Alternatives to Ubuntu
Compare Ubuntu alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to Ubuntu in 2026. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from Ubuntu competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.
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1
KernelCare Enterprise
TuxCare
Global organizations trust TuxCare for live patching their critical Linux hosts and OT devices across their hybrid multi-cloud environments. No reboot is required to deploy and enable the TuxCare KernelCare Enterprise solutions to live patch Linux kernels and critical system libraries, including OpenSSL and Glibc. In contrast, all hosts and devices maintain the current production level uptime while receiving all security updates. TuxCare automates the patching process and eliminates the need to wait weeks or months for reboot cycles to apply patches. TuxCare currently protects over 1 million workloads worldwide. Tight integrations with popular patch management and vulnerability scanners, including Qualys, Crowdstrike, and Rapid7, enable TuxCare to fit seamlessly into existing infrastructure. The TuxCare secure patch server, ePortal, allows operations in gated and air-gapped environments. Reduce risk by significantly reducing the mean time to patch vulnerabilitiesStarting Price: $3.95 per month -
2
You’ve embraced cloud architecture. But its complexity is difficult to monitor. The IBM Cloud Monitoring service is a fully managed monitoring service for administrators, DevOps teams and developers. Expect deep container visibility and comprehensive metrics. Reduce cost as you free up DevOps and better manage the software lifecycle. Configure a cluster to forward metrics to the IBM Cloud Monitoring service in the IBM Cloud. Increase productivity of administrators, DevOps teams and devs. Get notifications about metrics and events. Use dashboards to help you see the health of your environment. Discover apps, containers, hosts and networks dynamically. Display content and control access on a per-user, per-team basis. Configure an Ubuntu host to forward metrics to the IBM Cloud Monitoring service in the IBM Cloud. Cloud monitoring and troubleshooting for infrastructure, cloud services and applications.Starting Price: $37 per month
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3
Apple iOS
Apple
iOS 14 brings a fresh look to the things you do most often, making them easier than ever. New features help you get what you need in the moment. And the apps you use all the time become even more intelligent, more personal, and more private. You’re able to do more with your iPhone than ever before. So iOS 14 reimagines the most iconic parts of the experience to be even more helpful and personal. Widgets have been totally redesigned to give you more information at a glance — and now you can add them to your Home Screen. Choose from different sizes and arrange however you like. The new App Library automatically organizes all of your apps into one simple, easy‑to‑navigate view. Apps are sorted by category and your most used apps are always just one tap away. Now you can keep watching videos or continue your FaceTime call while you use another app. -
4
macOS Big Sur
Apple
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy. Unparalleled power. Legendary ease of use. Limitless creativity. macOS Big Sur brings a refined new design that gives you even more of the things you love about Mac. From full-height sidebars to refreshed toolbars, a clean new app design makes sure your content is always front and center. A sleek design update makes getting to your favorite apps even easier. And a new uniform shape for app icons adds consistency while letting the personality of Mac shine through. A new design combines notifications and widgets in a single view for more information at a glance. -
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Windows 10
Microsoft
Windows 10 is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft, designed to provide a familiar and reliable computing experience. It combines a traditional desktop interface with modern features to support both personal and professional use. The system includes tools like the Start Menu, Task View, and virtual desktops to improve productivity and navigation. Windows 10 supports a broad range of applications, making it compatible with most software and hardware devices. It also offers built-in security features such as Windows Defender and regular updates to protect users from threats. The operating system includes integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive and Microsoft Edge for enhanced functionality. Overall, Windows 10 delivers a stable, versatile, and user-friendly platform for everyday computing. -
6
Windows 11
Microsoft
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system, designed to deliver a faster, smarter, and more intuitive PC experience. It features built-in AI through Copilot, which helps users complete tasks, generate ideas, and navigate their system more efficiently. The operating system offers improved performance, especially on newer Copilot+ PCs that provide enhanced speed and responsiveness. Windows 11 also integrates seamlessly with mobile devices using Phone Link, allowing users to manage messages, calls, and notifications from their PC. Creative tools like Photos and Clipchamp make it easy to edit images and videos with AI-powered enhancements. The system includes productivity features such as screen recording, app management, and flexible input options like touch, voice, and pen. Overall, Windows 11 combines performance, AI, and versatility to create a modern computing experience.Starting Price: $139.99 -
7
Chrome OS
Google
Chromebooks have the everything button. It’s one button that helps you find what you need fast. Like files. And apps. And answers online. Press it, and get what you need — all from one place. Work and play with up to 12 hours on a single charge. With Chromebook, you don’t even need to remember your charger. Battery life may vary based on device and upon usage and other conditions. No Wi-Fi, no problem. Recent documents, spreadsheets, presentations and emails are all available with offline access. Pre-download content and enable offline access for documents, presentations and emails to view offline later. Swipe, tap and scroll the way you want. There are many touchscreen-enabled* Chromebooks. Instant tethering with Chromebook keeps you connected to your phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot automatically. -
