Many users do not hesitate and download the most latest version... People think that in the updated version the developers have fixed all the bugs, added useful functions, made the design more attractive, and made the interface more user-friendly. But this is not always true. In 2016 alone, several modifications and assemblies were released. Among them there are different systems: both good and bad. Therefore, you need to think about which Linux to choose. And only then, having evaluated all the pros and cons, install the distribution kit.

There is no one size fits all system. Each person needs something different. Functionality, security and capabilities are important to the administrator remote control... For a beginner, a friendly and simple interface. For a lover of innovations, there are interesting options that are not present in previous versions.

Many distributions were released in 2016. Among them, there will definitely be one that you need. But no rating will make the choice for you. It is better to independently evaluate the option you like.

There are several general criteria that are important in any version of Linux:

• Stability. If the system constantly "crashes", issues errors, terminates programs, no other advantages will push it to the top of 2016. You will have to constantly look for the causes of failures and recover corrupted data. It doesn't matter what task you use a modification for - its stability is always important.
• Security. Holes in the system are a godsend for any virus. Linux is, of course, a great example of reliability. But it depends on Firewall, access log, security parameters. It is better to choose a distribution that has already been exposed optimal settings and closed all the "loopholes" for malicious software.
• Functionality. Availability of useful and interesting options. Or some kind of "zest" that has not been added to other Linux systems. The main thing is not to overdo it. If the assembly contains a huge number of unnecessary functions, it is better to take something simpler. After all, they will overload the system.
• Convenience. The interface should be not only clear, but also practical. So that all important options are “at hand”. So that when you turn on your computer, you can get to work.
• Modernity. Legacy systems are great in many ways. They are time-tested. If you have used them before, after switching to the 2016 distribution, you will have to get used to. And the new modifications may not live up to expectations. If it was released recently, it is likely to contain bugs. But still it is better to take modern Linux. Not necessarily the most recent version. Developers make programs targeting new systems. At some point, a useful application may come out that will be incompatible with your assembly. And you have to update.
• Design. Of course, the shell is not the main thing. After all, there may be nothing under it. But if the other criteria suit you, why not take a look at the design of the distributions. It can be changed. Therefore, it is not worth compiling a list of the most beautiful Linux of 2016. Just when choosing a modification, see what design options it contains.
• Support, community. This refers not only to the development team and the official Linux technical support. The people who use the operating system are important. They chat on forums, discuss builds, make reviews. They can answer questions, suggest how to solve the problem. If you install an unpopular version of Linux, you will have to deal with it yourself. After all, there will not be many users who work with it. And you are unlikely to find them. This criterion does not apply to highly specialized modifications.

When deciding which Linux distribution to choose, don't stop at the most common version. Check out a few options. What other people like may not work for you personally.

Run the assembly you like in a virtual machine or using a LiveCD. No rating, review or opinion replaces personal experience... Linux is unpredictable in this regard. You will be able to understand if the program is right for you only after you have been working with it for a while.

A build that is constantly being improved. New versions are released frequently. Ubuntu is still popular in 2016. Although it was released 10 years ago.

The system is suitable for beginners who decide to "try" Linux. It's easy to install. She has a convenient and beautiful interface. There is nothing superfluous in it.

You can work with Ubuntu without even using the terminal. It is not like "classic" Linux - you have to work with the command line in it. This is both a plus and a minus. You will easily get used to the new environment. But if you decide to install another build, you won't be able to use it without instructions.

New features are often added to Ubuntu. And along with them - new bugs. They are eliminated as soon as they are discovered.

• Free distribution. Many programs and modifications are free to download.
• Quick installation - 10 minutes, and the distribution kit is already on the computer.
• Intuitive and friendly interface. It is easy to understand it.
• No viruses. More precisely, viruses simply cannot infect the system. On Linux Ubuntu nothing happens without the user's permission. If you don't "miss" yourself malware, they will not be included in the build.
• Multiboot operating systems are available. Ubuntu can be installed alongside Windows. You don't need to configure anything for this.
• The assembly comes with a set of software.
• No top Linux distribution is complete without Ubuntu. This is a common build. If you have a problem, you can find a solution in the community or forum.

