Home Roses Linux distributions for home PC. Linux distributions – which one to choose? What to do immediately after installing the OS

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Linux distributions for home PC. Linux distributions – which one to choose? What to do immediately after installing the OS

Recently I was asked to look at my computer at home.

The situation is standard, after startup there is a black screen. After examining the “patient”, it became clear that windows needed to be activated. But that’s not all, after activating the license (a real one, not something like a loader...) it turned out that they had recently called a specialist and he treated the computer for viruses.

The situation turned out like this: after startup everything works, but a few minutes later, about 2-3, after the download has finished, the fun begins.

Numerous programs imposed by the Internet are launched, amigo browser, mail satellite, various automatic system updates that supposedly keep your programs up to date, etc....

As a result, the system is heavily loaded and hangs, in my case it hung tightly, nothing helped. Restoring the system and removing all these “programs” did not give a positive result. The system still hung and glitched.

The surest option suggested itself - reinstall, and all problems will be solved!

Most professionals do this, and you can earn more money by selling licenses for an antivirus, office, operating system, plus drivers, etc., the amount is not shabby. Nowadays, maintaining a computer on the Windows operating system does not cost a small sum for the average user.

But now we are not talking about the moral side of this issue.

I spent a few minutes communicating with the owners of this computer, or rather about an hour and a half. We just talked about viruses, what tasks are done on this computer and who uses it.

The conclusion after the conversation was this.

The computer is used to surf the Internet.

Watch videos, listen to music.

Download media content from the Internet.

For writing essays and other things for study.

Games are almost not needed, they said that for the sake of the stability of the computer and the absence of viruses, you can refuse games.

He suggested switching to Linux.

Here the most interesting thing began, the child said that he couldn’t live without Google, the other one needed a Yandex browser and VK. A certain amount of time was spent explaining what is what.

As a result, I launched linux mint from a portable (my own, brought with me) hard drive. I let him use it, do what he always does on his computer. Surfing the Internet, social networks, printing documents. Change the appearance of your desktop, change wallpaper colors, etc.

It must be said that almost without prompting they got used to it quite quickly, understanding where the programs were and how to launch them.

I explained to them how to search for the necessary programs in the program manager, telling them that it was a kind of Google play, like in android.

It reached the printer.

I thought there would be problems, and I shouldn’t have started all this. I started my printer at home for quite a long time, crawling and re-reading the entire Internet, I have a canon lbp 6000, I need to dance with ubn.

But no, I just connected it to my computer and after a while it installed. Not only did it install, but it prints, correctly and without problems, from the HP laserjet p1005 printer.

They told me that they were happy with everything and were glad that they could forget about viruses; they wanted to say goodbye to me, but when they learned that all this works from a “flash drive” (portable HDD) via usb, and after installation it will work much faster...

Their joy knew no bounds.

The installation took very little time, I saved the user data more.

What conclusion did I draw for myself?

People have been ready to switch to Linux for a long time - there is no one who will explain all this to them at the initial stage and give them advice.

No more spending money on renewing and purchasing licenses for antiviruses, Windows itself, and the office.

If you need a computer for studying, surfing the Internet, watching and listening to media content and do not use specific programs that have no analogues in Linux.

Use linux, find knowledgeable master, who will explain everything to you in detail at the initial stage, install and configure.

Spend your money not in vain, and not on programs for which you need to renew the license after a year if viruses don’t “attack” your computer first, but on training and with benefit.

Pros of switching to Linux.

The advantages are obvious: no viruses, randomly installed programs, license renewals, everything works stably and without freezes. The drivers are installed once and out of the box, just connect the device, wait a little and everything works.

lInux consumes less resources, and it is not necessary to have a powerful computer, which costs a lot of money; it works very quickly on an ordinary office computer.

The main condition is that there is constant access to the Internet; in our time, this is not a problem at all for most users.

As for games, everything is not so bad, if desired, everything works in Linux, even Steam already supports a decent number of games and itself works comfortably in Linux.

I don’t remember if I said above whether I installed Linux mint 18.1. - the easiest Linux for beginner users, similar in interface to Windows. Everything works out of the box - installed and you can work.

If you have any questions, write and I will try to answer.

Good luck to all!

10 comments on “Linux for the home.”

Nice and useful post.
Such topics need to be covered more and more widely. People are milked, humiliated, forced... because of their lack of knowledge.