8
Android
Google
This summer, we’re expanding the ways we keep you safe and finding new ways to keep you connected. Here are the latest features available on your Android device. New delightful and helpful experiences across all of the devices that are connected to your Android phone. Your one-stop home for all your favorite entertainment. From movies and TV shows to games and books. Android 11 is optimized for how you use your phone. Helping you manage conversations. And organize your day. With tools designed to help you do more. Meet people using Android to change what's possible in daily life. Watch and read stories about creative, driven people discovering how to make their world more colorful and connected. With Android by their side. Choices for work, gaming, 5G streaming and anything else. There’s over 24,000 phones and tablets that run on Android. So no matter what you’re looking for, there’s something for you. Your security and privacy are at the heart of what we do. -
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Chromium OS
Google
Chromium OS is an open-source project that aims to build an operating system that provides a fast, simple, and more secure computing experience for people who spend most of their time on the web. Here you can review the project's design docs, obtain the source code, and contribute. We think of Chromium as a tabbed window manager or shell for the web rather than a browser application. We avoid putting things into our UI in the same way you would hope that Apple and Microsoft would avoid putting things into the standard window frames of applications on their operating systems. The tab is our equivalent of a desktop application's title bar; the frame containing the tabs is a convenient mechanism for managing groups of those applications. In future, there may be other tab types that do not host the normal browser toolbar. -
10
Debian
Debian
Debian is a free, open-source Linux operating system developed and maintained by a global community of volunteers. The distribution provides a stable and customizable computing environment for desktop computers, laptops, servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded systems. Debian includes more than 70,000 software packages covering productivity applications, programming tools, databases, web servers, networking utilities, and system administration. Its Advanced Package Tool (APT) simplifies software installation, dependency management, security updates, and system upgrades. Users can choose from desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE, and LXQt or configure lightweight systems without a graphical interface. Debian supports multiple hardware architectures and offers Stable, Testing, and Unstable development branches to accommodate different requirements for reliability and software availability.Starting Price: Free -
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Manjaro
Manjaro
Manjaro is a free, open-source Linux operating system based on Arch Linux that combines a user-friendly desktop experience with extensive customization and advanced system management capabilities. The distribution uses a rolling release model that delivers ongoing software updates without requiring users to reinstall the operating system for major version upgrades. Manjaro offers desktop editions featuring KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce, along with community-supported alternatives for different computing preferences. Its package management tools include Pacman and the graphical Pamac software manager, providing access to official repositories and optional community software sources. Automatic hardware detection, graphics driver installation, and kernel management tools simplify system setup and maintenance across compatible computers.Starting Price: Free -
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macOS Catalina
Apple
If you're using one of these computers with OS X Mavericks or later, you can install macOS Catalina. Your Mac also needs at least 4GB of memory and 12.5GB of available storage space, or up to 18.5GB of storage space when upgrading from OS X Yosemite or earlier. To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility, and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. The version of macOS that came with your Mac is the earliest version it can use. For example, if your Mac came with macOS Big Sur, it will not accept installation of macOS Catalina or earlier. If a macOS can't be used on your Mac, the App Store or installer will let you know. For example, it might say that it's not compatible with this device or is too old to be opened on this version of macOS. -
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CentOS
CentOS
CentOS Linux is a community-supported distribution derived from sources freely provided to the public on Red Hat or CentOS git for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). As such, CentOS Linux aims to be functionally compatible with RHEL. The CentOS Project mainly changes packages to remove upstream vendor branding and artwork. CentOS Linux is no-cost and free to redistribute. Each CentOS version is maintained until the equivalent RHEL version goes out of general support. A new CentOS version is made available once a new RHEL version is rebuilt - approximately every 6-12 months for minor point releases and several years for major version bumps. The length of time the rebuild takes varies from weeks for point releases to months for major version bumps. This results in a secure, low-maintenance, reliable, predictable and reproducible Linux environment. -
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Cygwin
Cygwin