• Low stability. Failures occur periodically. But with correct setting the system will work fine. Despite this, Ubuntu and some of its modifications are the best Linux builds. After all, failures in it are not so critical.
• You may get errors that no one has encountered. This is what new versions are guilty of.
• If you decide to try other Linux distributions, it will be difficult to rebuild after Ubuntu.

Mint

Understandable graphical interface... There is a module that will speed up the adaptation if you switched to Mint from Win. They have similar taskbar, desktop, navigation. You will quickly get used to the new "environment". There are several working environments. Just choose the one that is convenient for you to work with.

Mint is based on Ubuntu. The creators of Mint decided to remove all the flaws that are inherent in Linux. The peculiarity of the assembly is that it has built-in multimedia codecs. And the programs that are needed for full-fledged work on the computer are already included.

Perfectly adjusted Feedback... The creators of the modification are interested in the opinion of users, listen to it.

• Mint is almost the most common build of 2016. There is a huge community. You can contact the developers directly with a proposal or idea.
• It's free.
• There are a number useful functions: plugins for easy installation of programs, downloading updates, launching programs.
• Convenient graphical interface. You can switch between working environments.
• Modifications and updates are often released.

• There are no public security bulletins.
• The developer is not an official company, but enthusiasts. This is largely an advantage, since the creator of the system will be closer to the users. But he can make mistakes, because he does not have a team of professionals.

One of the oldest Linux representatives. But it is popular in 2016 due to its stability and security. He has a huge development team. But new versions are rarely released.

Debian is installed on servers. It is suitable for remote administration. It has the best package management systems.

The assembly is not suitable for beginners. She has more quantity programs and settings that you need to understand. But installing the build is easy.

• This is an example of stability.
• Support for many different architectures.
• Works quickly and efficiently.
• Provides security.
• There are a huge number of programs. About 43,000 packages.
• Debian is easy to upgrade.
• Suitable for servers and remote administration. There is a package management system.

• After installation, you need an initial setup.
• The settings themselves are difficult to figure out.
• The distribution is already out of date. Popular in 2016 only because it is the most stable and reliable build based on Linux.
• Updates are rarely released.
• The amount of software is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It will not be easy for a beginner to understand such a variety of software.

Other assemblies

• Arch Linux. Simple and convenient build. If you want to understand and learn to use Linux, Arch Linux is the best choice. But the distribution has one major drawback. After installation, you will not see anything. All functions must be searched for and configured independently. And no automation. Before downloading this assembly, read the instructions for it.

• Chalet OS. If you are yesterday's Windows user, Chalet OS is for you. This build is very similar to Win. But Linux is hidden under the shell. You will be able to manage new system using a familiar graphical interface. The assembly came out recently. There may still be flaws in it.

• Elementary OS. A distro with a stunning design. And these are all its advantages. The modification added only those applications that do not violate the overall composition of the desktop. No new solutions or features. Elementary OS is just a beautiful operating system.

• Cub Linux. Suitable for laptops. The build is stable. It has a practical and uncluttered interface. This allows the battery to last longer. Cub Linux can run software designed for Ubuntu. He doesn't need a powerful computer. It is even installed on old laptops. But there is also a minus - the system boots slowly.

Highly specialized distributions

Here are the best Linux distributions of 2016 designed for highly specialized tasks.

• Ubuntu Studio. Multimedia studio based on Ubuntu. Professional build intended for designers, sound engineers and those involved in video editing. The functionality of the system is aimed only at this - it is not intended for other tasks. Ubuntu Studio doesn't need a lot of resources. They can be distributed among programs.

• Tails. If you don't want to be followed, install Tails. It is based on Debian. The build provides security, privacy and complete anonymity on the network. Runs from LiveCD.

