Best Operating Systems for Linux of 2025 - Page 4

Ubuntu Server offers both economic and technical scalability for your data center, whether it is public or private. Whether your goal is to establish an OpenStack cloud, a Kubernetes cluster, or a massive 50,000-node render farm, Ubuntu Server provides unparalleled scale-out performance that delivers exceptional value. You can seamlessly deploy a variety of applications, including NoSQL databases and web farms, without any hassle. With certification from leading hardware manufacturers and a robust set of deployment tools, you can maximize the efficiency of your infrastructure. The regular release cycle ensures that you always have access to the latest and highest performing open-source solutions. Additionally, its lightweight initial installation combined with integrated deployment and application modeling technologies positions Ubuntu Server as an ideal choice for straightforward deployment and scaled management. Ultimately, this makes it an excellent option for organizations seeking to optimize their operational efficiency and resource utilization.

Once your invention evolves into a tangible product, the Raspberry Pi compute module stands out as a robust, industrial-grade system-on-module that serves as the central processing unit for various hardware, from robots to server racks. In today's landscape, open source has become the standard for driving software innovation across multiple domains—whether it’s in the cloud, at the edge, within containers, or in the realm of IoT; encompassing everything from artificial intelligence and machine learning to robotics, self-driving vehicles, and nanosatellites, leading global corporations are leveraging open source to enhance technology further. The Raspberry Pi operates on the ARM instruction set, similar to your Android or iOS devices, as well as the latest Mac computers. While it may resemble Ubuntu running on a traditional PC, the underlying architecture and device integration offer a completely novel approach. This shift not only empowers developers but also fosters a collaborative environment for continuous improvement in technology.

Tailored for diverse environments, this solution encompasses a comprehensive range of essential business applications that enhance employee productivity. The SLE Desktop is built upon the foundation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and incorporates advanced security measures that offer exceptional safeguarding of critical enterprise information. It serves as a versatile and secure desktop operating system, ideal for situations where dependability, simple maintenance, and regular updates are paramount. The system is bundled with a multitude of top-tier applications, including a web browser, email client, and collaboration tools, all essential for fostering employee efficiency. With robust security features such as an application security system, integrated VPN, and antivirus solutions, it ensures formidable protection against viruses and malware threats. Additionally, it comes with enterprise-level support and maintenance services from SUSE, further enhancing its value. Users are also granted a significant level of customization to align with their specific business needs, making it a dynamic choice for any organization. Ultimately, this desktop solution not only prioritizes security but also empowers users with tools that adapt to their workflows seamlessly.

Slax is a contemporary, portable, compact, and efficient Linux operating system that utilizes a modular design and boasts an exceptional interface. It operates directly from your USB flash drive, enabling you to take it with you conveniently in your pocket. In spite of its lightweight nature, Slax offers an appealing graphical user interface and a thoughtful assortment of pre-installed applications, including a web browser, terminal, and more. Now built on the Debian framework, Slax allows users to take full advantage of its extensive ecosystem. With tens of thousands of ready-to-use packages available, you can easily access a wide range of software using the apt command. Future developments for Slax are monitored and supported through the Patreon platform, where users can contribute financially to expedite enhancements. While I consistently update Slax to ensure it remains current, certain features requested by the community are only integrated once they receive adequate patron backing, reflecting the collaborative nature of its development. This ensures that the evolution of Slax remains in tune with user needs and preferences.

The unique PICOS open NOS, equipped with closely integrated control planes, provides network operators with precise and non-intrusive oversight of their enterprise applications, allowing for extensive and adaptable traffic analysis and real-time attack prevention. For achieving zero-trust networking and establishing software-defined perimeters, PICOS stands out as the optimal solution. Our premier open network operating system is compatible with open switches ranging from 1G to 100G interfaces, sourced from a diverse selection of Tier 1 manufacturers. This comprehensive licensing package delivers unparalleled support for enterprise functionalities available in the market. It incorporates the Debian Linux distribution, featuring an unchanged kernel to enhance DevOps programmability to its fullest extent. Furthermore, the Enterprise Edition is enhanced by AmpCon, an automation framework based on Ansible, which integrates Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) with the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE), streamlining the deployment and management of open network switches throughout the enterprise. With such advanced capabilities, organizations can ensure their networks are not only efficient but also secure against evolving threats.

