LINUX DISTROS
Desktop distros
Your desk, your distro.
Desktop distros are full Linux operating systems designed for everyday use on personal computers. They focus on usability, stability, and a complete desktop experience.
Arch Linux
AerynOS
Suitable for beginners
Description
AerynOS is a niche Linux distribution aimed at providing a streamlined and modern desktop experience. Though less known, it emphasizes simplicity and a clean interface while leveraging the flexibility of Linux for everyday use.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Flatpak
RHEL
AlmaLinux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
AlmaLinux is a free, community-driven enterprise Linux distribution designed as a 1:1 binary-compatible replacement for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It offers long-term stability and security for servers and workstations alike.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
Alpine Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Alpine Linux is a lightweight, security-oriented distribution built around musl and BusyBox. It is popular for servers, containers, and embedded systems, offering simplicity, speed, and a minimal attack surface.
Environments
Default package formats
.apk
Ubuntu
AnduinOS
Suitable for beginners
Description
AnduinOS is a Ubuntu-based distribution inspired by fantasy themes, combining a familiar and easy-to-use desktop with community-driven ideas. It caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a pleasant, creative Linux setup while keeping full user control.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Flatpak
Arch Linux
Antergos
Discontinued
Description
Antergos was a user-friendly distribution based on Arch Linux featuring the Cnchi graphical installer to simplify setup and allow selection of desktop environments. It followed Arch's rolling release with access to official AUR repositories.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Artix Linux
Antergos NeXT
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Antergos NeXT is an independent revival of the Antergos concept based on Artix Linux with Dinit (default). The project briefly used the Pulsar Linux name before reverting to Antergos NeXT with the blessing from an original Antergos founder.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Debian
AntiX
For the proficient Linux user
Description
AntiX is a fast, lightweight Linux distribution based on Debian, designed to breathe new life into older hardware. It avoids systemd, runs efficiently on minimal resources, and provides a lean, customizable desktop experience through lightweight window managers.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Arch Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Arch Linux – A minimalist and flexible distribution that follows a rolling release model. It gives users the latest software, complete control over their system, and a deeper understanding of Linux, but requires more setup than beginner-focused distros.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Arch Linux
Artix Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Artix Linux is an Arch-based rolling release designed for those who prefer a system without systemd. It supports lightweight init systems such as OpenRC, runit, and s6, giving users full control and flexibility in their Linux environment.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Arch Linux
BlackArch Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
BlackArch is a penetration testing and security research distribution based on Arch Linux. It provides over 2,800 security tools, categorized for easy use, and is suitable for professionals who need a rolling-release, lightweight pentesting platform.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Ubuntu
Bodhi Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Bodhi Linux is an Ubuntu-based lightweight distribution that uses the Moksha Desktop, a fork of Enlightenment. It emphasizes speed and minimalism, letting users build their own system while staying resource-efficient and visually distinctive.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Arch Linux
CachyOS
For the proficient Linux user
Description
CachyOS is an Arch-based distribution optimized for performance and security. It offers custom kernels, easy setup for gaming and desktop use, and advanced options preconfigured for speed, appealing to power users and gamers alike.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Gentoo
Calculate Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Calculate Linux is a Gentoo-based distribution designed for desktop, server, and cluster deployments. It offers preconfigured environments, rolling updates, and system administration tools while maintaining Gentoo’s source-based flexibility.