• Snappy Ubuntu Core. Innovation for innovation. Designed for smart things. With it, you can control home automation tools (microwave ovens, coffee makers). The system doesn't need a lot of resources to work.

• Steam OS. A huge problem for Linux - there are not many games on it. Because of this, many users preferred Windows. And they were not going to completely abandon it. But Valve found a solution - they provided "Linux for Games." Debian-based Steam OS operating system. The functions of the Steam platform are available in it.

To decide which Linux to choose, you need to try several builds you like. In reviews and tops, you can only look at the options. But if you know exactly what you need, don't hesitate to install.

Which Linux do you think is the best?

If you want to try Linux, then you have to decide on the most suitable distribution kit. There are several hundred different Linux distributions. Some of them make it easier for users to adapt to an unfamiliar operating system, while others can be quite difficult for newbies.

"Linux" is only the kernel, the main part operating system... Graphical environment, utilities command line and other parts of the operating system are separate projects. Linux distributions combine components with an open source source code from various projects in a ready-made operating system that you can install and use.

Switching to Linux is easy enough these days. You need to download the image and create bootable USB media or DVD. After restarting your computer, you can boot from the created media to use Linux in Live mode (without installing on your computer).

In Live mode, the Linux distribution will start with boot device without creating potential conflicts with the real system. If you decide that you want to install a Linux distribution on your computer, you can do so directly from the Live environment.

On newer computers, it may be necessary to disable the feature. secure boot... However, some Linux distributions may boot normally on computers with the Secure Boot option enabled.

"Try Ubuntu or Mint" - very frequent advice... Indeed, these are excellent Linux distributions to get started and learn. If you're looking for something a little different, then Fedora might be the way to go.

Fedora has several philosophical differences from Ubuntu, Mint, and many other distributions. Unlike others, Fedora is only very sensitive to open source software. For example, the system does not include closed source hardware drivers. You must find them yourself if required.

Fedora developers work directly with open source projects like GNOME, make small changes and deliver to their users modern developments... This distro gives you the freshest and best community projects.

The Fedora desktop is known as " Fedora Workstation"and is great for developers by providing fast access to the necessary tools and functions. On the other hand, anyone can use Fedora.

Fedora is the base for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Red Hat's commercial long-term support product. The Fedora Project releases new versions approximately every six months, and each release is supported by security updates for approximately 13 months. If you want to get free version Red Hat Enterprise Linux Red Hat, you can use CentOS. The differences lie in branding and commercial support.

What else can you try

There are many other reliable Linux distributions you can try. The DistroWatch website provides a rating of popular distributions with user ratings. Projects with good rating are probably great products.

Some Linux distributions are developed and maintained by small development teams such as. Elementary OS offers a simple and user-friendly desktop based on its own Pantheon environment. It looks good, but it is seriously different from other Linux desktops.

A user who just wants to get acquainted with operating systems based on Linux kernels, can easily get lost in the assortment of all kinds of distributions. Their abundance is associated with open source kernels, so developers around the world are diligently joining the ranks of already known operating systems. This article will cover the most popular ones.

In fact, the variety of distributions only goes into the hands. If you understand the distinctive features of certain operating systems, you will be able to choose the system that is perfect for your computer. Weak PCs are especially favored. Having installed a distribution kit for weak hardware, you can use a full-fledged OS that will not load your computer, and at the same time will provide all the necessary software.

To try out one of the distributions below, just download the ISO image from the official website, burn it to a USB drive and start the computer from the USB drive.

If the manipulation of writing the ISO image of the operating system to the drive seems difficult to you, then you can read the manual on our website. Linux installation on virtual machine VirtualBox.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is rightfully considered the most popular Linux distribution in the CIS. It was developed on the basis of another distribution - Debian, however, appearance there is no similarity between them. By the way, users often have debates about which distribution is better: Debian or Ubuntu, but they all agree on one thing - Ubuntu is great for beginners.