Get that Linux feeling on Windows. Cygwin is a large collection of GNU and open-source tools that provide functionality similar to a Linux distribution on Windows. And a DLL (cygwin1.dll) that provides substantial POSIX API functionality. Cygwin is not a way to run native Linux apps on Windows. You must rebuild your application from the source if you want it to run on Windows. It can't magically make native Windows apps aware of UNIX® functionality like signals, ptys, etc. Again, you need to build your apps from source if you want to take advantage of Cygwin functionality. The Cygwin DLL currently works with all recent, commercially released x86_64 versions of Windows, starting with Windows Vista. Use the setup program to perform a fresh install or to update an existing installation. Keep in mind that individual packages in the distribution are updated separately from the DLL so the Cygwin DLL version is not useful as a general Cygwin distribution release number.Starting Price: Free -
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Deepin
Wuhan Deepin Technology
Deepin is an elegant, easy to use and reliable domestic desktop operating system released by Deepin Technology Co., Ltd. Deepin featured applications have been preinstalled in Deepin. It allows you to experience a variety of recreational activities, but also to meet your daily needs. With continually improved and perfected functions, we believe Deepin will be loved and used by more and more users. Deepin Technology takes the requirements of users as core, adhering to the idea of creative objectives and based on the market demand to provide users with better products and services. In a comfortable and free working environment, one can create more efffective work. No more long and boring workflows or waiting times here, everything in the system is quick and cooperative. As the leading research and development team of the operating system in China, Deepin Technology provides safe, reliable, beautiful and easy to use operating system and open source solutions. -
16
Bazzite
Bazzite
Bazzite is a Linux-based operating system built on Fedora Atomic Desktop technology and designed specifically to deliver a streamlined, high-performance gaming experience across desktops, laptops, handheld PCs, and home theater systems. It comes with Steam pre-installed and includes built-in support for tools like Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher, allowing users to access games from multiple platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and GOG out of the box. It is optimized for gaming with features like improved CPU schedulers, up-to-date GPU drivers, HDR and VRR support, and controller-friendly interfaces, enabling smooth and responsive gameplay without requiring manual configuration. Bazzite follows an “immutable” system design, meaning core system files are read-only and updated atomically, improving stability and allowing users to roll back updates if needed.Starting Price: Free -
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Bitnami
Bitnami
Bitnami offers a suite of products and projects that accelerate the delivery of applications and containers to multiple clouds. Built modularly, Bitnami easily plugs into anywhere in your application pipeline and deploys to any major cloud platform. Bitnami makes it easy to get your favorite open source software up and running on any platform, including your laptop, Kubernetes and all the major clouds. In addition to popular community offerings, Bitnami, now part of VMware, provides IT organizations with an enterprise offering that is secure, compliant, continuously maintained and customizable to your organizational policies. Discover and deploy continuously validated third party and open-source solutions deployable on VMware endpoints. -
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CachyOS
CachyOS
CachyOS is a performance-focused Linux distribution based on Arch Linux that aims to deliver a faster and more responsive computing experience through deep system-level optimizations. It rebuilds core components, including the kernel and software packages, using modern CPU instruction sets such as x86-64-v3, x86-64-v4, and Zen4, along with advanced techniques like link-time optimization and profile-guided optimization to maximize efficiency without requiring manual tuning. It includes a custom kernel with multiple scheduler options designed to improve responsiveness and interactivity, as well as enhanced throughput across different workloads. CachyOS maintains the rolling-release model of Arch Linux, providing continuous updates and access to the latest software while preserving flexibility and control. It offers both graphical and command-line installers, making it accessible to beginners while still allowing advanced users full customization over their setup.Starting Price: Free -
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EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS
A terminal-centric distro with a vibrant and friendly community at its core. A vibrant and friendly community, the beating heart of this distro, to guide you through your journey. Experience our distro with light and always evolving base. Read and download it on our latest release page. The EndeavourOS knowledge base, the place where you can find our wiki articles and video tutorials, is here as your guideline during your exploration in building your unique and personal system. Create your own destiny with an incredible journey. If you like to roll up your sleeves and go on an adventure, then you might want to give us a try. EndeavourOS isn’t an expressway to a predefined destination in computing, it is all about the journey towards your own destination, and on top of that, you’ll be meeting new and friendly faces during that exploration. Or more appropriate, your new Endeavour.Starting Price: Free -
20
Clear Linux OS
Clear Linux Project