Environments
Default package formats
.ebuild
RHEL
CentOS
Discontinued
Description
CentOS was a free, community-driven rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), offering stability, security, and long-term support. It was widely used on servers until its discontinuation in 2021 in favor of CentOS Stream.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
Debian
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Debian is the parent of many well-known Linux distributions and is admired for its rock-solid stability and reliability. It includes one of the largest software repositories available, is easy to maintain, and serves as a strong foundation for learning Linux.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Debian
Deepin
Suitable for beginners
Description
Deepin is a Debian-based distribution featuring the Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE), which is visually striking and user-friendly. It provides an intuitive interface, polished apps, and the Deepin App Center for easy software discovery and installation.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Ubuntu
Edubuntu
Suitable for beginners
Description
Edubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavor tailored for education, providing teachers and students with a ready-to-use system that includes classroom management tools, educational apps, and a stable environment built on Ubuntu.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Elementary OS
Suitable for beginners
Description
Elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution known for its elegant and minimalist design. It uses the Pantheon desktop, created to resemble macOS, and emphasizes simplicity, speed, and a curated app experience through the App Center.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
.deb
Arch Linux
Endeavour OS
Suitable for beginners
Description
Endeavour OS is a user-friendly, rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux. It provides a minimal base system with easy installation, access to the Arch repositories, and a welcoming community, making Arch more approachable for newcomers.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Red Hat Linux
Fedora
Suitable for beginners
Description
Fedora is a cutting-edge Linux distribution that showcases the latest open-source technologies while staying stable and reliable. It integrates Flatpak for easy app installation, and is a great choice for users who enjoy having up-to-date software.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
.rpm
Ubuntu
First Boot Linux
Retailer pre-install
Description
First Boot Linux is a disposable first-run environment that PC retailers and refurbishers pre-install instead of locking a machine to one operating system. First Boot installs the buyer's selected distro and replaces itself. The buyer has an out-of-the-box choice.
Environments
Default package formats
GNOME OS
For the proficient Linux user
Description
GNOME OS is a Linux distribution created to test and develop the GNOME desktop. It provides a clean environment for developers to experiment with features, apps, and system changes, ensuring stability before release to wider audiences.
Environments
Default package formats
OSTree
Flatpak
Arch Linux
Garuda Linux
Suitable for beginners
Description
Garuda Linux is an Arch-based distribution built with a focus on performance, gaming, and eye-catching design. It features Btrfs snapshots for system recovery, a polished installer, and multiple desktop editions, including its flagship KDE Dr460nized spin.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Gentoo Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Gentoo is a source-based Linux distribution built for customization and optimization. With its Portage package manager, users compile software to suit their hardware and needs, making it powerful but requiring expertise and patience.
Environments
Default package formats
.ebuild
Arch Linux
GreenBang
For the proficient Linux user
Description
GreenBang (previously ArchBang) is a lightweight distribution based on Arch Linux. It provides a minimal, fast, and ready-to-use Arch experience, suitable for users who want simplicity, speed, and rolling updates without a full manual install.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
Debian
Kali Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution tailored for security testing and digital forensics. Preloaded with hundreds of professional tools, it empowers ethical hackers and researchers to audit systems, networks, and applications.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Ubuntu
Kubuntu
Suitable for beginners
Description
Kubuntu blends Ubuntu’s reliable base with the KDE Plasma desktop, providing a customizable and modern environment. With an appearance similar to Windows, it is popular for its performance, flexibility, and powerful tools.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Linux Mint
Suitable for beginners
Description
Linux Mint is built with simplicity and comfort in mind, making it ideal for those switching from Windows. It features a familiar desktop layout, comes with essential software pre-installed, and includes a clean Software Manager for installing apps.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
.deb
Ubuntu
Lubuntu
Suitable for beginners
Description
Lubuntu delivers the Ubuntu core with LXQt, a lightweight and efficient desktop environment. Designed for low-resource systems, it emphasizes simplicity and speed while remaining functional and easy to navigate.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Debian
MX Linux
Suitable for beginners
Description
MX Linux is a midweight, Debian-based distribution combining simplicity, stability, and performance. It features a customized XFCE desktop, helpful utilities, and strong community support, making it ideal for both new and experienced users.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
.deb
Arch Linux
Manjaro
Suitable for beginners
Description
Manjaro – A user-friendly Arch-based distribution that combines cutting-edge software with stability. It offers a polished desktop experience, an easy installer, and access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), making it powerful yet approachable for newcomers.
