Linux is an open-source operating system that has grown in popularity in recent years. It is often praised for its stability, security, and low system requirements. This blog post will discuss the best Linux distros for beginners in 2023.
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Distro stands for “distribution” and refers to the specific flavor of Linux you are using. There are many different distros available, each with its own unique features and benefits.
We will also take a look at the advantages of using Linux and what you need to know before making the switch.
What is Linux?
It is an open-source OS that was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is used in a variety of settings, from large corporations to small home offices.
Since it is an open-source Operating System that is not like Windows or macOS, developers from all over the world can contribute to its code, and anyone can download and use it for free. Linux also has a very active community, which means that there are plenty of resources available online if you need help.
What are the advantages of using Linux?
There are several advantages of using Linux. Some people might be hesitant to switch from Windows or Mac to Linux because they are afraid that they will not be able to do the same things they can on their current operating system. However, this is not the case. Linux is very user-friendly and has many of the same features as other operating systems.
There are many advantages to using Linux, including the following:
– Stability: Linux is known for being a very stable operating system. It is less likely to crash or experience errors than Windows or macOS.
– Security: Linux is very secure and less likely to be infected by malware or viruses than Windows.
– Low System Requirements: Linux can run on older and low-configuration PCs. So, it is easy to set up a low config VM on your Windows PC and run the latest Linux on top of it.
Linux is also very customizable, so users can change it to fit their needs. Additionally, Linux is often more affordable than other operating systems.
Top Best Linux Distros for Beginners in 2023
Many Linux distributions are suitable for beginners, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options that might be suitable for beginners include:
1. Ubuntu:
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions and is perfect for beginners. It is very user-friendly and has a graphical interface that makes it easy to navigate.
It has many of the same features as Windows but uses fewer resources and is more secure.
Ubuntu is best known for its ease of use, user interface design, and support from organizations such as Canonical Ltd., which develops Ubuntu releases every six months with long-term support (LTS) versions released every two years.
On our website, we have several Ubuntu tutorials available.
Ubuntu has been designed to run on computers with dual-core processors and at least 4GB of system RAM. Unless you’re a seasoned Linux user, it’s best to test it out as a virtual machine or on a secondary PC first. Do not attempt to install Ubuntu using your primary Windows OS on the main computer.
Ubuntu is best for multitasking and completing tasks quickly. It includes the GNOME, Mate, and Unity desktop environments. Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian, yet it serves as the baseline for many other Linux distributions, such as Lubuntu, Linux Mint, and Elementary OS.
If you are a beginner, Ubuntu is the best distro you must consider installing and using.
2. Linux Mint:
Linux Mint is also a very popular Linux distribution and is great for beginners. It has an easy-to-use graphical interface and many pre-installed applications that you can use immediately.
Some of the top features in Linux Mint include:
- It is based on Ubuntu, so it is very user-friendly and has a familiar interface.
- It has many pre-installed applications, such as Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and GIMP.
- It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions
- It is free to download and use
Linux Mint is a great alternative to Windows if you want an easy-to-use operating system with many features. So, if you are trying to make a switch from Windows 7 or Windows 10, then Mint Linux is one of the best distros you must try.
It can be easily installed on a 1GB RAM computer. The hardware requirements may change depending on the version and other packages you install. But to get the core version, 1-2GB RAM with 2 processor cores must be enough.
3. Elementary OS:
Elementary OS is also a great choice for beginners. It has a simple, clean graphical interface and has great pre-installed applications.
Some of the top features of Elementary OS include:
- Its simple and clean graphical interface
- The Pantheon desktop environment
- The pre-installed applications
Elementary OS is a newer Linux distribution that is gaining popularity fast. It is also perfect for beginners as it has a simple interface and supports all programming languages and databases.
The Linux distro interface appears to be very similar to that of macOS. It may be a wonderful alternative for Mac users looking for a free, open-source operating system.
The newest Elementary OS is designed to run on an i3 dual-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of SSD storage space. Since it has a good graphics and user interface (UI) level, the system requirements are slightly higher compared to other Linux versions.
4) MX Linux
MX Linux is a Debian-based distribution that uses the Xfce desktop environment. It is designed for intermediate to advanced users and has many pre-installed applications.
