Linux distributions are now a strong competitor against the likes of Windows and macOS. This is because of the flexibility, stability, and security benefits, the likes of which are unavailable in its competitors.
If you’re looking to switch over from your Windows or macOS operating system to Linux OS, the process may not be that simple. As Linux is open source, there are many distributions available. If you’re stepping into the world of Linux without any prior knowledge, choosing the correct Linux distro will make sure you don’t find yourself making accidental changes that could be drastic.
Finding the best Linux distribution is why you’re here, and you shouldn’t need to worry, as this guide is meant to educate you about the most user-friendly Linux distributions out there. The Linux distros mentioned in this article are based on their ease-of-use and user-friendly interfaces.
Here is a list of the most user-friendly Linux distros in no particular order.
1. ZorinOS
We’re going to start this list with ZorinOS. If you have been using Windows 10 or macOS for quite some time, then switching to ZorinOS will benefit you. It’s based on Ubuntu(further details about Ubuntu later in this guide), ensuring stability and performance.
What makes ZorinOS such a gamechanger is the option to change its appearance. Whether you’re coming from a background in Windows or macOS, you can customize the appearance of ZorinOS to resemble that of your previous operating system. This will allow you to quickly familiarize yourself with the interface and proceed to work as intended.
ZorinOS also has a Lite version. This makes it perfect for older systems as well.
You can learn more about ZorinOS by clicking here.
2. Solus
Unlike ZorinOS, Solus was designed keeping Windows-based operating systems in mind. The GUI for Solus heavily resembles that of Windows. Besides that, Solus markets itself as the ideal Linux distribution for developers, offering support for many integrated development environments(IDEs) like Atom, Visual Studio, etc.
Solus was also designed keeping gaming in mind. Gone are the days gaming was supported for Windows-based operating systems only. Solus provides support for a plethora of platforms for gaming, for example, Steam, itch.io, etc. It also provides support for many gamepads and controllers.
Overall, Solus was designed keeping everyone in mind. The system is fast and stable. The GUI is easy to understand, and there’s a large community working to enhance the experience for everyone.
You can check out Solus by clicking here.
3. Manjaro
Leaving the Windows and macOS lookalikes behind, Manjaro markets itself as the Linux distribution with the most simplicity. Manjaro will provide you with full control over your system while making sure there are no compromises on system stability.
Manjaro provides the perfect balance between system control, performance, and stability. Aside from this, Manjaro has one of the most active communities out there. Upgrading Manjaro does not require re-installation as it is based on a rolling-release design.
You can learn more about Manjaro by clicking here.
4. Fedora
Fedora is perhaps one of the best Linux distributions out there. Not only is it well suited for beginners, but it’s nothing less than a hidden gem for the more advanced users out there. Backed by a strong and wholesome community, Fedora receives annual updates and is often the first Linux distribution to get all the latest updates for drivers, packages, etc.
Additionally, Fedora also gets the earliest access to new releases of Gnome shell. This is because of the strong integration between Gnome and Fedora. However, driver installation may not seem like an easy task at first for beginners.
Regardless, if you have a strong commitment to Linux and wish to become an advanced user in the near future, then Fedora is the appropriate Linux distribution for you.
You can learn more about Fedora and its versions by clicking here.
5. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is one of the most beginner-friendly options out there. Like ZorinOS, it is also based on Ubuntu but keeps the Linux originality in its interface. Linux Mint is marketed as one of the most powerful Linux distributions out there, having millions of users worldwide.
Linux Mint doesn’t just possess the default package list that comes with Ubuntu but also seems to have its repository for packages. With the help of the System package manager, installing new apps has never been easier.
Because of its strong community support, Linux Mint is one of the fastest-growing Linux distributions out there. It’s fast, safe, and overall easy-to-understand.
You can learn more about Linux Mint by clicking here.
6. Ubuntu
When talking about user-friendly Linux distributions, it’d be wrong of us not to talk about Ubuntu. As seen throughout this article, Ubuntu is also the basis for many Linux distributions like ZorinOS, Linux Mint, etc.
Ubuntu is one of the few Linux distributions whose versions (18.04, 20.04, and future even-numbered versions) offer long-term support(LTS). This means that these versions will be getting continuous support for the upcoming five years instead of the default nine months.
Ubuntu is one of, if not the most reliable Linux distribution available for beginners. The recent version, i.e., Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, possesses major improvements over its predecessors, having GUI options for fractional scaling, native support for OpenZFS filesystem, etc.
Aside from that, Ubuntu also has one of the most active communities out there. With forms that address any and every issue, there is. With Ubuntu, you are bound to find solutions for any error you come across, and it’s all thanks to the active community it has.
The GUI of Ubuntu can also be customized according to your liking; It is possible to make it completely resemble that of Windows 10 by adding a few tweaks here and there.
All these features make Ubuntu the best Linux distribution for beginner and advanced users alike.
You can learn more about Ubuntu by clicking here.
Conclusion
We hope this guide educated you about the most user-friendly Linux distributions out there. Although there is no “one size fits all” Linux distribution, the guide would’ve given you a general idea about what Linux distribution you should opt for based on your plans for the future. With that said, we wish you all the best on your Linux journey.
