Linux distro popularity 2021

11 Best Linux Distros For 2021: How To Choose Your Windows Alternative

Linux always gives you tons of options and we’re here to help you decide.

Last year, Linux grew at a tremendous rate due to a ton of factors. While the world of Linux does offer tons of choices, it might get overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve prepared this Linux distribution list to help you select the best Linux distro to suit your needs. Some distros perform better at one kind of task, and some are all-rounders, and so on. So, let’s get started with the best Linux Distro List for 2021

11 Best Linux Distros For 2021

1. Best Distro For Windows Users And Beginners: Linux Mint

The popularity of open-source software and Linux is rising with each passing year, and more people are learning Linux. For those users, selecting a Linux distro with a smooth learning curve is of primary importance. This ease-of-usage is the most worthy point kept in mind while recommending a Linux distro for beginners. You can read my complete list of recommended Linux distros for beginners.

Linux Mint is one of the fastest-growing Linux distros around and is a lot better for beginners than Ubuntu. If you want to know more about Linux Mint Vs Ubuntu differences, do make sure to check out our Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu article.

Added to that, Linux Mint has established itself as a perfect replacement for the Windows operating system with its nearly-perfect desktop experience. Another reason why it’s the best distro is; you don’t need to spend a lot of time installing the distro and packages before you can get some real work done. It doesn’t have a heavier footprint, which makes it great for old PCs as well.

Why is Mint best for beginners?

• Easy-to-use Cinnamon desktop
• Large, supportive community
• Easier to run on Old hardware

Visit the Linux Mint website to download the official ISO.

Best alternatives to Linux Mint:

2. Best Linux Distro In 2021 For Beginners And Experienced Users: Ubuntu

A Linux article cannot be called a Linux article unless there’s Ubuntu mentioned in it. For a lot of beginners and experienced users, Ubuntu and GNOME is a match made in heaven. The more recent OS versions have added a mammoth list of new features and improvements that, after glancing, even a typical Windows user would want to switch.

Not to mention the community at large will always be there to help you if you get stuck. That said, no matter what you intend to do, you can do it easily on Ubuntu.

Why choose Ubuntu?

• Active user community
• Highly stable
• Easy to use. Suited for beginners and intermediate users.

To get its ISO images, visit the official Ubuntu Website.

3. Best Linux Distro In 2021 For Ethical Hacking: Kali Linux

When it comes explicitly to the best Linux distros for ethical hacking purposes, there’s absolutely no match for Kali Linux. It comes with hundreds of useful tools that belong to different categories like vulnerability analyses, wireless attacks, web applications, exploitation tools, stress testing, forensic tools, etc. Based on the Debian Testing branch, most of the distro packages are imported from Debian repos.

Apart from full-featured desktops, Kali can also be installed on Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, BeagleBone, etc. It’s also available for Android smartphones with the arrival of Kali NetHunter.

Why install Kali for ethical hacking?

• A Regular rolling release model
• Tons of tried and tested ethical hacking tools
• Solid Debian base
• Vast learning resource

Visit the Kali Linux website for downloads.

What else to try for ethical hacking?

4. Linux Distro In 2021 For Gaming: Pop!_OS

The gaming scene on Linux has significantly improved over the past few years, and it’ll only get better in the coming years. Thanks to the Proton compatibility layer, more than 50% of the top 10 games and more than 73% of the top hundred games are already playable on Linux.

While there are many “gaming-specific” distros enough to overwhelm you, Pop!_OS is a distro that many people in the Linux community, including me, prefer. That’s mainly due to two different images users can download – one for AMD/Intel GPU and the other that comes with Nvidia drivers. It is also the best Linux Distro for laptops.

Want to learn more about the state of gaming on Linux? Read our Here’s how to choose a Linux Distro for Gaming article. Also, if you’re searching for more gaming distros, our 13 Best Linux Gaming Distros article might help you choose the right one.

Why choose Pop!_OS?

