What Linux Distro Should I Use
If you are new or have never tried Linux before the first thing you are confronted with is the overwhelming numbers of distros. You can check out the top 100 on DistroWatch.
What Linux Distro Should I use: ask this question on any Linux forum and you will be bombarded with everyone’s favorite distro. Not very helpful for picking one just right for you.
Before trying Linux it’s helpful to know a little about what’s under the hood. Every Linux distribution is built on the Linux Kernel given to us by Uncle Linus. Individual distros may add modules to the kernel but it’s pretty much the same. The Linux Kernel basically runs your hole computer.
Programs in Linux are called packages. Different distros use different methods of managing packages. The package manager you will use may be Yum, Apt, Pacman, or something other. Programs in Linux may use other programs to preform their functions, and they also share libraries. Since Linux packages are so interdependent with each other, When you preform an update all programs on your system will be updated. (not just the System)
Release cycle is the time frame when new versions are released. Some version of Linux will lock the kernel version and other packages during each release cycle. When a new release comes out it is recommended to re install your system. These releace cycles may be 6 months 2 or 5 years. Rolling Releases will update every thing every time you update your computer. (No re installing needed)
The Terminal is a text window you can type commands in to run your packages. You can preform many tasks with the terminal. It is a great too for those who learn how to use it.
Very few people will want to live completely in the terminal, So we have a Desktop environment. The Desktop or “DE” is the graphical user interface. It contains the window manager, desktop, Menu, icons, buttons to click and many other features. Common DE’s include but are not limited to Unity, GNOME, KDE, XFCE, LXDE.
When you are running your computer the main thing you will be aware of is the Desktop Environment. So When looking for a distro you should first find a DE you like, and look for distros with your desired DE. The next thing you want to look at is releases. Do you wan’t to re install your system every cycle or use a rolling release. (There are advantages to both) Then you want to look at package managers. Witch Package manager do you want to use. (If you care at all)
Distro Hopping is another method. Try a hole bunch of distros to find the one that is right for you. Virtual Box is also a nice tool for trying out distros without having to completely wipe your system.
The trick is to find a System built jut for you, and not one that someone else likes. Unfortunately nobody can be told what the Best Linux Distro is, They have to experience it for them selves.