Of course, the good shouldn’t be imposed either, but it needs to be illuminated.

Typical Linux mantras - which they repeat like the Lord's Prayer - free (freebie), no viruses and other nonsense. There are viruses, insert your flash drive into any computer with Windows and immediately make sure that you have them, yes, they are not active, but this does not mean that they are not there. The problem with Linux starts with the drivers; not all the details are written here, and not a word about pro-priority products.

You will have the main OS when you start working in your specialty and certain requirements arise for...
You shouldn’t count other people’s money - if they want, they pay, if they don’t want, they don’t (although they partially pay you for setting up all this stuff)... Linux is cheaper?! Why is this happening?! How much do companies pay admins on Windows and Linux?!
Likewise, for the average user, constantly calling a technician to fix something will cost a pretty penny. Linux is cheap only at first glance... What will the user do when one day he does not see the GUI when booting because GRUB has crashed?
This doesn’t happen; it crashes often. Nobody experiments with anything. It’s just that when you turn on the PC, there is always an internal alarm, either it will start or not. With Windows it’s a different matter, where the data storage location does not depend on the location of the Home folder (aka My Documents), therefore the system can be easily rearranged without data loss
For the third year in a row, Mint 18.1 has been running (if I’m not mistaken) in parallel with Windows 7 (which was installed only for the sake of games given to the child as a birthday gift). Nothing glitches, nothing hangs, and in general everyone is happy with everything. At first my wife was a little annoyed at the unusual office interface, but then she got used to it. For a mode of use similar to that described in the article, the line is just the thing (and most importantly a freebie, according to at least for me, because I install it myself)

The improvement of computers has led to the emergence of special software - operating systems designed to make working with a computer easier for the average, “home” user, who, in most cases, has no idea about the existence of the command line or even how formatting occurs. There are different operating systems, the most famous of which is, of course, Windows. However, there are also operating systems that appeared as a result of the actions of enthusiasts who wanted an operating system with more freedom of action. Linux has become such an OS, to which both software manufacturers and ordinary users are now paying more and more attention.

Popularity of Linux on the home computer

Of course, Linux is not as popular as Windows, because it is quite difficult for a user who has just bought a computer and has absolutely no knowledge of the OS to immediately master all the intricacies of working with Linux. Some more “advanced” users find it equally difficult to switch from Windows to Linux, since, whatever you say, the operating systems are very different from each other. However, an inquisitive user who is willing to spend a couple of weeks learning his new operating system and then getting a good OS will find a friend and protector of his computer in Linux.

Free operating system for home

Linux is a free OS. That is, the user can legally, without violating anything, write an image to a disk and install the OS on any number of computers, or distribute disks with images to his acquaintances and friends, and view the source code of the program. In addition, almost all Linux distributions can be downloaded from the Internet, which also makes the life of the “home” user somewhat easier.

Linux for home

The Linux distribution is designed to make it easier for the user to work with the operating system, and it includes Ubuntu, Mint, openSuSE and some other utilities: desktop shells, drivers, codecs, user applications, etc. There are distributions created specifically for advanced users, and highly specialized distributions (Arch, Gentoo, Slackware, Damn Small Linux, etc.). However, the most common, of course, are ordinary distributions, which even a child can learn to work with with due diligence and attention. Such distributions are desktop-oriented and have a friendly interface, so there are usually no particular difficulties when using Linux.

The difference between Linux and Windows for the home user

Linux was developed according to the classical canons of architectural modular systems, that is, unlike Windows, which has “everything together,” the Linux OS is “divided” when installed on the user’s computer. For example, the kernel is separate from the GUI. This adds both interesting opportunities and challenges. So, if a user does not know how to partition a hard drive, but installs Linux on his own, he can spoil his nerves, since the installation may well not go as it should, or even not install the OS at all, and then wonder why I have nothing Did not work out? In general, the hard drive during installation Linux is better break it down into at least three sections.

Benefits of Linux

However, such an operating system also has its advantages. Nowadays, many users like to “decorate” the shell of the operating system they use. Linux not only allows you to use additional “embellishments” (though not all of them), but also, thanks to partitioning, it is able to change the shell, and each of the shells created for Linux has its own architecture, set of functions, appearance and customization options. To add 3D effects you will need the Compiz Fusion composite window manager. For example, Windows without additional programs can only change the appearance of the system shell, and even with additional software (for example, WindowBlinds or StyleXP), you cannot especially change the functions and settings - there are only a few programs that do something similar.