• Pre-installed graphics drivers for Nvidia and AMD
• Excellent community support
• User friendly

Other distros for gaming:

5. The Most Popular Linux Distro: MX Linux

While there isn’t any concrete method to measure Linux distros’ growth, Distrowatch does a pretty good job of keeping track of visits to a particular distribution listing. As per their data, MX Linux has generated lots of interest among the users over the past 12 months, and it’s currently ranked #1. MX Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution that uses the lightweight Xfce Linux desktop environment. You can give it a try if you’re looking for a fully-fledged operating system for everyday work.

Why choose MX Linux?

• Clean and simple user interface
• Portable installation option
• Unique “midweight” category of Linux distros

Visit the MX Linux website for download.

6. Best Linux Distro In 2021 For Programming: Solus

After booting into Solus’s Budgie Desktop, the first thing you’ll notice is how striking it looks and feels. While Solus is not specifically targeted at developers, it comes with many development tools pre-installed that make it one of the best distro for developers.

I’ve also mentioned it in my Top 4 Beginner-Friendly Distros That Are Not Ubuntu-Based article. The only hurdle between you and learning how to use Solus is the eopkg package manager, which shouldn’t be hard to learn.

Why choose Solus for programming or daily use?

• Support for a wide variety of version control systems
• Striking looks
• Beginner-friendly

Visit the official Solus website for ISO download and more information.

Some more choices for developers:

7. Most Beautiful Linux Distro: elementary OS

Most beautiful Linux distro isn’t a criterion that can judge an operating system’s capabilities in the true sense, but it plays a major role in choosing a new distro. Thanks to the flexibility offered by the Linux ecosystem, developers can create new and appealing distros. Ubuntu-based elementary OS is the most beautiful Linux distro in my opinion and experience, known for its unparalleled performance.

This fast and open source replacement for Windows and macOS borrows some design elements from macOS. Shipping without many defaults Ubuntu applications, elementary OS delivers a lightweight experience as well. With its Pantheon desktop environment built using Vala, GTK+, and Granite libraries, elementary OS is deeply integrated with its applications like Plank, Epiphany, and Scratch. Overall, it can be used by experienced and beginners alike to carry out daily computing tasks.

Why choose looks of the elementary OS?

• Lightweight desktop
• macOS-like appearance
• Lesser applications, slick interface

Visit the elementary OS website for download.

Honorable mentions:

8. Best Linux distro In 2021 For Privacy And Anonymity: Tails

If I tell you that Edward Snowden uses Tails Linux distro for carrying out his communications and browsing the web, some of you might wonder what’s the reason behind this choice. Some of you would be having a rough idea. As its name–The Amnesic Incognito Live System–suggests, Tails is a popular choice for secure web browsing.

Tails live operating system can be booted on almost any computer using a DVD or USB image. This Debian-based secure distro makes sure that all internet connections are forced to go through the Tor network. With this, you end up leaving no trace on the computer. It also comes with many cryptographic tools that help you encrypt your emails, files, and instant messaging. There are other options as well for privacy-focused minds.

Why choose Tails for anonymity?

• Forces every connection via Tor network
• Stores everything in RAM for no trace.
• Also suitable for general use.
• Built-in encryption suite

Visit the Tails website for download.

More options for privacy-conscious Linux users:

• Whonix
• Qubes OS
• Alpine Linux

9. Best Linux Distro In 2021 For Servers: CentOS Stream

Can you imagine setting up a server on a Linux distro that’s known for its instability or frequent crashes in the middle of something? The answer to this question is pretty obvious. Other factors that matter are hardware support, security, power efficiency, and optimized performance. There are many free and paid options for such scenarios, and CentOS Stream is my recommendation in this category.

Last year, RHEL-owned CentOS came to an unexpected halt and is now independent and called CentOS Stream. Due to this, the latest release, CentOS 8’s support window, was reduced to up to 2021 from 2029. However, older versions like CentOS 7 will be supported until 2024.

Why choose CentOS Stream for servers?

• Popular RPM and Yum Package Management
• Widespread support across the tech industry

Visit the CentOS website for download.

