Linux has long ceased to be an operating system intended only for "hackers" for a long time. The command line is still needed, but all popular Linux distributions offer a complete graphical interface, called a desktop environment, or DE for short, in which you can work like any other operating system.
If you've decided to try Linux first you should read here, and then choose a distribution that clicks you. Below we will see some of the distributions we prefer (no you will not find Ubuntoids).
openSUSE
OpenSUSE is a popular Linux distribution. It is based on the RPM package management system, it has KDE as the main interface, but also offers: GNOME, XFCE, LXDE, Mate and others. In addition to the stable version, openSUSE also has a rolling release (the Tumbleweed) for those who want the latest software. It offers a complete system management solution called YaST and comes with several pre-installed applications to get you started.
Best for users who want a stable and reliable system with very good support
Debian
Debian is one of the oldest and best supported Linux distributions out there. Technically, it is the father of many other distributions. It focuses on stability. So new versions don't come out often but when they do they have been thoroughly tested. Debian offers over 37.000 packages, since almost every software available for Linux has one packet Debian. You can try Debian live before installing it, and choose between a minimal or full installation. There is a graphical installer to guide you through the process, and you can install any DE you want as it supports them all.
Best for: servers and users who want a stable and secure system that does not need constant updates.
Mageia
Mageia is a distribution created by former 2010 Mandriva Linux workers. It uses the RPM package management system and offers many work environments: KDE, GNOME, LXDE, XFCE, Mate, Cinnamon and RazorQt. You can install them all from either the Mageia DVD or the repositories. Distribution uses the Btfrs file system as a default and provides useful tools for installing the system and adapting it. It's a good choice if you do not want distributions based on Ubuntu and want to try something different.
Best for users who want to test a new Linux-friendly distribution that is user friendly and supports a lot of DE
PC Linux OS
PC Linux OS, or PCLOS for short, has the reputation of being a simple distribution that supports many out-of-the-box applications. It comes in two light flavors - LXDE and Mate, a standard KDE desktop, and a special edition called FullMonty, which is a customized version of KDE with many pre-installed applications and separate workstations for different activities.
PCLOS uses the RPM packaging system and has its own repositories with several applications that will keep you busy. It's a rolling distribution, so you'll have to wait for regular updates and new software releases.
Best for beginners who want the latest software, or users who do not want to spend too much time creating their system
Manjaro Linux
The Manjaro Linux it boasts the incredible power of Arch Linux but also a user-friendly interface for installing distribution and maintaining your system. DE's default is the lightweight and reliable XFCE, but it also has KDE, GNOME and Cinnamon versions.
Manjaro automatically detects the hardware "wearing" o computer and finds the drivers, simultaneously supports many kernels, has its own repositories with tested software. However, users can also access the Arch Linux repositories.
It's a rolling distribution so your system will be up to date with the latest software. Manjaro is a good choice if you want the latest software and drivers, but you do not want to become a stuntman to install it.
Best for users who want the latest software, or for users who want to try Arch Linux, but they still do not feel ready.
Korora
Korora is based on Fedora, but provides multimedia codecs and third party repositories to make the setup process easier for new users. It comes with desktop surfaces for all tastes like GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon, Mate, and XFCE.
Ο σκοπός της Korora είναι να κάνει το Fedora πιο ελκυστικό σε ένα ευρύτερο κοινό. Διαθέτει δημοφιλείς εφαρμογές όπως το Firefox, το VLC, Google Chrome και το Dropbox από προεπιλογή. Οι κυκλοφορίες τις διανομής ακολουθούν το program of Fedora, so you can expect a new stable Korora every 6 months or so.
Best for new users who want to experience a user-friendly version of Fedora, or for experienced users who want multimedia out-of-the-box support
Fedora
Fedora is often referred to as a "bleeding-edge" distribution, which is no accident. It means that it focuses so much on innovation and the latest technology, that it sometimes does so at the expense of stability. It comes in three basic versions: Workstation, Server and Cloud, and there are several versions of Fedora that provide different desktops and software collections. The default DE though is GNOME. Fedora is an RPM distribution with its own repositories.
One particularly important feature is Linux's enhanced security (SE) that is applied to the kernel and serves to make Fedora one of the safest distributions in circulation.
Best for advanced users who want to test the latest software, but also for users who appreciate secure systems.
Arch Linux
The Arch Linux we left last is a powerful Linux distribution. But great power also means great responsibility, and in this case it means that you have the responsibility for your operating system. Installing and configuring Arch Linux requires relatively advanced knowledge, but there is always the help of detailed tutorials and official guides.
You can install everything on Arch: Linux, KDE, Cinnamon, GNOME… and there are hundreds of applications available in the Arch User Repository (AUR). It is a rolling distribution and new snapshots are circulating quite often. Updates can sometimes corrupt your system, as Arch Linux gives you complete control over what to choose and how to set the smallest detail. It has a very good forum and also a very good wiki, where you can find help for any problem you face.
Best for advanced users, users who want to learn more about Linux, and users who prefer a minimalist installation and have time to spend αφ
