Arch Linux is an extremely customisable and minimalist operating system known for its rolling release model and extensive software options provided by the community in the Arch User Repository (AUR). The comprehensive ArchWiki serves as a valuable resource and is renowned for its documentation and troubleshooting guides. The active, loyal community plays a large role in the development, maintenance, and support of Arch Linux.

Available in 17 desktop variants: none, awesome, bspwm, budgie, cinnamon, cutefish, deepin, enlightenment, gnome, i3-wm, i3-gasp, kde-plasma, lxqt, mate, sway, xfce, and qtile. Recommended for universal use.

Debian is a highly respected and one of the oldest Linux distributions, known for its very high standard of stability, security, and commitment to free software principles. Debian’s package management system, APT, simplifies software installation and updates. The project’s focus on rigorous testing ensures a reliable operating system. Debian is the basis for many popular Linux systems, such as Ubuntu. Excluding drivers, Debian is committed to only including and offering free software packages in its default repositories.

Available in 8 desktop variants: none, gnome, kde-plasma, xfce, lxqt, mate, cinnamon, and lxde. Recommended for universal use.

Fedora is a widely recognized and respected Linux distribution known for its commitment to free software principles and innovative features. Developed by the Fedora Project, Fedora embraces a fast-paced release cycle, ensuring users have access to the latest software advancements. Its default desktop environment for the Workstation edition, GNOME, provides a modern and polished user interface. The Fedora community, as well as upstream developers, actively contribute to its development, offering support and fostering collaboration, resulting in a robust and dynamic Linux distribution.

Available in 12 desktop variants: gnome, kde-plasma, xfce, lxqt, mate, cinnamon, lxde, soas, i3-wm, phosh, budgie, and sway. Recommended for desktop use.

Linux Mint is a Linux distribution widely recognised for its classic user-friendly interface, familiar design, and emphasis on stability, reliability, and security. The operating system is very customisable and provides a wide variety of applications through its software repository, catering to a variety of user preferences and needs. It is compatible with diverse hardware components and benefits from a wide and active community, with developers actively interacting with users and listening to them. It is based on Ubuntu LTS and compatible with it.

Available in 3 desktop variants: cinnamon, mate, and xfce. Recommended for desktop use.

OpenSUSE Leap is a stable and reliable Linux distribution based on the SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) codebase. It combines the best of both worlds, offering enterprise-grade stability and a community-driven approach. It is suitable for both desktop and server environments. It provides a user-friendly desktop experience, officially supporting KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce. OpenSUSE Leap emphasizes useability, flexibility, and a strong focus on open-source collaboration, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a balance between stability and up-to-date software.

Available in 4 desktop variants: none, kde-plasma, gnome, and xfce. Recommended for universal use.

Ubuntu Desktop is the flagship edition of the Ubuntu Linux distribution, designed for personal computer use. It provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it accessible to users of all levels of experience. Ubuntu Desktop offers a comprehensive suite of applications, including productivity tools, multimedia software, and web browsers, to meet various computing needs. It emphasizes stability, security, and regular updates to ensure a reliable and up-to-date operating system. With its large and active community, Ubuntu Desktop benefits from extensive user support, online forums, and documentation resources, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a user-friendly and reliable Linux desktop environment. It offers a flexible release cycle.

Available in 1 desktop variants: gnome. Recommended for desktop use.