If you’re anything like me, then you’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest Linux distributions to test-drive. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a new distro that just clicks with your workflow and personality.
So, let’s dive into the top Linux distros to watch out for in 2023, and who knows, you might just find your next Linux soulmate. Also, since Ubuntu has been the go-to for many years and there are countless distros out there, why not focus on these instead? Let’s dig in.
Pop_OS!
As it stands today, Pop!_OS is a great distro for many, noobs and pros alike. It features a modern and intuitive user interface that is designed to be easy to use for both new and experienced Linux users.
Pop!_OS is optimized for performance, with features like adaptive frequency scaling and intelligent power management that help to maximize battery life and system performance. It is highly customizable, with features like the Pop Shell window manager that allow for easy window tiling and organization.
Recently, System76 announced plans to use the Rust programming language for key system components in Pop!_OS. Rust is a modern systems programming language that has gained popularity in recent years for its focus on performance, safety, and reliability.
Related: I ditched Ubuntu for Pop!_OS and I haven’t looked back since
The use of Rust in Pop!_OS is part of a broader effort to improve the security and stability of the operating system and make it easier to maintain and develop. I am excited to see the new Desktop Environment that the team here is working on.
Fedora Workstation
Fedora and Ubuntu are more similar than one would first think. They’re both based on Gnome but Fedora tends to be on the bleeding edge of the same. A new release comes out every 6 months but then we don’t get the luxury of extended support as Fedora releases are only supported for 13 months.
Fedora is available in several different flavors, each with its own set of default software packages and desktop environment. These include Fedora Workstation, which is designed for desktop and laptop use and includes the GNOME desktop environment. This is the one I’d recommend.
See, unlike other distros, Fedora offers a stock GNOME feel with little in terms of customization. This means that you basically get a blank canvas and your imagination is the limit in terms of customization.
Linux Mint KDE
The Cinnamon version of Linux Mint has been popular over the years as it offers immigrants into the Linux space from Windows a soft landing, a familiar environment to start their Linux journey. However, I move that the KDE version of Linux Mint is an excellent desktop environment to try out in 2023.
Linux Mint is a popular Linux distribution that is known for its stability, user-friendliness, and polished user interface. The KDE version of Linux Mint is particularly noteworthy because it features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which is a powerful and flexible desktop environment that can be customized to fit a wide range of use cases.
One of the key benefits of the KDE version of Linux Mint is its user interface. The KDE Plasma desktop environment is known for being highly customizable and feature-rich, with a variety of widgets, panels, and other elements that can be arranged and configured to fit a user’s workflow. The KDE desktop also includes a range of useful applications and tools, such as the Dolphin file manager, the Okular document viewer, and the Konsole terminal emulator. These applications are well-integrated into the KDE desktop environment, providing a cohesive and efficient user experience.
Another benefit of the KDE version of Linux Mint is its stability and reliability. Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, which is a stable and widely-used Linux distribution, and the KDE version of Linux Mint undergoes extensive testing and quality assurance to ensure that it is a reliable and stable platform for users. With regular security updates and software patches, users can be confident that their system will remain up-to-date and secure.
Overall, the KDE version of Linux Mint is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a stable and customizable desktop environment with a polished user interface and a range of useful tools and applications.
elementary OS
Elementary OS is a Linux-based operating system that is known for its sleek and modern user interface, and its focus on user privacy and security. As we move into 2023, Elementary OS is poised to continue to be a popular Linux distro among users who are looking for a stable and user-friendly operating system.
One of the key features of Elementary OS is its user interface, which is designed to be clean, modern, and intuitive. The Pantheon desktop environment includes a range of unique features, such as a customizable dock, a sleek file manager, and a control center that provides easy access to a range of system settings. These elements are integrated together to provide a cohesive and polished user experience that is suitable for users of all skill levels.
Another benefit of Elementary OS is its focus on user privacy and security. Elementary OS includes a range of security tools, such as an encrypted home folder and a firewall, to help keep your system secure. Elementary OS also includes a privacy-respecting browser, Epiphany, which blocks third-party trackers by default. With regular security updates and software patches, users can be confident that their systems will remain up-to-date and secure.
Finally, Elementary OS is known for its commitment to open-source software. By default, Elementary OS only includes open-source software, which means that users have access to the source code of all of their installed applications. This can be an important consideration for users who value transparency and control over their computing environment.
Overall, Elementary OS is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a stable and user-friendly operating system with a sleek and modern user interface and a focus on user privacy and security. As we move into 2023, Elementary OS is poised to continue to be a popular choice among users who value these features and benefits.
Deepin OS
Deepin OS is a Linux-based operating system that is known for its sleek and modern user interface, and a range of features that make it a great choice for users who are looking for a user-friendly and visually appealing operating system.
One of the key features of Deepin OS is its user interface, which is designed to be intuitive, modern, and easy-to-use. The Deepin desktop environment includes a range of unique features, such as a customizable dock, a sleek file manager, and a control center that provides easy access to a range of system settings. These elements are integrated together to provide a cohesive and polished user experience that is suitable for users of all skill levels.
Another benefit of Deepin OS is its range of pre-installed applications. Deepin OS comes with a variety of useful applications that are designed to be an easy-to-use Linux distro in 2023 and visually appealing. For example, Deepin includes the WPS Office suite for productivity, the Deepin Music player for listening to music, and the Deepin Movie player for watching videos. These applications are well-integrated into the Deepin desktop environment, providing a consistent and efficient user experience.
Finally, Deepin OS is known for its security features. Deepin OS includes a range of security tools, such as an anti-virus program and a firewall, to help keep your system secure. Deepin OS also includes a secure boot feature that ensures that only trusted software is loaded during the boot process, providing an additional layer of security.
Overall, Deepin OS is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a visually appealing and user-friendly operating system that provides a range of useful features and security tools.
Honorable Mentions
Along with these distros, there are a bunch of flavors that should offer you a solid experience in 2023. These are spinoffs of popular releases that are tailored toward various needs.
- Zorin OS – This distro is a knock-off of Windows, at least visually and is one of the preferred entries for users coming from the Windows side of things.
- Ubuntu running Unity Desktop Environment – Ubuntu moved to the GNOME desktop environment in 2017, ditching Unity but the project isn’t dead dead. there’s a new release of Ubuntu running this DE and that might be worth checking out for nostaligia.
Conclusion
While Linux distros remain popular and powerful operating systems in 2023, it is not the most widely used operating system for consumers. Windows continues to dominate the market share, with approximately 77% of desktop users using some version of Windows as of January 2022.
macOS is a popular operating system for users within the Apple ecosystem, with a market share of around 20%. ChromeOS is a lightweight operating system that is gaining popularity, especially in the education sector. However, it is worth noting that the market share of these operating systems can vary depending on the region and the type of device.
Overall, each operating system has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of an operating system often comes down to personal preference and individual needs.
