5 Linux Distro Quick Looks
By Joe Belli | October 17, 2025 | #Linux, #switching, #beginner, #questions, #Windows, #Mac
Switching from Windows or MacOS to Linux can feel like stepping into a whole new world. It may look confusing… so many versions and so many choices. But here's the good news. Some versions of Linux (called “distros,” short for distributions) are built specifically with making the transition as easy as possible for beginners in mind. They're designed to feel familiar, run smoothly on most computers, and make the transition as painless as possible.
Think of these distros as assorted flavors of the same recipe. At their core, they all let you browse the web, write documents, listen to music, manage files, etc. What changes is the look, the style, and a few extra features that set them apart. Some are modern and polished, others are lightweight and fast, and a few aim to look as close to Windows or macOS as possible.
Think of this as a “show and tell” presentation of some popular Linux distros. It's not meant to help you choose a distro for yourself, but to introduce you to all that's available.
1.) Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a free, open-source operating system known for its appeal to beginners and an operating system that is ready to use to revive older, unused hardware. It's designed to be a complete, ready-to-use desktop environment right out of the box, meaning it includes essential software, multimedia support, and user-friendly tools without requiring lots of setup.
Linux Mint Cinnamon
Its main desktop, Cinnamon, looks and feels like Windows, making the transition a little easier for people switching over because a lot of the queues and functions are similar. Things like a start menu, taskbar, system tray… it's all there. Don't think that because Linux Mint Cinnamon is geared towards beginners, that it's a beginner Linux desktop. Cinnamon is completely Linux through and through.
Linux Mint MATE
Linux Mint MATE (ma-tay) is just a little different flavor of Linux Mint. Think of it like choosing between different models of the same car. The engine and reliability are the same, but the dashboard and controls look a little different. MATE has a straightforward, no-frills style. It feels a lot like older versions of Windows. It runs well on older computers. It is stable and reliable as it doesn't change much from year to year. So, if you're concerned about being shocked by future upgrades, then Linux Mint MATE might be for you.
Linux Mint XFCE
Linux Mint XFCE (X-F-C-E) is another flavor of Linux Mint that is even lightweight and even more customizable so you can rearrange your desktop to best fit your workflow. You can rearrange panels, add widgets, and adjust the look to something that fits your needs. Linux Mint XFCE is the best choice if you want speed and simplicity. It's not flashy, but it's reliable, fast, and does exactly what you need.
Linux Mint Debian Edition
Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a special version of Linux Mint. Most versions of Mint are built on top of Ubuntu, but LMDE is built directly on Debian which is another long-standing stable Linux system. Debian is what I call a “prime” Linux distro. In other words, other distros are built using Debian as its foundation, and LMDE is no different. Using it shouldn't be too different than using Cinnamon. You shouldn't notice too much of a difference. What it means for you is that with LMDE, you get a stable, functional, productive workstation ready to tackle the projects that you want to work on.
Linux Mint, and all its flavors, are like a welcoming bridge into the Linux world, but are all strong enough to handle whatever it is that you want to throw at it. It's lightweight, stable, easy on hardware, easy on battery life, looks familiar, and “just works” without requiring deep technical knowledge. Perfect for beginners, especially those moving away from Windows.
2.) Ubuntu
Information below is directly from the Ubuntu Website:
Ubuntu Flavors
Ubuntu Flavors offer a unique way to experience Ubuntu, each with their own choice of default applications and settings. Ubuntu flavors are owned and developed by members of our global community and backed by the full Ubuntu archive for packages and updates.
Edubuntu
Edubuntu is an official flavor of Ubuntu crafted for use in the education world. Teachers and students will have access to a huge ecosystem of learning software and educational tools built on a familiar and usable desktop. Edubuntu provides a fast, stable, secure and privacy conscious option for schools and universities.
Kubuntu
Kubuntu unites Ubuntu with KDE and the Plasma desktop, bringing you a full set of applications including productivity, office, email, graphics, photography, and music applications ready to use at startup with extensive additional software installed from not one, but two desktop package managers.
Lubuntu
Lubuntu is designed to be a simple, easy to use system that is light, fast and modern. Lubuntu provides the LXQt desktop environment which is focused on Qt technologies. Lubuntu comes with the essential applications and services needed to browse the Internet, chat, play and be productive.
