The best Linux distributions of 2024 are like MacOS but accessible to everyone

Ah, 2024. You’re a year old, that’s for sure. You’ve got 365 days, each day is a rail on the roller coaster that has carried us forward while taking us to higher highs and lower lows.

One thing is certain: 2024 sees a lot of incredible things Linux distribution release. Got the new Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux MintRhino Linux, EndeavorOS, Manjaro, Zorin OS, openSUSE, Nobara, Garuda, etc., all shine in one way or another.

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However, for me, there is one distribution that stands above all the rest and deserves the title of Best Linux Distribution for 2024.

That distribution is elementary OS 8. I’ll tell you why below.

But first, how do you choose “the best distribution?” Isn’t this all subjective? Of course it is. But I like to think that, with nearly thirty years of using and studying Linux, I’ve developed a pretty deep understanding of the OS, what it can do, and what it means to the community of users. and depends on it.

So my criteria for being the best include:

• The operating system is as polished as possible
• Viable for all types of users
• True to OS’s mission
• It’s unique
• It’s trustworthy
• Feasible for older hardware
• An elegant yet simple desktop operating system

Many distributions fit the list above, but there is one that stands out above the rest: Elementary OS 8.

When I reviewed the OS 8 elementary, I declared that it continuing the tradition of a beautiful, user-friendly desktopand that will immediately check two of the boxes.

But let’s keep it according to my criteria.

The operating system is as polished as possible

For a long time, Elementary OS has been a very polished desktop distribution. The release of version 8 really shows that. The look and feel of OS 8 has essentially remained largely unchanged since its inception, which means the development team can focus on polishing rather than reinventing. That MacOS-like desktop proves you can keep the same interface and build on it year after year. With version 8, elementary OS does just that. Every aspect of this release has been improved.

Viable for all types of users

I’ve long considered elementary OS a distro for any type of user, and version 8 reinforces that view. The latest Elementary OS is a Linux desktop distribution that anyone, regardless of skill level, will find very familiar. Yes, it’s a lot like MacOS, but that doesn’t mean you have to know Apple’s operating system to be successful with the basic operating system. This distro offers a very intuitive desktop — there are no secrets to the underlying operating system.

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Version 8 improves on what it already has with features that even more advanced users can enjoy, such as Secure Sessions and better multitasking. New users will appreciate the newly rewritten sole and comprehensive design.

True to OS’s mission

The tagline for Elementary OS is “The thoughtful, competent and ethical alternative to Windows and MacOS”. I have no doubt that 2024’s 8 delivers on that mission. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Linux distribution that better represents its mission.

It’s unique

There are a number of Linux desktop distributions that may look like basic operating systems, but they tend to simply be themes applied to one of many popular desktop environments. It’s fairly easy to re-theme KDE Plasma, GNOME, or Xfce to look like MacOS, but in terms of design, the underlying operating system looks like MacOS. It’s the Pantheon desktop and it’s been unique for a long time.

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Elementary OS was also one of the first distributions I can remember that offered a unified design across the entire desktop, and version 8 improves on that in a big way.

It’s trustworthy

If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s the reliability of the underlying operating system. I’ve used this distro quite a bit and I’ve always found it to offer solid reliability. The same is true of version 8. When you log in to the desktop, you immediately feel like you’re working on a desktop that never lets you down.

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Based on the amount of work done on this release — and how much has been deeply changed — a new release is not dependent on the next point version to fix the accompanying issues with major releases is an impressive feat. Version 8.0 feels more like 8.1 and that’s special.

Feasible for older hardware

While it looks a lot like a modern desktop distribution, Elementary OS 8 is also capable of breathing life into aging hardware. The computer you’re using with Windows 10 (you know, the computer Windows 11 will not be supported) would make a great home for elementary OS. In fact, if you are looking for an alternative to Windows 10, the elementary operating system will not disappoint you.

An elegant yet simple desktop operating system

Honestly, I can’t think of a more elegant Linux desktop distribution that’s as easy to use as Elementary OS 8. Sure, there are some desktop distributions that might be interesting. more taste or may disappoint you with the theme and layout, but Basic OS 8 still stands firmly above the crowd when it comes to luxury. The transparent dock, the top bar menu, the comprehensive theme — it all comes together to deliver a beautiful desktop experience that’s as easy to use as any operating system on the market.

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Elementary OS has long held a special place in my heart, but 2024 is the first year I’m naming it best, and the title is well-deserved.

If you haven’t experienced Elementary OS yet, I highly recommend downloading the ISO file and installing it as a virtual machine or using it as a replacement for Windows 10. Whatever you choose, Elementary OS version will impress.