Another one awesome feature Linux - support for virtual desktops. That is, if necessary working space The operating system can be divided into several logical parts. For example, a browser and mailer are open on one desktop, and office editors are open on the other, in which the user “brings to mind” necessary documents, from time to time checking something on the Internet, and in the third - players, so that it would not be so boring to work. Switching from one desktop to another is quite easy - either using hot keys or a mouse, or using a special small utility, the Desktop Pager, which highlights what virtual space, which is currently working.

However, that’s not all - almost all applications written for a specific graphical interface can easily work with another shell, so the user can assemble exactly the shell that best suits his needs.

However, the graphical interface is not the only one, and Linux has other nice utilities. Yes, this one operating system very reliable - it is not so often that you have to reboot the machine due to some error; usually restarting the graphical interface is enough. In addition, no matter how many programs are installed on the computer, this will not affect the operation, that is, it will not “slow down” the system.

There are no viruses in Linux

The OS is well protected from virus attacks, which means there is no need to install antivirus software

Like Windows, Linux has different accounts for administering and using the computer, so in this regard you don’t have to worry about having to somehow hide your files from, for example, household members who have access to the computer.

Linux is well suited for weaker machines, since this operating system does not place serious demands on the computer's hardware, aka hardware.

Linux also has a small, at first glance, drawback - the OS is best suited for file systems from the Unix world (Etx2/Ext3, ReiserFS, XFS, etc.). However, Linux still works with other file systems - FAT32 or NTFS.

By the way, one more feature, one might say, is that you can easily find many sites on the Internet that discuss problems and ways to solve them with the Linux OS. For example, Windows does not have such serious support, and in most cases it will not be possible to find out why this or that error occurred and how to fix it.

Programs for Linux

Linux has, in some ways, a big drawback - the inability to use “non-native” applications. The fact is that the OS uses its own executable file format, so “foreign” applications simply “will not work” on the OS. But you shouldn’t be upset by this either, since there is a lot of software that successfully replaces the one used on Windows. Although not everything will be able to find a worthy replacement, for example, Microsoft Office will not work on Linux, and most of the programs that replace it are not so functional. The applications themselves are very easy to install: you just need to check the necessary boxes in the list of repositories and click on the start installation button, that is, it is no more difficult than installing software in Windows.

Do you need to know how to work on the command line as a Linux home user?

It is impossible not to mention command line Linux, without which, according to most, not a single action in the OS can be done. However, the days when hundreds of commands really needed to be known are long gone, and now Linux has a convenient shell through which all commands pass. In most cases, knowledge of console commands will not be needed, although, of course, there are situations when issuing a command in the console is much faster and more convenient than doing the same through the graphical shell.

Games for Linux

However, game lovers should be reminded that not all of them run on the Linux platform. Linux will not install many of the latest and most technologically advanced games, but some developers specifically make different versions of games, including those for the Linux operating system. In addition, there is special software thanks to which most new games will run on a computer with the Linux platform in emulation mode - this is Wine and Cedega. So, using Wine or Cedega, you can run games such as Half-Life 2, Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty 4, Elder Scrolls IV, Command & Conquer 3, Supreme Commander, World of WarCraft 3, Resident Evil 4 and a lot others.

Linux is a class of operating systems based on the kernel of the same name, distributed free of charge and open source. There are many operating system implementations that are based on the Linux kernel. Everyone is like that software package called a Linux distribution.

Each distribution reflects the ideas of a specific group of developers about the “ideal” operating system. Therefore, the branches of Linux development differ not only in their scope, graphical interface, and set of programs, but also in their ideology, which often affects the final process of interaction with the OS.

Why choose Linux?

The undeniable and main advantage of Linux is its official free distribution. However, this licensing model also has inevitable negative aspects: the lack of support service and any guarantees from the organization releasing the distribution, difficulty in mastering, and possible conflicts with application software.

Another difficulty is a large number of distributions, each of which has characteristic features. Choosing a distribution is a difficult task, but if you exclude the inherently complex systems designed for experienced technicians from the search, there are only a few basic options to consider.