The developers systematically release updates that improve or fix its shortcomings. The network is distributed free of charge, including both security updates and corporate versions.

Among the advantages are:

• simple and easy installer;
• a large number of thematic forums and articles on setting up;
• user interface Unity, which differs from the usual Windows, but is intuitive;
• a large number of pre-installed applications (Thunderbird, Firefox, games, Flash plugin and many other software);
• has a large amount of software both in internal and external repositories.

Linux Mint

Although Linux Mint is a separate distribution, it is based on Ubuntu. It is the second most popular product, and also great for newbies. Has more pre-installed software than the previous OS. Linux Mint is almost identical to Ubuntu, in terms of in-system aspects that are hidden from the user's eyes. The graphical interface is more like Windows, which undoubtedly inclines users to choose this operating system.

The advantages of Linux Mint are the following:

• it is possible to select the graphical shell of the system when loading;
• during installation, the user receives not only software with free source code, but also proprietary programs that are able to provide optimal performance video audio files and Flash elements;
• the developers improve the system by periodically releasing updates and fixing bugs.

CentOS

As the developers of CentOS themselves say, their main goal is to make a free and, importantly, stable OS for various organizations and enterprises. Therefore, by installing this distribution kit, you will get a stable and secure system in all respects. However, the user should prepare and study the CentOS documentation, as it has rather strong differences from other distributions. From the main: the syntax of most commands is different, like the commands themselves.

The advantages of CentOS are the following:

• has many functions to ensure the security of the system;
• includes only stable versions of applications, which reduces the risk of critical errors and other types of failures;
• enterprise-grade security updates are released on the OS.

openSUSE

openSUSE is not a bad option for a netbook or low power computer. This operating system has an official website powered by wiki technology, a user portal, a service for developers, projects for designers, and IRC channels in multiple languages. Among other things, the openSUSE team conducts a mailing list for users when there are any updates or other important events.

The advantages of this distribution are as follows:

• has a large number of software delivered via. However, it is somewhat less than in Ubuntu;
• has a KDE graphical shell, which is in many ways similar to Windows;
• has flexible settings made using the YaST program. With its help, you can change almost all parameters, from the wallpaper to the settings of the in-system components.

Pinguy OS

Pinguy OS was designed with the goal of making a system that is simple and beautiful. It is intended for the average user who has decided to switch from Windows, which is why you can find many familiar functions in it.

The operating system is based on the Ubuntu distribution. There are both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Pinguy OS has a wide range of programs with which you can perform almost any action on your PC. For example, turn the standard top panel Gnome to dynamic, just like Mac OS.

Zorin OS

Zorin OS is another system target audience which are newbies looking to migrate from Windows to Linux. This OS is also based on Ubuntu, but the interface has a lot in common with Windows.

However, the hallmark of Zorin OS is the package of pre-installed applications. As a result, you will immediately be able to run most of the games and Windows programs thanks to the Wine program. The pre-installed Google Chrome, which is the default browser in this OS, will also please. And for lovers graphic editors there is a GIMP (analogue of Photoshop). Additional applications user can download by himself using Zorin Web Browser Manager is a kind of Play Market analogue on Android.

Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux is based on ArchLinux. The system is very easy to install and allows the user to start working immediately after installing the system. Both 32-bit and 64-bit OS versions are supported. The repositories are constantly synchronized with ArchLinux, so users are one of the first to receive new software versions. The distribution kit has everything right after installation necessary tools to interact with multimedia content and third-party equipment. Manjaro Linux supports multiple kernels, including rc.

Solus

Solus is not the best option for weak computers... At least because this distribution has only one version - 64-bit. However, in return, the user will receive a beautiful graphical shell, with the ability flexible customization, many tools to work with and reliable to use.

It is also worth noting that Solus uses the excellent eopkg manager for working with packages, which offers standard tools for installing / removing packages and finding them.