Simplify complexities and achieve seamless interoperability throughout your data center by utilizing Linux. In addition to standard industry security features, Cumulus Linux provides enhanced security levels unique to its platform. You can leverage existing Linux-based management tools and expertise, allowing for a greater number of switches to be managed by each engineer. Benefit from seamless integration and premier tools designed for automation, monitoring, and analytics, among other functionalities. By running multiple network paths without requiring additional switches, you can ensure traffic isolation and network segmentation for various devices. Transitioning from design to physical connections becomes straightforward and efficient. With PTM, your data center can be programmed to quickly verify connections and troubleshoot issues. Experience ultra-fast speeds and minimal latencies through RoCE implementation that requires just a single line of code. This approach not only enhances performance but also streamlines operations across your entire network infrastructure.

Sabayon is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Gentoo, designed with beginners in mind. Our goal is to provide an exceptional "out of the box" experience by integrating the most current open-source technologies into a polished package. With Sabayon, everything is designed to function seamlessly right from the start. We deliver a cutting-edge operating system that maintains both stability and reliability, ensuring it performs swiftly and is optimized for your specific hardware. Users have the flexibility to transform a fresh Sabayon installation into an intricate Gentoo ~arch system or simply relish the advantages of our binary package manager. From a variety of testing options to Community Repositories, you only need to install once, and you can effortlessly upgrade to the latest version whenever you choose. Just boot up the system, and all essential components are already set up for you. We offer both daily and monthly images for your convenience. Users can select from multiple Desktop Environments, including KDE, Gnome, Mate, and XFCE. Moreover, you can easily create your own custom spin of Sabayon, even with Docker! Additionally, Sabayon supports a range of devices, including Raspberry Pi 2/3, Odroid X2, U2/3, C2, and beyond, making it a versatile choice for various hardware platforms.

The advent of container-based infrastructure represented a significant transformation in technology. A Linux distribution specifically optimized for containers serves as the ideal groundwork for a cloud-native setup. This streamlined operating system image consists solely of the essential tools needed for container execution. By omitting a package manager, it prevents any potential for configuration drift. The use of an immutable filesystem for the OS effectively mitigates a range of security vulnerabilities. Additionally, automated atomic updates ensure that you consistently receive the most current security patches and open-source technology advancements. Flatcar Container Linux is purpose-built from the ground up to support container workloads effectively. It fully embraces the container philosophy by incorporating only the necessary components for running containers. In a world of immutable infrastructure, it is crucial to have an equally immutable Linux operating system. With Flatcar Container Linux, your focus shifts from configuration management to effectively overseeing your infrastructure, allowing for a more efficient and secure operational environment. Embracing this approach revolutionizes how organizations manage their cloud-native applications and services.

Upon powering on the device, the settings and preferences menu appears immediately, allowing for quick and convenient configuration of settings. The iMin UI is an operating system that has been extensively optimized from the Android system to cater specifically to intelligent commercial equipment, enhancing overall system performance based on interactive experiences and real-world applications. Users can activate private mode to prevent applications from operating without the system navigation bar and to block unsolicited notifications. For troubleshooting any product usage issues, the user manual serves as a valuable resource, offering straightforward and efficient solutions. Should users encounter any difficulties with the product, consulting the user manual is highly recommended for immediate assistance. Additionally, the remote control function enables technicians to offer help remotely, making it almost as convenient as hands-on operation. Furthermore, the hardware butler feature allows users to quickly grasp the status of the device at a single glance, ensuring they stay informed about its performance. This comprehensive approach ensures that users have all the necessary support at their fingertips.

In today's landscape, merely granting access to reports and data housed on the mainframe is insufficient for stakeholders. Users—including employees, partners, and customers—are increasingly demanding a contemporary digital experience accompanied by streamlined workflows. Additionally, the growing number of regulations and restrictions worldwide regarding data security necessitates that you safeguard all data, regardless of the platform used. Rocket® EOS 360 seamlessly integrates with mainframe systems to capture application output, manage data storage, and deliver quick and secure access to users. By utilizing Rocket EOS 360, you can prioritize essential MSUs for mission-critical applications, thereby enhancing the output management system's overall efficiency. Furthermore, this solution centralizes your data and establishes a single, secure access point, ensuring compliance with various regulations and significantly reducing the risk of potential data breaches while improving user satisfaction.