Other Linux distros for servers:

10. Best Arch-based Linux Distro: Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux is my favorite Arch-based distro. It’s easy to install, looks great, and strikes a perfect balance between cutting-edge software and stability. It is also perfect for people who want to get away with the hard installation process of stock Arch.

Much like Pop!_OS, Manjaro Linux is also an all-rounder. Be it gaming, development, or daily usage, Manjaro nails it in every aspect.

Why choose Manjaro?

• Extensive Arch Linux documentation
• Vast community and supportive forums
• User-friendly Arch Distro

Visit the Manjaro website for download.

Manjaro alternatives:

11. Best Distro In 2021 For Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi OS

When it comes to making computing accessible to more people, Raspberry Pi has played a pivotal role in this decade. By spending as low as $10, you can get a single board computer for web browsing, learning programming, etc.

There are many Linux operating systems that you can install on this little machine, but there’s no match to the in-house Raspberry Pi OS. It’s the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s official operating system that’s perfect for beginners and experienced users. You can install it by writing it directly to the SD card or use Foundation’s own NOOBS installer. Based on Debian GNU/Linux operating system, Raspberry Pi OS comes with many useful preinstalled applications that ensure that you can get started right away.

Why choose Raspberry Pi OS for Raspberry Pi?

• Officially supported OS for R-Pi.
• Lightweight Pixel desktop environment
• Availability of a lite version as well

Visit the Raspberry Pi OS website for download.

Other Linux distros for Raspberry Pi:

Want something else? Linux Always Leaves You With More Options

The distros on this list are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Have you come across any distro that deserves to be on this list? Let us know in the comments section.

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Best Linux Distributions For Everyone in 2021

Last updated January 29, 2021 By Ankush Das 168 Comments

Brief: Which is the best Linux distribution? There is no definite answer to that question. This is why we have compiled this list of best Linux in various categories.

There are many Linux distributions. I can’t even think of coming up with an exact number because you would find loads of Linux distros that differ from one another in one way or the other.

Some of them just turn out to be a clone of one another while some of them tend to be unique. So, it’s kind of a mess – but that is the beauty of Linux.

Fret not, even though there are thousands of distributions around, in this article, I have compiled a list of the best Linux distros available right now. Of course, the list can be subjective. But, here, we try to categorize the distros – so there’s something for everyone.

Note: The list is in no particular order of ranking.

Best Linux Distributions for Beginners

In this category, we aim to list the distros which are easy-to-use out of the box. You do not need to dig deeper, you can just start using it right away after installation without needing to know any commands or tips.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is undoubtedly one of the most popular Linux distributions. You can even find it pre-installed on a lot of laptops available.

The user interface is easy to get comfortable with. If you play around, you can easily customize the look of it as per your requirements. In either case, you can opt to install a theme as well. You can learn more about how to install themes in Ubuntu to get started.

In addition to what it offers, you will find a huge online community of Ubuntu users. So, if you face an issue – head to any of the forums (or a subreddit) to ask for help. If you are looking for direct solutions in no time, you should check out our coverage on Ubuntu (where we have a lot of tutorials and recommendations for Ubuntu).

Linux Mint

Linux Mint Cinnamon is another popular Linux distribution among beginners. The default Cinnamon desktop resembles Windows XP and this is why many users opted for it when Windows XP was discontinued.

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and thus it has all the applications available for Ubuntu. The simplicity and ease of use is why it has become a prominent choice for new Linux users.

elementary OS

elementary OS is one of the most beautiful Linux distros I’ve ever used. The UI resembles that of Mac OS – so if you have already used a Mac-powered system, it’s easy to get comfortable with.

This distribution is based on Ubuntu and focuses to deliver a user-friendly Linux environment which looks as pretty as possible while keeping the performance in mind. If you choose to install elementary OS, a list of 11 things to do after installing elementary OS should come in handy.

MX Linux

MX Linux came in the limelight almost a year ago. Now (at the time of publishing this), it is the most popular Linux distro on DistroWatch.com. If you haven’t used it yet – you will be surprised when you get to use it.

