After Microsoft’s not quite adequate actions related to the tenth version of Windows, many users thought about switching to alternative operating systems. Only OS based on the Linux kernel can offer free software in this regard. Their advantages are obvious in comparison with the “ten” proprietary and forever spying on the user. Nevertheless, there are a lot of Linux distributions. Which Linux to choose? This is a question for a novice user who is just starting to get acquainted with this wonderful OS. And you need to answer it. But first, some general background information.
What is Linux?
Strictly speaking, Linux is not the name of an operating system. This is the name of the kernel on which the OS is based. It was created a long time ago by a man named Linus Torvalds. Linus is now the messiah for all lovers of free software. The ideology of Linux suggests that the user must decide what the OS should look like, what software to use, and what to do on the computer in general. That is why there is a huge number of desktop shells for the Linux operating system. And you can customize them as your heart desires. Configuring Linux is quite complicated for an unprepared user. But you don’t need to be afraid of this, since there is a huge community of free software on the Web. Linux experts are happy to help the newcomer.
Linux was originally created as an alternative to Microsoft's Windows . However, for a long time, things were not going the best with the new operating system. And this was due to the fact that equipment manufacturers did not recognize the alternative OS and refused to supply drivers with it. But in the last five years, the situation has changed dramatically. Now all the devices in Linux work perfectly. Therefore, this OS has become possible to apply in the mass segment. The Linux operating system has many advantages compared to the same "Windows". And we’ll talk about them now.
Advantages of Linux before Windows
The first and main advantage is that you don’t have to pay a dime for using Linux. It is a free operating system. Also important is the fact that Linux uses a completely different algorithm for working with programs. Therefore, the risk of infection with viruses is minimal. Strictly speaking, there are not so many viruses for Linux . In any case, to run malware on this system, you need a certain user action with a password. And who will consciously launch this on their PC? Also, the OS uses a completely different file system for the partition with the files necessary for work. This increases safety and speed.
It is worth considering the fact that in the structure of Linux there is no such thing as a "registry". In "Windows" he is and is constantly cluttered. In "Linux" there is nothing to litter. Therefore, a properly configured OS can work for years without user intervention. Stability is a Linux calling card. Well and, of course, about espionage functions. Ten sends almost all user information to Microsoft. Including text that is entered from the keyboard. And how the company further uses this information - only Gates knows. Linux is fully capable of providing anonymity and does not collect any data. Now let's talk about which Linux to choose, and consider some of the most popular distributions.
Linux Mint
At the moment, Mint is the most popular distribution, according to the Disrtowatch rating. It is he with the standard Cinnamon working environment that is most suitable for novice users, since the design is most similar to Windows. However, there are other OS options with a different design. Including a lightweight environment XFCE or LXDE for weak machines. Mint is based on Ubuntu. And that, in turn, uses the classic Debian. Distribution repositories contain many programs necessary for full-fledged work in the OS. The capabilities of Linux Mint are extremely wide. It can be used by both professionals in a particular field and ordinary users. Game lovers will also not be left behind, as the Wine-Staging package allows you to run almost all games written under Windows.
Since Mint is the most popular and user-friendly Linux distribution, a review of all its features and capabilities would require a separate article. But the main thing that the user needs to know: Mint supports almost all equipment out of the box. That is, after installing the operating system, you can immediately get to work. The exception is any "exotic" device. You will also have to configure the work of laptops with hybrid graphics (Intel + nVidia), since Linux does not support switching graphics in the same way as Windows. But there are instructions on how to configure this component on the Internet. This will not be a problem. Now it's time to move on to the next distribution.
Ubuntu
This distribution is based on the Debian package base. But unlike the latter, it cannot boast of the same stability. Until recently, DE Unity was used as a working environment. But from version 17, Ubuntu switched to the classic Dwarf. For an unprepared user, this design is a dark forest. However, the “Dwarf" is very convenient if you understand it. The beauty of Ubuntu (like Mint) is that after installation, the user gets a fully functional operating system. All equipment works out of the box. Linux software in the case of Ubuntu is not a shortage. It is for this OS that there is a huge amount of both specialized and ordinary software. There is no shortage of programs.