Fedora

operating system Linux Fedora supervised by Red Hat. This distribution is used exclusively with free licenses - the developers deliberately refused to use proprietary software. These, for example, include various device drivers or well-known plugins, such as Adobe Flash and mp3. Thus, interaction with the system is complicated by the original ideology, which excludes the use of closed developments.

Distributions are implementations of operating systems based on the Linux kernel.

There is no user support, and the project itself is used by Red Hat as a testing ground for the latest technologies. Failure to use proprietary drivers may cause unstable operation of the operating system on some hardware. Thus, the distribution can hardly be called stable and convenient for use as the main system.

Ubuntu

The distribution was initially aimed at inexperienced users, which is why it acquired a number of characteristic features:

comes with a set of ready-made software, which includes the LibreOffice office suite and the Mozilla Firefox browser;
does not use the highest level of user rights by default. This is significant for the security and stability of the system;
The Ubuntu ideology supports the availability of proprietary software (for example, Skype, Adobe Flash Player, etc.) in the official repository (program storage), which simplifies setting up the operating system.

Ubuntu is one of the most optimal distributions for mastering Linux.

Linux Mint

This branch of Linux development was initially based on Ubuntu, including the use of corresponding software repositories. Thus, Linux Mint inherits most of the advantages of Ubuntu, but also brings its own:

includes a special program that facilitates migration from Windows;
proprietary drivers and codecs are included, as well as a set of necessary plugins, including Java and Flash;
a graphical environment is used that is largely reminiscent of the Windows interface.

Linux Mint, along with Ubuntu, can be called the most reliable and convenient version of Linux for use on a home computer and laptop. According to a number of ratings, Linux Mint is the most popular distribution as of 2016.

Debian

Debian is one of the oldest supported distributions. The system has proven itself to be extremely stable. Disadvantages can be called great amount software that is difficult to understand at first, the need for customization after installation, and the lack of proprietary software. Debian can be described as a stable and convenient system, but the use of which should be started after becoming familiar with simpler distributions such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu.

Linux Ubuntu is one of the most popular distributions

How not to make a mistake with your choice?

A good practice before choosing a distribution is preliminary testing and comparison of several options - a kind of “test drive” that will help you finally decide on your choice. There are two ways to conduct a preliminary acquaintance with the system: using a so-called live CD or using a virtual machine. In both the first and second cases, you first need to download installation disk images of the distributions you are interested in.

Advice. Most modern distributions come in two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. It is recommended to choose the 64-bit version as it provides maximum compatibility with various software. A stable version and the latest version can also be provided for download. Stable is preferable.

Preview using Live CD

Most installation disks of distributions allow you not only to install the system on your hard drive, but also to launch a trial version directly from the disk or USB drive. This option is called Live CD. Starting the operating system with installation disk has a number of limitations and is not intended for daily use, but with its help you can familiarize yourself with the distribution without installing it on your hard drive.

Advantages of this method:

the ability to check the stability of the distribution on a real PC configuration.

Flaws:

the need to use additional hardware ( DVD discs, USB drives);
the need to reboot the PC between launching different distributions.

Preview using a virtual machine

A virtual machine is a special software tool, which allows you to emulate the operation of a personal computer. For preliminary acquaintance with various distribution kits, we can recommend the free VirtualBox system.

Linux Mint - the optimal distribution for laptops and computers

Advantages of this method:

no need to use additional hardware (DVDs, USB drives);
convenient work with several distribution kits at once without the need to restart the PC;
the user can familiarize himself in advance with the process of installing the operating system on the hard drive.

Flaws:

high requirements for personal computer performance to provide emulation;
inability to check the stability of operation on a real configuration (since emulation is used).

After familiarizing yourself with various distributions using virtual machine or Live CD, you will be able to evaluate the convenience of each of them in practice. Probably, after such a test it will become easier for you to make your choice, and you can start installing Linux on your hard drive.

Attention! Running Linux using a Live CD or virtual machine makes no difference to file system your computer. Installing the operating system on a PC will require formatting and/or partitioning hard drive, which can lead to complete or partial loss of information. Before installation, it is strongly recommended to back up all important data.

Which distribution should I choose?

We can say that Linux Mint is today optimal choice For home computer and laptop. It is stable, easy to learn, beginner-friendly, and well-documented with a large community around it. However, Linux Mint should not be considered the only viable option. Testing different distributions is useful practice, which will allow you to gain experience working with Linux and form your own opinion about the various branches of development of this operating system.

