Elementary OS

What is it? Elementary OS aims to be a simple-to-use, good looking and fast replacement for Windows and macOS, offering an app store full of productivity, office and entertainment apps.

What’s it like? TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen praised an early version of the OS for being a user-friendly and high performing OS that took the right design cues from Apple’s desktops, while also questioning its use of a niche browser that was incompatible with Google’s G Suite.

How to get it: The OS is available to download here.

Raspbian

What is it? Raspbian is the official OS for the Raspberry Pi, the $35 credit card sized computer for software and hardware developers.

What’s it like? Raspbian has been repeatedly updated since 2012 to make it easier to use and better looking.

Shipping with web browsing, office and programming software, the OS strikes a great balance between welcoming novice users and packing tools for power users.

How to get it: The OS is available for the Pi here or via the NOOBS installer, and for x86 PCs here.

Tails

What is it? Tails is privacy-centric OS designed for those who want to evade tracking as much as possible.

What’s it like? Tails can be run from a DVD or USB stick and its designers say it will “leave no trace on the computer you are using”, will attempt to anonymise internet use via the Tor network, and will encrypt your files, emails and instant messaging.

How to get it: You can download and install Tails here.

MX Linux

What is it? An OS designed to balance ease of use and performance, while bundling everyday software.

What’s it like? MX Linux is highly rated on DistroWatch for its stability and software support. According to one user, “it has just worked on every machine I ever installed it on”.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Linux Mint

What is it: Designed to rival any modern desktop OS, Linux Mint aims to be responsive and simple for new users to grasp, while also boasting a broad selection of software out of the box.

What’s it like: Earlier this year ZDNet’s Steven Vaughan-Nichols described Linux Mint 19 as “the best desktop. Period”, praising its traditional windows desktop as a “true pleasure to use” that runs “faster and snappier than ever”.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Zorin OS

What is it? Another OS designed to ease the transition from Windows or macOS, Zorin OS’ customisable looks allow it to mimic the user’s desktop of choice.

What’s it like? Ease of use is the name of the game, with Zorin OS bundling a range of office, productivity and entertainment software, as well as PlayOnLinux software that allows users to install Windows apps.

TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen described an earlier release of Zorin OS as “a very solid distribution for new users”, only lacking guides on how install Windows software.

How to get it: Available from here.

Kali Linux

What is it? A toolbox for security professionals to test system and network defences.

What’s it like? The OS bundles hundreds of penetration testing and security auditing programs, and is designed to allow sysadmins and security professionals to probe systems for weaknesses.

Not only does it run on traditional x86 PCs, but also Arm-based devices like the Raspberry Pi. Reviews state that while it is not aimed at the average user, it excels at its stated aim of security and penetration testing.

How to get it: Available to download here.

antiX

What is it? Designed to be a lightweight OS capable of running well, even on very old computers, and booting to a desktop from a USB stick within just over 10 seconds.

What’s it like? While the base OS is relatively compact, antiX is customizable, with users able to install a wide range of software packages. Reviews on DistroWatch praise its balance between speed, features and ability to work with a minimum of tweaking.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Linux Lite

What is it? An OS that aims to make the transition from Windows to Linux as painless as possible by bundling familiar office and entertainment software into a familiar windowed desktop.

What’s it like? Reviews on DistroWatch praise its ease-of-use, the fact it just works out of the box, and the snappy and responsive feel of the KDE Plasma desktop.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Endless OS

What is it? Designed to bundle together all the apps a user needs into an OS that mimics the simplicity of a smartphone OS.

What’s it like? The OS features more than 100 free apps, covering basic everyday office, work and home needs, including an offline version of Wikipedia. According to TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen, the simple design of the OS is suited to a wide range of displays, even a television.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Grml

What is it? Designed to run from a USB or DVD, Grml is designed to help rescue and repair computers.

What’s it like? The OS bundles software packages to help sysadmins install, deploy, and rescue systems, with reviews on DistroWatch suggesting it’s designed for experienced users.

How to get it: Available to download here.

PureOS

What is it? A privacy and security-focused OS designed not to scare away the average user.

What’s it like? TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen praises PureOS for shipping with the “best free/libre privacy and security software and apps”. PureOS bundles the Tor browser, the Duck Duck Go search engine, EFF Privacy Badger, and HTTPS: Everywhere, into its default web browser, PureBrowser and provide tools for easily encrypting the OS and its data.

This security doesn’t come at the expense of usability, according to Wallen, as the GNOME 3 desktop will be familiar to any seasoned computer users.

How to get it: PureOS is available here.