A Stunning and Easy to Use Linux Distribution

Linux is an open-source operating system that has been widely used by many users from various parts of the country. This operating system (OS) which can be downloaded and used for free is often an alternative to Windows and MacOS which are paid products. Linux is an OS built on Unix that became famous in the late 1970s. Since then, this OS has been adopted by various software developers, which eventually formed a Linux distribution or distribution. Linux distribution, or commonly abbreviated as Distro, is a term for an OS on a computer, including its application, which uses the Linux kernel. This article is a summary of the best Linux distributions for 2018, ranging from distributions for beginners or new users to niche-based distributions.

Each Linux distribution has been adjusted according to the needs of each user. Ubuntu, for example, is very easy to use, because this distribution is specifically designed for a newbie or newcomer. Arch Linux, on the other hand, will be much lured by users who are experienced in using the Terminal; a software that is used to type commands on Linux, such as to install an application. This article, in particular, will focus on helping the reader in choosing the right distribution. Here is a list of the best Linux distributions for 2018:

1. Elementary OS

If you want to have a Linux OS with a very elegant look, maybe Elementary OS is the answer. This distribution is a Linux distro that has a very soothing look of the eye, with almost the same style as MacOS. What makes this distribution look great is the desktop environment (DE) that is used. This distribution uses DE called Pantheon, which was developed based on DE Gnome.

The latest version of Elementary OS is named Loki, which is slightly nicer and neater than its predecessor Freya. This distribution has an UI installer application called AppCenter. So, users can easily install applications without using a terminal. This AppCenter becomes very useful for Elementary OS because this distribution doesn't have many pre-installed applications in it.

You can download Elementary OS through its official page.

2. Linux Mint

One of the best Linux distributions for 2018 is Linux Mint. This distribution is suitable for new Linux users. Linux Mint is equipped with lots of software to meet the productivity requirements of users when switching from Mac or Windows, such as LibreOffice, etc. Mint also has better support for proprietary media formats. This allows users to play videos, DVDs and MP3 music files without having to bother installing the codex first.

You can download four variants of Linux Mint version 18.3, each of which uses a different DE. DE Cinnamon is currently the most popular, but you can also choose the more basic DE MATE, or DE Xfce.

There are also versions of KDE Linux Mint 18.3 that use DE Plasma. This latest version comes with Software Manager which comes with superior applications such as Spotify, Skype and WhatsApp.

All DEs offered in Linux Mint have their own advantages and disadvantages. So, you are advised to download some and boot through the Live CD before installing it to see which is the best.

Linux Mint can be downloaded through this page.

3. Arch Linux

If you want to try Linux distributions that are less user-friendly, Arch Linux is the right choice. Arch allows you to customize your own build using the terminal to download and install software packages. With a terminal, users can choose which package they want to install and which one is not to save storage. This option is very useful for developers and those who use low-end computers.

As time progressed, now also has a version of Arch Linux named Antergos with a more user-friendly appearance. This Antergos comes with more pre-installed drivers and applications, and also some additions to the DE section to make it easier for users to change the appearance of this Antergos system. The purpose of building Antergos itself is to facilitate the operation of Arch Linux's own features starting from the beginning of installation until after.

Antergos graphics installer can guide users in preparing the installation process and directing booting into DE Gnome 3. Antergos can also use DE Cinammon, MATE, KDE and Xfce according to taste. However, Antergos is not equipped with an office suite that can be installed through the package manager of Arch, which is known as pacman.

You can download Arch here, and Antergos here.