Clear Linux OS is an open source, rolling release Linux distribution optimized for performance and security, from the Cloud to the Edge, designed for customization, and manageability. Operate without any custom configuration, for example, a generic host with an empty /etc directory. Stateless systems strictly separate the OS configuration, the per-system configuration, and the VT user-data stored on that system. Designed so that the user is able to quickly and easily manage their custom configuration vs. system configuration. Clear Linux OS optimizes across the whole stack: the platform, kernel, math libraries, middleware layers, frameworks, and runtime. Clear Linux OS has an automated tool that is constantly scanning for CVEs, which are patched accordingly. This strict separation between User and System files allows for easier manageability and simplifying customization. -
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Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux is an independent, non-commercial, general purpose Linux distribution designed for power users who appreciate security, simplicity and resource efficiency. Alpine Linux is built around musl libc and busybox. This makes it smaller and more resource efficient than traditional GNU/Linux distributions. A container requires no more than 8 MB and a minimal installation to disk requires around 130 MB of storage. Not only do you get a fully-fledged Linux environment but a large selection of packages from the repository. Binary packages are thinned out and split, giving you even more control over what you install, which in turn keeps your environment as small and efficient as possible. Alpine Linux is a very simple distribution that will try to stay out of your way. It uses its own package manager called apk, the OpenRC init system, script driven set-ups and that’s it! This provides you with a simple, crystal-clear Linux environment without all the noise. -
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Altima Linux
Gotoogle
Open Source Operating system tweaked and customised the way we like it with a selection of the best open source software applications. A worthy replacement for Windows and MacOS. Based on rock solid Debian Linux. This is a desktop computing environment with all of the free software required for general computing work. Other specialist applications are provided as installation guides. Downloads for free and install on many old computers and bring them back to life. What you thought was an antiquated machine most likely is just suffering from bloat. Major applications included are Libre Office, PhotoShack, InkScape, Sublime Text, QEMU, Nginx, Audacity, VLC Media Player, Epiphany, Remmina. Suggested additional free downloads; VirtualBox. WINE. The best part of Altima Linux is the clever combination of Windows and Mac look and feel so that users, new and experienced will enjoy a clean easy to follow and learn desktop environment. We hope that you enjoy testing and using Altima Linux.Starting Price: Free -
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Amazon Linux 2
Amazon
Run all your cloud and enterprise applications in a security-focused and high-performance Linux environment. Amazon Linux 2 is a Linux operating system from Amazon Web Services (AWS). It provides a security-focused, stable, and high-performance execution environment to develop and run cloud applications. Amazon Linux 2 is provided at no additional charge. AWS provides ongoing security and maintenance updates for Amazon Linux 2. Amazon Linux 2 includes support for the latest Amazon EC2 instance capabilities and is tuned for enhanced performance. It includes packages that help ease integration with other AWS Services. Amazon Linux 2 offers long-term support. Developers, IT administrators, and ISVs get the predictability and stability of a Long Term Support (LTS) release, but without compromising access to the latest versions of popular software packages. -
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AnduinOS
AnduinOS
AnduinOS is a custom Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to provide a familiar, easy-to-use experience for users transitioning from other operating systems, particularly those accustomed to Windows. It offers a lightweight and efficient system with a relatively small installation image, allowing for quick setup and immediate usability without complex configuration. It features a GNOME-based desktop environment with a clean and intuitive interface that aligns with common user habits, reducing the learning curve and enabling fast adoption. Built on the Ubuntu ecosystem, AnduinOS is compatible with most Ubuntu packages, giving users access to a wide range of applications and tools while maintaining stability and flexibility. It emphasizes privacy and security by avoiding tracking, profiling, or data collection, ensuring that users remain anonymous within the system.Starting Price: Free -
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Azure Linux
Microsoft
Linux on Azure helps teams build, deploy, and run applications on the Linux distribution of their choice using a proven cloud platform for Linux workloads. It supports open-source innovation with managed databases, scalable infrastructure, built-in code-to-cloud security, and the ability to automatically scale infrastructure to meet changing demands without compromising performance. Azure enables organizations to run Linux across virtual machines, containers, Kubernetes, hybrid environments, and open source database services, while supporting major Linux ecosystems such as Red Hat, Ubuntu, SUSE, and Azure Linux. Teams can provision Linux virtual machines in seconds, deploy and scale containers with Azure Kubernetes Service, use Azure Linux as a container host operating system for AKS, and dynamically scale virtual machine groups with Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets.Starting Price: Free -
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Arch Linux
