GNU/Linux refers to open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel and GNU software. Many GNU/Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name "GNU/Linux" to emphasize the importance of GNU software.
Why Use GNU/Linux?
- Free software: GNU/Linux respects the users' freedom. Users have the the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software.
- System stability: GNU/Linux is well known for its system stability, after all, all top 500 fastest supercomputers uses GNU/Linux and most servers you connect to will be using Linux!
- Privacy and security: GNU/Linux distributions generally do not spy on you unlike Microsoft Windows and macOS. Getting malware on GNU/Linux is something that practically doesn't happen.
- Faster and lightweight: Almost any GNU/Linux distribution will not have bloatware. GNU/Linux is generally faster to use and can make old laptops adequate for daily use. Even a Windows kernel developer has said as much.
Distributions
Most distros are at least somewhat similar with each other. The main differences are between the init system, package manager (and the repositories it has access to), desktop environment, default configurations and programs.
Recommendations
- Fedora Linux: Linus Torvalds himself uses it. Semi-rolling release and user friendly. It uses the RPM package manager. While some packages are frozen until the next Fedora release, most packages (including the kernel) are updated frequently throughout the lifespan of the release. GNOME is default in Fedora, but there are several spins for other desktop environments (which I would recommend). The software repositories are not nearly as large because it does not allow proprietary and patented software. You can add repositories quickly and easily to fix that. If you add RPM Fusion, you can have access to almost any program you will need. Also check Fedora's COPR, they work similar to PPA and are additional repositories for specific software.
- Debian GNU/Linux: Debian GNU/Linux is often described as the most stable Linux distribution around. It uses the dpkg package manager. The release cycles are incredibly slow, which is a good thing when going for stability in general. Before packages hit the stable repositories, they have been thoroughly tested to make sure that they won’t break anything. It's also the most popular distro that doesn't contain proprietary blobs by default
- Arch Linux: Arch Linux is a distribution known for its KISS policy and The Arch Way. It's a rolling release and has bleeding edge packages, it uses the pacman package manager. It is also known for its wiki, which has extensive documentation of nearly everything in GNU/Linux, and the Arch User Repositroy, dubbed the biggest software repository in the world. Arch Linux used to be notorious for being hard to install but it's very easy now with archinstall implemented.
- NixOS: NixOS is an independently developed that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. It uses the Nix package manager, it uses declarative configuration and allows reliable system upgrades. Two main branches are offered: current Stable release and Unstable following latest development.
Not Recommended