Debian derivatives
KDE Neon
In 2014, KDE began numbering releases of its framework, Plasma desktop environment, and software compilations separately. This change was made because these three areas of development progressed at different rates, and developers did not want to hold back just to keep all three in sync. Mainly for this reason, Kubuntu founder Jonathan Riddell started KDE Neon [17] to showcase the latest development in all three areas.
KDE Neon is not primarily intended for everyday work, although it is installed on KDE Slimbook computers. Rather, it is a snapshot of recent developments in advance of what is included in the software compilations. Some releases may not work smoothly on some systems.
Tails
Tails [18] is a Debian derivative that has become a leading distribution for privacy. Running from a flash drive, DVD, or virtual machine, Tails was inspired by Incognito, a similar Gentoo-based distribution, and its development was funded by the Tor Project as well as Debian. The distro received general recognition because of its use by Edward Snowden.
Tails offers a Gnome desktop outfitted with security tools for encrypted messaging, email, and newsfeeds. Other tools are used for anonymous file sharing, ad blocking, and Bitcoin transactions. Perhaps the most important tool is Tor, which allows for anonymous browsing and blocks incoming traffic that is not anonymous.
All of these tools take time to set up. However, Tails' documentation removes the need for any previous expertise. As a result, just about anyone can have a well-protected system in a matter of hours.
elementary OS
The homepage for elementary OS [19] describes it as "The fast, open, and privacy-respecting replacement for Windows and macOS." However, elementary OS is better-known as the leading representative of recent distributions that focus on aesthetics. Based on Ubuntu, it sports a heavily modified Gnome desktop with its own window manager, dock, mail client, and desktop utilities. The result is frequently compared to macOS or to Debian derivatives like deepin and Zorin that similarly emphasize a beautiful and functional desktop.
Traditionally, aesthetics have been ignored on the Linux desktop in favor of function, so elementary OS is appreciated by many users. However, its attractiveness sometimes comes at the price of fewer customizations than expert users prefer. Potential users should also be aware that, despite a structure to encourage a $20 payment for downloading, elementary OS can be downloaded for free by entering a zero dollar payment instead.
« Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.