It is really difficult to track all available Linux distributions because they are countless, daily some new project is coming in and some going out (dead). That’s why Linux newcomers can easily be confused, although some top options such as Ubuntu, Debian, CertnOS, Linux Mint, Deepin etc. are always there to start. However, if you want to know the top 10 most downloaded and used Linux distros in past six months then here is the list. In it, you will find real popular systems but also one or the other unknown masterpiece. Lately, one new Linux OS start getting much traction and able to rank at the first spot in this top 10 list of Linx distros i.e MX Linux.
Jun 23, 2020 Then don’t look anywhere anymore, here are best in class, top alternative Linux distributions to replace your Windows and macOS. Nowadays, leaving Windows 10 or macOS to experience Linux environment seen common among tech enthusiasts. And most of them choose some Linux distros for beginners like Ubuntu or Linux Mint. They are good too, but.
In the area of desktop and laptop computers, Microsoft Windows is generally above 70% in most markets and at 77% to 87.8% globally, Apple's macOS is at around 9.6% to 13%, Google's Chrome OS is up to 6% (in the US) and other Linux distributions are at around 2%. All these figures vary somewhat in different markets, and depending on how they are. Apr 08, 2019 Here I'll be listing the most beautiful Linux distros for 2019 that have impressed me and other Linux users. This list a mixture of newcomers like Poo!OS, Nitrux, etc., and popular distros like. Nov 28, 2019 Read Also: 10 Best Linux Laptops of 2019. Today, we bring you a list of the best general-purpose Linux distributions to run on your PCs and they are arranged in order of the most hits from users in the last 3 months on Distro Watch. MX Linux is an open-source distro based on antiX and MEPIS. It has been designed to work as. Linux Mint Stats and Facts. In 2019 Linux Mint actually surpassed Ubuntu in popularity, and it’s now the main Linux competitor of Windows 10 and MacOS. Let’s check out some Linux Mint facts: The initial release of Linux Mint took place on August 26, 2006.
The best Linux distros list here is as per their usage and download, they are arranged as per the data from the most popular Linux Distribution website called Distrowatch. You can test most of them alongside your existing Windows 10 or 7 installation or using VirtualBox or Vmware Workstation. Furthermore, they all are available in ISO format which means it easy to create a bootable USB drive using any of them. The third-party USB maker software one can use are Rufus, Unibootin and Blanethcer. All the given Linux distros are available with a stable version and beautiful graphical user interface. Let’s have a look.
Debian Linux OS is upstream for variety of Linux distributions and MX Linux is also one of them. It is a new name but as per the data, one of the most popular open-source Linux distros of 2019. Not only Debian but it also use the antiX Linux as a base.
To make it lightweight the developers have used XFCE desktop environment which makes users run it on older computer systems such as personal Desktop or Laptop, those were having low hardware configuration.
Moreover, it comes with Live environment which allows you to test it first before installing on your machine. The ISO file MX Linux is 1.5 GB and available for both 32 and 64 bit operating systems. Furthermore, productive applications also come with it such as Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice and more.
Manjaro Linux is not a new name and quite been here for some time now, yet most of the people don’t know it, expect Ubuntu and Linux Mint, when it comes to user-friendly OS. But that is not true, try out Manjaro, it is based on on the Arch Linux distro, indeed you have to learn the command curves of this second top Linux distro.
It is available with multiple desktop environments such as XFCE, KDE, GNOME and more… There is nothing trailblazing but has good stability, ability to install multiple kernels, automatic hardware detection and easy to use.
The size of Manajaro ISO to download is between 1.8 to 2 GB and the latest version supports 64 bit (x86_64) systems only.
See: How to install Manjaro on PC
The third most popular Linux of 2019 is Linux Mint and it doesn’t need any introduction at all. It is one of the best alternatives to the Windows 7 operating system in the open-source world. The black and green combination and automatic support to almost all available hardware in your desktop laptop systems make it an unlimited Linus distro. It is based on Ubuntu and offers several Linux desktop environments such as MATE, Xfce, KDE and Cinnamon. However, the most popular one is Cinnamon with a Windows-like interface.
It is one of the best Linux distros for beginners since it is easy to use and supports a vast range of open-source software. Linux Mint is available in ISO format which sizes around 1.8 to 1.9 GB for both 32 and 64-bit systems, that means if you have some old PC or laptop then you can go for it.
