What do you want to do?
I'll classify the Linux version according to common needs. Here comes the cow. Platform Source QQ2189563389 Please add a link to describe there are some overlaps here, and if you're ready, either of these Linux distributions will meet your expectations. One of the great advantages of Linux is that it allows you to do whatever you want. But, after all, there are differences between distributions, some can do a lot of work for you, or a version has a better design for a particular goal. Below I will classify these distributions according to the simplest way to achieve the goal.
I'm just getting started with Linux novice
For a long time, I would recommend Ubuntu to novice Linux. Ubuntu is great in terms of ease of use and compatibility. But I'm really sick of Ubuntu right now. However, I will still use it in my curriculum and in the demo of the article because there are many people with Ubuntu, but I don't like the way they run this distribution-built-in Amazon adware, and unity is pretty annoying.
So if you're just getting started, my advice is:
Linux Mint Download
Debian Download
This is a scam because Linux mint is closely related to Debian, but Mint looks prettier and has some cross-platform stuff.
You can use these distributions for the following purposes:
Windows-like experience
Easy installation
Reliable
"Linux-like" and not self-made
"Just works."
Well, the last one is really important. What we need is effective and useful. These distributions are Plug and play. Setup is ready. My development machine now relies more and more on Debian because sometimes I don't care about the operating system and I don't want it to interfere with me. When I'm in a state where I just want to build something, it's invincible.
I want to learn more about Linux/unix and hardware.
Perhaps you are in a playful and experimental mood. You want to challenge yourself and try to force yourself to learn through practice. That's good, and that's exactly what I did.
If you want to challenge yourself and learn something, my advice is:
Slackware Linux
Arch Linux
Gentoo Linux
FreeBSD (not Linux, but suitable to be classified into this category)
Each of these distributions requires a lot of configuration, hardware discovery, and source code compilation. Gentoo, you have to compile everything. This is a great way to fully control the operating system.
You can use these distributions for the following purposes:
Take full control of your computer and operating system
Learn about Linux Internal
Streamlined and optimized system
It takes a price: mainly time. It may take several hours for the installation to complete. On the bright side, they can run for a long time.
I installed the arch install on the Lenvov, but I spent Children's Day days of the week on the configuration, and then it took about 10 hours or longer. It runs effortlessly for 5 years (until the laptop hardware is scrapped). Occasionally it needs to be updated, but it has allowed me to use it reliably for exactly 5 years. Therefore, this is a very valuable investment.
I want to be a tech-goers.
Well, maybe you don't care how stable it is, just want the latest and best software. You want to fiddle with the kernel, or do some cool stuff that other programmers submitted yesterday.
For stability and security, what you need now is up-to-date:
Arch Linux
OpenSuse Tumbleweed
Fedora Rawhide
Gentoo Unstable
You can use these distributions for the following purposes:
Take risks to learn the latest things
The newest and greatest features
Interesting configuration for easy handling of breaking changes
To be fair, I personally used arch and Gentoo, although there was no serious stability problem, but it was risky.
Here comes the cow. Platform Source Code Building development Tutorial Choose your Linux distribution