Best Operating Systems for Linux of 2025 - Page 2

KaiOS Technologies is the driving force behind KaiOS, the premier operating system designed for smart feature phones globally. Recognized by TIME magazine as one of the Best Inventions in the Social Good category, KaiOS enhances accessible devices with connectivity and applications. This year, FastCompany included KaiOS Technologies in its list of the 50 most innovative companies, highlighting its impactful contributions. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company also has offices in China, India, France, and the United States, employing over 300 individuals dedicated to expanding internet access for a broader audience. With the rising costs of smartphones and data plans, coupled with the complexities of touchscreen devices and applications for novice internet users, KaiOS aims to bridge the digital divide. Our mission centers on empowering individuals everywhere through technology, as we firmly believe that internet access is essential for realizing one's potential. Our platform offers Wi-Fi, GPS, and a range of advanced features, all tailored for affordability and user-friendliness, ensuring that more people can connect with the digital world. By simplifying technology, KaiOS opens doors to opportunities that many have previously found out of reach.

Fedora Workstation stands out as a dependable, robust, and user-friendly operating system tailored for both desktops and laptops. It serves a diverse group of developers, including hobbyists, students, and professionals operating within corporate settings. The GNOME 3 desktop environment allows you to concentrate on your coding tasks without unnecessary interruptions. Built with the developer's needs in mind, GNOME offers a streamlined experience that emphasizes productivity. You can eliminate the frustration of searching for or compiling the necessary tools, as Fedora provides an extensive array of open-source languages, tools, and utilities that are readily accessible with just a click or command. Additionally, Fedora supports collaborative efforts through platforms and repositories like COPR, enabling you to share your projects and provide builds for the broader community to utilize. This makes it an ideal choice for developers looking to enhance their workflow and contribute to open-source initiatives.

Bodhi Linux is a minimalistic and efficient operating system that showcases the highly adaptable Moksha Desktop, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight experience. The 64-bit version is based on Ubuntu 20.04, while the 32-bit Non-PAE version draws from Ubuntu 18.04. Known as the Enlightened Linux Distribution, Bodhi Linux 6.0.0 prides itself on its small size and active development team, which is always on the lookout for collaborators. The project welcomes contributions from c, bash, and python programmers, as well as translators, graphic designers, theme creators, and others who wish to lend a hand. Even if you’re unable to contribute code or documentation, any financial donations are greatly appreciated and can have a significant impact. Renowned for its emphasis on minimalism and resource conservation, Bodhi Linux allows users to make their own choices regarding applications rather than being burdened with unnecessary pre-installed software. Ultimately, the Bodhi Linux team is dedicated to creating an efficient and flexible environment tailored to individual preferences, reflecting their commitment to user empowerment.

You set it up once and then enjoy its benefits indefinitely. There's no need to fret every six months about significant system upgrades that could potentially render your device unusable. Instead, you receive regular updates that not only tackle security vulnerabilities and eliminate bugs but also introduce the latest features and advancements, including updated kernels, new drivers, and the most current desktop environment versions. Each update undergoes rigorous testing in line with industry-leading quality standards, utilizing a build service that other Linux distributions aspire to emulate. Not only is every new package version tested individually, but various clusters of versions are also compared to ensure your system's internal consistency. With just one command, you can update thousands of packages, revert to a snapshot from the previous week, fast-forward to the latest changes, and even preview what future releases will look like. This streamlined process allows users to seamlessly manage their systems without the usual headaches associated with traditional upgrades.

JupyterHub allows users to establish a multi-user environment that can spawn, manage, and proxy several instances of the individual Jupyter notebook server. Developed by Project Jupyter, JupyterHub is designed to cater to numerous users simultaneously. This platform can provide notebook servers for a variety of purposes, including educational environments for students, corporate data science teams, collaborative scientific research, or groups utilizing high-performance computing resources. It is important to note that JupyterHub does not officially support Windows operating systems. While it might be possible to run JupyterHub on Windows by utilizing compatible Spawners and Authenticators, the default configurations are not designed for this platform. Furthermore, any bugs reported on Windows will not be addressed, and the testing framework does not operate on Windows systems. Although minor patches to resolve basic Windows compatibility issues may be considered, they are rare. For users on Windows, it is advisable to run JupyterHub within a Docker container or a Linux virtual machine to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. This approach not only enhances functionality but also simplifies the installation process for Windows users.