Unlike Ubuntu, MX Linux is an increasingly popular Linux distribution based on Debian with Xfce as its desktop environment. In addition to its impeccable stability – it comes packed with a lot of GUI tools which makes it easier for any user comfortable with Windows/Mac originally.

Also, the package manager is perfectly tailored to facilitate one-click installations. You can even search for Flatpak packages and install it in no time (Flathub is available by default in the package manager as one of the sources).

Zorin OS

Zorin OS is yet another Ubuntu-based distribution which happens to be one of the most good-looking and intuitive OS for desktop. Especially, after Zorin OS 15 release – I would definitely recommend it for users without any Linux background. A lot of GUI-based applications comes baked in as well.

Considering Zorin OS 16 as one of the most anticipated distributions, I would definitely see it as a good option for 2021.

You can also install it on older PCs – however, make sure to choose the “Lite” edition. In addition, you have “Core”, “Education” & “Ultimate” editions. You can choose to install the Core edition for free – but if you want to support the developers and help improve Zorin, consider getting the Ultimate edition.

Zorin OS was started by two teenagers based in Ireland. You may read their story here.

Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS by Sytem76 is a great pick for developers or computer science professionals. Of course, not just limited to coders – it is also an excellent choice if you’re just starting to use Linux. It is based on Ubuntu – but the UI feels a lot more intuitive and smooth. In addition to the UI, it enforces full-disk encryption out of the box.

A lot of our readers seem to be liking it (and sticking with it) as you can judge by the comments below. If you’re curious about it, you should also check out our Pop!_OS 20.04 review.

Other Options

Deepin and other flavors of Ubuntu (like Kubuntu, Xubuntu) could also be some preferred choices for beginners. You can take a look at them if you want to explore more options.

If you want a challenge, you can indeed try Fedora over Ubuntu – but make sure to follow our article on Ubuntu vs Fedora to make a better decision from the desktop point of view.

Best Linux Server Distributions

For servers, the choice of a Linux distro comes down to stability, performance, and enterprise support. If you are just experimenting, you can try any distro you want.

But, if you are installing it for a web server or anything vital – you should take a look at some of our recommendations.

Ubuntu Server

Depending on where you want it, Ubuntu provides different options for your server. If you are looking for an optimized solution to run on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, etc., Ubuntu Cloud is the way to go.

In either case, you can opt for Ubuntu Server packages and have it installed on your server. Nevertheless, Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distro when it comes to deployment on the cloud (judging by the numbers – source 1, source 2).

Do note that we recommend you to go for the LTS editions – unless you have specific requirements.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a top-notch Linux platform for businesses and organizations. If we go by the numbers, Red Hat may not be the most popular choice for servers. But, there’s a significant group of enterprise users who rely on RHEL (like Lenovo).

Technically, Fedora and Red Hat are related. Whatever Red Hat supports – gets tested on Fedora before making it available for RHEL. I’m not an expert on server distributions for tailored requirements – so you should definitely check out their official documentation to know if it’s suitable for you.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

Fret not, do not confuse this with OpenSUSE. Everything comes under a common brand “SUSE” – but OpenSUSE is an open-source distro targeted and yet, maintained by the community.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is one of the most popular solutions for cloud-based servers. You will have to opt for a subscription in order to get priority support and assistance to manage your open source solution.

CentOS 8 (End-of-Life 2021, Look for Alternatives)

Yes, you can get RHEL subscription for free up to 16 servers without technical support. But, CentOS was more like a community edition of RHEL because it was derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

But, now that CentOS has been replaced by CentOS Stream, you can either try CentOS Stream, which is an upstream to Red Hat Enterprise Linux or look for CentOS alternatives.

Cent OS 7 will be supported till 2024 and Cent OS 8 will see an early end of life in 2021. So, you can try it as an experiment before trying CentOS alternatives or CentOS Stream.

Other Options

You can also try exploring Fedora Server or Debian as alternatives to some of the distros mentioned above.