Some of the top features of MX Linux include the following:
- The Xfce desktop environment
- The ability to run smoothly on low-end hardware
- A wide range of multimedia support
- The ability to configure the system to your needs
MX Linux is a great choice for users who want a lot of flexibility and options in their operating system. It is also perfect for users who want to run smoothly on low-end hardware. MX Linux comes with a wide range of multimedia support and allows you to configure the system to your needs.
MX Linux will be the best Linux distro if you want to move from Windows to another flavor other than Ubuntu. You’ll have a new experience with MX Linux because it was developed at the top of Debian Linux OS.
It uses very few system resources, so it is great for older computers that are starting to slow down or a small-sized virtual machine on your Windows computer.
5) Manjaro Linux
Manjaro Linux is the perfect solution for beginners who want to switch to Linux. It is based on Arch Linux, so it offers all of the features and options of Arch Linux, but is very user-friendly and easy to use.
Manjaro Linux also supports the Xfce desktop environment on low-end hardware.
Simplified and user-friendly installation and driver auto installation are some of the topic features you can experience while installing. As a beginner of Linux, these points give value.
It is easy to switch kernels in Manjaro Linux OS. The desktop environment is great. You can decide on the version from GNOME, Cinnamon, or any other DE with many customizing options.
Manjaro can run on any PC with a minimum of 1GB RAM and a 1 GHz processor. A decent HD graphics card and monitor are required for a better display and graphics experience.
6) Fedora
This distribution is known for being cutting-edge, focusing on the latest technologies. It is developed and maintained by the community-driven Fedora Project, sponsored by Red Hat.
Fedora is a user-friendly Linux distribution. It comes pre-installed with many helpful applications for students, professionals, artists, and gamers. It also offers useful features that make it easier for beginners to use, such as the GNOME desktop environment, which is designed to be simple and easy to navigate.
It is a good choice for those who want to try out the latest and greatest software, but the fast release cycle and frequent updates might be overwhelming for some beginners.
Fedora is great if you want to get started with programming because it includes many programming languages and tools by default.
That being said, Fedora is a powerful and flexible distribution that is suitable for a wide range of uses. If you are a beginner and are interested in trying out Fedora, it might be worth giving it a try to see if it meets your needs. Just be aware that getting used to the fast release cycle and frequent updates might take some time.
Disadvantages of using Linux
There are also a few disadvantages to using Linux. One of the main disadvantages is that there is a lack of applications available for Linux compared to other operating systems. This can be a problem for some users who rely on specific applications that are not available on Linux.
Another disadvantage of using Linux is that it can be more challenging than other operating systems, such as Windows OS, especially for beginners. Some of the commands are not as user-friendly and can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them.
Should Windows OS users switch to Linux OS?
Windows is a great operating system, but it has its drawbacks. The best way to get around these problems is by switching to Linux. Here are some of the best reasons why you should make the switch!
– More stable and secure than Windows (Linux was built for servers)
– Lower system requirements than Windows (Linux can run on older hardware)
– A highly flexible operating system that may be used with various graphical user interfaces; X Display Manager performs this function; There are several different desktop environments to choose from; KDE, GNOME, Xfce, and Cinnamon.
Our conclusion on the best Linux distro for beginners
Compared to Microsoft Windows, Linux allows the users to customize and touch the core of the OS since it is an open-source platform.
Linux is a highly flexible operating system that may be used with various graphical user interfaces. The X Display Manager, which is part of the X Window System, performs this function. There are several different desktop environments to choose from. A few examples are KDE, GNOME, Xfce, MATE, and Cinnamon.
MX Linux is a great option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use Linux distro that runs smoothly on older hardware. Manjaro Linux is also a good choice for beginners who want to switch to Linux. If you need the top famous Linux distro on your reasonably good hardware, then Ubuntu is the best choice.
Ultimately, the best Linux distribution for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you want to use your Linux system for. You might want to try out a few different distributions to see which one you like the most.
1 Comment
I would have recommended some of the same options for SOME new users last year. Note that the real decision should be based upon the user and what is “best” for one may be WORST for another. For that reason I hate the word Best in the title of the article, it is misleading.
There is no discussion of measurements or standards, or by what criteria THESE options were selected over the roughly 215 other options. That makes it technically meaningless opinion fluff.
Today I would hesitate to recommend Elementary. There is some disagreement between the two primary maintainers and developers involved, and I would wait to recommend it going forward until we see where the distribution is headed.