This is an incomplete list of the distributions I have used in the past with a small review and link to the home site. I will be adding to this periodically.
In regards to what distributions I recommend. I cannot help but sticking to "Independent" distributions, most specifically Slackware, Debian (Devuan), Fedora, Arch (Artix), Gentoo, GuixSD. These to me are the best to begin learning on, should be used to learn if you plan on daily driving GNU/Linux, and should be the first options given when someone want to use GNU/Linux. Ubuntu and it's flavors have swaths of issues in terms of user options and permissions, while removable and adjustable, by default are just an impairment to the user's growth in GNU/Linux to be, if not already, a power user. Below I link and image to Snaps which also has some talking points on Ubuntu. Forks of forks, user ability / growth impairment, and over adjusting to the default configurations to programs custom to the distribution (Distro specific themes in a Desktop Environment, etc) should be on pare to the level of debate as systemd is.
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Debian |
Stable and easy to work with. A common conflict with Debian is the age of the packages but you can still build from source, just more time consuming. Though not approved as Libre, it does have a Libre option and a ISO with firmware support. Highly recommended for advanced users. |
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Ubuntu |
Coming in a variety of flavors in regards to the window manager makes is approachable in every sense to ease of use. Newer packages available and supporting most if not all common utility and software available. This distribution would be best for those who do not care about the Libre focus and want to have a one size fits all distribution. Recommended for beginners. |
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Mint |
An Ubuntu fork without the bureaucratic issues that Ubuntu brings to the table. Cleaner in theme and simplicity. I would recommend this over Ubuntu if Debian is not your speed. The Mint team does have a spin base on Debian though I would stick with their default due to the simplicity it provides. Recommended for beginners. |
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Elementary |
Another Ubuntu fork with Pantheon as a window manager. Though these features does not make it a more interesting option over Mint. If you are a fan of Apple type re-skins or the OSX feel, this is your distribution. Recommended for beginners. |
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MX |
MX is an interesting blend of the discontinued Mepis project and AntiX, designed to be a portable, clean, full desktop to be booted from USB, this is a preferred distribution if you need to take your work on the go and are concerned about security or project integrity. I have used this distribution for about a year with no issues. Recommended for advanced users. |
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AntiX |
The sister project of MX, this is a much smaller more RAM friendly MX Linux. The function and fashion of MX in a smaller package. DolphinOracle is heavily invested with this project as well as MX Linux. I would recommended taking a look if you are a minimalist users in need of a portable system. Recommended for advanced users. |
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Devuan |
A full Libre and Systemd free Debian, enjoyable experience. Though does have a slower release cycle than Debian due to the package restrictions. If systemd is a concern for you as a user, this may be a good stable experience you are looking for. |
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Trisquel |
A full Libre Ubuntu option. Has a mini and full ISO version. I recommend the Mini ISO the install packages as needed. If I recall RMS also uses this distribution as the ease of use is important for him. Used for some time and enjoyed the experience. Best for beginners with a need for a Libre distro. |
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Tails |
A Debian fork that boots from USB and traffics all data through Tor. Perfect as a portable system for browsing the web and maintaining a clean work space. I would recommend to any user who needs a secure system to work from. |
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Heads |
A full Libre and Systemd Free alternative to Tails. |
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Kali |
Forked from Debian and the successor of Backtrack, this is the industry standard for a boot from USB penetration testing distribution. If you are looking to learn about secure systems and Pen-testing, Kali is for you. |
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Parrot |
Another Debian fork pen-testing distribution, I would recommend this distribution as a space to live in and use as a daily driver, packaged like Kali, with more ease of use packages. |
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Red-Hat |
Red-Hat Enterprise Linux or RHEL is a Linux distribution developed by Red-Hat designed for the commercial market. Red-Hat uses strict trademark rules to restrict free re-distribution of its officially supported versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, but still freely provides its source code. Third-party derivatives can be built and redistributed by stripping away non-free components. While I do not recommend using Red-Hat, instead I would recommend the RHEL fork CentOS, it is certainly an interesting project. |
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Fedora |
A Red-Hat owned project and is considered the bleeding edge version of Red Hat. Fedora closely resembles Ubuntu in its alternate versions and flavors called Spins. I would recommend if you are new to Linux or want a more Business Like Experience than what Debian and Ubuntu can give. This can also be a recommended alternative to hobbyist users wanting to use Kali Linux or another specialized spin. |
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CentOS |
CentOS is a compatible rebuild of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux, in full compliance with Red-Hat distributions. CentOS is for people who need an enterprise class operating system stability without the cost of certification and support. For those who are needing a solid server base or want to have something as stable as Debian, this is highly recommended. |
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Qubes |
Based on Fedora and similar in function as Tails, it uses the concept of compartmentalization and virtual machines to maintain a secure work-space. Though it takes modern hardware to run smoothly. Highly recommended for security focused users. |
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Arch |
This is a branch of Linux for those who demand a higher need of control over their system in terms of software. Arch having the availability of bleeding edge software and the Arch User Repository makes have a system that meets your needs possible. Though installation involves more knowledge or at the very least, the ability to follow instructions. I have never found arch to meet my needs due to my compulsive need to purge my system often. Recommended for Advanced and Expert users. |
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Antegros |
Now discontinued, this was a prepackaged Arch with an installer for newer users to play in an arch like system. |
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Parabola |
A full Libre variant of Arch and systemd free. For those looking for a more Libre experience I would recommend taking a look here. |
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Hyperbola |
A full Libre variant of Arch with Debian security parches, also is systemd free. |
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BlackArch |
An Arch system that has more tools packaged that you should or would ever need. The ISO is about 10gb. If Kali and Parrot are Swiss Army Knives, BlackArch is a Swiss Army Toolbox, Clunky and Heavy but you will have a tool for that. |
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Fat-Dog Linux |
Also similar to Puppy and AntiX but now forked from Linux From Scratch, due to the build Fat-Dog brings it makes itself a easier and more utility friendly sibling of Puppy. |
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GuixSD |
Another Independent distribution, this one is a direct extension of the GNU project and hurd https://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/. It is both fully Libre and it is a systemd free distro, which is a plus for those who want to avoid systemd. The init system it uses in place is called 'Shepherd' which is a perfect answer to those who want a systemd-like init but correcting all the issues systemd has, being fully extensible in Guile, and it's packaging system is unique as well. While its packages may be a bit behind in number, it is source based and you can compile any packages you may need, so Gentoo users will feel at home here as well. Highly recommended for advanced users. |
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Puppy Linux |
Similar to AntiX with the boot from USB functionality and similar in size. Though the packaging and functionality is lacking. I would recommend AntiX over Puppy. |
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Void |
An independent distribution, Void features a hybrid binary/source package management system which allows users to quickly install, update and remove software, or to build software directly from sources with the help of the XBPS source packages collection. Rolling-release development model with daily updates and init system called "runit". Recommended for those wanting something unique while being systemd free. |
