Ubuntu’s popularity often makes it the default choice for new Linux users.

Ubuntu was one of the first Linux-based operating systems, as well as Linux distributions, aimed at casual desktop users. It provided an intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) that made it just as easy to install and configure.

However, times have changed and there are plenty of Linux distributions built for PCs that are stable, reliable, user-friendly, and in some cases more feature-rich than Ubuntu.

The Linux ecosystem offers various specialized distributions, each designed with a particular use case and philosophy in mind.

It’s worth spending some time researching to find the option that best suits your needs and requirements. And to help you out, here’s How to Geek’s overview of the major non-Ubuntu Linux distributions.

Three alternatives to Ubuntu

Ubuntu’s popularity is due to its large user base, large number of tutorials, and availability of software. As part of the Ubuntu project, each release preserves the Ubuntu base but uses a different operating environment.

Ubuntu itself uses a customized version of the GNOME desktop environment, which is sometimes criticized for being cumbersome and restrictive. So if you want a lightweight system, Xubuntu with Xfce is perfect.

Meanwhile, KDE Plasma-based Kubuntu is intended for advanced users who value customization. For a balance of lightness and modern aesthetics, Lubuntu with LXQt is a great option.

Pop!_OS: NVIDIA support ready

Pop!_OS was created in the laboratories of System76, an open source Linux hardware development company. As a result, Pop!_OS has some of the best out-of-the-box hardware support. For example, pre-installed NVIDIA drivers.

Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu and runs GNOME, but cleaner and more optimized.

The distribution is positioned as an OS for workstations and is aimed at working professionals, researchers and even gamers. It is compatible with a wide selection of applications that can be conveniently downloaded using Pop!_Shop.

Other important features include an option to automatically place tiles, a super-fast app launcher (for this you need to press the Windows key and enter the name of the app), intuitive gesture navigation, and more.

Linux Mint: For new Linux users on Windows

Linux Mint is the most recommended distribution for Windows 7 or XP users. It’s also based on Ubuntu, with a choice between the Cinnamon and MATE desktops.

With both, you’ll get a Microsoft Windows-like user experience that can help newbies transition to Linux more easily.

In fact, the distribution is designed with the new preferences of Linux users in mind. It offers many applications with graphical user interface.

Linux Mint also has an intuitive Settings app that is somewhat similar to the Windows Control Panel. Software Manager offers a simple, intuitive interface for finding, installing, and updating programs on your system.

The distribution is quite light, which ensures smoother operation on less powerful and older equipment. It is one of the best OS to breathe life into your old laptop.

There are many resources, forums, guides, and a friendly community to help beginners learn the basics and transition smoothly to Linux.

Manjaro: Reliable and advanced features

Manjaro is known for making Arch Linux available. Traditional Arch offers a free experience, giving you the maximum level of freedom (and responsibility), making it popular among Linux veterans.

However, Manjaro has made the process much more user-friendly by adding lots of intuitive GUI programs like Pamac for installing packages and Manjaro Hardware Detection for installing the necessary drivers.

Arch is designed to receive new software versions as they become available, which may affect system stability. However, Manjaro checks these updates to make sure you only get the latest stuff once it’s confirmed as stable.

The distribution also supports several desktop environments, including GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce.

Garuda Linux: The best Linux distribution for gamers

Garuda Linux stands out as an Arch-based distribution aimed at gamers and power users. Its signature Garuda Dragonized Gaming Edition features a dynamic KDE Plasma desktop with a neon aesthetic, wobbly windows, and a macOS-like workflow, catering to those who appreciate style and substance.

To help users get started, the distribution offers the Garuda Welcome application, from which you can quickly launch useful GUI-based software to get the most out of your system.

One such program is Garuda Gamer, which lets you quickly download custom gaming tools, emulators, launchers, and even free, open source games. There is also a Garuda Assistant to help with system maintenance.

Garuda Linux provides the latest software updates which can sometimes cause stability issues.

Fortunately, the OS also offers a great implementation of the Snapper tool for regularly (before every update) backup of your system. If something goes wrong or crashes after an upgrade, you can easily revert to the previous state using the GRUB menu.

Fedora: The Developers’ Choice

Fedora is sponsored by Red Hat and is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), a commercial and open source Linux distribution for enterprise use. It serves as a base for testing features that may eventually end up in RHEL.

This makes Fedora an ideal distribution for developers, system administrators, or Linux enthusiasts who want the latest builds of professional open source software.

The distribution follows a six-month release cycle where new updates boast the latest software.

One of the outstanding features of Fedora is its implementation of Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux), which provides strict access control mechanisms. It also benefits from a lively community and extensive documentation, making it easy to find help and resources.

In terms of user interaction, Fedora comes with vanilla GNOME by default, giving access to all the GNOME GUI software for managing the system.

There are different versions of Fedora with different operating environments. For example, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE, i3, LXQt, LXDE, Budgie, etc.

We recently reported that ​Microsoft is bringing the Linux sudo command to Windows Server.

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