8 cool Linux distributions that few people have heard of

When it comes to Linux, the first distributions recommended by its adherents are Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, OpenSUSE, CentOS and Mint. Experienced users still remember the great and terrible Arch and Gentoo. In principle, this is logical: the more popular the system, the larger the community it has, the more stable it is and the easier it is to find answers to your questions and solutions to possible problems.

But some people are bored of sitting in their favorite and proven distributions all the time - after all, it’s always good to try something new. We have compiled this list for them.

1. EndeavorOS

Many users would like to try Arch, a distribution that is famous for its abundance of settings and support for the AUR repository. This is a huge library of all the more or less popular software available for Linux. But Arch has a drawback: due to the philosophy of the distribution's creators, it is installed exclusively through

command line, which naturally scares off beginners.

EndeavorOS solves this problem. This is a distribution based on Arch Linux. It has a built-in Calamares installer that simplifies the process, making it accessible even to inexperienced users.

Everything is almost like in Windows: select the desired disk, click “Next” several times, and in front of you is a ready-to-use interface. During installation, EndeavourOS offers a choice of Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME, MATE, Cinnamon, Budgie, LxQt, LxDe or i3‑wm environments.

This distribution also allows you to enjoy all the advantages of Arch, such as the AUR repository and “rolling release” - when the system is updated not periodically, like Ubuntu, but continuously. But it does not require you to have a thorough knowledge of the Linux installation process.

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2. Vanilla OS

For many Linux distributions there is a problem: their creators are constantly trying to improve something, improve it, add new frills. Sometimes this leads to the fact that the user, after the next update, grabs his head and wonders why his favorite toolbar has changed beyond recognition.

The developer of the popular emulator for Windows programs and games Bottles, Mirko Brombin, decided to create a system in which the user receives only the changes he wants. This is how Vanilla OS was born. It's based on Ubuntu and provides the pure GNOME interface in its "vanilla" state - without any Canonical add-ons like the Ubuntu Dock or the Yaru theme.

The idea of ​​the system is that each application in it is installed through the apx manager, which creates a separate isolated sandbox for each package. This means that any programs downloaded by the user cannot affect the system packages. Therefore, you won’t be able to break it by experimenting with unfamiliar software and updates.

This determines the main trump card of Vanilla OS - its stability and immutability. If, say, you are not satisfied with how your usual office suite looks after an update or reinstallation, you can roll back the change and stay on the previous version for as long as you wish. And the system will not force you to install updates.

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3. NixOS

Another Linux distribution - here the creators sought to make the most stable system that cannot be broken by an unsuccessful update. Unlike the aforementioned Vanilla OS, NixOS is a real veteran, developed since 2003. It is not based on Ubuntu or Arch, but is a completely original system. It also uses a unique manager Nix package management.

Every time you install or update something, Nix automatically creates a copy of the packages. The system implements the possibility of so-called atomic updates and rollbacks. That is, if you don’t like the way some of your usual software looks or works after an update, you can return it to its previous state with one click.

Programs in NixOS are isolated from each other, which prevents conflicts and ensures system stability. You can even install multiple versions of the same application at the same time.

In general, this is an interesting distribution for those who want to have always up-to-date software, but are afraid of breaking or spoiling something during the next update.

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4. Solus

Solus is a beautiful and user-friendly Linux distribution designed for desktop computers. Unlike many other options, Solus is not based on Debian, Ubuntu or Fedora, but is an independent project. Its unique feature is the working environment - Budgie. It's an intuitive interface that feels like a hybrid of GNOME and Windows 11. It looks very good and is very convenient to use.

In addition to its own environment, Solus also uses a custom package management system called eopkg. It allows you to quickly and easily install, update or uninstall applications.

Solus supports all the same programs as any self-respecting distribution: office applications, audio and video players, media editors for content creators and, of course, Steam for gamers. An excellent option for every day for those who do not like Ubuntu, Fedora and similar distributions.

