Debian, Arch, Slackware? Ubuntu, Open Suse, Mint? Knoppix, Tails, Parted Magic? KDE, Gnome, Cinnamon? Anyone who deals with Linux has to process and categorize dozens of names. A few safe claims can help as landmarks. If you want to install Linux, you really are spoiled for choice: There are currently around 250 distributions available for end users, the vast majority of them free of charge. Do you have to know or even try out 250 distributions to find the right one? Certainly not: 80 to 90 percent can be filtered out in advance. In this article, I’ll present the best systems and work out the differences, advantages, and weaknesses. Main strains with Debian dominance The only thing that unites all Linux distributions is the Linux kernel. On this basis, there are five main strains on which the vast majority of distributions (derivatives) are based: Debian Linux: around 125 active distributions, including Debian, Raspbian, Knoppix, Ubuntu with numerous other derivatives such as Linux Mint RedHat/Fedora: around 25 active distributions, including Fedora, RHEL, Alma Linux Arch Linux: around 20 active distributions, including Manjaro, Endeavour-OS) Slackware: around 10 active distributions, including Porteus, Slax, and a handful more, if you still want to count Open Suse as Slackware-based Gentoo Linux: around eight active distributions, including Redcore Linux In addition, there are numerous independent distributions such as Solus-OS, Clear Linux, or Puppy Linux and — for the sake of completeness — the Android mobile system. Debian therefore has far more successors than all other Linux strains combined. The more than 50 Ubuntu derivatives alone add up to more systems than any other main Linux strain. The main reasons for the spread of Debian are its compactness, flexibility, and stability (in the most widely used “stable” branch) and the reliable package management with a huge selection of software. Many derivatives such as Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Bodhi Linux, Zorin-OS, or Bunsenlabs do not reveal their Debian or Ubuntu ancestry in their names. Knoppix, Raspbian, or the NAS system Open Media Vault are also based on Debian. This picture is only intended to convey the quantities. These are half of the Debian derivatives with the Ubuntu node. Foundry The user and desktop area is dominated by comfortable Debian systems such as Ubuntu, Mint, or Elementary OS. The bottom line is that Debian systems are the first choice for beginners, but also for many pragmatic Linux connoisseurs. The only disadvantage of Debian and others may be somewhat outdated software versions. Most Gentoo-, Slackware-, Red Hat- and Arch-based systems are not suitable for the majority, but are islands for Linux connoisseurs and for specialized areas of application. The Gentoo base is practically dying out after the end of Sabayon and the switch from System Rescue CD to the Arch base. However, there are some notable exceptions with Arch, etc.: Arch Linux: There are two particularly popular distributions here: Endeavour-OS is a very fast Linux with a graphical installer, but requires some Linux experience in everyday use. Manjaro with its graphical installer and package manager is probably the most convenient Arch Linux, but is also not a beginner’s system. Red Hat: Fedora Workstation is focused on innovation, less on stability. The “Anaconda” installer used here cannot compete with the simpler Debian/Ubuntu alternatives (Ubiquity, Calamares). Slackware: Porteus is designed as a live system (no installation) and is the first choice for a mobile and fast surfing system. Open Suse is basically based on Slackware, but is now considered independent. For more than a decade, it was almost the only Linux aimed at the PC desktop with graphical operation and configurability. The distribution has lost importance and now tends more towards innovation (e.g. BTRFS file system) and less towards beginner-friendliness. Nevertheless, Open Suse (“Leap“) remains a rock-solid choice. Package formats and containers A desktop user may not care whether their VLC player or Office program runs under Debian or Arch. The software is the same in both cases. However, as all the main strains mentioned use a different package format and different tools when obtaining the software, the choice of system for the software used plays an important role. Once you are used to the DEB package format (Debian, Ubuntu & Co., Linux Mint) and the apt terminal tool responsible for this, the changeover to RPM (Slackware, Red Hat, Open Suse), Tar.xz (Arch) or even Portage (Gentoo) is a significant hurdle and vice versa. Package management differs technically in terms of recognizing package dependencies and also in terms of operation. Graphical software centers of desktop systems should not be relied on exclusively, as they only offer a subset of the software sources. Fundamental knowledge of the respective terminal package manager is therefore important. The package format for installations and updates differs significantly between the main Linux