If you are into programming and software development check out the list of

Interested in learning and practicing cyber security? Check out the list of

Best Linux Distributions for Older Computers

If you have an old PC lying around or if you didn’t really need to upgrade your system – you can still try some of the best Linux distros available.

We’ve already talked about some of the best lightweight Linux distributions in details and top Linux distributions to support 32-bit computers. Here, we shall only mention what really stands out from that list (and some new additions).

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is literally one of the smallest distribution there is. When I first started to explore Linux, my friend recommended me to experiment with Puppy Linux because it can run on older hardware configurations with ease.

It’s worth checking it out if you want a snappy experience on your good old PC. Over the years, the user experience has improved along with the addition of several new useful features.

Solus Budgie

After a recent major release – Solus 4.1 Fortitude – it is an impressive lightweight desktop OS. You can opt for desktop environments like GNOME or MATE. However, Solus Budgie happens to be one of my favorites as a full-fledged Linux distro for beginners while being light on system resources.

Bodhi

Bodhi Linux is built on top of Ubuntu. However, unlike Ubuntu – it does run well on older configurations.

The main highlight of this distro is its Moksha Desktop (which is a continuation of Enlightenment 17 desktop). The user experience is intuitive and screaming fast. Even though it’s not something for my personal use – you should give it a try on your older systems.

antiX

antiX – which is also partially responsible for MX Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution tailored for old and new computers. The UI isn’t impressive – but it works as expected.

It is based on Debian and can be utilized as a live CD distribution without needing to install it. antiX also provides live bootloaders. In contrast to some other distros, you get to save the settings so that you don’t lose it with every reboot. Not just that, you can also save changes to the root directory with its “Live persistence” feature.

So, if you are looking for a live-USB distro to provide a snappy user experience on old hardware – antiX is the way to go.

Sparky Linux

Sparky Linux is based on Debian which turns out to be a perfect Linux distro for low-end systems. Along with a screaming fast experience, Sparky Linux offers several special editions (or varieties) for different users.

For example, it provides a stable release (with varieties) and rolling releases specific to a group of users. Sparky Linux GameOver edition is quite popular for gamers because it includes a bunch of pre-installed games. You can check out our list of best Linux Gaming distributions – if you also want to play games on your system.

Other Options

You can also try Linux Lite, Lubuntu, and Peppermint as some of the lightweight Linux distributions.

Best Linux Distro for Advanced Users

Once you get comfortable with the variety of package managers and commands to help troubleshoot your way to resolve any issue, you can start exploring Linux distros which are tailored for Advanced users only.

Of course, if you are a professional – you will have a set of specific requirements. However, if you’ve been using Linux for a while as a common user – these distros are worth checking out.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is itself a simple yet powerful distribution with a huge learning curve. Unlike others, you won’t have everything pre-installed in one go. You have to configure the system and add packages as needed.

Also, when installing Arch Linux, you will have to follow a set of commands (without GUI). To know more about it, you can follow our guide on how to install Arch Linux. If you are going to install it, you should also know about some of the essential things to do after installing Arch Linux. It will help you get a jump start.

In addition to all the versatility and simplicity, it’s worth mentioning that the community behind Arch Linux is very active. So, if you run into a problem, you don’t have to worry.

Gentoo

If you know how to compile the source code, Gentoo Linux is a must-try for you. It is also a lightweight distribution – however, you need to have the required technical knowledge to make it work.

Of course, the official handbook provides a lot of information that you need to know. But, if you aren’t sure what you’re doing – it will take a lot of your time to figure out how to make the most out of it.

Slackware

Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distribution that still matters. If you are willing to compile or develop software to set up a perfect environment for yourself – Slackware is the way to go.

In case you’re curious about some of the oldest Linux distros, we have an article on the earliest linux distributions – go check it out.

Even though the number of users/developers utilizing it has significantly decreased, it is still a fantastic choice for advanced users. Also, with the recent news of Slackware getting a Patreon page – we hope that Slackware continues to exist as one of the best Linux distros out there.