Introducing the pioneering operating system designed to unify all your AI and automation tools within a single visual interface. Many automation and AI projects fail primarily due to insufficient analysis of the specific business processes that require automation; therefore, conducting a thorough process analysis is essential. This system visualizes potential candidates for automation and AI integration while facilitating process discovery and analysis. Additionally, its AI-driven engine provides tailored solution proposals. Poor planning and execution are frequent causes of failure in automation and AI initiatives, but DelphiOS is here to help you navigate these obstacles effectively. With a top-tier methodology for implementing your solutions, DelphiOS streamlines development by strategically allocating tasks and approval processes. Managing a variety of automation and AI technologies from different suppliers can pose significant challenges; thus, maintaining full visibility and control over your existing solutions is imperative. You can oversee robots, AI models, and solutions across six different technologies through the DelphiOS Control module, which provides real-time performance metrics and diagnostics for all your automation and AI applications. This comprehensive oversight ensures that your initiatives are not only effective but also continuously optimized for success.

The system analyzes all web traffic and can block specific websites through both HTTP and HTTPS using the Squid proxy. It is integrated with ClamAV antivirus and employs site blacklists for enhanced security. The setup features a multi-domain web server powered by a ready LAMP stack, allowing for the hosting of multiple domain names on a single server. Built on NextCloud, it offers universal access to your files via the web, personal computers, or mobile devices, ensuring you can access your information from anywhere. Additionally, it provides a private alternative to Slack through the Mattermost platform, which facilitates secure collaboration among teams. The modern web interface, built on Cockpit, streamlines common administrative tasks and boasts a quick and straightforward installation process. This infrastructure is based on CentOS/RHEL, a widely used server distribution known for its routine security updates and exceptional stability, making it a reliable choice for various applications. With this setup, users can benefit from both functional versatility and robust security measures.

Unraid OS provides unparalleled management of your data, media, applications, and desktops, enabling users to leverage nearly any hardware configuration. It is particularly beneficial for video producers, streamers with large video collections, media editors, photographers, musicians, and music enthusiasts who want to minimize their upfront expenses. You can begin with just two drives and expand your storage incrementally as needed. Gamers who also operate media servers and prefer customizing their systems rely on Unraid to maintain their performance without compromise. Furthermore, designers, 3D animators, developers, and photographers utilize Unraid for storing large amounts of assets locally, ensuring quick and efficient access. You can also employ services like Apple Time Machine and Windows Backup to securely archive large volumes of data that aren’t frequently used. Beyond this, software engineers, game development studios, AR/VR designers, and educational institutions take advantage of Unraid to conduct tests across various platforms, operating systems, and devices, enhancing their workflow and productivity. This versatility makes Unraid a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their data management solutions.

Guix is a sophisticated distribution of the GNU operating system that is created by the GNU Project and emphasizes the autonomy of computer users. This system offers features such as transactional upgrades and roll-backs, along with unprivileged package management, enhancing user flexibility and control. When utilized as an independent distribution, Guix enables declarative system configurations, ensuring that operating systems are both transparent and reproducible. It also includes Guile Scheme APIs, which feature high-level embedded domain-specific languages (EDSLs) for defining packages and entire system setups. With an extensive repository containing thousands of packages, Guix provides users with access to a wide range of applications, system utilities, documentation, fonts, and other digital resources that can be easily installed using the GNU Guix package manager. Additionally, Guix fosters a community that encourages collaboration and sharing of knowledge, making it a valuable resource for developers and users alike.

PLD is a free Linux distribution based on RPM, established in 1998, designed for experienced users and administrators who are willing to make compromises for greater flexibility, often requiring manual configuration. Its support for numerous architectures and a progressive stance on RPM application ensures that users experience a reliable environment across nearly all hardware platforms. This approach not only enhances usability but also fosters a diverse community of users who appreciate the freedom to customize their systems.