Environments
Default package formats
Pacman
NixOS
For the proficient Linux user
Description
NixOS is a declarative, reproducible Linux distribution built around the Nix package manager. Its configuration model ensures system consistency, rollback capability, and a unique approach to package management.
Environments
Default package formats
.nix
Fedora
Nobara Linux
Suitable for beginners
Description
Nobara Linux is a Fedora-based distribution aimed at gamers, streamers, and content creators. It comes preconfigured with drivers, codecs, and patches that simplify gaming, multimedia editing, and streaming on Linux, reducing the need for manual setup.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
Arch Linux
Nyarch Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Nyarch Linux is a themed spin of Arch Linux, blending the rolling release power of Arch with anime-inspired customizations. It targets enthusiasts who want both performance and a personalized aesthetic, while retaining Arch’s flexibility.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
Pacman
Arch Linux
Omarchy
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Omarchy is a minimal, rolling-release Linux distribution focused on simplicity, customization, and speed. It gives advanced users full control over their environment, with minimal preinstalled software and a flexible setup process.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
Debian
Parrot OS
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Parrot OS is a Debian-based distribution built for security, privacy, and development. It includes penetration testing, forensics, reverse engineering, and cryptography tools, while also offering a lightweight home edition.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Debian
Peppermint OS
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Peppermint OS is a lightweight, cloud-focused Linux distribution based on Debian/Ubuntu. It blends traditional desktop tools with web apps, offering a fast, user-friendly environment that’s ideal for older computers or users who rely on web services.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Ubuntu
Pop!_OS
Suitable for beginners
Description
Pop!_OS, developed by System76, is an Ubuntu-based distribution designed for productivity, creativity, and gaming. It features auto-tiling, easy driver support, and a clean interface, making it a popular choice for Linux newcomers and pros.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Flatpak
Puppy Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Puppy Linux is a lightweight distribution designed for speed and simplicity. It runs well on older hardware, loads fully into RAM, and offers a small yet complete set of tools, making it ideal for portability and quick tasks.
Environments
Default package formats
.pet
Debian
Q4OS
Suitable for beginners
Description
Q4OS is a Debian-based distribution that emphasizes speed and a classic desktop experience. Using the Trinity Desktop Environment (a continuation of KDE 3), it provides a familiar, efficient workflow for users who prefer traditional interfaces and low resource usage.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Red Hat Linux
RHEL
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial distribution designed for stability, security, and long-term support. Backed by Red Hat, it powers businesses and servers worldwide, offering enterprise-grade tools, certification, and support.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
.rpm
Red Hat Linux
Discontinued
Description
Red Hat Linux, launched in 1994, was among the first major distributions to reach mainstream adoption. It introduced the RPM package format (.rpm) and laid the groundwork for Fedora, CentOS Stream, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
RHEL
Rocky Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Rocky Linux is a community-driven enterprise distribution built to continue the legacy of CentOS. It is a downstream rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, offering long-term stability, performance, and enterprise-grade security.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
SUSE Linux
Discontinued
Description
SUSE Linux was one of the first commercial Linux distributions, originating in Germany in the 1990s. It combined open source flexibility with professional support, setting the stage for modern enterprise Linux systems.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
YaST
SUSE Linux
SUSE Linux Enterprise
For the proficient Linux user
Description
SUSE Linux Enterprise is a commercial distribution designed for businesses and mission-critical environments. Built on reliability, security and long-term support, it is widely used in enterprise servers, cloud and embedded systems.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
YaST
Gentoo
Sabayon Linux
Discontinued
Description
Sabayon Linux was a Gentoo-based distribution designed to offer an easier out-of-the-box experience. It provided a preconfigured system with binary packages while retaining Gentoo’s flexibility, but the project has since been discontinued.
Environments
Default package formats
.ebuild
Slackware
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Slackware is one of the oldest actively maintained Linux distributions, focused on simplicity, stability, and a traditional Unix-like design. It avoids heavy modifications, providing a pure and highly configurable Linux system.
