Choices Choices Choices...
"Eighty percent of all choices are based on fear. Most people don't choose what they want; they choose what they think is safe." - Phil McGraw
Variety can be intimidating but don't worry, before making any choice, we must come up with a relevant criteria to base them on. Assuming that you're a beginner, you will probably want the following:
1) Something that is easy to choose and troubleshoot.
As mentioned in previous blog posts, the decentralised and highly customisable nature of Linux makes troubleshooting an inevitable part of the user experience. There are many incarnations of Linux out there, and you want a distro that is not only easy to use, but one with a large community of users to draw assistance from. Linux has a wonderful network of communities which you should join so that we can all help one another.
2) A distribution that is frequently maintained.
All linux distros are maintained by either groups of enthusiasts or commercial companies, sometimes they lose that enthusiasm and/or liquidity. You should beware of installing a distro such as Red Hat or Fermilinux which will leave you vulnerable, isolated and unsupported. Although you can never really tell when a distro will suddenly collapse (see Red Hat), it is sensible to go with one of the top 4 most common distros (2016):
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This is distribution was created by Canonical Ltd. It is the most widely used Linux distro and has contributed a lot towards making the OS friendly to beginners. It has a smooth, user friendly GUI and is receptive to proprietary drivers. Canonical makes its money by using Ubunutu as a showcase product for their consultancy and support services. It also comes in various lightweight incarnations such as Lubuntu, Xubuntu and Ubuntu Mate for old laptops. |
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Mint was originally based on Lubuntu. It has a Windows like GUI, making it ideal for beginners. Unlike Ububuntu, Mint is maintained by a team of enthusiasts. Mint's software repositories are more open to proprietary software. usually maintain the standard open source fare, with the occasional proprietary program and it will run the exact same software as Ubuntu. |
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Fedora is used by Linus Torvalds himself. It is aimed at developers who want the most bleeding edge system. This might be tricky for most beginners, but if you're feeling daring, go ahead. |
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Debian is one of the earliest incarnations of Linux. As an integral part of of the Free Software Foundation project, it has access to one of the world's largest repositories of free software. The Debian is composed of entirely free software and hostile towards proprietary software, this will make configuration difficult for beginners.
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I have chosen Ubuntu due to its large user base which means more support, it is receptive towards proprietary software that you will almost inevitably need to run your hardware. Ubuntu, Debian, Centos and Fedora are all supported by commercial companies. These companies use their free operating systems to demonstrate their technical prowess, and to attract clients for their commercial consulting services. Distributions such as Debian and Linux Mint are maintained by decentralised teams of hobbyists. However, all of them have large user support bases who are eager to help you.
3) A distro customised to your requirements.
As well as security and support, you may want a distro that has been customised to suite your needs.
Scientists make use of Scientific Linux, PC Linux for those who want a Windows-esque experience, Musix comes loaded with free software for musicians, there is even one for Red Star Linux for North Koreans and so on...
4) If you are brave, you can create your own using Linux From Scratch.
Definitely not for beginners, but the only way we learn is by doing, right?