Ubuntu Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie combines the simplicity and elegance of the Budgie desktop environment with the power and familiarity of an Ubuntu based operative system. The result is a modern and fast desktop distribution with great defaults, yet fully customizable.
Ubuntu Cinnamon
Ubuntu Cinnamon combines Ubuntu with the Cinnamon desktop, built upon GNOME 2 to provide a traditionally modern experience. It is made for all home users alike, with intuitive software, and a simpler, customizable desktop suited with many personalization options and addons for some extra spice.
Ubuntu Kylin
The Ubuntu Kylin project is tuned to the needs of Chinese users, providing a thoughtful and elegant experience out-of-the-box. The lightweight Ubuntu Kylin User Interface (UKUI) is perfect for older machines, and an ideal introduction to Linux for first-time users.
Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. It is ideal for those who want the most out of their computers and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor. With modest hardware requirements it is suitable for modern workstations, single board computers, and older hardware alike. Ubuntu MATE makes modern computers fast and old computers usable.
Ubuntu Studio
Ubuntu Studio is pre-configured for content creation of all kinds. Whether you're an audio engineer, musician, graphic designer, photographer, video producer, or streamer, this is a full-fledged desktop computing system that will fit your needs. If you can dream it, you can create it with Ubuntu Studio.
Ubuntu Unity
Bringing the best of Ubuntu and Unity together, Ubuntu Unity is a beautiful, slick, and lightweight Ubuntu flavor. With its beautiful design, efficient and elegant workflow, and features like the heads-up display (HUD), the Global Menu, powerful search, and a lot of customizability (using the Unity Tweak Tool), you'll be able to work with an unparalleled level of efficiency. You can also choose from a wide range of window animations and effects available in Compiz.
Xubuntu
Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light, and configurable desktop environment with a lot of consideration for usability. Whether you have a high-end computer or even a moderately older machine, Xubuntu can provide you with a smooth and usable desktop experience. Xubuntu has an expansive list of customization options so you can make the desktop your own.
3.) Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a more aesthetically pleasing beginner-friendly Linux distro with a twist. With each flavor of Zorin OS, you can choose between appearances. With one click you can change your desktop to have more of a Windows feel, Mac-feel, or a traditional Linux feel. Known for running on older hardware, Zorin OS has also gotten the reputation of making the switch between Windows, Mac, and Linux all that easier.
Zorin OS Education
Bring lessons to life with the huge library of educational apps and games in Zorin OS Education. It includes software to help teach math, science, geography, languages, music, and other subjects. Interactive apps let students of all ages grasp new concepts easier and help make learning more exciting and engaging.
Zorin OS Core
Zorin OS Core is the alternative to Windows and macOS designed to make your computer faster, more powerful, secure, and privacy-respecting. Zorin OS is designed to be easy, so you don't need to learn anything to get started. The Zorin Appearance app lets you change the desktop layout to feel like the environment you're familiar with, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Zorin OS Pro
Zorin OS Pro brings together the best apps and most advanced features, so you can unleash the full potential of your computer to do your greatest work. Create with the same apps the pros use. Zorin OS Pro includes an advanced video editor, Photoshop-compatible image editor, illustration software, audio workstation, animation software, and the same 3D graphics & effects software used by Hollywood studios, just to name a few. With tools this powerful, your imagination is the only limit.
Zorin OS Pro costs $47.99 including sales tax. It's a one-time purchase.
4.) Elementary OS
Elementary OS is a free operating system that focuses on simplicity and design. It's often described as the “macOS of Linux” because of its clean, modern look and attention to detail.
What makes elementaryOS different from other distros is its curated app store which is great if you've ever wanted to contribute to open-source software but didn't know how to do this, elementaryOS gives you the opportunity right in their App Store. They offer a “Pay What You Want” feature and if that amount is $0 then that's fine. Elementary OS is ideal if you want a beautiful, simple, and distraction-free desktop. If you like the style of macOS but want the freedom of Linux, Elementary OS is an excellent choice.
Pop_OS!
What makes Pop_OS stand out from the rest is that not only do they make their own operating system, called Pop_OS but they also make their own computers. But you can install Pop_OS On any computer, not just one that you purchase from them. Pop_OS has their own window manager, which automatically organizes your windows as you open them. Pop_OS allows you to choose a download more suited to your graphics card. It/s simple enough for beginners but powerful enough to grow with you as you learn more.