Elementary OS

The Elementary OS distribution is based on Ubuntu and is a great starting point for beginners. Interesting design, which is very similar to OS X, a large number of software - this and much more will be acquired by the user who has installed this distribution kit. Distinctive feature This OS is that most of the applications that come with it are designed specifically for this project. In view of this, they are ideally comparable with the general structure of the system, which is why the OS works much faster than the same Ubuntu. In addition, all the elements thanks to this are perfectly combined externally.

Conclusion

It is difficult to objectively say which of the presented distributions is better and which is slightly worse, just as you cannot force anyone to install Ubuntu or Mint on their computer. Everything is individual, so the decision of which distribution to start using is yours.

If someone asks you which version of Linux you are using, then they most likely are not interested in the version of the Linux kernel, but they mean which Linux distribution you have installed and the version number of this distribution. Technically, Linux is only the kernel of the operating system, and all other elements, such as the graphical user interface and applications, are written separately by completely different developers and are not tied to this particular kernel.

Thus, all Linux distributions are a kind of constructor, which one or, most often, a group of developers collect from the kernel, user shell, auxiliary system libraries and third party applications... Currently, there are hundreds of very different distributions, many of which differ from each other in color, wallpaper and kit. preinstalled programs... But there are many original developments that have every right to be called independent operating systems. How do they differ and which one should I prefer? We will talk about this below.

Key dignity of Ubuntu is that it is developed and maintained under the direction of the commercial company Canonical, which is a guarantee of the development and quality of this system. In addition, Long Term Support (LTS) versions are periodically released with guaranteed support for five years. The Ubuntu user community is one of the most numerous and active, so if you are a beginner Linux user, then this should also be considered.

Mint

This distribution became popular just a few years ago on the wave of rejection of innovations in Ubuntu by many users. Then they wanted "the same distribution, but without Unity" and developed Mint. Here you have two custom skins to choose from - Cinnamon and MATE. The former is more modern and based on GTK +, while the latter will suit more conservative users.

Mint, unlike Ubuntu, also includes some proprietary software for example multimedia codecs. So you can start using this system right after installation without the need to install additional components.

There was once such a glorious distribution, Mandriva, which fizzled out about two years ago. Mageia is his successor and continues Mandriva's tradition of simplicity and friendliness. Like its parent distribution, Mageia uses KDE as its first priority desktop environment. New versions are released every 9 months and are supported for one and a half years. This system is recommended to all Mandriva and Red Hat fans as a modern alternative.

OpenSUSE is a free version of SUSE Linux, a commercial distribution popular several years ago. It is now owned by the American corporation Novell, which, as in the case of Ubuntu, provides some ordering to the chaos of open source and provides quality assurance. This operating system is focused on KDE and has some interesting developments of its own, for example, YaST Control Center and Batch manager ZYpp. New versions are released every 8 months.

The name, so pleasant for the Russian ear, means “soft felt hat”. The distribution was created thanks to the efforts of Red Hat, and is a kind of testing ground for its commercial products. The distribution kit is designed for those who like to work with new versions of programs and generally follow everything interesting in the Linux world. New versions are released every 6-8 months, and the last two releases are supported simultaneously.

Which Linux distribution do you like and why?

So - the decision has been made. We will assume that you are convinced of the perspective and convenience of the Linux system, and instead of buying a new computer for Win8, you decided to change WinXP to a free OS. How to be something? There are so many things around ... Not every Linux is equally useful for a "refugee", but the choice of suitable options is quite wide. Currently, about 350 distributions use the Linux kernel, besides Debian-based systems, there are also buildings based on Slackware, Red-Hat, Arch and Gentoo. Many options are very special and fall off the list of candidates to replace WinXP at home.

We'll have to sort it a bit

Differently Arch and Gentoo- the lot of Linux specialists praised on the Internet and for simple user not quite suitable. Of all the options RedHat you can see only two versions that are fit for migrants from WinXP:

Fedora Linux(https://fedoraproject.org/ru/) every time pleases the eye and amuses with freshness of functionality. However, no one there cares about the frugality of the old hardware and does not really care about newcomers who are going to switch from Windows. But everything is beautiful and very relevant.