Salix is a streamlined GNU/Linux distribution that is derived from Slackware, emphasizing simplicity, speed, and user-friendliness, with a strong focus on stability. It maintains full compatibility with Slackware, allowing users to access Salix's repositories as an additional high-quality source for their preferred distribution. Comparable to a carefully cultivated bonsai, Salix is designed to be compact and lightweight, resulting from meticulous attention to detail. The ISO includes everything necessary for installation, featuring a complete desktop environment along with a well-rounded selection of applications that adhere to the principle of "one application per task." However, it includes only the essential components needed to initiate a console system, intentionally omitting a graphical interface. This makes Salix particularly suitable for advanced users who wish to tailor their installation for specific functions, such as setting up a web or file server, allowing for a highly personalized computing experience. Additionally, users can appreciate the flexibility offered by Salix to create a customized environment that meets their unique needs.

Slint stands as a robust distribution, with accessibility software being frequently updated, while other components receive updates on an as-needed basis. Users can operate Slint in both console and graphical modes, effortlessly transitioning between them without the need for a system reboot. Additionally, it allows for the simultaneous launch of multiple graphical environments, making it versatile for various tasks. The Slint dashboard offers immediate access to essential tools, pertinent information, and useful links, enhancing user experience. The installation program, designed in text mode, is fully accessible for visually impaired users utilizing a screen reader or Braille display, navigating through a question-and-answer format that includes online assistance and integrated documentation. Notably, the btrfs file system is set up with subvolumes rather than distinct partitions, which effectively halves the space taken up on the storage medium, facilitates snapshot creation, and is particularly well-suited for SSDs, NVMe drives, and USB flash drives. This thoughtful design makes Slint not only user-friendly but also efficient in managing system resources.

Trisquel is designed for immediate use in both home and office environments, with effortless access to new applications for installation. You can consult our documentation to discover the various features available to you. Notably, accessibility is prioritized in Trisquel’s standard edition, ensuring that our manuals are compatible with screen readers and supplemented by a range of informative audio guides. The Trisquel operating system can be downloaded at no cost, making it easily accessible to everyone. To aid in sustaining our efforts, consider making a donation, becoming a member, or purchasing hardware from ThinkPenguin or Technoetical to support our mission. Engaging with our community not only helps us grow but also enhances your experience with Trisquel.

This operating system is perfect for individuals seeking to maximize their computing experience while enjoying a classic desktop layout. Its lightweight hardware requirements make it compatible with contemporary workstations, single-board computers, and even older systems. Ubuntu MATE enhances the performance of new machines and revitalizes older devices for practical use. We are pleased to offer pre-configured images for various models including the Raspberry Pi 2, 3, 3+, and 4, along with a selection of ultra-mobile PCs like the GPD Pocket, GPD Pocket 2, GPD MicroPC, and Topjoy Falcon, ensuring a versatile solution for diverse computing needs.

OmniOS is an open-source server operating system designed to include only essential features. Its native file system, ZFS, integrates a volume manager with robust data integrity protections. You can effortlessly share volumes using protocols like iSCSI, CIFS, and NFS. Additionally, OmniOS allows the execution of lightweight virtual machines running either OmniOS or Linux in containers, eliminating the traditional hypervisor's overhead while ensuring complete resource management. For those needing full hardware virtualization, it supports bhyve and KVM, allowing the operation of various guest systems including Microsoft Windows and FreeBSD. Network infrastructure can be virtualized through Crossbow, which offers virtual interfaces and switches, plus the option to allocate dedicated resources for specific applications. DTrace serves as a powerful dynamic tracing framework to facilitate troubleshooting across the software stack, enabling real-time instrumentation whenever needed. As an open-source project, OmniOS is self-hosting and its development is actively managed on GitHub, where contributors can submit pull requests, and anyone interested can access the source code to compile their own version of OmniOS. This environment fosters community involvement and transparency in the development process.

