Ubuntu is probably one of the most popular and widely used Linux distributions due to its classic user interface, stability, ease of use, and a rich repository containing more than 50,000 software packages. Also, it is highly recommended for beginners who want to try Linux.
In addition, Ubuntu is supported by a vast community of dedicated open source developers who continue to actively contribute to its development to provide updated software packages, updates, and bug fixes.
There are numerous flavors based on Ubuntu, and a common misconception is that they are all the same. While they may be based on Ubuntu, each flavor ships with its unique style and variations to make it stand out from the rest.
Is Ubuntu dying?
Not at all. It is getting to a mature state to get a broad adoption.
After all, it is the Linux distribution with the widest adoption worldwide. Maybe previous releases were exciting for users like us, but anyway I think in the long term, stability and end-user experience will open the space for this distribution as a desktop contender.
Just check this very important functionality announced today as a near-future standard offering. ZFS is a strong storage service available on FreeBSD.
It is not yet available as a reliable service in the Linux world, but now with Ubuntu, it will be.
No, Ubuntu is not dying. What you are seeing is a change in some focus.
Ubuntu is the number one operating system in the cloud. Many people working on embedded devices, the Internet of Things, are basing work on Ubuntu Snappy.
Top 10 Best Ubuntu Alternatives 2024
Snappy is a transactionally updatable OS with a read-only base layer. This work has evolved from some of the work on the Ubuntu phone.
These are interesting times. If you are annoyed by Ubuntu not changing maybe you should try Linux Mint.
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu but has a more modern desktop design when using cinnamon as a graphical shell.
When you try mint you will feel like you are using a blend of Mac OS x and Ubuntu.
In this guide, we are going to explore some of the most popular Ubuntu-based Linux variants.
Linux Mint
Used by millions around the globe, Linux Mint is a massively popular Linux flavor based on Ubuntu.
It provides a sleek UI with out-of-the-box applications for everyday use such as LibreOffice suite, Firefox, Pidgin, Thunderbird, and multimedia apps such as VLC and Audacious media players.
Owing to its simplicity and ease of use, Mint is considered ideal for beginners who are making a transition from Windows to Linux and those who prefer to steer clear from the default GNOME desktop but still enjoy the stability and the same code base that Ubuntu provides.
The latest Mint release is Linux Mint 20 and is based on the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
Link: here
Elementary OS
If there was ever a Linux flavor that was built with stunning appeal in mind without compromising crucial aspects such as stability and security, then it has to be Elementary.
Based on Ubuntu, Elementary is an open-source flavor that ships with an eye-candy Pantheon desktop environment inspired by Apple’s macOS.
It provides a dock that is reminiscent of macOS, and beautifully styled icons and numerous fonts
From its official site, Elementary emphasizes keeping users’ data as private as possible by not collecting sensitive data.
It also takes pride in being a fast and reliable operating system ideal for those transitioning from macOS and Windows environments.
Just like Ubuntu, Elementary comes with its Software store known as App Center from where you can download and install your favorite applications ( both free and paid ) with a simple mouse-click.
Of course, it ships with default apps such as Epiphany, photo, and video playing applications but the variety is quite limited compared to Mint.
Link: here
Zorin OS
Written in C, C++, and Python, Zorin is a fast, and stable Linux distribution that ships with a sleek UI that closely mimics Windows 7.
Zorin is hyped as an ideal alternative to Windows and, upon trying it out, I couldn’t agree more. The bottom panel resembles the traditional taskbar found in Windows with the iconic start menu and pinned application shortcuts.
Like Elementary, it underscores the fact that it respects users’ privacy by not collecting private and sensitive data. One cannot be certain about this claim and you can only take their word for it.
Another key highlight is its ability to run impressively well on old PCs with as little as 1 GHz Intel Dual Core processor, 1 GB of RAM & 10G of hard disk space.
Additionally, you get to enjoy powerful applications such as LibreOffice, Calendar app & slack, and games that work out of the box.
Link: here
POP! OS
Developed & maintained by System76, POP! OS is yet another open-source distribution based on Canonical’s Ubuntu.
POP breathes some fresh air in user experience with an emphasis on streamlined workflows thanks to its raft of keyboard shortcuts and automatic window tiling.
POP! also brings on board a Software Center- Pop! Shop – that is replete with applications from diverse categories such as Science & Engineering, development, communication, and gaming apps to mention a few.
A remarkable improvement that POP! has made is the bundling of NVIDIA drivers into the ISO image.
In fact, during the download, you get to select between the standard Intel/AMD ISO image and one that ships with NVIDIA drivers for systems equipped with NVIDIA GPU.
The ability to handle hybrid graphics makes POP ideal for gaming.
Link: here
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LXLE
If you are wondering what to do with your aging piece of hardware, and the only thought that crosses your mind is tossing it in the dumpster, you might want to hold back a little and try out LXLE.
The LXLE project was primarily developed to revive old PCs that have a low specification and have seemingly outlived their usefulness.
How does it achieve this? LXLE ships with a lightweight LXDE desktop environment that is friendly on the system resources without compromising on the functionality required to get things done.
We have included it in a previous article on the best Linux distributions for old computers.
LXLE is packed with cool wallpapers and numerous other additions and customization options that you can apply to suit your style.
It’s super fast on boot and general performance and ships with added PPAs to provide extended software availability. LXLE is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Link: here
Kubuntu
Kubuntu is a lightweight variant of Ubuntu that comes with the KDE Plasma desktop instead of the traditional GNOME environment.
The lightweight KDE Plasma is extremely thin and doesn’t eat up the CPU. This frees up system resources that can be used by other processes.
The result is a faster, more reliable system that lets you do so much more.
Like Ubuntu, it is quite easy to install and use. KDE Plasma has a sleek and elegant appearance with numerous background images and polished icons.
Apart from the desktop environment, it is similar to Ubuntu in almost every other way, eg. Ex. B. When sending with a variety of everyday applications such as Office, graphics applications, email, music, and photos. Kubuntu does the same.
Link: here
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Lubuntu
We cannot afford to leave out Lubuntu, a lightweight distribution that includes an LXDE / LXQT desktop environment in addition to a selection of lightweight applications.
With a minimalistic desktop environment, it is recommended for systems with low hardware specs, especially older PCs with 2G RAM.
The latest version at the time this manual was written is Lubuntu 20.0 with the LXQt desktop environment. This is supported through April.
Lubuntu 0 /18, which ships with LXDE, will be supported through April 2022.
Link: here
Xubuntu
An acronym for Xfce and Ubuntu, Xubuntu is a community-driven variant of Ubuntu that is lean, stable, and highly customizable.
It comes with a sleek, modern look and ready-made apps to get started.
You can easily install it on your laptop, desktop and even an old PC would be enough. The latest version is Xubuntu 20.0, which will be supported. This is also based on Ubuntu 20.0 LTS.
Link: here
Ubuntu Budgie
As you might have guessed, Ubuntu Budgie is a fusion of the traditional Ubuntu distribution with the innovative and sleek budgie desktop.
The latest release, Ubuntu Budgie 20.04 LTS is a flavor of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. It aims at combining the simplicity and elegance of Budgie with the stability and reliability of the traditional Ubuntu desktop.
K resolution support, a new window shuffler, Budgienemo integration, and updated GNOME dependencies are just a few of the new features in Ubuntu Budgie 20.0 LTS.
Link: here
KDE Neon
It comes with KDE Plasma 5, and the most recent version – KDE Neon 20.04 LTS – is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, just as Kubuntu.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of Ubuntu-based Linux distributions. We choose to highlight the top ten most popular Ubuntu-based variations.
Link: here
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