Kali Linux is a Debian-based, open-source distribution designed specifically for a variety of information security activities, including penetration testing, security research, computer forensics, and reverse engineering. While it's possible to take any Linux distribution and manually install penetration testing tools, this requires considerable setup and configuration efforts. Kali Linux is tailored to minimize this workload, enabling professionals to focus on their tasks right away. You can access a version of Kali from virtually anywhere, whether on mobile devices, Docker, ARM architectures, Amazon Web Services, the Windows Subsystem for Linux, virtual machines, or even bare metal installations. Thanks to metapackages that cater to specific security tasks and a user-friendly ISO customization process that is well-documented, creating an optimized version of Kali to suit your particular needs is straightforward. This makes it a versatile choice for both experienced users and newcomers alike, as comprehensive documentation ensures that everyone can find the guidance they require. Additionally, the active community surrounding Kali Linux continuously contributes to its improvement, further enhancing the resources available to users.

Mobian seeks to combine the traditional Debian distribution with the Phone Shell (phosh) project in a way that is compatible with various mobile devices, including the Pinephone. The ultimate goal is to reduce the unique aspects of Mobian by contributing customizations back to the original projects, a process known as "upstreaming." This operating system incorporates Phosh, developed by Purism, and leverages established modern Gnome technologies such as GTK, GSettings, and DBus, all functioning on a wlroots-based Wayland compositor called phoc. Mobian is designed not only for smartphones like the Pinephone but also for tablets such as the Pinetab and the Librem 5, ensuring that its functionality spans multiple devices. As part of this initiative, Mobian strives to strike a careful balance between maintaining necessary customized patches and packages that enhance performance while reducing its dependency on Mobian-specific modifications. This dual approach facilitates a smoother user experience while promoting the integrity of the upstream projects.

AlmaLinux OS is a free enterprise Linux distribution that is open-source, community-driven, and designed to ensure long-term stability, offering a reliable platform suitable for production environments. It maintains 1:1 binary compatibility with both RHEL® and pre-Stream CentOS, making it a solid choice for users transitioning from those systems. The source code and necessary tools for building AlmaLinux OS are accessible through our GitHub organization, fostering transparency and collaboration. Engage with our lively Reddit community to connect with fellow AlmaLinux OS users, stay updated, and both seek and offer assistance. Participate in real-time discussions with members of the governance team and AlmaLinux OS developers, where you can ask questions, share insights, and provide support to others. As a completely independent and free operating system, AlmaLinux OS benefits from $1M in annual backing from CloudLinux Inc, alongside additional support from various sponsors. The ongoing development and enhancement of AlmaLinux OS are collectively managed by community members, ensuring that the platform evolves in line with user needs and preferences. The active involvement of users is crucial for shaping the future of this distribution, reinforcing its commitment to community governance and collaboration.

CIQ empowers people to do amazing things by providing innovative and stable software infrastructure solutions for all computing needs. From the base operating system, through containers, orchestration, provisioning, computing, and cloud applications, CIQ works with every part of the technology stack to drive solutions for customers and communities with stable, scalable, secure production environments. CIQ is the founding support and services partner of Rocky Linux, and the creator of the next generation federated computing stack.

Clear Linux OS is a performance and security-focused open-source, rolling release distribution designed for customization and easy management, applicable from the Cloud to the Edge. It can function without any specific configurations, even on a generic host with a vacant /etc directory. Stateless systems distinctly separate the operating system's settings, individual system configurations, and user data stored on each machine. This design allows users to efficiently manage their personalized configurations in contrast to system-level settings. Clear Linux OS enhances performance across the entire stack, encompassing the platform, kernel, mathematical libraries, middleware, frameworks, and runtime components. Additionally, it features an automated tool that perpetually monitors for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), ensuring they are promptly addressed. The clear distinction between User and System files not only simplifies customization but also facilitates easier management of the operating system's features and functionalities. As a result, users can enjoy a seamless experience while tailoring the system to their specific needs.