strains. Anyone who is used to Debian or Arch will remain loyal for this reason. Foundry Apt (DEB packages under Debian/Ubuntu), Zypper (RPM packages under Open Suse) and Yum (RPM packages under Red Hat) can be considered relatively simple. You have to get used to the very concise syntax of Pacman (Arch), although only a handful of commands are required for the essentials (update, installation, uninstallation, search). Familiarizing yourself with Emerge and Gentoo’s Portage package format will be too much for normal users. The Snap and Flatpak container formats require independent management. This, their package sizes, and the increased system complexity are annoying or even off-putting for many users. If you want to avoid Snaps, you have to avoid all official Ubuntus (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, UbuntuMate/Budgie/Cinnamon/Unity). With Flatpak, the situation is more relaxed because here, as a rule, only the offer in the form of the management software is available, but no binding pre-installed Flatpak software. Candidates with a pre-installed Flatpak environment are Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Endless OS, Fedora, Tuxedo-OS, Zorin-OS. Different release models All Linux distributions provide standard package sources to supply the respective operating system with software and updates. There are clearly differentiated release models, which are essential for up-to-dateness and stability, but are not always communicated as clearly as they should be. Fixed: This is the regular and predominant release model with a quasi-static standard system. The fixed model is not only typical for Debian/Ubuntu/Mint, but is standard almost everywhere beyond Arch Linux. The kernel and system remain conservatively in their original state and updates only correct the current security problems. In the case of LTS long-term versions, function and kernel updates are carried out via periodic point releases. In general, this model guarantees high stability for the desktop, and even more so for server systems. However, the application software from the package sources can become relatively outdated over the years (with the exception of browsers). Rolling: This model is the rule for Arch-based distributions (Arch, Endeavour-OS, Manjaro), but can also be found elsewhere as an optional variant: Examples include Debian Sid, the Ubuntu-based Rhino Linux, or Open Suse “Tumbleweed”. The independent Solus OS is also a rolling release. Rolling releases do not recognize system versions, but keep the Linux kernel, drivers, system, and software permanently up to date — with certain risks of incompatible components. Rolling releases are suitable for users who tend to be competent, who always want to stay up to date and can fix any problems themselves. Semi-rolling releases such as MX Linux, Antix, KDE Neon, or Tuxedo-OS are hybrids between fixed and rolling. Immutable: The young, extremely secure release model “Immutable Linux” is more restrictive than the fixed model and strictly separates the core system and software. Apart from updates, the core system is static and unchangeable for both users and software. For application software, the container formats Flatpak and Snap are used, which do not interfere with the core system. Prominent candidates are Fedora Silverblue, Endless OS, and soon a variant of Debian 13. However, the immutable model is hardly recommended for normal users: The range of software is limited, the read-only system is too inflexible for server tasks, and the same applies to driver updates. Origin and sustainability In the mass of distributions on offer, some candidates may appear to be the perfect solution at first glance. However, typical desktop users or even Linux beginners should not get involved with exotics. Linux projects from small development teams may quickly become obsolete or have shortcomings that are not immediately recognizable even after trying out the live system. A lack of language support or a mixed-language system are among the most common, but by no means the most serious shortcomings. Distributions and desktops A user-friendly interface is at least as important to many users as the familiar package format or release model. However, distributions and desktops are a complicated subject. Although the well-established statement that the desktop under Linux is merely an interchangeable software application is technically true, it is still not correct. If you choose a distribution with the wrong desktop, you will regularly be disappointed by a “real” desktop installed afterwards. This also applies to distributions without a default desktop with Netinstaller (such as Debian, Open Suse, Parrot-OS), which install the desktop selected by the user. As flexible as this may seem, the result is always an unambitious standard desktop that requires reworking and possibly further installations. Desktop and distribution selection: The widest possible range of graphical management tools is important if terminal knowledge is lacking. Foundry Practically