the flexibility to shade home windows. After which there are the themes… so many themes. You’ll be able to mess around with the feel and appear of Bodhi till it’s precisely the way in which you need it. Bodhi Linux is primarily based on Ubuntu, so you already know it is dependable.
Additionally: This light-weight Linux distro makes switching from Home windows 10 simple
One factor I’ll say about Bodhi Linux which may give some customers pause is that it isn’t the most effective distribution for individuals who are new to Linux as a result of the desktop does take some getting used to.
5. elementaryOS
elementaryOS is one other distribution that holds a particular place in my overstuffed coronary heart. elementaryOS was my default for about 5 years, and it was an exquisite distribution, via and thru. This Linux distribution seems stunning from each angle. It doesn’t matter what you do or open, you know you are utilizing elementaryOS. elementaryOS additionally takes your privateness critically, with the assistance of a function known as Safe Session.
Additionally: I examined the brand new elementaryOS 8.1 beta, and it completely brings the magic
If you happen to ever wished a Linux distribution that appears and looks like MacOS, elementaryOS is what you need. The builders have gone to nice lengths to make sure that each facet of the OS maintains a constant feel and appear. I might additionally go as far as to say that elementaryOS is likely one of the finest distributions for brand new Linux customers.
6. Ubuntu
It is a uncommon event that you’re going to see a better of Linux record that does not embrace Ubuntu. Anybody trying to hop off the Home windows 10 prepare could be good to think about Ubuntu, particularly given its prolonged assist. Ubuntu is such a great Linux distribution that just about each distro I’ve used over time has been primarily based on it. That is a persuasive promoting level.
Additionally: 6 most Home windows-like Linux distros as a result of outdated habits die laborious
Ubuntu is not simply simple to make use of; it additionally has nice {hardware} assist. If you happen to are fascinated by migrating from Home windows 10 to Ubuntu, I might counsel you attempt dual-booting with Ubuntu first. If you happen to like what you see, then finally you possibly can scrap Home windows 10. Ubuntu is quick, dependable, and has supplied a constant desktop UI for a very long time.
7. Fedora
Fedora is that Linux distribution that I liked to hate or hated to like. Previous to the distribution lastly discovering its footing (round model 40), Fedora was doggedly sluggish. When v40 hit, Fedora proved that it may carry out alongside the most effective distributions. Hastily, Fedora was quick, quicker than any Linux distribution I might used (that wasn’t a light-weight providing).
Additionally: The 6 Linux distros I like to recommend most for gaming in 2025 – together with my favourite
Fedora defaults to GNOME, however there are spins for a number of totally different desktop environments you possibly can attempt. One in every of my favourite spins is Fedora KDE, which is gorgeous whereas nonetheless performing like a champ.
8. Ubuntu Server
If I am deploying a server, you possibly can wager that the primary distribution I am going to use is Ubuntu Server. Though Ubuntu Server does not have a GUI, it is nonetheless one of many best server working programs you possibly can set up. Ubuntu Server can also be very simple to handle, rock strong, and safe.
Additionally: 8 methods each Linux distro may make issues quite a bit simpler for newbies
Out of all of the server distributions in the marketplace, Ubuntu Server vastly simplifies the software program set up course of with each apt and snap. If the software program you need is not present in the usual apt repository, you possibly can simply add extra repositories to develop the choice of out there apps.
9. ZorinOS
ZorinOS is precisely what a desktop working system must be. It is also a type of distributions that I’ll all the time suggest for brand new customers (and people migrating from Home windows) since you get to decide on the desktop structure as quickly as you log in. Select from a Home windows-esque structure, a GNOME-like desktop, and others. You’ll be able to even buy the Professional version, which incorporates 10 complete layouts (considered one of which resembles MacOS).
Additionally: One of the best Linux distributions for newbies in 2025: Knowledgeable examined and reviewed
Again in 2023, I proclaimed that ZorinOS was the most effective distribution of the yr. If you need an working system that’s easy to make use of, stunning, and permits you to simply swap between layouts, ZorinOS is the one for you.
10. Mandrake Linux
This is likely one of the two distributions on the record that not exists. Mandrake Linux was a particular distribution as a result of it was one of many first that centered on being user-friendly. Though Mandrake went the way in which of the dinosaurs, it lives on in distributions like Open Mandriva.
Additionally: My 5 favourite distros of Linux previous – and why I am nonetheless fascinated by them
I am going to confess that Mandrake Linux is on the record as a result of I keep in mind partying with the event workforce at my first-ever Linux convention. That workforce not solely knew the best way to have enjoyable, however additionally they knew that the way forward for Linux was listening to the customers and taking their wants and considerations very critically.
Mandrake Linux was one of many many the reason why I continued utilizing Linux and have been utilizing it for practically 30 years. So, to anybody who labored on that great distribution, I tip my metaphorical hat to you.
11. Caldera OpenLinux
Like Mandrake Linux, Caldera OpenLinux is not with us. The rationale I included this distribution on the record is that it was the very first Linux distribution I ever used (model 1.0, to be precise). Had it not been for a finicky modem, I in all probability would have caught with Caldera, however that was not the case. Even so, I can not have this record with out together with my first. It is like a primary kiss, a primary residence run, a primary accomplished marathon, the primary e-book you end writing, or the primary time you full a Zelda sport – it is simply particular.
Caldera OpenLinux will all the time maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. It does not matter how good or dangerous the distribution was; it solely mattered that it existed and helped me make the everlasting bounce from Home windows.
