All posts tagged: distros

Zorin OS vs. Solus: I tested two great Linux distros for beginners to find out which is best

Zorin OS vs. Solus: I tested two great Linux distros for beginners to find out which is best

Published by skeptic

Jack Wallen/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Solus has come a long way since its humble beginnings. You get just the right amount of preinstalled software and your choice of desktop. Solus is close to Zorin OS, but two factors give Zorin OS the edge. I recently tested Zorin OS 18.1 and dubbed it the best Linux distro – for anyone. I would go so far as to say that it’s the best OS I’ve ever used. That same day, I learned that Solus had a new release as well.  Version 4.9 of Solus was released on April 18, and I opted to download the Budgie version of the OS. I’ve used the Budgie desktop many times and thought it would be a good comparison against Zorin OS. Also: Why Zorin OS 18.1 is simply the best Linux distro – for anyone Why make this comparison? That’s simple: I’m often asked which distribution is best suited for new users, and I always want to make sure I’m …

EndeavorOS Titan is one of the most unique Arch-based Linux distros I’ve tried – here’s why

EndeavorOS Titan is one of the most unique Arch-based Linux distros I’ve tried – here’s why

Published by skeptic

Jack Wallen/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways EndeavorOS Titan adds some extra polish to the distro. This Arch-based distribution is easy to use and fast. Titan includes a command-line tool for managing GPU drivers. I’ve been following EndeavorOS for a while now. You can read my reviews of Gemini and Ganymede to confirm that I’ve found this distribution to be a true gem.  Based on Arch Linux, EndeavorOS is a rolling release distro with some particular features that make it stand out among other similar distributions based on Arch. Before I get into those features, let’s talk about what’s new with Titan. Also: Ready for a Linux laptop? I found one that competes with my MacBook Pro First, you get new versions of important apps, such as Calamares 26.03.1.3-1, Firefox 148.0-1, Linux kernel 6.19.arch1-1, Mesa 1:26.0.1-2, Xorg-server 21.1.21-1, and Nvidia-utils 590.48.01-4. Take note that the inclusion of Xorg means EndeavorOS has yet to make the switch to Wayland. On top of those refreshed apps, you get a streamlined installation process …

EndeavorOS Titan is one of the most unique Arch-based Linux distros I’ve tried – here’s why

EndeavorOS Titan stands out among Arch-based Linux distros – here’s why

Published by skeptic

Jack Wallen/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways EndeavorOS Titan adds some extra polish to the distro. This Arch-based distribution is easy to use and fast. Titan includes a command-line tool for managing GPU drivers. I’ve been following EndeavorOS for a while now. You can read my reviews of Gemini and Ganymede to confirm that I’ve found this distribution to be a true gem.  Based on Arch Linux, EndeavorOS is a rolling release distro with some particular features that make it stand out among other similar distributions based on Arch. Before I get into those features, let’s talk about what’s new with Titan. Also: Ready for a Linux laptop? I found one that competes with my MacBook Pro First, you get new versions of important apps, such as Calamares 26.03.1.3-1, Firefox 148.0-1, Linux kernel 6.19.arch1-1, Mesa 1:26.0.1-2, Xorg-server 21.1.21-1, and Nvidia-utils 590.48.01-4. Take note that the inclusion of Xorg means EndeavorOS has yet to make the switch to Wayland. On top of those refreshed apps, you get a streamlined installation process …

I found the best Linux server distros for your home lab

I found the best Linux server distros for your home lab

Published by skeptic

d3sign/Moment via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways A home lab setup is all the rage these days. Using Linux as your lab OS makes perfect sense. Four distributions stand out as best for this purpose. I’ve had several incarnations of the self-hosted home lab for decades. At one point, I had a small server farm of various machines that were either too old to serve as desktops or that people simply no longer wanted. I’d grab those machines, install Linux on them, and use them for various server purposes. Here are two questions you should ask yourself: Do you want to use actual PCs for your servers, or would you prefer virtual machines? Which Linux distribution would be best for your needs? Also: I wanted to self-host without paying, and this user-friendly server OS delivered I no longer use extra hardware — aka, “bare metal” — for servers; instead, I go with virtual machines because they take up less space and are more cost-effective.  Whether …

3 ways to switch Linux distros without losing all your data

3 ways to switch Linux distros without losing all your data

Published by skeptic

porcorex/iStock / Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET key takeaways Hopping to a different distro doesn’t mean you have to lose data. There are three options you can try. Make sure to test these before you do it. Are you feeling that eternal pull to jump to a different Linux distribution? It happens. I’ve gone through that experience so many times that I’ve lost count. Migrating from one distribution to another isn’t all that hard… Unless you want to retain all of the data within your home directory (or any directory, for that matter). If you don’t do something to save that data, you will lose out and have to start all over.  Also: I replaced Windows with Linux, and there’s only one feature I miss You don’t want that (unless you have nothing of importance in your home directory). What you can do depends on your setup and needs. The best way to switch distributions and keep your data Linux is so well designed that you can install …

My 5 favorite Linux distros that are ready to use out of the box (no setup required)

My 5 favorite Linux distros that are ready to use out of the box (no setup required)

Published by skeptic

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET key takeaways These Linux distros require no post-install effort. Each of these options is usable out of the box. You won’t need to install software or tweak the desktop. Every time I’ve had to install Windows (which is a nightmare), it seems there’s always work to do to get it working as needed. You may need to install drivers and software, remove ads, update the system (which can take a long time), remove bloatware, tweak the UI, disable taskbar and lock screen widgets, disable system notifications, enable system protection, and more. With many Linux distributions, the list is considerably shorter. If you opt to use the right Linux distribution, you’ll find it might be just perfect out of the box. Also: After 30 years with Linux, I switched it for Windows 11 – and found 9 serious problems But which Linux distributions offer such a post-install nirvana? The list might not be long, but it’s enough to give …

The 6 Linux distros I expect to rule 2026 – as someone who’s tested hundreds of them

The 6 Linux distros I expect to rule 2026 – as someone who’s tested hundreds of them

Published by skeptic

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET key takeaways Linux is set for a big year in 2026. There will be a few distributions that will surprise people. These six distros will be on everyone’s list by year’s end. It seems I went to bed, and it was just turning 2025. Then, I wake up, and it’s 2026. Where did time go? I can tell you one thing: time went to helping Linux rise in popularity. Okay, the death of Windows 10 also had something to do with that, but everyone in the business of covering Linux knew this would one day happen: the masses would finally realize that there is an alternative OS that’s more reliable, safer, and easier to use. Also: Linux will be unstoppable in 2026 – but one open-source legend may not survive We may not be declaring 2026 the year of Linux just yet, but several Linux distros are likely to have a very good year. These are my picks for …