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The 7 must-have Linux distributions in 2023. Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, OpenSUSE Leap, ElementaryOS and Linuxfx 11. Discover the one that's right for you!
In this article, we present the 7 must-have Linux distributions of 2023. With the ever-growing number of Linux distributions available, it can be difficult to choose which one to use. That's why we've selected the most popular distributions for you, to suit different needs. Whether you're a professional looking for stability and advanced features, or a beginner looking for a smooth transition from another operating system, we've got the ideal Linux distribution for you. Discover these 7 must-have Linux distributions and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Debian
Debian is one of the oldest Linux distributions and has been in operation since 1993. The project is supported by around a thousand developers, most of them volunteers. Debian is managed by a "Debian Project Leader" elected for one year. Each new release of Debian is named after one of the Toy Story characters. The stability of this distribution makes it a choice among professionals. Because of its stability, Debian has spawned numerous derivative distributions. By default, all software included in Debian is open source. Installing "non-free" software or drivers is possible, but can be a little complex, which can be discouraging for beginners.
Ubuntu
Of all consumer Linux distributions, Ubuntu is the best known. Ported by Canonical, this distribution was launched in 2004 and is based on Debian. Ubuntu is considered an ideal entry point for newcomers to Linux. users of Linux, because everything is made as simple as possible. There are also many distributions derived from Ubuntu that offer different experiences, such as Kubuntu or Lubuntu.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a very popular Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It was created in 2006 by a Frenchman, Clément Lefèbvre, who also maintains it with the help of a small team of volunteers. Linux Mint boasts a very active user community, particularly on its official French-language discussion forum. Documentation is translated into several languages, making it accessible to as many people as possible.
Fedora
Thanks to its community and the support of Red Hat, Fedora benefits from a very short development cycle. This distribution focuses on the most recent developments in the GNU/Linux world. Fedora is available in several versions for different uses, such as productivity or development. All Fedora versions are easy to learn and use, and feature the latest advances in Linux.
OpenSUSE Leap
SUSE is a company whose name is inextricably linked with the history of Linux distributions, just like Red Hat. OpenSUSE is a community-supported distribution, and is the basis for the development of "SUSE Linux Enterprise Server", a business-oriented distribution. The latest version of the community-supported distribution has been renamed OpenSUSE Leap. The project is run by a community of developers from all over the world, led by a select committee of elected individuals, some of whom are from the community and others are SUSE employees. The OpenSUSE wiki is translated into French, although the distribution seems less popular in France.
ElementaryOS
If you're tired of macOS and want to discover Linux without really knowing where to start, ElementaryOS is an excellent option. Based on Ubuntu, this Linux distribution uses a desktop environment called "Pantheon" whose appearance is strongly inspired by Apple. The first version of ElementaryOS, dubbed Jupiter, was released in 2011 by American Daniel Foré, who sought to improve the overall aesthetics of Linux by imposing consistency between software and limiting the use of the terminal. ElementaryOS' major strength lies in its software suite, which is perfectly adapted to Pantheon and offers astonishing ease of use. This lightweight, stable distribution is ideally suited to users who prefer to avoid command lines, as it offers high-quality graphical utilities in place of the terminal.
Linuxfx 11
Linuxfx 11 is a distribution aimed at Windows enthusiasts. Based on Ubuntu LTS and using the Cinnamon desktop environment, this distribution aims to reproduce the Windows 11 user experience as closely as possible, to reduce the learning curve. Linuxfx 11 offers numerous applications including a LibreOffice office suite with a Microsoft Office theme. The distribution also includes a default Internet browser, communications and multimedia software, as well as the ability to run .exe files thanks to Wine. If you're a Windows fan who's attracted to Linux, Linuxfx 11 is for you.
Tips for getting started with Linux
If you're new to Linux, we recommend you start with consumer distributions like Ubuntu. If you have more advanced needs, Debian is often recommended. If you're an experienced user or gamer, you might be interested in Arch Linux. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the command line, as this will enable you to perform more advanced tasks and solve problems more easily.
Description of each distribution
- Debian: Debian is one of the oldest distributions, offering great stability and a multitude of derivative distributions.
- Ubuntu: The best-known consumer Linux distribution, ideal for beginners thanks to its ease of use.
- Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint benefits from a strong community of users and offers documentation accessible to all.
- Fedora: Thanks to its community and the support of Red Hat, Fedora focuses on the latest developments in Linux.
- OpenSUSE Leap: OpenSUSE is a community-supported distribution and the basis for the development of "SUSE Linux Enterprise Server".
- ElementaryOS: This distribution offers a smooth transition from macOS thanks to its Apple-inspired interface.
- Linuxfx 11: Linuxfx 11 aims to reproduce the Windows 11 user experience to ease the transition from Windows.
Conclusion
There are many Linux distributions to choose from, each offering its own unique features. benefits and special features. Debian is suitable for professionals thanks to its stability, Ubuntu is ideal for beginners, Linux Mint has a strong user community, Fedora focuses on recent developments, OpenSUSE Leap is an option for professionals, ElementaryOS offers an interface similar to macOS, and Linuxfx 11 is ideal for Windows users wishing to switch to Linux. Whatever your skill level or preferences, there's a Linux distribution to suit your needs.