The latest release of DragonFly, version 6.2.2, introduces several enhancements, including hardware compatibility for type-2 hypervisors utilizing NVMM, an upgraded amdgpu driver, and the experimental feature of remote-mounting HAMMER2 volumes, alongside a variety of other updates. As a member of the BSD family of operating systems, DragonFly shares its roots with Linux and other BSD variants, adhering to the foundational principles and APIs of UNIX while also diverging in terms of development direction from FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. This divergence allows DragonFly to pursue unique innovations, such as its sophisticated HAMMER filesystem, which offers high performance, built-in mirroring, and historical access capabilities. Additionally, one of the standout features is the implementation of virtual kernels, enabling the execution of a complete kernel as a user process, which facilitates resource management, kernel development, and debugging in an accelerated environment. These features collectively position DragonFly as a distinctive option within its operating system category, appealing to users seeking alternatives beyond conventional solutions.

Microservice operating system that delivers atomic updates while utilizing a read-only btrfs root filesystem, MicroOS is specifically crafted to support containerized workloads with features for automated maintenance and patch management. By installing openSUSE MicroOS, users can quickly create a compact environment ideal for running containers or other tasks that require transactional updates. As a rolling release distribution, it ensures that all software remains current and up-to-date. Additionally, MicroOS provides an offline image option for easier installation. The key distinction between the offline image and the self-install/raw images lies in the inclusion of an installer in the offline version, while the raw and self-install images allow for greater customization through combustion or manual adjustments after the image has been deployed. Furthermore, MicroOS includes the possibility of utilizing a real-time kernel for enhanced performance. Users can explore MicroOS in virtual machines on platforms such as Xen or KVM, while those with Raspberry Pi or similar system-on-chip devices can take advantage of the preconfigured image combined with combustion for seamless boot integration. This versatility makes MicroOS an appealing choice for a variety of deployment scenarios.

Enterprise-Grade Linux for Edge-to-Cloud Implementations. This collaborative open-source initiative is a Debian-based Linux distribution specifically designed for applications spanning from edge to cloud scenarios. It guarantees reliable performance and stability across devices, on-premises environments, and cloud infrastructures. eLxr offers a robust and secure distribution, built upon the innovations of the open-source community, featuring a reliable release and update schedule that supports extended lifecycles and long-term deployments. It is especially suited for applications with strict timing demands, utilizing preempt-rt kernel configurations to enhance low-latency responses and ensure tasks are performed within exact timeframes. This approach leads to improved determinism and predictability when compared to conventional Linux kernels. eLxr is designed with a reduced footprint, promoting optimal performance and resource efficiency while minimizing potential vulnerabilities. It encompasses all essential features and capabilities, ensuring the most effective use of system resources while supporting diverse deployment needs. As a result, users can expect a highly adaptable and efficient platform for various application requirements.

Security Onion serves as a robust open-source platform dedicated to intrusion detection, network security monitoring, and log management. Equipped with a suite of effective tools, it empowers security experts to identify and address potential threats within an organization's network. By integrating various technologies such as Suricata, Zeek, and the Elastic Stack, Security Onion enables the collection, analysis, and real-time visualization of security data. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the management and examination of network traffic, security alerts, and system logs. Additionally, it features integrated tools for threat hunting, alert triage, and forensic analysis, which aid users in swiftly recognizing possible security incidents. Tailored for scalability, Security Onion is effective for a diverse range of environments, accommodating both small businesses and large enterprises alike. With its ongoing updates and community support, users can continuously enhance their security posture and adapt to evolving threats.

Arm Mbed OS is an open-source operating system tailored for IoT applications, providing all the essential tools for creating IoT devices. This robust OS is equipped to support smart and connected products built on Arm Cortex-M architecture, offering features such as machine learning, secure connectivity stacks, an RTOS kernel, and drivers for various sensors and I/O devices. Specifically designed for the Internet of Things, Arm Mbed OS integrates capabilities in connectivity, machine learning, networking, and security, complemented by a wealth of software libraries, development boards, tutorials, and practical examples. It fosters collaboration across a vast ecosystem, supporting over 70 partners in silicon, modules, cloud services, and OEMs, thereby enhancing choices for developers. By leveraging the Mbed OS API, developers can maintain clean, portable, and straightforward application code while benefiting from advanced security, communication, and machine learning functionalities. This cohesive solution ultimately streamlines the development process, significantly lowering costs, minimizing time investment, and reducing associated risks. Furthermore, Mbed OS empowers innovation, enabling developers to rapidly prototype and deploy IoT solutions with confidence.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time serves as a real-time operating system that minimizes latency and enhances the predictability and reliability of time-sensitive, essential applications, whether it’s an IoT sensor keeping tabs on industrial equipment or an edge system that requires immediate responses to external stimuli. Various sectors, including banks, manufacturers, and government entities, depend on applications that must function with precision and reliability under all circumstances. For distributed systems to operate cohesively, they require time synchronization not just within individual servers but also among all interconnected servers. The Precision Time Protocol (PTP) achieves this by synchronizing servers over high-speed networks, boasting accuracy down to sub-microsecond levels. It also features support for device interrupt threads, allowing for optimization at the device level, along with hardware latency detectors to maintain consistent application behavior. With SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time, you gain a crucial competitive edge in timing efficiency, ensuring your applications run smoothly and reliably. This ensures that your business can respond agilely to market demands while maintaining high standards of performance.