Info: How to create Linux bootable USB
As base OS for hundred of Linux operating system. An open-source Linux distro that has been developed and tested for years. It comes with a simple interface and one of the easiest Linux to install. Default GNOME desktop environment, apt package manager and support to large system architecture(arch64, armel, armhf, i386, mips, mipsel, mips64el, ppc64el, s390x) are some of its features. Also available in a graphical user interface KDE and Xfce.
The ISO file to download for popular Debian is available to support both 32 bit and 64 bit. It is also accessible on almost every Cloud as server OS image.
Info: How to install Debian on Virtualbox
Well!, when the derived or fork operating system Linux Mint is that much great then its upstream OS definitely will be. Ubuntu is available for Desktop and servers, and one of the most popular Linux operating system amid developers and common users. However, in the last six months somewhat slip to 5th ranking it appears people want to try something new. Nevertheless, Ubuntu is the best in terms of stability, hardware recognization, software availability, different flavours and ease of usage.

Its software centre and the default support to SNAPD really help to Linux beginners in installing free software with just a few clicks and without a terminal. Moreover, it is also available as a minimal command-line server OS. ISO can be downloaded only for 64-bit systems.
Info: Install Ubuntu 19.04 on VirtualBox
elementary OS is not different, is also based on Ubuntu like Linux Mint, the thing which makes it one of the popular Linux distros is its desktop interface and wide range of out of the box useful software.
If you have ever seen it, then you might have felt its appearance is similar to macOS. This Linux distro for those requires an OS with all day to day software from office suite to music and video players. Just like Ubuntu, here you can also use its software centre to install numbers of software and application packages with a few mouse clicks.

Info: Install Elementary OS on PC
You might be perplexed by hearing Solus in this top 10 Linux distros list, however, it is here. Solus is popular because its minimalistic design and simple touch of Budgie desktop environment that makes it suitable for everyone because of familiar GNOME 2 Desktop looks. Apart from Budgie, it also available in GNOME and MATE DE.
For management it user Flatpak, eopkg (pisi fork) and Snap, thus one can easily install any software using the command without any difficulty.
To recall, at WWDC 2020, the company announced iOS 14, 7, macOS Big Sur and other next operating system versions, making them available to developers on that day itself. Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has today seeded the second beta for its recently announced new software updates for its products. Use together for macos download.
Developed for only 64-bit systems, it offers a wide range of function and uses some gnome-software and is based on the graphics toolkit GTK + (GIMP Toolkit). Worth to give try once.
You can download its ISO image from here.
Solus System requirements:
So, finally something from Redhat but free to download and use i.e Fedora. Redhat is not available to use for free of cost, thus the users those want it can go for Fedora or CentOS. Both are available for Desktop and laptop usage with intuitive GNOME Desktop environment.
Fedora ISO image can be downloaded for workstations (Desktops/laptops) and Servers. Support 32 bit and 64 bit systems with the most innovative and interesting concepts, so who wants to ride on the spearhead go and grab this open-source Linux distro.
Personally, I have used this Linux distro and believe me apart from few glitches, it is best operating in terms of the graphical environment, usage and inbuilt applications. It can easily replace your old windows system. However, even in the stable version, I have faced some issues like slow wifi connection. But surely one should try it once.
It is based on Debian and originated from China. Deepin has its own DDE or Deepin Desktop Environment which is based on the Qt 5 toolkit. It comes with WPS office, intuitive System Monitor, screenshot tool, DMusic and DPlayer player and a lot more. With the help of Deepin Software Centre, one can install a variety of applications in just one click.
The installation of it is super easy and it can be considered as Windows alternative for office and home use. Available in ISO format for 64 bit systems.
Another popular Linux OS in this top distro list which is known as one of the best alternatives for Windows 10 and Windows 7 because of its interface and integration of all necessary software including games.
Zorin is free Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, the premium version its comes with multiple interfaces to resemble Windows and macOS. Everything you need as a beginner to start is already on board.
Furthermore, it also available as a tailored version for educational purposes and a lite version for old PC even work on 15 years old one with low hardware resources. The education version is fully open source and with free software for kids and teachers to learn and teach new things such as coding, science, classroom management and control. It supports touch displays devices too such as tablets.
So, these were the top popular Linux operating system liked by professional and non-professional for their Desktop PC and Laptops. Hence, grab the one which suits your need and style.
When it comes to desktop computers, Linux has always been an underdog. In 2019, the desktop Linux market share sits at around 2.5 percent, but there are far more fantastic Linux distributions for desktops than ever before.In this article, we are taking a look at the top seven best Linux desktop distributions to show that compelling alternatives to Windows and macOS not only do exist but are readily available. Our list is loosely based on the DistroWatch Page Hit Ranking statistics, which measure the popularity of Linux distributions by the number of times a distribution page on DistroWatch.com was accessed each day.There was always a great demand for mid-weight Linux distributions designed to provide a highly stable yet easy-to-use desktop operating system suitable for most typical applications.
