Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux dr460nized offers a very unique dark and blurry desktop environment

Looking to ditch slow, bloated Windows for something lighter? Well, look no further than my top 6 alternative Linux distributions, or “distros”! All of the listed distros are free and open source, meaning the code is free from viruses and spyware, as well as free for anyone with a stable internet connection to download! Some benefits to using Linux are as follows:

• Open source, meaning anyone can develop for it as well as change and redistribute it as they see fit
• Much less likely than Windows to suffer from malware, as the Windows user base is a larger and more vulnerable target.
• Almost every piece of software is free, even CAD, video editing, photo editing and a few games. Linux is made by volunteer developers looking to hone in their skills, or just as a hobby.
• Linux uses around half the RAM of Windows 11, a quarter of the disk space and very little processing power when idle.
• You can gain quite a bit of knowledge about operating systems and development. Many companies also use Linux for servers and mobile workstation laptops, especially in the CAD, video editing and programming industries.

The side effects of using Linux include increased neckbeard growth and needlessly appending “by the way” every time you say you use (fill in the blank) distro.

1. Ubuntu

This list wouldn’t be complete without good old Ubuntu. This distro has been around since the early 2000’s and is still actively updated. The latest version of Ubuntu, 24.04, includes an easy to use app store and free software like LibreOffice, a Microsoft Office equivalent. Ubuntu is stable, user friendly and a solid first distribution.

2. Debian

Debian is what Ubuntu is based on and is thus even more stable and secure. However, Debian is not quite as user friendly as Ubuntu. Debian is meant for beginner-intermediate users, so it is recommended that you have some previous experience with Linux before using Debian.

3. Zorin

Zorin is one of my favorite distros because it looks clean, it’s easy to use and has excellent Windows compatibility right out of the box. And, you never have to touch the scary terminal button, as every terminal command that the average user would need has a point and click interface, just like Windows.

4. Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux is a complex linux distribution that acts as a good way to get into Arch Linux. With many beautiful desktop environments to choose from, Garuda Linux combines the efficiency of Arch with the user friendliness of Zorin and Ubuntu. If you have quite a bit of experience with Debian based distributions and want to try Arch, Garuda Linux is a good combination of form and function. I recommend the DR460NIZED and Gnome versions for traditional PC users and the more keyboard focused Sway version as an alternative.

5. POP!_OS

POP!_OS is an easy to use Ubuntu distribution made for System76’s Linux laptops. POP!_OS looks nice, and you can buy high quality hardware with the OS preinstalled, with perfect compatibility. POP!_OS is almost entirely reliant on the graphical interface for system functionality, with several length command line commands being replaced with simple toggle switches and dropdowns.

6. Arch Linux

If you’re in for a challenge, or using very old hardware, I recommend you give Arch Linux a try. You have to build this OS from nothing more than a confusing wiki and barebones installation disc. However, it uses almost no system memory, processing power, or hard disk space when running. This means you can get the most out of your hardware, whether low or high end. But be warned. Arch linux is extremely difficult to install, use and troubleshoot, so I recommend only advanced users attempt this.

There you have it! While learning Linux can be difficult, it can help you get the most out of your old hardware and can expand your computer functionality through the thousands of system packages available for download.