Best Multi-purpose Linux Distribution

There are certain Linux distros which you can utilize as a beginner-friendly / advanced OS for both desktops and servers. Hence, we thought of compiling a separate section for such distributions.

If you don’t agree with us (or have suggestions to add here) – feel free to let us know in the comments. Here’s what we think could come in handy for every user:

Fedora

Fedora offers two separate editions – one for desktops/laptops and the other for servers (Fedora Workstation and Fedora Server respectively).

So, if you are looking for a snappy desktop OS – with a potential learning curve while being user-friendly – Fedora is an option. In either case, if you are looking for a Linux OS for your server – that’s a good choice as well.

Manjaro

Manjaro is based on Arch Linux. Fret not, while Arch Linux is tailored for advanced users, Manjaro makes it easy for a newcomer. It is a simple and beginner-friendly Linux distro. The user interface is good enough and offers a bunch of useful GUI applications built-in.

You get options to choose a desktop environment for Manjaro while downloading it. Personally, I like the KDE desktop for Manjaro.

Debian

Well, Ubuntu’s based on Debian – so it must be a darn good distribution itself. Debian is an ideal choice for both desktop and servers.

It may not be the best beginner-friendly OS – but you can easily get started by going through the official documentation. The recent release of Debian 10 Buster introduces many changes and necessary improvements. So, you must give it a try!

Wrapping Up

Overall, these are the best Linux distributions that we recommend you to try. Yes, there are a lot of other Linux distributions that deserve the mention – but to each of their own, depending on personal preferences – the choices will be subjective.

But, we also have a separate list of distros for Windows users, hackers and pen testers, gamers, programmers, and privacy buffs. So, if that interest you – do go through them.

If you think we missed listing one of your favorites that deserves as one of the best Linux distributions out there, let us know your thoughts in the comments below and we’ll keep the article up-to-date accordingly.

Like what you read? Please share it with others.

About Ankush Das

A passionate technophile who also happens to be a Computer Science graduate. You will usually see cats dancing to the beautiful tunes sung by him.

You better try Q4OS with the Trinity desktop environment, which allows to make a lot of customizations (KDE is also available)/

You should probably change the title of the Article to, ‘Best Debian based distros of 2021’

There are Arch, Slackware, Solus, Fedora on the list.

With 500+ available Linux distributions, I can see why beginners would feel overwhelmed. But there are a few, mainstream distributions that would probably work for most — and have a community to turn to for help. I’ve used each of the following for several months or years as my daily driver and had no major issues.

* Ubuntu – derived from Debian (which is rock solid but has an learning curve, being administered in the style of old-school Unix). Ubuntu sanded the edges off Debian and made it a lot friendlier. The current tweaked Gnome 3 interface suits my workflow perfectly, but, yes, it has a bit of a learning curve for Windows users. A lot of distributions are based on it and this would probably be my go-to for most people who are willing to learn a new paradigm. But if you want a more Windows-like interface, try one of the menu-based Ubuntu “flavors” like Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Kubuntu or something below.

* Fedora – a member of another major Linux family (part of the RedHat universe). I’m running it now. I like the fact that it gets cutting-edge software quickly (it added the newest Gnome version probably six months to a year before Ubuntu), but I find it a little more finicky to administer or install than Ubuntu (partitioning the disk during installation is one-click on Ubuntu, for instance, but more complicated here). Has a learning curve similar to Ubuntu for Windows users.

* Zorin – Beautiful and quite Windows-like (for those coming from Windows). Download Core for modern computers, Lite for older ones. Even runs some Windows programs out of the box, since it implements Windows-emulation software better than other distributions. A very pleasant experience.

* Elementary OS – Beautiful and simple … though ultimately too simple for my needs. It looks MacOS like (for those coming from the Apple world). I used it for a year but ultimately ran out of things I could do with it. But it’s well worth a look. It’s gorgeous on a big screen.

