8 Free and Open Source Linux Distros

A Linux distribution  is an operating system which is  made from a software collection. A  Linux distribution comprises of Linux kernel, GNU tools and libraries, additional software, a window system , a window manager, and a desktop environment. Here are the some of Linux distros.

1.Bodhi Linux

It is a lightweight Linux distribution which is  based on Ubuntu that uses the Moksha Desktop Environment. The distribution is to provide a minimal base system so that users can populate it with the software they want. It only includes software that is essential to most Linux users, including file browsers and a web browser .

2.Debian

It  is a Unix-like computer operating system that is composed of free software, most of them are  under the GNU General Public License , and packaged by a group of individuals called the Debian Project. Debian has its 3 main branches i.e Stable, Testing, and Unstable.

The  Stable Linux distribution is one of the most popular for personal computers and network servers and has been used as a base for several other distributions. The Testing and Unstable branches are rolling release and eventually become the Stable distribution after development and testing. Packages are first uploaded to Unstable, from which they migrate to Testing.

3.Fedora

Fedora is an operating system based on the Linux kernel. Fedora contains software distributed under a free and open-source license and aims to be on the leading edge of such technologies. Fedora is generally no less bug-prone than any other distribution. Fedora has a reputation for focusing on innovation, integrating new technologies early on and working closely with upstream Linux communities.

4.Linux Mint (Cinnamon and MATE)

Linux Mint (Cinnamon and MATE) has become a major distribution by giving users what they want. Not only does it support two desktops, Cinnamon and MATE, but it also offers versions based on Ubuntu and Debian. Underlying most of its variations is the usual collection of GNOME-based technologies and applications.

5.Manjaro

Manjaro uses a modified version of the Ubuntu installer. It shares Arch's appeal -- that is, both Manjaro and Arch are fast and lightweight, and have rolling releases, updating packages individually and continually rather than having regularly scheduled new versions.

6.Mageia

Mageia is the Linux distributions that feature the KDE desktop and features a simple default desktop. Those who are familiar with GNOME might take a while to understand aspects of Mageia's KDE desktop, such as the addition of desktop icons in Folder Views or the use of Activities to organize multiple desktops by tasks instead of applications.

7.OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE is the community distribution on which SUSE Linux is based. Although it releases disk images based on GNOME, openSUSE, like Mageia, is widely viewed as a KDE-oriented distribution.

For developers, one of the appeals of openSUSE might be its Open Build Service, which aids in creating disk images, including the cross-platform compilation of packages.

8.Ubuntu

Ubuntu is often said to be the most popular Linux distribution. The  installation features the Unity desktop features free software to build a desktop to rival OS X. It is not designed for easy switching back and forth between windows. Users who like to customize panel applets and the desktop may also find it lacking.