Mageia(http://www.mageia.org/ru/) was released in early 2014 in 4 versions and also belongs to the family RedHat... Perhaps that of all the options - this is the only one that is clearly aimed at a simple end user. The best system installation manager in the Linux environment and a very successful graphical shell (you can choose KDE or Gnome). One argument against Mageia: this is still a young development and it is not known how it will develop in the future.

Open SuSe(http://www.opensuse.org/ru/) - the only member of the family Slackware, which you can talk about here. For more than a decade, this distribution was generally the only option that was sharpened for desktop computer and is designed for the convenience of the end user.

Ubuntu and companions - come from a glorious family Debian and, at present, are the best choice for novice users. Anyone who needs a simple, fast and stable system, but does not want to dig into the settings, will be happy. Among other things, a friendly company of different Ubuntu offers on common base numerous options for different tastes and needs.

The best Ubuntu for those looking to move

This is almost the standard for desktop Linux - Ubuntu(www.ubuntu.com). The current version 14.04 is the so-called LTS (long time support), which is also suitable for production use (server and so on), since it will be supplied with updates for another five years. Installing Ubuntu it is simple, the very use of the system is almost intuitive. The Unity work surface criticized by traditionalists may seem strange to some, but general impression suffers little from this. And who is completely unbearable - there are options for every taste.

Kubuntu(www.kubuntu.org) is still Ubuntu with all the amenities, but instead of Unity it uses a very elegant KDE surface. This shell shines with the greatest possible variability, has a huge number of settings and additions. Kubuntu expresses its strengths on a large monitor and fresher computers. Any fan of tinkering with system settings will be just happy. Numerous communities on the Internet are full of "tuned" desktops of proud users.

Ubuntu Gnome(http://ubuntugnome.org) - This option replaces Unity with the Gnome GUI, as the name suggests. This environment is just as elegant and thoughtful, but all the graphics "gadgets" require their attention from the processor and video card.

A relative novelty is Elementary OS "Luna"(http://elementaryos.org), which is still based on the previous LTS version of Ubuntu 12.04. The main feature of this distribution is the Pantheon surface produced from Gnome, which, in some way, copies MacOS. The authors have created a nice system with a set of particularly economical and high-speed programs. But the user can assemble everything to his taste - the main components of Ubuntu are preserved.

Linux Mint(http://linuxmint.com) is currently distributed in version 17 and is also based on Ubuntu. This version of the OS differs from the above with the lowest hardware requirements. The Cinnamon work surface is a move away from Unity, and the traditionally styled menu is a clear invitation for those moving from Windows.

The system is quick and easy to install, customize and expand. Unlike other systems - Linux Mint is capable of handling all codecs for audio or video immediately after installation. Updating Mint versions follows Ubuntu versions. And for fans of KDE there is also a corresponding version - currently Linux Mint 16 "Petra".

Fresh wind over the old iron

Often, after removing WinXP from the service, a weak computer with outdated peripherals remains at home. But do not indulge in despondency - minimalist Linux should not look poor and modest. Already from Pentium III or Athlon AMD and random access memory on 512MB you can run a pretty decent system that can adequately replace the old Windows. In general, you can rely on OSs that use the XFCE or LXDE graphical shell. These are, respectively, Xubuntu and Lubuntu... Again, Linux Mint exists in a version with an LXDE environment.

They are even more economical with resources Bodhi Linux and Precise Puppy Linux... Note to an inquisitive user, as they say. There are several legacy versions of "light" Linux, but it is better to leave them aside.

The easiest way to rely on Lubuntu or Mint LXDE- after installation, the user gets a fully functional system, and the Windows-style work menu makes it easier for experienced users to switch windows.

Based on materials from Linux WELT magazine (03/2014)

Victor Hartmann
Berlin