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5. Deepin

Deepin Linux is worth installing for those for whom the aesthetic experience of working with the system is of no small importance. For a long time, the title of “most beautiful” distribution was held by elementaryOS, which mimics macOS. But Deepin is quite capable of pushing it off the pedestal. Based on Debian, it combines the stability of this platform with a modern and intuitive interface.

Desk Deepin serves as a DDE (Deepin Desktop Environment) environment that stands out with its beautiful design and smooth animations. It offers a clear control center that collects all system settings in one place. And also a convenient launcher that can switch between “Taskbar” (as in Windows 11) and “Dock” (as in macOS) modes. It all looks great - Deepin is simply a pleasure to work with.

Add also the fact that this distribution also includes many applications developed specifically for it: a media player, a graphics editor, a calendar, and its own program store. There is also a Crossover emulator for installing Windows applications, if you need them. In general, Deepin is an excellent choice for being the main distribution to work with.

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6. risiOS

Fedora is a very cool and popular distribution that has amassed an impressive fan base. But it has a disadvantage: non-free components cannot be included in the system. As a result, a beginner, having installed Fedora, discovers that he cannot play MP3 and some other formats audio and video because they require proprietary codecs. And for the video card to work properly, proprietary drivers are needed.

You need to download all this from the special Fedora RPM Fusion repository, which, of course, no one will tell a new user about. Do you feel like Linux developers love to make life difficult for people?

risiOS for Fedora is something like Linux Mind for Ubuntu, that is, an improved distribution that is as user-friendly as possible. It does not need to be finished after installation, like the progenitor. After installation is complete, the risiWelcome application opens and prompts you to add Flathub and RPM Fusion repositories to install codecs, necessary drivers and third-party themes and programs. In addition, risiOS allows you to immediately select the programs you need during installation, and they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

The distribution also includes a built-in Web Apps tool that allows you to launch your favorite sites in a separate window with an icon, without a browser interface. Very useful if you prefer to work with documents in Google Docs, but prefer the web interface of social networks messengers.

Out of the box, risiOS differs little from Fedora in appearance. But you can change accent colors, icon and cursor themes, and fonts using the built-in risiTweaks utility. This application also provides tools for managing GNOME extensions.

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7. GoboLinux

At first glance, GoboLinux looks like a completely ordinary system with a rather tasteless design. This is because its uniqueness is hidden, as they say, “under the hood.”

Unlike traditional Linux distributions, GoboLinux does not follow a standard file system hierarchy. Instead, it uses its own structure in which each application is installed in its own directory. This makes it easier to manage programs and their deletion.

In regular distributions, applications are installed in many folders: bin, sbin, games, lib, share - in general, the devil can break his leg. In Gobo, they are all placed in the /Programs directory, and each program has its own version subdirectory. This allows you to have multiple versions of the same application installed at the same time. The folder contains the program and all its settings and libraries.

Because of this approach, Gobo does not even have a package management system - as the developers say, the file manager itself serves as such. You don't need any program - just delete the folder with it. And it will disappear without leaving any system garbage. Just like in macOS, where third-party applications are installed by dragging a file into the Application folder.

Yes, this is not the easiest distribution for beginners. The developers of Gobo are funny guys who are constantly adding various new technologies to their creation and generally strive to stand out. Why, even their version numbering system is octal, so as not to be like everyone else. But if you are tired of all sorts of Ubuntu and even Arch is already boring for you, Gobo is definitely worth a try.

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8. HoloISO

Yes, your eyes did not deceive you. This is the interface for SteamOS, a gaming operating system based on Arch Linux and installed on Valve's popular portable console Steam Deck. HoloISO developers took the SteamOS source code and ported it to regular PCs. Here you can install games from Steam, even those that have not been officially ported to Linux. They run through the official Steam Proton emulator.

The system is adapted for control by gamepad sticks and fingers. It may not be convenient for you to install it on your work computer. But on PC, connected to a TV and designed only for games, HoloISO will be very useful.

The distribution will also be useful to owners of portable gaming consoles ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Iron it's more powerful than the Steam Deck, but the interface of Windows 11 installed on them is not particularly convenient on small ones screens. HoloISO will allow you to experience the fun even on non-Valve portable consoles - so it's worth checking out.

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