Annoyed with the forced Windows updates and the bloated user-environment, I decided to venture into the world of Linux several years ago. Soon, I discovered the improvement in the performance of my device, which made me fall in love with Linux. Since then, I’ve never looked back and have switched to Linux almost completely.
Even though I still use Windows for some projects, the majority of my time is spent playing around with the different customization features in my Linux distro. Although I’ve distro-hopped several times, these are the top 4 I’ve enjoyed the most, not in any particular order.
Ubuntu
The very first distro I ever used, which sparked my interest in Linux, was Ubuntu. Its clean and smooth-looking interface instantly caught my attention. The easy-to-use package manager was a significant advantage, and the numerous customization options greatly enhanced my experience.
Ubuntu's user-friendly design and flexibility made it an excellent introduction to the world of Linux for me.
Key Features:
- Clean and smooth interface
- Easy-to-use package manager (APT)
- Extensive customization options
- User-friendly design
- Large community support
Linux Mint
Based on Ubuntu but with a Windows-like user interface, Linux Mint provided me with the user-friendliness of Windows along with all the qualities of Linux. It effectively introduces new users to Linux without requiring them to abandon the "Windows experience."
Key Features:
- Windows-like user interface
- Based on Ubuntu
- User-friendly for Windows users
- Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktop environments
- Strong multimedia support
Fedora
My current favorite distro, which I’ve been using for more than two years with zero issues, is Fedora. The distro features a sleek and easy-to-use desktop environment and an up-to-date package manager. Updates are released every few months, maintaining a fresh and stable environment.
Key Features:
- Sleek GNOME desktop environment
- Up-to-date package manager (DNF)
- Frequent updates for cutting-edge features
- Strong security features
- Excellent support for developers
Bodhi Linux
This lightweight and lightning-fast distro helped me revive an old laptop that had been collecting dust for years. Its minimalistic approach, featuring the Enlightenment-based Moksha desktop environment, prevented my aging device from rotting away forever and finally gave it a purpose.
Despite its lightweight nature, Bodhi Linux includes all the essential applications needed for everyday use, and its performance on older hardware is impressive. Compared to other lightweight distros, Bodhi stands out with its unique aesthetic and responsive interface, making it a perfect choice for breathing new life into old machines.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and fast
- Enlightenment-based Moksha desktop environment
- Minimalistic approach
- Great performance on older hardware
- Unique aesthetic
There are tons of other distros worthy of mention, but these are the ones I’ve enjoyed the most. Each distro offers unique strengths and tailored experiences. From the introductory ease of Ubuntu and Linux Mint to the sleek efficiency of Fedora and the lightweight agility of Bodhi Linux, each distro has contributed to my appreciation of Linux’s versatility and performance.