KubeSphere serves as a distributed operating system designed for managing cloud-native applications, utilizing Kubernetes as its core. Its architecture is modular, enabling the easy integration of third-party applications into its framework. KubeSphere stands out as a multi-tenant, enterprise-level, open-source platform for Kubernetes, equipped with comprehensive automated IT operations and efficient DevOps processes. The platform features a user-friendly wizard-driven web interface, which empowers businesses to enhance their Kubernetes environments with essential tools and capabilities necessary for effective enterprise strategies. Recognized as a CNCF-certified Kubernetes platform, it is entirely open-source and thrives on community contributions for ongoing enhancements. KubeSphere can be implemented on pre-existing Kubernetes clusters or Linux servers and offers options for both online and air-gapped installations. This unified platform effectively delivers a range of functionalities, including DevOps support, service mesh integration, observability, application oversight, multi-tenancy, as well as storage and network management solutions, making it a comprehensive choice for organizations looking to optimize their cloud-native operations. Furthermore, KubeSphere's flexibility allows teams to tailor their workflows to meet specific needs, fostering innovation and collaboration throughout the development process.

Santoku focuses on mobile forensics, analysis, and security through a user-friendly, open-source platform. It offers automated scripts for tasks such as decrypting binaries, deploying applications, and enumerating app details. Additionally, there are scripts available to identify prevalent problems within mobile applications. There are also utilities designed to emulate network services for dynamic analysis. The platform provides a range of useful tools and scripts tailored specifically for mobile forensic investigations. Furthermore, it includes firmware flashing tools compatible with various manufacturers, along with graphical user interface (GUI) tools to facilitate seamless deployment and management of mobile applications. This combination of features makes Santoku an invaluable resource for professionals in the field of mobile forensics.

Urbit is designed to be accessible for all users, yet navigating its expansive ecosystem can sometimes feel overwhelming. By utilizing the provided links, you can engage with the network through various avenues such as development, operation, and exploration. It addresses the complex challenges associated with creating a peer-to-peer network, including identity verification, NAT traversal, and ensuring messages are delivered exactly once, all handled within the kernel, allowing app developers to concentrate on their core business logic. The operating system itself functions as a single pure function, offering developers robust assurances such as automated persistence, efficient memory management, reproducible builds, and the ability for hot code reloading. The vision of a connected world presented by Urbit resembles the early days of the Internet, fostering an environment of collaborative discussion and mutual support. Issues that seem insurmountable today due to the need for centralized control—such as data breaches, spam, fraudulent reviews, malware distribution, and harassment—become manageable when individuals regain control over their computing environments. In this system, you can use just one login to access everything, simplifying the user experience significantly. This streamlined approach not only enhances security but also encourages more personalized interactions online.

openmediavault serves as an advanced network attached storage (NAS) platform built on Debian Linux, offering various services such as SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, and RSync, among others, all readily available for use. Its modular architecture allows for customization through plugins, making it adaptable to different needs. Although it is mainly tailored for small offices and home office environments, its versatility extends beyond these settings. This solution is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, enabling anyone to set up and manage a Network Attached Storage system without requiring extensive technical expertise. Furthermore, openmediavault's accessibility and functionality make it a popular choice for users seeking efficient storage solutions.

IBM z/VM is a sophisticated operating system that features a hypervisor and virtualization technology, designed to effectively manage guest servers like Linux, z/OS, and z/TPF virtual machines, as well as Red Hat OpenShift on IBM Z and LinuxONE systems. This platform is capable of operating hundreds or even thousands of guest servers on a single IBM Z or LinuxONE server with remarkable efficiency and adaptability. It accommodates various machine images and architectures, which streamlines the migration process, eases application transitions, and enables the consolidation of multiple systems onto one server. By excelling in resource sharing among virtual machines, IBM z/VM provides outstanding scalability, security, and efficiency, resulting in significant cost reductions and creating a solid foundation for cognitive computing. Its implementation supports on-premises cloud computing within a hybrid cloud framework, allowing organizations to efficiently scale and manage thousands of Linux and container workloads. Moreover, it aids in maintaining continuous availability through IBM's robust resiliency offerings, ensuring that businesses can rely on their infrastructure without interruption. This versatility makes IBM z/VM a critical asset for modern enterprises looking to optimize their IT environments.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a powerful and secure operating system tailored for enterprises and organizations, providing a scalable and reliable foundation for critical workloads and applications across diverse environments, whether physical, virtual, or cloud-based. This operating system boasts advanced capabilities like high availability, virtualization, and seamless cloud integration, making it well-suited for the deployment of sophisticated IT infrastructures. Renowned for its stability and long-term support, SLES ensures that organizations can maintain a secure and consistent operational environment over extended periods. Moreover, SUSE's management tools facilitate efficient configuration and automation, which greatly simplifies server deployment and ongoing maintenance tasks. It accommodates a variety of hardware architectures, including x86_64, ARM, and IBM Power, thus offering the necessary flexibility to meet differing business demands. Additionally, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is designed for optimal performance and comes equipped with robust security features to protect valuable data and resources. With its comprehensive support and innovative features, SLES stands out as an exceptional choice for businesses aiming to enhance their IT capabilities.