MX Linux came to life in December 2013, when some members of the MEPIS community began a discussion about the option to combine packages from Debian Stable and antiX in order to create a brand-new distribution capable of surpassing MEPIS.
MX Linux uses Xfce as the default desktop, and it comes with all the tools you need to manage your computer without resorting to clunky command line tools.
Manjaro Linux sees itself as a complete alternative to Windows and macOS. This polished Linux distribution is based on Arch Linux, which is known for its Keep It Simple design philosophy and strong community.
Manjaro leverages the strong foundation provided by Arch Linux to combine cutting-edge software with automated tools to produce an operating system that’s accessible to complete Linux newbies but suitable even for Linux veterans, making it an excellent entry point into the exciting world of Linux.
You can try Manjaro without installing, and there are several editions to choose from. XFCE, KDE, and GNOME are Manjaro’s flagship editions, but you can also download Manjaro Openbox edition, Cinnamon edition, i3 edition, and Awesome edition.
Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution that aims to provide an operating system with flawless out-of-the-box multimedia support and a user interface that feels instantly familiar to all Windows users.
Because Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, which is based on Debian, it gives its users access to an extremely comprehensive collection of software packages. Managing them is easy because Linux Mint has one of the best software managers out there.
Just like Manjaro, Linux Mint is available in multiple editions. The main edition features the Cinnamon desktop environment, which derives from GNOME 3 but follows traditional desktop metaphor conventions.
One doesn’t have to spend too much time on the official website of elementary OS to understand that this progressive Linux distribution strives to be a replacement for macOS. elementary OS developers have crafted a beautiful Linux operating system that’s polished to near perfection and comes with a number of custom apps.
elementary OS comes with its own open, pay-what-you-want app store for indie developers, called AppCenter, that gives its users access to a curated selection of open-source apps. Unlike most other Linux distributions, elementary OS has built-in parental controls that allow parents to set time limits, manage allowed websites, and choose which apps are safe to access.
Even though elementary OS looks and feels like a paid operating system, you can download it for free. But if you can afford it, definitely donate at least a few dollars to support the project, especially since elementary OS developers make it so easy to do so.
It’s impossible to talk about Linux distributions for desktop computers without mentioning Ubuntu. First released in 2004, Ubuntu has single-handedly established Linux as a viable alternative to Windows and macOS, and it remains a great choice even in 2019.
As we’ve already mentioned earlier in this article, Ubuntu is based on Debian, but it differs from it in a number of important ways. For starters, Ubuntu is available in multiple editions, each featuring a different desktop environment and targeting different users. Special versions of Ubuntu are available for servers, IoT devices, and the cloud.
Ubuntu’s mission is to bring free software to the widest audience, which includes people with disabilities and those living in countries where English isn’t the official language, and the entire Ubuntu community has been doing a marvelous job when it comes to making its mission a reality.
Solus is a sleek Linux distribution for home computing that’s not based on any other Linux distribution. Instead, it’s built completely from scratch and uses a forked version of the PiSi package manager, which is the package manager of Pardus Linux.
To give its users a familiar yet modern desktop experience, Solus developers have selected Budgie as the main desktop environment. Budgie GNOME technologies such as GTK+, and it features unified notifications, supports extensive customization, and much more.
Included with Solus are some of the best open-source applications ever created, such as MPV, Firefox, Rhythmbox, and Thunderbird. You can, of course, install any software you want to make Solus truly yours.
Fedora is a community supported Linux distribution that has a mutually beneficial relationship with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. New features are often first introduced in Fedora, where they are tested before being implemented in Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
But don’t think that Fedora is just a playground for Red Hat to experiment with new features. Fedora is a mature operating system that’s available in three different flavors to satisfy the needs of everyone from regular computer users to server administrators to people managing complex cloud-based architectures.
It’s also a great way how to experience the GNOME desktop environment and everything it has to offer. Fedora is often among the first distributions to include the latest version of GNOME, and it ships it in a very pure form.
Even though the Linux desktop market share has remained steady over the last few years, the number of fantastic Linux distributions suitable for desktop computers has increased dramatically. New and seasoned Linux users alike can now choose from many different distributions that make Linux on the desktop accessible and fun.
In this article, we’ve introduced seven such distributions, but there’s much more to be discovered on sites like DistroWatch.com, so make sure to do your research if none of the distributions listed in this article has caught your eye.