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system, configured by the user to only add what is purposely required. Arch Linux defines simplicity as without unnecessary additions or modifications. It ships software as released by the original developers (upstream) with minimal distribution-specific (downstream) changes, patches not accepted by upstream are avoided, and Arch's downstream patches consist almost entirely of backported bug fixes that are obsoleted by the project's next release. Arch ships the configuration files provided by upstream with changes limited to distribution-specific issues like adjusting the system file paths. It does not add automation features such as enabling a service simply because the package was installed. -
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Artix Linux
Artix Linux
Artix Linux is a rolling-release distribution, based on Arch Linux. It uses real init systems because PID1 must be simple, secure, and stable. It is possible to install any init system (openrc, runit, s6, suite66, or dinit) from any ISO. Artix can either be installed through the console or the GUI installer. There are 3 different kinds of installation media Artix currently provides, base, graphical, and community. Unless you really know your way around Linux, use a community edition. The base installation can be performed from within any ISO; this may prove useful to people who have trouble getting their wireless network cards to work or for any reason need an active graphical environment during installation. You can also install a different init system than that of the installation medium. Base ISOs allow for a fully customised installation, which is done in a TTY and is intended for knowledgeable users.Starting Price: Free -
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AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux
An open source, community-owned and governed, forever-free enterprise Linux distribution, focused on long-term stability, providing a robust production-grade platform. AlmaLinux OS is 1:1 binary compatible with RHEL® and pre-Stream CentOS. Our GitHub organization contains source code and tools used to build AlmaLinux OS and related infrastructure. Join our vibrant Reddit community, interact with other AlmaLinux OS users, receive updates, find and provide help. Join a real time discussion with other AlmaLinux OS community members, governance team and AlmaLinux OS developers. Ask questions, get answers and contribute community support to others in AlmaLinux OS community and developers alike. As a standalone, completely free OS, AlmaLinux OS enjoys $1M in annual sponsorship from CloudLinux Inc and support from other sponsors. Ongoing development efforts are governed by the members of the community. -
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Kali Linux
Kali
Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution geared towards various information security tasks, such as Penetration Testing, Security Research, Computer Forensics and Reverse Engineering. You can take any Linux and install pentesting tools on it, but you have to set the tools up manually and configure them. Kali is optimized to reduce the amount of work, so a professional can just sit down and go. A version of Kali is always close to you, no matter where you need it. Mobile devices, Docker, ARM, Amazon Web Services, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Virtual Machine, bare metal, and others are all available. With the use of metapackages, optimized for the specific tasks of a security professional, and a highly accessible and well documented ISO customization process, it's always easy to generate an optimized version of Kali for your specific needs. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice, our documentation will have all the information you will need to know. -
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Mainstream OS
Mainstream OS
Mainstream OS is an Arch-based Linux desktop distribution built around the Hyprland Wayland compositor and a configurable Quickshell desktop. It provides a graphical installer and settings app for displays, window layouts, keyboard shortcuts, themes, updates, app management, and system repair. Users can customize the desktop with wallpaper-driven colors, save and share themes, manage native packages and Flatpak apps, and switch to a Steam-based Gaming or Console Mode. The distribution includes update snapshots and boot-menu rollback, plus options for dual boot and full-disk encryption during installation. It is intended for people seeking a customizable Linux desktop with graphical setup and administration, from first-time Linux users to experienced users looking for an Arch-based desktop.Starting Price: Free -
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NetBSD
NetBSD
NetBSD is a free, fast, secure, and highly portable Unix-like Open Source operating system. It is available for a wide range of platforms, from large-scale servers and powerful desktop systems to handheld and embedded devices. NetBSD was originally released in 1993. Over time, its code has found its way into many surprising environments, on the basis of a long history of quality, cleanliness, and stability. The NetBSD code was originally derived from 4.4BSD Lite2 from the University of California, Berkeley. NetBSD is an entirely free and open-source UNIX-like operating system developed by an international community. It isn't a "distribution" or variant but has evolved over several decades to be a complete and unique operating system in the BSD family. NetBSD users enjoy a simple, well-documented, and fully integrated UNIX-like system that feels minimal, and in many ways traditional, while including many modern and interesting features, and support for recent hardware.Starting Price: Free -
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Fedora
Fedora
Fedora Workstation is a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use operating system for desktop and laptop computers. It is functional for a wide range of developers, from hobbyists and students to professionals in business environments. Focus on your code with the GNOME 3 desktop environment. GNOME is developed with the needs of developers in mind and is free from unnecessary distractions, so you can focus on what really matters. Avoid the hassle of trying to find or compile the tools you need. With Fedora's comprehensive collection of open source languages, tools, and utilities, it's just a click or command away. There are even hosting projects and repositories like COPR to share your code and make builds available to the entire community. -