speaking: It is advantageous to choose distributions that are clearly or even unambiguously committed to a desktop. Here you can assume that the interface is optimized and delivered with all the associated components. Examples of distributions that clearly serve a desktop are official Ubuntu flavors such as Kubuntu (KDE), Xubuntu (XFCE), Lubuntu (LXQT), as well as Elementary OS (Pantheon), KDE Neon (KDE), Bodhi Linux (Moksha), or Bunsenlabs (Openbox). Most distributions avoid the restriction to one desktop and therefore offer several interfaces, but favor at least one standard. It is practically always best to choose this standard desktop — and if this desktop is not desired, it is better to choose a different distribution. Examples of distributions that clearly favor a specific desktop are Linux Mint (Cinnamon), Solus-OS (Budgie), or Parrot-OS Home (XFCE). The Linux desktops If you expect — without a terminal — the most complete graphical use possible for software installation, system configuration, drive management, and desktop customization, you cannot choose just any Linux desktop and therefore not just any distribution. The desktop for Linux systems is in principle freely selectable, as here with the Debian Netinstaller. However, you are better off with a distribution with a pre-installed standard desktop. Foundry KDE Plasma: With its configuration centers and system tools, KDE is the undisputed leader among Linux desktops. However, KDE is complex and not always beginner-friendly. Other obvious distributions would be Kubuntu, KDE Neon, or Opensuse “Leap”. Cinnamon: This desktop is probably the best Linux interface at the moment, combining a wealth of functions with (still) clear operation. Linux Mint, Ubuntu Cinnamon, and others offer the latest and most complete Cinnamon. Gnome: This desktop is unconventional, but functional and complete, although the administration area (“Settings”) is more confusing than KDE or Cinnamon. Typical Gnome distributions are Ubuntu, Fedora, or Pop-OS. Mate: The Mate interface still ranks among the complete desktops in that almost all administrative tasks can be performed graphically. Nevertheless, it only serves as the standard desktop under Ubuntu Mate, although many distributions offer it as an option. Budgie: The Gnome-based desktop makes Gnome more traditional again, but has the same confusing settings center and its own customization tools that take some getting used to. The traditional distributions are Solus-OS and Ubuntu Budgie. XFCE: The conservative desktop is easy to use and customize, but has slight deficits compared to the “big” interfaces when it comes to system tools. Model distributions are Xubuntu, MX Linux, or Voyager-OS. LXQT: This desktop is standard in Lubuntu alone, but optional in many distributions. Although LXQT borrows configuration tools from its big brother KDE, complete graphical system administration reaches its limits here. Pantheon: The desktop with a Mac look is attractive, but very reduced. System settings and customizations only offer the essentials. Pantheon is developed by the Elementary OS distribution and is standard there. LXDE/Moksha/Openbox/Fluxbox: These interfaces are representative of a number of others that a user can select specifically because they like them or because they need to save resources. They offer few configuration tools and delegate system administration to the terminal. Distributions that rely on such desktops are generally optimized for economy or live operation, such as Knoppix (LXDE), Bodhi Linux (Moksha), Bunsenlabs (Openbox), and MX Linux (Fluxbox). More hard facts about Linux distributions Wikipedia with hardcore information: The article “Comparison of Linux distributions” provides technical details on a large number of Linux distributions in several individual tables.Foundry The English-language Wikipedia website “Comparison of_Linux_distributions” shows information on all important distributions in sophisticated tables. For example, the existence of an installable live system or a graphical installer, the general orientation, the standard file system, the standard desktop or the number of software packages for each distribution can be researched here. These tables are excellent decision-making aids for a strategic distribution search. The Distrowatch website always provides up-to-date information on all Linux distributions — including servers, exotics, and extinct dinosaurs. In addition to basic data on origin and orientation, there is always a brief, rarely in-depth system characterization. A simple distribution search by name can be found at the top left of the homepage. The real highlight, however, is the search filter at distrowatch.com/search.php. Provided you have some knowledge of Linux, there is no other way to get a quicker answer to the question of whether there is an Arch-based distribution with Netinstaller and Budgie desktop. Advanced search filters on Distrowatch: The well-maintained database enables technical selection filters for a targeted system search. Foundry Read...

