Ubuntu is arguably some of the widespread and widely-used Linux distributions owing to its basic UI, stability, user-friendliness, and wealthy repository that incorporates over 50,000 software program packages. Moreover, it comes extremely advisable for learners who’re attempting to offer a shot at Linux.
As well as, Ubuntu is supported by an enormous group of devoted open-source builders who actively keep and contribute to its improvement to ship up-to-date software program packages, updates, and bug fixes.
There are quite a few flavors based mostly on Ubuntu, and a standard false impression is that they’re all the identical. Whereas they could be based mostly on Ubuntu, every taste ships with its personal distinctive type and variations to make it stand out from the remainder.
On this information, we’re going to discover a number of the hottest Ubuntu-based Linux distributions.
1. Linux Mint
Utilized by thousands and thousands across the globe, Linux Mint is a massively widespread Linux taste based mostly on Ubuntu. It offers a smooth UI with out-of-the-box functions for on a regular basis use akin to LibreOffice Suite, Firefox, Pidgin, Thunderbird, and multimedia apps akin to VLC and Audacious media gamers.
Owing to its simplicity and ease of use, Linux Mint is taken into account best for learners who’re making a transition from Home windows to Linux and people who favor to steer clear from the default GNOME desktop however nonetheless benefit from the stability and the identical code base that Ubuntu offers.
The latest releases of Linux Mint are Linux Mint 20 and Linux Mint 21, that are based mostly on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS respectively.
2. Elementary OS
If there was ever a Linux taste that was constructed with gorgeous enchantment in thoughts with out compromising essential points akin to stability and safety, then it needs to be an elementary OS, which is predicated on Ubuntu.
elementary OS is an open-source taste that ships with an eye-candy Pantheon desktop atmosphere impressed by Apple’s macOS. It offers a dock that’s harking back to macOS, fantastically styled icons, and quite a few fonts.
From its official website, elementary OS emphasizes on holding customers’ knowledge as non-public as potential by not accumulating delicate knowledge. It additionally takes delight in being a quick and dependable working system best for these transitioning from macOS and Home windows environments.
Identical to Ubuntu, elementary OS comes with its personal Software program retailer often known as App Middle from the place you possibly can obtain and set up your favorite functions (each free and paid) with a easy mouse-click. In fact, it ships with default apps akin to Epiphany, Photograph Viewer, and video/media taking part in functions however the selection is kind of restricted in comparison with Linux Mint.
3. Zorin OS
Written in C, C++, and Python, Zorin is a quick, and steady Linux distribution that ships with a smooth UI that intently mimics Home windows 7. Zorin is hyped as a really perfect different to Home windows and, upon attempting it out, I couldn’t agree extra. The underside panel resembles the standard taskbar present in Home windows with the long-lasting begin menu and pinned utility shortcuts.
Like elementary OS, it underscores the truth that it respects customers’ privateness by not accumulating non-public and delicate knowledge. One can’t be sure about this declare and you’ll solely take their phrase for it.
One other key spotlight is its skill to run impressively properly on previous PCs – with as little as 1 GHz Intel Twin Core processor, 1 GB of RAM & 10G of exhausting disk house. Moreover, you get to take pleasure in highly effective functions akin to LibreOffice, Calendar app & Slack, and video games that work out of the field.
4. POP! OS
Developed & maintained by System76, POP! OS is yet one more open-source distribution based mostly on Canonical’s Ubuntu. POP breathes some contemporary air into the person expertise with an emphasis on streamlined workflows due to its raft of keyboard shortcuts and computerized window tiling.
POP! additionally brings on board a Software program Middle- Pop! Store – that’s replete with functions from numerous classes akin to Science & Engineering, improvement, communication, and gaming apps to say a number of.
A exceptional enchancment that POP! has made is the bundling of NVIDIA drivers into the ISO picture. In actual fact, through the obtain, you get to pick out between the usual Intel/AMD ISO picture and one which ships with NVIDIA drivers for techniques geared up with NVIDIA GPU. The power to deal with hybrid graphics makes POP best for gaming.
The most recent model of POP! Is POP! 22.04 LTS based mostly on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
5. LXLE
In case you are questioning what to do along with your getting older piece of {hardware}, and the one thought that crosses your thoughts is tossing it within the dumpster, you may need to maintain again slightly and check out LXLE.
The LXLE undertaking was primarily developed to revive previous PCs which have low specs and have seemingly outlived their usefulness. How does it obtain this? LXLE ships with a light-weight LXDE desktop atmosphere that’s pleasant to the system sources with out compromising on the performance required to get issues completed.
We have now included it in a earlier article on the finest Linux distributions for previous computer systems.
LXLE is filled with cool wallpapers and quite a few different additions and customization choices which you can apply to fit your type. It’s tremendous quick on boot and normal efficiency and ships with added PPAs to supply prolonged software program availability. LXLE is accessible in each 32-bit and 64-bit variations.
The most recent launch of LXLE is LXLE 18.04 LTS.
6. Kubuntu
Kubuntu is a light-weight Ubuntu variant that ships with a KDE Plasma desktop as an alternative of the standard GNOME atmosphere. The light-weight KDE Plasma is extraordinarily lean and doesn’t gobble up the CPU. In so doing, it frees up system sources for use by different processes. The tip result’s a quicker and extra dependable system that permits you to take action way more.
Like Ubuntu, it’s fairly simple to put in and use. The KDE Plasma offers a smooth & elegant look and feels with quite a few wallpapers and polished icons.
Other than the desktop atmosphere, it resembles Ubuntu in virtually each different manner like transport with a set of apps for on a regular basis use like workplace, graphics, e-mail, music, and images functions.
Kubuntu adopts the identical versioning system as Ubuntu and the most recent launch – Kubuntu 20.04 LTS – is predicated on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
7. Lubuntu
We can’t afford to depart out Lubuntu which is a light-weight distro that comes with an LXDE/LXQT desktop atmosphere alongside an assortment of light-weight functions.
With a minimalistic desktop atmosphere, it comes advisable for techniques with low {hardware} specs, extra particularly previous PCs with 2G RAM. The most recent model on the time of penning this information is Lubuntu 22.04 with the LXQt desktop atmosphere, which might be supported till April 2025.
8. Xubuntu
A portmanteau of Xfce and Ubuntu, Xubuntu is a community-driven Ubuntu variant that’s lean, steady, and extremely customizable. It ships with a contemporary and trendy look and out-of-the-box functions to get you began. You’ll be able to simply set up it in your laptop computer, or desktop and even an older PC would suffice.
The most recent launch is Xubuntu 22.04 which might be supported until 2025 and can be based mostly on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
9. Ubuntu Budgie
As you might need guessed, Ubuntu Budgie is a fusion of the standard Ubuntu distribution with the modern and smooth Budgie desktop. The most recent launch, Ubuntu Budgie 22.04 LTS is a taste of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. It goals at combining the simplicity and magnificence of Budgie with the steadiness and reliability of the standard Ubuntu desktop.
Ubuntu Budgie 22.04 LTS options tons of enhancements akin to 4K decision assist, a brand new window shuffler, budgie-nemo integration, and up to date GNOME dependencies.
10. KDE Neon
We earlier featured KDE Neon in an article in regards to the finest Linux distros for KDE Plasma 5. Identical to Kubuntu, it ships with KDE Plasma 5, and the most recent model – KDE Neon 22.04 LTS is rebased on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
This will not be your entire checklist of all Ubuntu-based Linux distros. We determined to function the highest 10 generally used Ubuntu-based distributions. Your enter on that is extremely welcome. Be happy to ship a shout.
