I'm going to tell you a secret, there is no better Linux distro. Freelance writers are paid per article and to pay our creditors we have to generate a certain amount of content per month. That's why we write things like those lists.
It is true that there are better or worse distributions made. Maybe I should change my statement to there are as many better Linux distributions as there are users.
Why isn't there a better Linux distro?
Arch Linux is a very popular Linux distribution among those who enjoy manually controlling every aspect of the installation. Of course, that, being a free software project, Tools that automate installation soon appeared.
When a Twitter contact uploaded a video explaining how to use one of those tools, I jokingly told him it was like going to Italy to eat at McDonald's. Arch's grace is manual installation. What I said jokingly others think seriously, it seems that many members of the Arch community they do not like it which videos are shared explaining the installation process. Read the damn manual, Google or install Manjaro.
In the early days of Ubuntu there was a script called Automatix that made it easy for you to install multimedia codecs and the Flash player. Its use was declared a mortal sin by the guardians of Debian purity. The stated reason was that it did not respect the Debian Project rules for package description.. The real reason is that it not only installed programs that no free software advocate would ever use, but also automated the installation.
This morning I came across an article promising list of the best Linux distributions for developers of 2023. Taking into account that we still have three quarters of the year to go and since the major distributions haven't made their releases yet, it's a bit rushed.
Furthermore, the selection criteria is debatable. Some are listed just to include information on how to install the different languages and tools in the documentation and omit others such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (It can be used for free if you are a developer) which includes tools for programming and working with containers and the cloud. Not to mention all the derivatives of CentOS.
My point is that the best distribution is the one that works best for you, and that is not always based on rational parameters.. I've spent years on this blog defenestrating all Ubuntu releases because I find them boring and don't contribute anything. However, what is being seen from Ubuntu 23.04 I liked.
What changed?
Not too much, an installer that facilitates the installation in UEFI and little else including the most hideous wallpaper in the history of Ubuntu. However, I feel that using it is a pleasant experience and not the rejection that GNOME usually causes me.
How to choose the best Linux distribution for you
It is clear that how many more Linux distributions try, it will be easier to find the one you like. However, there are ways to narrow down the list: Here are some parameters:
- Purpose: Although any Linux distribution can be customized for any activity, there are some that are already customized for different purposes such as games, education, multimedia production, scientific research, etc.
- Automation: As we already mentioned, there are Linux distributions in which the installation and configuration process is done manually and others that have a wizard that takes care of almost everything.
- Support: Some Linux distributions have technical support (paid) and others with more or less active communities that answer user questions.
- Updates and new versions: Some Linux distributions release new versions regularly and when support for the version you have installed ends you must upgrade to or install the new one from scratch. Others, on the other hand, have a continuous update model.
- Variety of programs: Linux distributions have their own software repositories, and there are also optional repositories that allow you to install software regardless of distribution. But, there are still quite a few programs that are only available for the native package format of a single family of distributions.
Do you want to tell me which is the best distribution for you and why? There below is the comment form. I'd love to read you.
Hi Diego. What you say is true, that the best distribution is the one that you like and I say that none is the best, because now you like one and then you like another, how long are we really with the same distribution? Well, that It is very rare that you spend your whole life with the same distro, so one day for you, one is the best and then it is another, so I really think that there is no better distro or at least better distros at times or temporarily, etc.
And that attitude of the purists of Arch, Debian, etc.. is what makes many who have started or stayed in Linux, have ended up returning to Windows and makes Linux continue to be only a distro for servers and for a few (2%) of users and it will never take off and as I say... I think it is because of that type of attitude and welcome that is given to new users. It bothers that they ask without reading, this bothers, the other bothers… they think they are better, for knowing more. Regrettable! There are also exceptions, very nice and kind people who help, but they are the least. For me that is the biggest problem of Linux.
Salu2
I really like debian for its stability, packageability, and project reliability.
Hello everyone. For me, the distro that I like the most, the one with which I work or play the most, is Linux Mint Cinnamon. It is not technologically the most advanced, it is not the one that gives the best performance in games, nor is it the most compatible with titles, but its interface is simple, I find its appearance pleasant, I barely change the desktop background and running, its Simple setup but sufficient and efficient. Come on, it gives me what I need with the minimum effort.
I know that other distributions and desktops, the great Gnome and Plasma, would give me more performance, but I don't understand the first one, it does have its logic and its defenders are there, giving war, but I always said that I see it as auteur cinema , or you love it or you hate it, I am one of the last. Plasma yes I understand it, but so many configuration options saturate me, perhaps to bring an appearance more to my tastes and not have to tinker with it to make it decent, then that number of options would not bother me so much, I understand that configuration lovers It has them dazzled, any detail is susceptible to modification. To its credit, I must say that I consider it, along with Gnome, the most technologically advanced and the ones that would give me the most performance, but above performance, I consider that being comfortable with the environment is the main thing.
I agree with you, the best distro is the one that best suits you. personally the most dear to me is Debian on servers like my computers. Easy to install best for making Logical Volumes, Easy to install Packages lots of documentation. And the "old" programs are as easy as deleting them with apt remove and you download the latest version from the official site and install it, for example, Firefox, LibreOffice, Virtualbox, etc.
thank you very much good article
I am one of those who like to have everything ready, that's why I have Mint with Cinnamon. I respect the great contribution and work of other distros, which is excellent, but I am comfortable and it has been 9 years with Mint
Linux works and is the best, no matter what distribution you have in use. The important thing is to define what you want it for, the equipment and its power, the rest is carpentry. For a common user, who expects everything to work smoothly, Linux Mint simply works and does it very well.
I'm getting more and more lazy. I thought that by installing Manjaro stable everything would last longer, it would be more secure, and I would have everything covered. Nothing further from my needs. I've had to gamble on AUR and assume that packages have (some) maintainability. He had never given flathub so much air. I have to beg on the web for the programs I'm missing... It looks more like a Windows (oops, the curse word has already escaped me) than I ever thought. And I only use it for work… in an office oO
So I go back to Debian. Yes, it is terrible and the false mother of Ubuntu, but it is who I trust and who makes me feel safe. I miss his difficult ease.