Even though you are a Linux neophyte, there is little doubt you must not have heard of Ubuntu. Launched back in 2004, Ubuntu started to make an easy to use Linux based operating system that was both hardware compliant, easy to use, and a real alternative to Windows. Although you might find plenty of linux-based distributions to build your mobile app, there is more to building apps then just depending on a linux-based operating system. In this blog, we’ve compiled a few best Linux alternatives which can ease your chances of building high-quality apps.
You must be thinking that why it is important to use other Linux distribution? Ubuntu is best, isn’t it? The truth is that there are two sides to every coin. Ubuntu must be a great option for mobile app development, but it still might be challenging for most of the developers who find it quite confusing. Moreover, sometimes you find out that Ubuntu is too slow on the hardware, which is available to you.
You may want a Linux distribution where you can get really hands-on and get to the mechanics of what is going on. No matter what your reason is using Ubuntu, the following list of alternatives will help you find the optimal Linux alternative.
Here is a list that provides you a number of different options. There would be a few lightweight options that can run on older hardware with familiar interfaces, highly customizable distributions, and distributions that are not derivative of Ubuntu. We bet you will find these alternatives as good as ubuntu. So, let’s dive in!
1. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a personal computer operating system based on Ubuntu. It is designed for users who are new to Linux-based computer systems. Zorin OS is based on the Ubuntu LTS release that means you as a user will get all the best features of Ubuntu with a unique look and feel.
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution and its aim to be user-friendly and be fully compatible with Ubuntu’s own base.
The characteristics of Zorin are its intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process. When it comes to security, Zorin OS comes with the uncomplicated firewall by default.
User can customize many of the desktop features by using a built-in Zorin look changer. Zorin OS embraces everything the average needs to get started including Chromium web browser, GIMP image editor, LibreOffice office suite, Rhythmbox audio player, and PlayOnLinux and Wine.
The latest version of Zorin is its 15th version, which is great. The previous version was very stylish but a little buggy. The bugs have been completely eradicated. Zorin has become as good as Linux Mint.
2. Linux Mint
There is one common reason why people switch from Ubuntu because of its Unity desktop environment.
Linux alternative is Linux Mint, which is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions. The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce an elegant, modern and comfortable operating system that is both powerful and easy-to-use. There are some of the reasons, which are behind the success of Linux Mint are:
- Free, open source, safe, reliable & easy to use
- It works out-of-the-box with full multimedia support.
- Based on Debian and Ubuntu, Linux Mint provides approx. 30,000 packages. It is also one of the best software managers.
- A community-driven Linux Mint is encouraged to send feedback to the project so that their ideas can be used to improve it.
- Linux Mint requires very little maintenance (no regression, no antivirus, and no anti-spyware)
This Linux alternative, Linux Mint, gives users the power of Ubuntu but with simple user interface called Cinnamon. However, simple does not mean not powerful. The Cinnamon desktop possesses a stylish look and feels. It has the ability to customize many aspects of the desktop.
Linux Mint has rebranded and forked a number of key applications. This way, users can add their own touch to them. It also provides a full set of applications for everyday use, including LibreOffice Suite, Firefox web browser, Banshee audio player, and Thunderbird email client.Linux Mint is a good alternative for those who like the stability of Ubuntu and still want a more traditional user interface.
3. ChaletOS
ChaletOS is a new operating system, which comes with complete and unique customized with more consistency and extensively via the operating system. This Linux alternative aims to steal you completely from Windows. It is aesthetically pleasing of the bunch out of the box.
If you thought Windows 10 was quite the looker, you can give a try to ChaletOS and you will almost never look back. The Linux alternative is ChaletOS comes with a complete and unique customizability set, which is comparable to Zorin OS but much more extensive and consistent through the operating system.
ChaletOS is a beginner-friendly Linux distribution based on Xubuntu. The name ChaletOS is derived from Swiss mountain houses whose concepts of simplicity, beauty, and recognizability inspired the creation and design of ChaletOS.
It is not too different from Xubuntu, ChaletOS is appealing and it has impressive speed. This is what you will fall in love with this Linux alternative quickly.
The latest ChaletOS is based on Ubuntu 14.04.03 LTS that means you will continue to receive updates and security fixes for the next three years. A good Linux alternative, which has a wide range of pre-installed apps like multimedia, security, work, and weather. ChaletOS is really fast and provides the best service.
4. Peppermint Linux OS
A cloud-centric OS based on Lubuntu, Peppermint OS is a derivative of the Ubuntu Linux operating system, which uses LXDE desktop environment. This Linux alternative aims to provide a familiar environment for newcomers to Linux that requires relatively low hardware resources to run. This is great for both modern and older hardware. It utilizes a mixture of XFCE and LXDE environment.
Peppermint OS is for every user, whether you use an older computer or a modern one. It is especially useful for people who mainly use the internet when using their computer as it integrates the web into the desktop.
The best feature of Peppermint OS is its ability to turn web apps such as Facebook, Gmail, and another website into a desktop application. This Linux alternative does a great job blending the best of the cloud with enough tools to get you started. The ICE tools are the key feature, which enables you to turn your favorite websites into desktop applications.
Peppermint OS is for everyone, whether you use an older computer or a modern one. It is especially useful for people who mainly use the internet when using their computer as it integrates the web into the desktop.
5. Q4OS
Q4OS is a fast and powerful operating system based on the latest technologies while offering highly productive desktop environment. It focuses on security, reliability, long-term stability and consecutive integration of verified new features. This Linux alternative is distinguished by speed and very low hardware requirements. It runs great on brand new machines and legacy computers. Q4OS is also applicable for virtualization and cloud computing.
It can be customized to look like the older versions of Windows such as Windows 7 and Windows XP. If you want the look and feel of Windows but you want to use the features of Linux, Q4OS is the best option for you.
This is a brilliant alternative for complete reason. Q4OS is incredibly lightweight and works really well on older hardware and netbook. Q4OS is not only an alternative to Ubuntu but a great alternative to Windows and any other desktop operating system. It is the best option for multiple reasons as it looks and feels like Windows. It is very lightweight and works well in older computers.
6. Elementary OS
This Linux alternative is fast, open, and privacy-respecting replacement for Windows and macOS. Elementary OS is considered as one of those Linux distributions that looks beautiful. This is the best option for those who like the look and feel of an OS designed Apple. Its every aspect of the Elementary user interface has been designed to pixel precision.
Elementary OS is for those who like a beautiful and elegant looking desktop. It is based on Ubuntu, but the applications have been carefully chosen to match the style of the distribution. The desktop environment is fairly lightweight so that the performance is very good.
Conclusion
You have read about six viable Linux alternatives, which you can use without any single thought. There are hundreds of Linux distributions available, but these alternatives are worth including if you want to develop apps without any hassle. Want to share some other Linux alternatives? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us.
About Author (Bio)
Michael Williams is designated as Senior Project Manager at PromptBytes, an Atlanta-based Application development company. Throughout his career, he has extensively worked with various SMBs to startups and managed the software lifecycle from inception to the growth.