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CloudLinux
CloudLinux
Stable servers reduce churn and allow you to increase density, and therefore magnify your profit. The CloudLinux OS stability features prevent resource spikes and make your servers rock-solid stable, even in the most stressful situations. CloudLinux OS protects your servers from attacks by virtualizing users’ file systems and prevent sensitive information disclosure. Our kernel-level technology prevents all known symbolic link attacks, which further enhances the security level of the servers. Secure the unsupported versions of PHP where, vulnerabilities, even if discovered, are not patched by the PHP.net community. Multiply the number of users on a more stable server with Cloudlinux OS and manage any resources limits for each customer. Troubleshooting performance problems with Detailed information on system bottlenecks, slow database queries, functions, or external calls.Starting Price: $7 per server per month -
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NixOS
NixOS Foundation
NixOS is a Linux distribution built around the Nix package manager and Nixpkgs. It lets users describe operating-system settings, packages, services, accounts, and other system components in configuration files, then build and activate the resulting system with NixOS tools. This declarative approach supports maintaining repeatable configurations across personal computers and groups of servers, while system generations allow users to select or roll back to earlier configurations. NixOS provides graphical and minimal installation images for supported 64-bit Intel/AMD and ARM systems, and can also be deployed as virtual machine images or on Amazon EC2. It is intended for Linux users, developers, and system administrators who want to define and manage workstation, server, or cloud-machine environments through versionable configuration.Starting Price: Free -
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Omarchy
Omarchy
Omarchy is an Arch-based Linux distribution that provides a preconfigured desktop environment and a curated set of applications, system utilities, and development tools. It can be installed from an ISO on compatible computers, either as a full-disk installation or alongside an existing system; virtual-machine options let users try it before installing. The keyboard-driven desktop includes configurable themes, menus, workspace and window controls, and tools for screenshots, recording, clipboard history, reminders, and system settings. Development features include terminals, editors, programming-language tools, and command-line AI agents, with optional community plugins for extending the desktop. A built-in manual covers setup, navigation, application use, customization, updates, security, and troubleshooting. Omarchy targets developers and other users seeking a customizable Linux desktop and comfortable configuring a computer.Starting Price: Free -
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OpenBSD
OpenBSD
OpenBSD is developed entirely by volunteers. The project's development environment and developer events are funded through contributions collected by The OpenBSD Foundation. Contributions ensure that OpenBSD will remain a vibrant and free operating system. Hence the OpenBSD project has embedded cryptography into numerous places in the operating system. We require that the cryptographic software we use be freely available and with good licenses. We do not directly use cryptography with nasty patents. We also require that such software is from countries with useful export licenses because we do not wish to break the laws of any country. Be as politics-free as possible; solutions should be decided on the basis of technical merit.Starting Price: Free -
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Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux is an Arch Linux–based operating system designed to deliver a balance of performance, usability, and visual appeal while making the traditionally complex Arch ecosystem more accessible. It follows a rolling release model, meaning the system is continuously updated with the latest software instead of requiring major version upgrades. It emphasizes ease of use by providing a graphical installer and GUI tools for system management, allowing users to perform most tasks without relying heavily on the command line. Garuda uses the Btrfs file system by default, enabling automatic snapshots before system updates, which allows users to restore their system easily in case of issues. It includes performance-focused components such as the Linux-zen kernel and various scheduler options to improve responsiveness and system speed. It supports multiple desktop environments, with a heavily customized KDE Plasma interface as the default.Starting Price: Free -
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Gentoo
Gentoo Foundation
Gentoo Linux is a free, open-source Linux operating system designed for users who want extensive control over software installation, system configuration, and performance optimization. The distribution uses a source-based approach that allows software to be compiled with settings tailored to specific hardware and user requirements. Its Portage package management system handles software installation, dependency resolution, updates, and package customization through configurable USE flags. Gentoo follows a rolling release model, providing continuous access to software updates without requiring traditional major operating system upgrades. Users can configure desktop environments, Linux kernels, system services, security features, and development tools according to their needs. Gentoo supports desktop computers, servers, embedded devices, and multiple processor architectures, making it suitable for development, infrastructure management, and specialized computing environments.Starting Price: Free -