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In a post published yesterday on Google’s The Keyword blog, Google unveiled a series of new features for the universal Android XR platform for XR headsets and glasses. Right now, Android XR is mainly used by Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, but the hope is that more and more manufacturers will possibly adopt Android XR going forward. One of the major innovations in this batch of updates is the new PC Connect feature. With PC Connect, you’ll be able to connect your Galaxy XR headset to your Windows PC, then pull in a specific window or even your entire desktop into the Galaxy XR device. The windows pulled in via PC Connect can be used side-by-side with native Google Play apps, allowing you to be more productive within your XR environment. Those windows from your PC can also be games, essentially allowing you to stream games from your PC to your headset. Android XR also has a new Travel Mode that keeps your XR view stable even when you’re in a bumpy environment, like a car or a plane or a train. This way you can keep using your Galaxy XR headset in cramped locations without feeling disoriented or getting nauseated. Lastly, Android XR is introducing a new feature called Likeness, which is a realistic XR representation of your face that mirrors your expressions and hand gestures in real time. When using Android XR for video calls, your Likeness will make the interaction feel more authentic and natural. These new features for Android XR—PC Connect, Travel Mode, and Likeness—are already rolling out in beta form. Read...

From sound quality to connectivity, the right features in PC speakers can make all the difference in how you enjoy your music, movies and games. Here we highlight five important features to look for that will help you make an informed choice. 1. Superior sound quality It’s important to focus on sound quality to identify the best computer speakers for your needs. A high-quality sound should emphasize a wide range of frequencies. The frequency response refers to the range of sounds produced by your speakers measured in hertz (Hz). Ideally what you want is a wide frequency response of between 20Hz to 20kHz in good-quality speakers. You should also check the accuracy of the sound reproduction. What you’re looking for is a distinct lack of distortion. You want to hear a clean, clear sound free from unwanted artifacts that can muddle your listening experience. By choosing speakers with minimal distortion, you’ll benefit from more authentic audio playback, allowing instruments and vocals to shine through as intended by the artist. 2. Versatile connectivity Assessing connectivity options is vital to ensure your speakers are compatible with your existing devices. Speakers can connect through various methods such as USB, Bluetooth, or traditional audio jacks. If you frequently switch between devices or use multiple platforms, look for speakers that offer versatile connectivity to streamline your experience. If you want to be moving your speakers around a lot, consider a wireless setup that also makes using them with your smartphone effortless. You’ll ideally want to consider the ports available, whether the speaker has AUX, USB, or optical ports, as these will determine how well your speakers integrate with your devices. Compatibility with HDMI ARC can be a game changer for those with TVs because it allows you to control your TV and speakers through a single remote. 3. Adequate power You need to select speakers with the right wattage for your space for an optimal sound experience. To do that, consider the dimensions of your room and how much sound it can accommodate without losing clarity or depth. Smaller environments can get away with speakers with 20 to 50 watts of power. While larger rooms may need 100 watts or more to adequately fill the space and prevent sound from being muted. Understanding your room’s acoustics is equally important. Rooms with hard surfaces can amplify sound making lower wattage speakers perform better, while rooms with soft surfaces may benefit from a higher wattage to create a balanced sound. You should aim to get speakers to fill the room with sound without being cranked to maximum power which can distort the sound quality. By doing so, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable listening experience that suits your specific environment. Pexels: Marinko Krsmanovic 4. A good design and build The design and build of your speakers can influence both the aesthetics of your speaker but also how they perform. Ideally you want speakers that blend seamlessly with your décor and enhance your environment’s overall look. To that end look for finishes and styles that resonate with your taste. Durability is also important, particularly regarding the materials used in their construction. High-quality materials not only prolong the life of the speakers, they also improve the sound performance. For example, wooden enclosures are tough, but they also resonate better than plastic, producing warmer and richer sound profiles. Then again, aluminum or reinforced plastic is super strong and can protect against wear and tear and extend the life of the speaker. 5. Value for money Finding the right balance between price and value is key when selecting PC speakers. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, speakers will vary in price considerably due to differences in their sound quality, build, and other features. That’s not to say that the most expensive are always the best. You should consult product reviews like the ones in our article about the best budget computer speakers and make an informed decision before buying any speaker. Before you begin shopping it’s important to determine your budget. Computer speakers range from budget-friendly models under $50 to high-end options exceeding $500. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend enables you to focus on models that offer the best features within your range, ensuring that you don’t overspend or settle for less-than-ideal performance. Related content I ditched my PC speakers for a soundbar and never looked back Please stop using your monitor’s crappy built-in speakers How we test PC speakers at PCWorld Read...

