How to choose the right Linux desktop distribution

The Linux operating system is a powerful, flexible, secure and reliable platform that can serve almost any purpose you need. From server to desktop, IoT to containers, embedded systems and much more… Linux can be anything you want it to be.

You may not even realize how widespread the open source operating system is. It’s literally everywhere.

But one area where the Linux desktop still has a lot of strides to make is the desktop. That’s not because it’s not a viable option, as it very much is. I’ve used Linux as my primary desktop OS for decades and have never had a problem. It runs beautifully and gives me stability and flexibility that no other operating system offers.

That being said, why has Linux had such a problem gaining more than a single digit market share on the desktop?

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One of the reasons for this is choice. For users who are already familiar with Linux, choice is a big selling point since there are so many options to choose from (on almost all fronts).

There are thousands of distributions to choose from, all offering different desktop environments, package managers, and different eye candy. However, for those who are new to Linux, so many choices can be problematic.

where do you start With so many choices, it can be almost impossible to know where to start looking. That’s why I wanted to give you my best advice on choosing a Linux distro so you don’t have to wade through an ocean of options to make the best choice for you.

So, without further ado, let’s get this over with.

But before we do that, I want you to understand where I’m coming from. I won’t delve deep into the complexities of Linux.

Those just taking their first steps with a new operating system don’t need to bother with initialization systems (like systemd), security layers (like SELinux), display managers (like LightDM), sound servers (like PipeWire ), or bootloaders (like GUB).

New users simply need to know how to make a choice that will help them easily get acquainted with a new operating system. You want to be able to be productive without having to dig deep into anything.

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It’s all about the desktop

I’m going to mince my words here. The most important decision you will make on your journey with Linux is the desktop environment you choose. While there aren’t as many desktop environments as distros, there are still quite a few, like GNOME, KDE Plasma, Pantheon, Budgie, Xfce, Cinnamon, Mate, Enlightenment, Deepin Desktop, LXDE, i3, LXQt, Sugar, and so many more. But not all of these desktop environments are the right choice for a new user.

For those who have never used Linux, there are really only a handful of desktop environments to consider, namely:

• gnome
• KDE Plasma
• Cinammon
• mate
• Xfce

From the list above, I wouldn’t recommend Xfce simply because it could be a bit overwhelming for the average user. Although Xfce is a very user-friendly desktop environment, there are many configuration options available that can quickly become intimidating. And while I use a GNOME-based desktop as my go-to (which comes via Pop!_OS), I wouldn’t recommend the GNOME desktop for those who’ve never used Linux just because it’s a significant departure from what they do are used to.

That leaves KDE Plasma, Cinnamon and Mate. Of the three, KDE Plasma is one of the most stylish desktops, but has a few more bells and whistles that might get in the way.

We’re now on Cinnamon and Mate, of which I would recommend Cinnamon for two reasons: It’s the default desktop for Linux Mint (hint, hint) and development of that desktop is always very active.

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Package managers abound

For the most part, package managers tend to look a bit alike. For example, to install software on Ubuntu from the command line, the command might look something like this:

sudo apt-get install firefox -y

On Fedora, this command would look like this:

sudo dnf install firefox -y

However, on an Arch-based distribution, this command would be:

sudo pacman -S Firefox

You’re probably wondering, “Why are you talking about the command line in a post aimed at new users?” Good point. The thing is, most Linux distributions ship with a GUI front end for their package managers. For example, GNOME-based desktops have GNOME Software and KDE Plasma has Discover. Arch Linux based distributions have Pamac. Because of this, most new users should have no trouble installing applications. Instead of running commands, they simply have to open the App Store, search, and install.

It is really that easy. However, of all the package managers available, I would strongly advise new users to stick with a distro that uses either apt or dnf, which means both Ubuntu based or Fedora-based distributions.

At this point, we’re looking at either Ubuntu or Fedora distributions that use the Cinnamon desktop. Our selection has narrowed down to two different distributions:

I would have no hesitation in recommending one of these distributions to any Linux user.

But I also ask you to note the following:

• Prefer a more modern, minimalist desktop that’s ready to go? If so, go with Ubuntu Desktop.
• If you’re looking for a sleeker desktop operating system that still behaves similarly to what you’re used to and enjoys the same ease of use and reliability as Ubuntu, choose Kubuntu.
• If you want a desktop distro that focuses more on stability but doesn’t release updates as often as other distros, consider Debian (which defaults to the GNOME desktop and uses the apt package manager).
• If you’re looking for a more efficient desktop operating system workflow while still maintaining a high level of usability, go for Pop!_OS (which is based on the GNOME desktop for now and uses the apt package manager).

The truth of the matter is that Linux has options that can meet (and exceed) any need. Whether you want to stick with something familiar, try something completely different, or find a happy middle ground, you can’t go wrong with the open-source operating system.