Best Linux distributions - video

If you look at all kinds of tops and ratings, you will notice that the share Linux users is growing steadily. This is, of course, due to people’s interest in this topic. Many are fascinated by Open Source, others find Linux distributions more stable and convenient compared to other operating systems, and some even pursue only experimental goals. In general, as they say, it comes down to taste... And yet, sometimes, due to the variety of all these GNU/Linux-based systems, it becomes very difficult to choose. And that is why I am pleased to present to you a list of 10 stable Linux distributions for home use. This article will help you decide which Linux to choose for your home. They are, in my opinion, the best suited for installation on home PCs. Before we get started, I recommend checking out.

10 Stable Linux Distributions for Home Use

Linux for home use - Debian

Firstly, it is worth mentioning that this is just a selection, but not a distribution by place (from best to worst or vice versa), in other words, all distributions presented in this top are suitable for home use approximately equally. The same applies to the old Debian, which for years remained the standard of stability for many Linux devices.

The distribution is famous for the fact that it uses only proven, stable versions of the software. This approach allows you to avoid any unpleasant incidents, and this is why Debian is so valued.

Almost all popular DEs can be used as a graphical environment. There are a variety of variations available in the community repositories, including XFCE, GNOME, KDE, MATE, and even Cinnamon. By the way, you can choose the shell during installation. Fortunately, the developers took care of this too.

For those who have never used Linux - Linux Mint

Ubuntu

As you may have already understood, GNOME is used as the main desktop shell. However, the version with Unity has not sunk into oblivion. Influenced by a community that promises to become excellent option for those users who are not ready to give up this wonderful graphical shell.

Elementary OS

“A fast and open replacement for Windows and MacOS” - this is exactly how the developers position this operating system. It is based, of course, on the Ubuntu distribution. But this does not prevent Elementary from being one of the most unusual and at the same time convenient Linux distributions. The authors of the project develop and maintain their own graphical environment - Pantheon. It is notable for its appearance (similar to a Mac) as well as its speed.

Recently, this distribution has acquired its own army of fans. People not only financially support developers (which motivates them to make their product better), but also actively communicate with them, directing their efforts in the right direction. By the way, Elementary has its own applications, developed, again, within the project. And it's really interesting.

To download the distribution for free, you need to select “Other amount” in the “Pay what you want:” column and enter 0 there.

Deepin

Just recently a new version of this system was released - . There I briefly described all the main features and capabilities of this distribution and its updated version. It is worth noting, by the way, that Deepin has a set of its own software, as well as . This software is not available on other systems, so if you want to try it all out, you definitely need to install this distribution.

OpenSuse

Of all the previously listed Linux distributions for home use, this one perhaps stands out in that it is not a fork of Debian or Ubuntu. It uses a completely different package manager, and it is for this reason that the work in the system is somewhat different from the usual type of interaction in Debian-based (and Ubuntu-based) distributions. One of the biggest advantages of this system is the YaST control center. It gives you complete control over every aspect of OpenSuse (including system updates, application installations, and configuration).

The distribution is available in two main editions: Tumbleweed And Leap. The first is a rolling release, the essence of which lies in the updates that the Tubmleweed version receives in a timely manner as it is released. Leap, on the other hand, is a stable version, the software in which is updated much less frequently. Thanks to this, the distribution really gains stability in operation, and eliminates the appearance of some errors that could be relevant on a rolling distribution.

Regarding graphical shells, it is worth saying that in currently OpenSuse is available with KDE and GNOME. , and it is for this reason that the distribution's developers use and support them. Overall, OpenSuse is a great Linux distribution for home use. Many people stop at it, believing that no other distribution has such stability and completeness.

Manjaro

To tell the truth, this distribution is one of my favorites. Why is that? As they say, subjectivity is to blame. For me personally, Manjaro is synonymous with stability, beauty, and, finally, ease of use. Arch-like variations are really easy to operate, configure and update. Using one single resource (I'm talking about AUR), you can install almost any software without wasting time adding repositories or manually downloading the installation file through the browser.