CentOS Linux is a community-driven distribution that is built from resources made available to the public through Red Hat or CentOS repositories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Its primary goal is to maintain functional compatibility with RHEL, while the CentOS Project focuses on modifying packages to eliminate any upstream vendor branding and visual elements. CentOS Linux is available at no cost and can be freely redistributed. Each version of CentOS is supported until the corresponding RHEL version reaches the end of its general support lifecycle. New versions of CentOS are released following the rebuilding of new RHEL versions, typically occurring every 6-12 months for minor updates and spanning several years for major releases. The duration of the rebuild process can range from a few weeks for minor updates to several months for significant version changes. This approach ensures that users benefit from a secure, dependable, and easily maintainable Linux environment that remains predictable and reproducible over time, fostering a strong community around its use.

BlackArch Linux is a specialized distribution built on Arch Linux, designed specifically for security researchers and penetration testers. Users have the flexibility to install tools either individually or in groups, making it highly customizable. This distribution is fully compatible with standard Arch installations, allowing for easy integration. The BlackArch Full ISO includes a variety of window managers, while the BlackArch Slim ISO comes equipped with the XFCE Desktop Environment. With the full ISO, users receive a complete BlackArch system along with all available tools from the repository at the time of its creation. Conversely, the slim ISO provides a functional setup featuring a curated selection of commonly used tools and system utilities tailored for penetration testing. Additionally, the netinstall ISO represents a streamlined image for those looking to bootstrap their machines with a minimal package set. BlackArch serves as an unofficial user repository for Arch, further extending its capabilities. For ease of installation, users can opt for the Slim medium, which includes a graphical user interface installer, simplifying the setup process. This versatility makes BlackArch Linux an appealing choice for security professionals seeking a robust pentesting environment.

The standard edition comes equipped with a comprehensive array of pre-installed applications suitable for daily tasks and is built on Debian. In contrast, the Core version offers a more streamlined experience, also based on Debian Stable, enabling users to customize their systems or operate effectively on lower-spec devices such as ARM boards. Netrunner incorporates KDE Plasma, optimizing it for maximum speed and responsiveness. To facilitate immediate personalization, Netrunner includes multiple window and desktop themes that users can choose from. Most of the window themes utilize the Aurorae-3 engine of KWin, which provides effects like blur and transparency, even on machines with limited resources, ensuring a visually appealing experience without sacrificing performance. Additionally, this flexibility in design options allows users to tailor their interface according to their preferences and needs.

BackBox transcends the role of a mere operating system; it serves as a Free Open Source Community Initiative focused on fostering a culture of cybersecurity within the IT realm, contributing to the enhancement of safety and security measures. This endeavor relies solely on Free Open Source Software, showcasing the strength and capabilities of the community involved. To explore further, we invite you to visit our website, where you can also reach out to us for more information. Crafted for speed and user-friendliness, BackBox offers a streamlined yet comprehensive desktop environment, supported by its own repositories that are continuously refreshed with the latest stable releases of well-known ethical hacking tools. Additionally, BackBox.org provides various Penetration Testing services designed to emulate potential attacks on your network or application. Should you be intrigued by what we offer, please don't hesitate to get in touch, as we are eager to share more details along with an initial consultation to address your needs. Our commitment to community-driven security ensures that we remain at the forefront of IT safety innovations.