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For years I jumped on the bandwagon of flashy aesthetics in my gaming gear. RGB lights, multiple monitors, complex headsets and mice with 15 plus buttons were my mainstay. But I’m past that now. These days, give me a minimalist gaming setup and I’m as happy as Larry. Why have I gone minimalist? A big part of why I switched camps has to do with the work-from-home trend. The change meant that I needed a setup I could use for my work as well as my play. I needed a clean, functional desk, and I just didn’t have that with my old gaming setup. I made a substantial change. Now my desk has fewer items on it; I use a single monitor instead of two and instead of a mouse with more than 15 buttons and multiple levels of actuation I use a Razer Cobra Pro with five easy-to-find clicks. Additionally, I swapped out my chunky oak desk for a modular desk and my gaming chair for a much more comfortable chair. And now, all my devices are wireless. My minimalist setup is more than just an exercise in organization, it’s also so much better ergonomically. For example, instead of a mechanical keyboard with fatiguing keys, I now have a low-profile keyboard with Razer linear switches. It’s a lot more comfortable to type on and a whole lot less tiring for my fingers. It also has quicker actuation, so it’s a win win. Thankfully gaming peripheral makers have embraced the trend. Companies like Asus, Logitech, and Razer have minimalist single-color peripherals with discreet branding and compact designs, so it wasn’t hard to find what I was looking for. My minimalist gaming setup is free of distractions, too. Instead of flashy RGB lighting, I just use devices in their raw form. My mouse and keyboard still have RGB, but I turn it off in settings in the daytime and turn it back on in the nighttime, or not. This change has been useful for my work, but it’s also been better for my gaming too. Without visual clutter I tend to hit far more targets. There’s less to distract me in the heat of battle like there was before. Blinged-out desktops with multiple displays and RGB lights can be visually distracting. Pexels: XXSS is back But it’s not just the RGB that’s had that effect. It’s the fact that I no longer have an excessive number of gadgets around me. The lack of visual clutter has brought an intentionality to my play. It’s been shown in studies that an environment overloaded with items can cause cognitive overload and fatigue, while a clean, organized space promotes calm and focus. Just anecdotally I’ve found that to be so true. An added benefit of my minimalist setup is that now my desk blends into my modern apartment, instead of looking like an eyesore or like it belongs at an arcade. Minimalist gaming has been a trend on social media for a while now. Gaming influencers and social media bloggers have really pushed the idea. One point that keeps coming up in those circles is the fact that minimalism doesn’t mean “less powerful.” That’s the case with my gaming setup too. I still have a powerful gaming rig with an RTX 4090 GPU and Intel i9-13900K CPU, so there is plenty of grunt in my system. I just now have clean lines and less bling everywhere. For me there have also been big PC performance gains in going minimalist. I swapped out my cluttered tower for one that has much better airflow. The new case has components arranged more logically, making upgrades and maintenance easier, while keeping temperatures lower. The decision to go minimalist has also been a cost effective one for me. I find I now spend a lot less on my gear than I used to. It’s no small point that the flashiest gear tends to be the most expensive, so I’m not missing buying all that stuff. So, if you’re thinking of going minimalist, you should. There are so many benefits you won’t regret the decision. Related content 6 reasons to skip RGB lights in your PC Best PC computer deals: Top picks from desktops to all-in-ones Best monitors: 11 top picks for gaming, 4K, HDR, and more Read...

TL;DR: Windows 11 Pro now only costs $9.97 (reg. $199). Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, so any computer that hasn’t upgraded is at risk. Normally, moving up to Windows 11 Pro would cost $199, but right now, it’s only $10. With Windows 11 Pro, the layout is cleaner, multitasking is more intuitive, and tools like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops help wrangle your workspace without any extra effort. If you’re someone who keeps a dozen projects open at once or just lives with too many browser tabs, it helps keep everything moving smoothly. It’s also a solid upgrade for gaming. DirectX 12 Ultimate support gives compatible games sharper visuals and faster load times, and the overall system efficiency helps with performance across the board. Security gets a boost, too. BitLocker can lock down your files, Smart App Control catches suspicious downloads before they cause trouble, and biometric login options make signing in both safer and faster. Users who need advanced tools get extras like Hyper-V for virtual machines and Windows Sandbox for testing apps in a contained environment. Windows 11 Pro also includes Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant that can help draft text, answer questions, or handle small tasks while you work. It’s now only $9.97 to get Windows 11 Pro for life, but that won’t last much longer. No coupon code needed. Microsoft Windows 11 ProSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

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