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GhostBSD
GhostBSD
GhostBSD provides a simple desktop-oriented operating system based on FreeBSD with MATE, OpenRC and OS packages for simplicity. GhostBSD has a selection of commonly used software preinstalled and required to start using it to its full potential. GhostBSD uses the GTK environment to provide a beautiful looks and a comfortable experience on the modern BSD platform offering a natural and native Unix work environment. GhostBSD is built on top of FreeBSD code, and its roots go back to the University of California Berkeley Unix Research. Historically it was referred to as "BSD Unix" or "Berkeley Unix." However, today it is called BSD for Berkeley Software Distribution. The project goal is to combine security, privacy, stability, usability, openness, freedom and to be available for everybody free of charge. The user experience is further enhanced by tools like the Networkmgr which are developed as part of the GhostBSD project. -
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Linux-AI OS
Linux-AI OS
Linux-AI OS is a Debian-based desktop operating system distributed as an installable ISO for 64-bit computers and virtual machines. Its free Star edition combines a Cinnamon desktop, Linux-AI branding, a first-run Welcome Center, and an integrated assistant for system information, application help, and explanations of Linux commands. The distribution is intended for people moving from Windows or macOS, Linux newcomers, developers, and experienced desktop users. A separate Premium edition adds locally run applications for mail assistance, voice, image creation, image-to-video, audio recording, virtual-machine management, and Ollama model management. Users install the system on compatible hardware or run it in a virtual machine. The project publishes hardware requirements, ISO downloads, checksums, and release information.Starting Price: Free -
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Linux Mint
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a free, open-source Linux operating system designed to provide a user-friendly, secure, and customizable desktop experience for personal and professional computing. The distribution is primarily based on Ubuntu and offers Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktop environments to accommodate different hardware capabilities and user preferences. Linux Mint includes preinstalled applications for web browsing, office productivity, multimedia playback, file management, and everyday computing. Its Software Manager provides access to thousands of applications, while the Update Manager simplifies software maintenance and security updates. Built-in system snapshot capabilities through Timeshift allow users to restore previous system states when configuration changes or updates cause problems. Linux Mint supports software development, gaming, business productivity, and multimedia creation, making it a practical alternative to Microsoft Windows and macOS.Starting Price: Free -
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FreeBSD
FreeBSD
FreeBSD offers advanced networking, performance, security and compatibility features today which are still missing in other operating systems, even some of the best commercial ones. FreeBSD makes an ideal Internet or Intranet server. It provides robust network services under the heaviest loads and uses memory efficiently to maintain good response times for thousands of simultaneous user processes. FreeBSD brings advanced network operating system features to appliance and embedded platforms, from higher-end Intel-based appliances to ARM, PowerPC, and MIPS hardware platforms. From mail and web appliances to routers, time servers, and wireless access points, vendors around the world rely on FreeBSD’s integrated build and cross-build environments and advanced features as the foundation for their embedded products. And the Berkeley open source license lets them decide how many of their local changes they want to contribute back.Starting Price: Free -
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Qubes OS
Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a free and open-source, security-oriented operating system for single-user desktop computing. Qubes OS leverages Xen-based virtualization to allow for the creation and management of isolated compartments called qubes. These qubes, which are implemented as virtual machines (VMs), have specific Purposes with a predefined set of one or many isolated applications, for personal or professional projects, to manage the network stack, the firewall, or to fulfill other user-defined purposes. Qubes brings to your personal computer the security of the Xen hypervisor, the same software relied on by many major hosting providers to isolate websites and services from each other. Can't decide which Linux distribution you prefer? Still, need that one Windows program for work? With Qubes, you're not limited to just one OS. With Whonix integrated into Qubes, using the Internet anonymously over the Tor network is safe and easy.Starting Price: Free -
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SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a robust, scalable, and secure enterprise-grade operating system designed for businesses and organizations. It offers a reliable platform for running mission-critical workloads and applications across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server provides advanced features such as high availability, virtualization, and cloud integration, making it ideal for deploying complex IT infrastructures. It is known for its stability and long-term support, ensuring organizations can maintain a secure and consistent environment over time. SUSE's management tools allow for streamlined configuration and automation, simplifying the deployment and maintenance of servers. It supports a wide range of hardware architectures, including x86_64, ARM, and IBM Power, ensuring flexibility for various business needs. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is also optimized for performance, with strong security features.