Antergos

Another arche-like Linux distribution for home use, which is making its way to the top of various ratings. It should be regarded as the twin brother of Manjaro, which, for all its similarities, is more similar to its parents (on Arch Linux). Yes, indeed, Antergos is more similar to Arch, and even uses its repositories, while Manjaro downloads updates from its own.

Like Arch with Manjaro, this distribution can connect to the AUR and use that repository to install packages. The whole trinity is very similar in use, but there are also differences, which most often lie in the changed design (In Archa it is completely default). Otherwise, the distribution is very stable and is perfect for use at home.

Linux for home use - Fedora

And this distribution is famous for the fact that it is on it that all the new products in the GNU/Linux world first appear. It represents a kind of testing ground for Red Hat. Before adding something to its commercial Linux distribution RHEL, the company implements it into Fedora. Many people might now be asking, "If this is just a test version for a commercial distribution, doesn't that mean that there is no stability here and that Fedora will be simply terrible as a Linux distribution for home use?" And to such people I will answer: no, it doesn’t mean that. Although this distribution is the first to receive all updates, it still remains very, very suitable for use at home. What can we say, Linus Torvalds himself (the creator of the Linux kernel) used (or still uses) Fedora as his main operating system.

Of course, it is worth understanding that like all other Linux distributions, this one is not without its drawbacks. You shouldn’t expect anything out of the ordinary from it, however, I repeat, Fedora would be an excellent choice for the home.

The distribution comes in three main editions: Work station, Server And Atomic. Also available on the official resource are options with a wide variety of graphical shells. This includes KDE, LXDE, XFCE, and even Cinnamon. For home, in general, the “Workstation” or Workstation option is suitable. Therefore, I recommend paying attention to it.

Linux for home use - Ubuntu Mate

I highlighted this edition as a separate paragraph not because I have nothing more to add here. Ubuntu MATE is truly something amazing; it can be regarded as a separate Linux distribution with its own development team (however, this also applies to some other distributions from the Ubuntu family). The version with mate stands out from the rest because of its special approach. Own design style, color scheme, and most importantly, stability of operation. Many people note the last point when they say why they chose Ubuntu MATE.

The distribution is quite universal. Although it is based on the MATE graphical shell, the developers have added enough functionality to customize this shell into something similar to other graphical environments. Thus, in Ubuntu 17.10 the ability to configure the system for Unity was added. This was done to help some fans survive the transition of the main edition to GNOME. Other design options are also available here, and you can familiarize yourself with them by installing the distribution kit on your hard drive or virtual machine.

It is worth noting the speed of MATE, which users are simply delighted with. The system is fast and undemanding, which makes it possible to install it even on weak PCs and laptops.

Linux for home use - conclusions

So, I presented to you my subjective top 10 Linux distributions for your home computer. In my opinion, these are the versions that are most suitable for use at home. Of course, you may disagree with this, controversial issues there is always. Still, if you didn’t find what you were looking for here, I recommend that you check out other top Linux distributions. Perhaps you will find something there that suits you better. And that's all for now.

Top 10 Linux distributions for home use

4.1 (82.86%) 7 votes

The Linux OS has become the subject of all sorts of myths, the main one claiming that it is completely unsuited to the needs of ordinary users. Obviously, such tales are told by people who are not at all familiar with it, otherwise they would know that Linux is unpretentious, convenient, and extremely easy to install and work with all applications. Everything will be discussed in order below.

A little about Linux

This is the collective name for UNIX-like operating systems. the basis for which serves as the Linux kernel of the same name, which also combines libraries and system programs developed for it, developed by the GNU project. The full name of the kernel, which runs like most others on PC-compatible systems such as Intel x86 and the like, is GNU/Linux.

They are directly related to Linux complementary applications, which make it a full-fledged and functional representative among operating systems, but unlike them, it is not a single package, but is represented by hundreds of distributions combining GNU programs with the Linux kernel. Information about distributions is published by the DistroWatch website (https://distrowatch.com/?language=RU), which ranks their popularity based on traffic data, providing descriptions of pages with diagrams. It is there that you can get acquainted with everything related to Linux and its components.