Open source software and a universal router are key to democratizing the way we access networks. VyOS' vision is to revolutionize how we access networks, so that everyone can build the solutions they have always wanted, without limitations, restrictions, or prohibitive prices. We believe that internet access is just as important to human development as food, water, air, and healthcare. VyOS was founded by engineers for engineers. It is an open-source software company that makes it possible to access networks without restrictions or prohibitive fees. Through our open-source software and virtual platforms, we do this as VyOS. Stateful firewalls, zone based firewall, all types source and destination NAT (one-to-one, one-to many, many to many). For auditing, creating customized images and contributing, everyone has access to the entire codebase and build toolchain.

Reliable servers help decrease customer turnover while enabling you to boost server density, ultimately enhancing your profitability. The stability features of CloudLinux OS effectively mitigate resource surges, ensuring that your servers maintain exceptional stability even under significant pressure. Additionally, CloudLinux OS safeguards your servers against attacks by virtualizing users' file systems, preventing any potential leaks of sensitive information. Our advanced kernel-level technology effectively blocks all known symbolic link attacks, significantly bolstering server security. It is also essential to secure outdated PHP versions where vulnerabilities may exist, particularly in cases where the PHP.net community does not provide patches. By utilizing CloudLinux OS, you can effectively increase the number of users on a more stable server while managing resource limits for each individual customer. Moreover, you can troubleshoot performance issues with comprehensive insights into system bottlenecks, slow database queries, functions, or external calls, ensuring optimal server performance. This holistic approach not only guarantees security but also enhances the overall user experience.

EuroLinux Desktop represents a significant advancement in the realm of operating systems. It seamlessly blends the visual appeal and functionality found in Windows® and macOS® while delivering the dependability and security characteristic of Enterprise Linux distributions. By implementing several modifications to the Linux user interface, EuroLinux Desktop ensures an intuitive experience for users familiar with Microsoft® or Apple® platforms. Moreover, it guarantees top-tier security and stability, as it is based on the source code of Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 9, which is widely utilized in high-stakes environments such as financial institutions, telecommunications, and public sector entities. This operating system caters to both individuals and organizations transitioning from Windows® or macOS®, seeking a robust platform that preserves the familiar aesthetics of Microsoft® and Apple® offerings, all while benefiting from long-term technical support. EuroLinux Desktop effectively addresses the requirements of public administration, the financial industry, educational institutions, and everyday users, making it a versatile choice for a diverse range of applications. As a result, it stands as an appealing alternative for those aiming to enhance their computing experience without sacrificing familiarity or security.

NVIDIA presents pure SONiC, an open-source, community-driven, Linux-based network operating system that has been fortified in the data centers of major cloud service providers. By utilizing pure SONiC, enterprises can eliminate distribution constraints and fully leverage the advantages of open networking, complemented by NVIDIA's extensive expertise, training, documentation, professional services, and support to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, NVIDIA offers comprehensive support for Free Range Routing (FRR), SONiC, Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI), systems, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) all consolidated in one platform. Unlike traditional distributions, SONiC allows organizations to avoid dependency on a single vendor for updates, bug resolutions, or security enhancements. With SONiC, businesses can streamline management processes and utilize existing management tools throughout their data center operations, enhancing overall efficiency. This flexibility ultimately positions SONiC as a valuable solution for those seeking robust network management capabilities.