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Pop!_OS
System76
Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it. Pop!_OS is designed for fast navigation, easy workspace organization, and fluid, convenient workflow. Your operating system should encourage discovery, not obstruct it. While you’ve got your wheels turning, take the scenic route with a dock and touchpad gestures, or race along a minimalist track from behind the wheel of a revving keyboard. With a variety of both mouse-driven and keyboard-driven customizations, you’re empowered to navigate your workflow the way you’ve always wanted. Pop!_OS uses auto-tiling for the same reason that people hire assistants: Organizing your work is incredibly time-consuming. Sure, you could still move, resize, and arrange windows yourself, but why spend the time when your OS does it for you? -
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Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an enterprise Linux operating system, certified on hundreds of clouds and with thousands of vendors. Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides a consistent foundation across environments and the tools needed to deliver services and workloads faster for any application. Red Hat Enterprise Linux reduces deployment friction and costs while speeding time to value for critical workloads, enabling development and operations teams to innovate together in any environment. Red Hat Enterprise Linux extends your hybrid cloud infrastructure to the edge—across hundreds of thousands of nodes all over the world. Create edge-optimized OS images, minimize workload interruptions caused by OS updates, transfer system updates more efficiently, and have confidence in automatic health checks and rollbacks. Run purpose-built command line utilities to automate many inventory and remediation steps associated with upgrading your subscription or migrating from another Linux distro.Starting Price: $99 one-time payment -
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Zorin OS
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is designed to be easy, so you won't need to learn anything to get started. The Zorin Appearance app lets you change the desktop to resemble the environment you're familiar with, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux. Built on an Ubuntu & Linux foundation, Zorin OS runs on the same Open Source software that powers the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and more. Thanks to Linux's advanced security features, Zorin OS is resistant to viruses. Security patches and software updates are available for years to come. Zorin OS works lightning fast and doesn't slow down with updates. The Lite edition runs snappy on computers as old as 15 years, so you can breathe new life into old PCs. From a full Microsoft Office-compatible office suite to professional photo editing software, Zorin OS comes with powerful apps out of the box. Countless more apps and games are available from the Software store and Steam.Starting Price: Free -
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macOS Tahoe
Apple
macOS Tahoe is Apple’s latest operating system for Mac, introducing a refreshed design and enhanced productivity features. It features a new Liquid Glass interface that brings a modern, transparent look while maintaining the familiar Mac experience. The update integrates Apple Intelligence across apps, enabling smarter workflows, automation, and communication tools. Users can now access features like Live Translation, enhanced Shortcuts, and AI-powered image creation directly within the system. macOS Tahoe also strengthens Continuity by bringing iPhone features like the Phone app and Live Activities to Mac. Productivity improvements include a major Spotlight upgrade that allows users to perform actions quickly without leaving the keyboard. Overall, macOS Tahoe delivers a more personalized, intelligent, and seamless computing experience for Mac users.Starting Price: Free -
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openSUSE Leap
openSUSE
A brand new way of building openSUSE and a new type of a hybrid Linux distribution. Leap uses source from SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE), which gives Leap a level of stability unmatched by other Linux distributions, and combines that with community developments to give users, developers and sysadmins the best stable Linux experience available. If you’re already running openSUSE you can upgrade by booting from the DVD/USB and choosing upgrade, or carry out an ‘Online Upgrade’ in a few commands. Leap is a classic stable distribution approach, one release each year and in between security and bugfixes. This makes Leap very attractive as server operating system, but as well for Desktops since it requires little maintenance effort. openSUSE Leap is compatible with SUSE Linux Enterprise; this gives Leap a level of stability unmatched by other Linux distributions and provides users the ability to migrate to an enterprise offering. -
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Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Server brings economic and technical scalability to your datacentre, public or private. Whether you want to deploy an OpenStack cloud, a Kubernetes cluster or a 50,000-node render farm, Ubuntu Server delivers the best value scale-out performance available. It doesn’t matter whether you want to deploy a NoSQL database, web farm or cloud. Certified by leading hardware OEMs and with comprehensive deployment tools, so you can get the most from your infrastructure. Our regular release cycle means access to the latest and most performant open source. A lean initial installation and integrated deployment and application modelling technologies make Ubuntu Server a great solution for simple deployment and management at scale.