Environments
Default package formats
.tgz
SliTaz GNU/Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
SliTaz is an ultra-lightweight Linux distribution made for minimal hardware. It boots entirely into RAM, delivering speed and efficiency even on older machines, and uses its own tiny package system called Tazpkg for managing software.
Environments
Default package formats
.tazpkg
Debian
Tails
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Tails, The Amnesic Incognito Live System, is a Debian-based distro focused on privacy and anonymity. It routes all traffic through Tor, runs as a live system, and is designed to leave no traces on the computer once shut down.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Tiny Core Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Tiny Core Linux is an extremely lightweight distribution that focuses on minimalism and modularity. It comes in editions as small as 11 MB, booting quickly and letting users add only the components they need, making it ideal for older hardware or embedded use.
Environments
Default package formats
.tcz
Debian
Ubuntu
Suitable for beginners
Description
Ubuntu (Ubuntu GNOME) is the flagship edition of Ubuntu, designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and reliable. Built on Debian, it combines stability with ease of use, offering long-term support releases, a modern GNOME desktop, and vast app availability.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Budgie
Suitable for beginners
Description
Ubuntu Budgie integrates Ubuntu with the sleek Budgie desktop environment, designed for elegance and efficiency. It provides a clean, modern look with smooth workflow features, striking a balance between performance and style.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Cinnamon
Suitable for beginners
Description
Ubuntu Cinnamon blends Ubuntu’s reliability with the Cinnamon desktop, offering a traditional Windows-like layout with modern touches. It aims for familiarity, simplicity, and ease of use while retaining access to Ubuntu’s large software ecosystem.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Ubuntu MATE
Suitable for beginners
Description
Ubuntu MATE combines the stability of Ubuntu with the traditional MATE desktop. It offers a familiar interface reminiscent of earlier GNOME versions, balancing efficiency and low resource use with modern desktop features.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Studio
Suitable for beginners
Description
Ubuntu Studio is tailored for creative professionals, featuring an extensive suite of open-source tools for audio, video, graphics, and publishing. It brings production-ready software preinstalled on a reliable Ubuntu base.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Unity
Suitable for beginners
Description
Ubuntu Unity revives Canonical’s Unity desktop, known for its left-side dock, HUD search, and clean design. It combines Ubuntu’s stability with a unique workflow designed for efficiency, appealing to users who prefer Unity’s distinctive interface.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Void Linux
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Void Linux is an independent, general-purpose distribution focused on simplicity, speed, and minimalism. It uses the runit init system, offers a rolling release model, and allows users to build a highly customized system from the ground up.
Environments
Default package formats
.xbps
Debian
Whonix
For the proficient Linux user
Description
Whonix is a Debian-based distribution focused on anonymity and security. It routes all traffic through the Tor network by default, using a dual-VM architecture (Gateway and Workstation) to isolate networking. It’s designed for privacy-conscious users.
Environments
Default package formats
.deb
Ubuntu
Xubuntu
Suitable for beginners
Description
Xubuntu uses XFce on top of the Ubuntu base, offering a lightweight and fast desktop that remains user-friendly. It is an excellent choice for older or less powerful machines, while still delivering a clean, modern interface.
Environments
Default package formats
Snap
.deb
Ubuntu
Zorin OS
Suitable for beginners
Description
Zorin OS is a user-friendly, Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to ease the transition from Windows or macOS. It features a polished desktop, preinstalled apps, and a familiar interface that minimizes the learning curve for new users.
Environments
Default package formats
Flatpak
.deb
SUSE Linux Enterprise
openSUSE
Suitable for beginners
Description
openSUSE is a versatile Linux project offering two main editions: Leap, a stable release built on SUSE Linux Enterprise for reliability, and Tumbleweed, a rolling release with the latest software. Both provide YaST tools, KDE by default, and RPM packages.
Environments
Default package formats
.rpm
YaST



























