Antergos
This is a fork of Archa with a friendlier installer interface. The fact is that in the original Arch there is no graphical interface during installation. Everything needs to be done using the keyboard and terminal. In Antergos, the installer is reminiscent of Ubunt, which makes it suitable for beginners. However, you need to be careful with "arch-like" distributions. Updates assume the latest versions of the kernel and applications. And this may conflict with the installed drivers. Have to fix everything manually. Therefore, to use this distribution, you must have at least minimal knowledge of the OS structure and terminal skills. Linux Antergos is clearly not for everyone. Better to do with simpler distributions.
Elementary OS
Before us is the Linux distribution based on the Debian package base. It seems to be nothing special, but this system is trying with might and main to pretend to be "MacOS". And she does it. The interface may be a little unusual for those who switch from Windows, but it’s easy to figure it out. As for the programs, there are no problems. Debian based Linux software is not a shortage. In principle, this distribution can be quite comfortable to use. However, it is still in the stage of “dopilivanie”, so some inadequate system reactions are possible. However, they are not critical and will not force the poor user to reinstall the entire operating system (as is often the case in Windows). But for those who are looking for an OS that is as similar as possible to the "window", this option is absolutely not suitable. Alas.
Kali Linux
And this distribution is the dream of all hackers. It is not suitable for everyday use on a home PC or laptop, but it has many tools for testing networks "for strength". It is this operating system that is used by some hackers to carry out illegal activities. Cali Linux is able to provide complete confidentiality and has rich tools for breaking into the protection of networks of any degree of complexity. If you are going to test the strength of a Wi-Fi neighbor, then the question of which Linux to choose does not exist for you. For all its specificity, Kali Linux also has an initial set of programs to ensure the normal operation of the user in the operating system. However, consider a few more distributions.
Fedora Workstation
More recently, the Fedora OS was intended solely for server needs. But now ordinary users can use it with success. A distinctive feature of "Fedora" is unsurpassed stability. However, to use this operating system, you need at least some knowledge of Linux. For beginners, it does not fit. But if you still chose Fedora Linux? Which version to choose for everyday use? Only the latest. In current versions of Fedora, a huge number of bugs and inaccuracies have been fixed. These are the most stable releases of this distribution. Understanding which version is the latest is very simple. Each issue has an ordinal number. The bigger it is, the newer the distribution.
Arch linux
Probably the most user-unfriendly distribution. He is a constructor from which everyone sculpts a system for himself according to his own criteria. The main feature is the lack of a graphical installer. To install and download components, use the commands in the terminal. But Archa owners always get the latest versions of applications before they even get to Debian based distributions. This is exactly the case with updating the kernel. If you were wondering which Linux to choose as a trial operating system, then Arch will definitely not suit you. It is designed for highly advanced users who know what they are doing.
Linux reviews
There are currently quite a few users who have sent Windows to the history dump and installed Linux. The reviews of such comrades will be considered. As for free software in general, and Linux in particular, the positive reviews outweigh the negative ones. Almost all Linux owners, who had the patience to deal with the OS, unanimously say that it is impossible to come up with a better system. Almost everyone notes that Linux should be set up only once - and you can forget about it for a long time. Also for many, the absence of viruses is a positive aspect. The speed of a computer running Linux is significantly increased, which is also an important advantage. And only game lovers are unhappy. Although, with "direct hands" and the ability to read instructions, you can make the product run any games. To do this, there is “Vine” (a layer for launching applications under “Windows”). In general, the best Linux is one that was built by the user personally. But to such heights still need to grow.
Conclusion
So, if you wondered which Linux to choose to replace Windows, the answer lies on the surface. Better to use distributions based on Debian and having a large community. These are Mint and Ubuntu. They are stable, have the usual design ("Mint") and do not require specific knowledge from the user.