Echo Workshop

About ◈ Echoes


I'd like to start by saying that the following information is not necessary to use Linux comfortably.
It's like looking up "What is the NT kernel?" before using Windows, which most people wouldn't do.

If you just want to use Linux and play some games, look at my Starting with Linux page.

What is Linux?

Linux is nothing more than a "kernel", managing your hardware for you.
I won't go into too much detail about what that means, but essentially, think of Linux as nothing more than a black screen with white text and a blinking cursor on the screen.
(technically, even that interface is provided by additional software running on top of the kernel)

You can think of the kernel (Linux) as the engine of a car.
By itself, it's powerful but not particularly useful, and it needs to be part of a complete vehicle to serve a practical purpose.
For a vehicle, this includes essential components like the chassis, wheels, doors, steering wheel, and seats, all of which are necessary to make the car functional and comfortable to use.

Similarly, in the case of Linux, this would be the graphics, sound, mouse cursor, desktop environment, and everything else that turns the kernel into a fully usable operating system.

Installing all the software necessary to create a comfortable working environment is a big task - like building your own car - and it's not something most users want to do.
(unless you're tackling Linux From Scratch).

This is where Linux "distributions" come in.

A Linux distribution, or "distro", is a complete Linux package, or a "complete vehicle".
It includes a Linux kernel (there are different versions), the software, and everything else you need, preconfigured and ready to use.
And since there is no "official Linux software" and only software that is community made, each distro offers a vastly different user experience, all based on what the distro creator wants its distro to do and the software they like.
Though, commands such as cd, ls, etc. are part of "POSIX" (Portable Operating System Interface), which is always found across UNIX systems, like Linux, BSD and MacOS.

Finding the right distro for you is often the first challenge when starting your Linux journey.

The Eternal Search

There are countless distros out there, along with something called "base distros", and finding the right one for you can be challenge.
Many people end up "distro-hopping", where they jump between distros to find the one that suits them best.

However, it's important to remember that beneath it all is just Linux.
The difference lies in the software on top, and you're free to modify that software however you want to better suit your workflow, like swapping out the seats or steering wheel in a car.
A distro claiming to be "best for gaming" or "best for artists" is only "best" because it comes pre-installed with software that matches that audience, but any other distro could install the same software very easily.

That said, why spend days customizing one distro to resemble another when you could simply use the latter?

So, the goal should be to find the distro that requires the least amount of work to meet your needs.
Which distro includes the applications you use, the desktop environment you prefer, and the configuration that feels right?
Which distro makes you work the least?

I can't tell you which distro is best for you, but I can share my thoughts on a few.
I'll organize them by "base distro".

Oh, and a base distro is a Linux distribution that serves as the foundation for others.
For example, Debian is a base distro, and Ubuntu is based on Debian.
Linux Mint, in turn, is based on Ubuntu.
So, is Ubuntu also a base distro? ... I guess so? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
And there's nothing wrong with choosing to use a base distro itself, but it may feel more "barebones" compared to its derivatives.
(this can be a good thing!)

And a Debian-based distro would be when someone downloaded Debian, removed some software, added others, adjusted settings, and customized the whole thing for a specific purpose.

Debian

Often regarded as very "stable", making it a good fit for server machines.
And I agree that Debian when using the Stable branch is very stable, as all software is tested (sometimes for years) before it's available for use.
However, most Debian-based distros use the Unstable branch, meaning they're no more stable than other distros.

Key Points:

Notable Distributions:

Arch

Seen as a "hardcore" Linux distro.
Its installer is minimalistic, requiring you to set up and configure everything yourself.
However, many of its derivatives come with user-friendly installers.
(the Arch elitist do not like the user-friendly derivatives)

Arch is known for its bleeding-edge software, and you even have the option to compile programs from source, giving you access to the absolute latest versions.

And it's particularly popular among users who enjoy customizing their desktop environment.
(customizing your desktop is known as ricing)
While you could customize something like Debian in exact the same way, Arch being so barebones - and the fact that customization starts from the installation - makes it perfect for customization.

Key Points:

Notable Distributions:

Red Hat

The original Red Hat Linux is no longer available.
It was split into Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) for businesses and requires a license, and Fedora for free for the community.

Red Hat-based software is typically up-to-date, with Fedora often serving as a testing ground for the latest GNOME desktop features.

Red Hat uses the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) for software installation.
This package manager is also used by various other Linux distributions that are not based on Red Hat itself.
These distributions are referred to as "RPM-based" simply because they use the RPM package format, even if they're not directly based on Red Hat.

Key Points:

Notable Distributions:

RPM-Based:

My Pick

One thing I haven't mentioned is how distros handle updates.

Many distros use a "point release" system, where updates are bundled into major releases.
Windows follows this model, with updates like Service Pack 2 or the transition from Windows 10 to 11.
Alternatively, some distros use a "rolling release" model, delivering continuous, incremental updates.

Personally, I prefer rolling releases for operating systems.
Major updates - like moving from Windows 7 to 10 or Fedora 36 to 37 - can introduce significant changes and break functionality.
A rolling release keeps my system consistently updated, and if something breaks, it's usually isolated to a single application.

I also dislike outdated software and I'm not too interested in over-the-top desktop customization.
All I want is a clean, fast, and up-to-date system that "just works", even if there's a little bit of manual work involved.

Therefore, my choice is:
openSUSE

Specifically, openSUSE Tumbleweed, their rolling release version.

See the Software page for the software I use on Linux.
See the Dotfiles & openSUSE page for the tweaks I apply to openSUSE.

Is It the Right Choice for Everyone?

No.

I've tried most distros, and I really enjoyed Fedora.
But its point release system drove me away.
I believe Debian Stable is the best option for servers.
However, I'm strongly against Ubuntu due to its use of Snap packages.
And I feel like every other Debian-based distros is just an unstable Debian with outdated software, which doesn't appeal to me.
Arch, while up-to-date, only really beats RPM-based distros if you use the AUR (compiling from source), which can introduce significant system instability and problems when updating software.

That said, distros like Linux Mint include user-friendly tools perfect for beginners.
ZorinOS is polished, offers great features, and even helps you set up your desktop.
All things I do not want. :)
But you might!

Ultimately, I can't tell you which distro is best for you.
But now you know what I think, and I suggest you just pick one and give it a try.

And remember, it's not a permanent choice, and the next distro you try could be very different.

If you want some software suggestions, you'll want to visit the Software page.
And if you want to dig deeper, you can check out the Learning Linux page.