What you should pay attention to

When starting a review of the operating system, the first thing to note about it is that it is the best alternative option for switching from Windows, far superior to Microsoft's brainchild. For better understanding advantages of Linux it should be contrasted precisely with the Windows OS, the most common of all. And that's why:

Completely free, while Windows has a developed commercial basis, which is why the vast majority of users are forced to use an unstable pirated version. Installing Linux does not require any financial costs, as do the thousands of applications available after switching to it.
Another important one positive trait Finnish OS - its exceptional reliability, not always inherent even licensed Windows. With it, you won’t have to constantly reboot your ungodly glitchy, freezing computer; the correct operation of Linux will then be a pleasant discovery.
On Linux, unlike other systems no viruses, but what this is connected with is not known for certain, especially since it does not have “personal” anti-virus programs. Even if a virus penetrates a PC, it does not spread to saved folders, and therefore does not cause any damage to the computer system.
Can't be ignored installation features programs, for which you do not need to look for them yourself, most of them on untrustworthy sites infested with viruses. On Linux, everything is much simpler and more convenient, thanks to a reliable repository and its manager, from where it is easy to install any program or application.
In the operating system kernel All drivers are installed necessary for adequate operation of the network card, with which big problems, for example, Windows 7, which often does not recognize new devices connected to the PC. On Linux, everything is initialized, installed and starts working almost instantly after connecting.
One of the main advantages is open source, in Windows it closes immediately after writing the kernel, making it impossible to open it later. His opponent has no difficulties with this, even if he needs to make some changes to the OS.

The distribution area of Linux is wider than that of all operating systems combined. Works great on home and workgroup PCs, adapts well with most processors, servers, robots, smartphones, handheld devices, anything that supports programmable operations.

Review of the most popular distributions

Thanks to the open source nature of the Linux OS, you can be overwhelmed by having access to hundreds of different distributions, with new ones constantly being added. But in fact, such abundance is the possibility of choosing a system, under individual characteristics any gadget. This is especially true for devices that are not particularly powerful, which, after installing a suitable distribution kit, will acquire a full-fledged system, lightweight and functional, containing the necessary software components. For installation you will need just download a suitable ISO image from the official website, burn it to a USB device and start the computer from it.

Linux Mint

In essence, this is a modernized, improved version of the most popular Ubuntu distribution among users, characterized by reliability and versatility. Has a wide range software with elements of proprietary optimizers, open source. Linux Mint is the best option for those who only starts to get acquainted with the new OS, thanks to the external similarity of the graphical interface to that presented in Windows. But if you wish, you can change it at your discretion even at the time of downloading.

Manjaro

A simple and convenient distribution kit, both to install and to use. Thanks to this, it comes into working condition immediately upon completion of the installation process with all the tools necessary to interact with multimedia content. Provides support 32 and 64-bit versions of the system and several cores, including RC. Based on the earlier ArchLinux distribution, the Manjaro repositories automatically synced with it after installation. This provides access to the most current software updates.

Debian

The most multifunctional, the only one among all that supports mixed update system. This allows you to easily switch to other versions, and after installation, individually select the software at your own discretion from the many options offered. Debian repositories contain more than 50,000 packages programs and utilities with 10 supported architectures, the ability to automatically install and uninstall them. Thanks to its qualities, dozens of new distributions have been created on its basis.

Kodi

Not the most multifunctional of distributions, until version 14 it was called HVMS. It has proven itself well as a cross-platform multimedia player that can turn a computer into a developed media center - this is its main advantage. Thanks to these features, Kodi has quick access to manage any kind of video and audio files, regardless of whether they are located on a PC or an optical disk. It has good open source software, supporting OSes from Linux and Windows to Android and iOS.

Kubuntu

Although it is an independent product created on the basis of Ubuntu, it was and remains part of common project. It has a lot in common with its “big brother”: the use of one base, a common repository with packages of identical programs and utilities, a common operating system that is simultaneously updated every six months. But there is in between some differences Kubuntu uses KDE as its graphical environment, while Ubuntu uses the standard GNOME. Kubuntu also supports 32 and 64-bit editions, while Ubuntu only supports 64-bit versions.

Lubuntu

One of the simplest and most convenient projects among all existing ones, not only those included in the Ubuntu family. Distinctive feature The OS is extremely light weight, low energy consumption, due to which it consumes very few resources. Installing it is relevant on netbooks and hopelessly outdated computers, or in the case of using USB modems with low Internet traffic speeds. For such devices, Lubuntu is simply irreplaceable, but for more advanced devices, installing it does not make sense, since it does not offer much functionality due to the economy mode.