Choosing the right Linux distribution can be a daunting task, especially for novice users. Linux is a versatile and powerful operating system, but it comes in many different flavors, known as distributions. Each distribution has its own unique features and capabilities, so choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging.
How to choose your Linux distribution?
One important factor to consider when choosing a Linux distribution is your level of experience. If you are new to Linux, you may want to choose a distribution that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. Some popular options for beginners include Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Elementary OS. These distributions offer a simple and intuitive interface and come with a range of pre-installed software and tools to get you started.
Another factor to consider is the type of tasks you will be performing with your Linux system. If you are a software engineer, you may want to choose a distribution that comes with a range of tools and development environments pre-installed. Some popular options for engineers include Fedora, CentOS, and Debian. These distributions are known for their robust set of software development tools and support for a wide range of programming languages.
It is also worth considering the type of hardware you will be using with your Linux system. Some distributions are optimized for specific types of hardware, such as low-power devices or high-performance servers. If you have specific hardware requirements, you may want to choose a distribution that is optimized for your hardware.
Finally, it is important to consider the level of support and community support available for the distribution you choose. Linux is an open-source operating system, so many distributions have active communities of users and developers who can provide support and advice. It is worth checking online forums and communities to see which distributions are well-supported and have a strong community presence.
In conclusion, choosing the right Linux distribution can be a challenging task, but it is important to take the time to consider your needs and preferences. If you are a software engineer, you may want to choose a distribution that comes with a range of tools and development environments pre-installed, is optimized for your hardware, and has a strong community presence.
My recommendations:
I personally use Debian for most of my needs (AI, GPU servers, Webservers, ML servers, App Deployments, Docker images, …).
For development environments (for myself and my team), we tend to prefer Ubuntu as it provides a nice balance of “user-friendly” UIs and tools with the stability and features of the Debian it runs under the hood.
For office tasks (accounting, assistants, marketing and other teams) I recommend Ubuntu desktop.