* POP_OS! – Ubuntu with a custom desktop (“Cosmic”) and a lot of default settings than I would enable anyway. Developers love it. And it has a windows tiling system that is kind of like i3 (notorious learning curve) but usable by mere mortals — or turn it off if you like.

* Mint – The “Cinnamon” variant is probably most straightforward for most, though MATE is similar. I’ve never had the slightest problem installing it on any hardware. A lot of people recommend it for beginners or Windows folks. (I’m not personally interested in having a Windows-style workflow, but I know others may differ.) A very safe bet.

I haven’t explored the Arch or SuSE families much. Sorry. Others have good experiences with them.

Which is “the best”? To me, that’s a pointless question on the order of “what is the meaning of life?” Think of “the best” as the one that works best for you, with your particular needs and hardware and workflow. But any of these mainline distributions, above, should be pretty satisfactory to most people. Take your pick. You be you.

Did you say “So, it’s kind of a mess, but that is the beauty of Linux.” ? This is the one thing I will never agree on. In fact, this is the biggest problem and the root cause for it failures. This statement I quoted is mostly backed up by the freedom pitch. As in, “look we’re all free to do what we want, we offer choices to people”. But in reality is just an excuse because people can’t work with others. Example, person x wants to implement a feature. Some collegue says no. Person X then goes off on his own, and make a distro with said feature. But this person is now alone and can’t support his/her own project well enough. Basically, everyone is working against each others nowadays. Just look at how many “backup” apps has been released over the years… or any other app types for that matter.

I don’t need endless choices that end up being a disappointment.. I need ONE app that actually works, which offers various options to shape the configs and match use cases. Anything else is just insanity. Like “head burried in the sand” kinda thing.

This is the same for all linux distros. Sure, doesn’t hurt to have 3, 4.. 5 variant, but countless linux distros comming out of nowhere made by a team of 3 devs… just no. While people waste their time making hundreds of mediocre clones of the same apps, actual progress is slowed down, messy and just wasted. (Im not talking about making apps on your own for educational purposes, I am specifically talking about shovelwares dumped on the community)

This nightmare is just as bad for end users. Having to look for 10000 pages of poorly phrased documentation.. just because some other person can’t design intuitive UI. Then you have to deal with imcompatibility issues, low support .. list goes on, never ending. Heck, the end users are rarely considered.. features disappearing / changing with out warnings. Bugs shrugged off as “it’s a feature”… and still, many projects like that are donations driven… If that does not raise a red flag for anyone then we will be forever stuck with a “carrot at the end of the stick” scenario.. oh well deserved at that.

I mean, idk how many hours i’ve wasted just because some foolish devs/designers have a tunnel vision mindset. Or idk, is it pride or whatever.. For sure, there is no valid point in making all these separated bubbles masquerading as “choices of distro” while one could offer all choices inside the same OS. The point is to save time here, to free up other people so that they too can start contributing. Oh ok sure, make that 2 or 3 variant, if that’s nessecary… But we are now at the point where there is so much crap to research and try out there. One could end up never actually using the thing. Instead, we are walking into a never ending blackhole of shitpile triaging…. only to end up being overwhelmed and fed up.

And no, I am not giving suttle praises to windows here… It might have the right idea by having just a few os variant, so that support is decent and fast. But it is not made with end users’ best interests at heart and I am not wasting anymore time to discuss about something I don’t even consider in the operating system category. Moving on.

Oh well, I ended up with a wall of text. But anyone who has enough guts to face the facts would know that this is just the tip of the iceberg.. enjoy your second rate freedoms

I hate to say it, but most dev’s in the Linux space today aren’t interested in making the one distro that does it all, that does all the right things, correctly. It’s a sad paradox because the Linux community is made up mostly of people who put way more value on “freedom” over “quality”. It is also a sad fact that most new dev’s are ONLY interested in getting their names to show up in GitHub, or they run off and create some silly YouTube channel highlighting their hAcK0r skills because they changed the spelling in a sentence for the documentation on something obscure like the Z shell. ChipX86 is a classic example of a clown that’s been doing this crap for years and years. I remember that fool from the very early 2000’s.

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