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16 Aug 2016 - by 'Maurits van der Schee'
The use of torrents is controversial, unless you download Linux (disk/install) images. I have recently been trying many Linux distributions (distros) related to the 16.04 release of Ubuntu. For downloading them I have used torrents and I'm proud that my ratio is above 1. This means that I have uploaded more than I downloaded. Below is a list of some of the best Linux distributions that I tried out and my first impression of them. This is my top 10:
I like everything about this distro. It's speed, looks, tools, default software set, hardware compatibility are all very good.
Download link: https://linuxmint.com/download.php
It may be a little heavier, but that is the only down-side that this distro has. I learned to love the new GNOME, for me it is much better than Unity.
Download link: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuGNOME/GetUbuntuGNOME/LTS
Even faster than Cinnamon, but sometimes a little less user friendly. I am using this distribution ever since Ubuntu launched Unity.
Download link: http://xubuntu.org/getxubuntu/
Very fast and very tweakable. I had some compatibility issues with the display driver. Recommended for long-time Linux fans!
Download link: https://ubuntu-mate.org/download/
Really a mix between number 1 and 4. I prefer Ubuntu MATE, which feels even more tweakable and is also an official Ubuntu variant.
Download link: https://linuxmint.com/download.php
Super fast, thus great for an older PC, but the looks are very average, it lacks search in the menu and the default software set is limited.
Download link: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Lubuntu/GetLubuntu
This is the commercially supported version (by Canonical). It works great, but I feel Canonical cannot be trusted after the spyware incident.
Download link: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop
Very good looks! Sometimes you may run into compatibility issues when installing other Linux packages. Also the UI really takes some getting used to. Hint: you can download for free by "paying" 0 dollar on the page below.
Download link: https://elementary.io
I did not spend enough time to fully appreciate this distribution. I noticed it is fast and has great looks. The fact that it is not Ubuntu based, but Arch Linux makes it harder to use for me. If Arch is your thing, you should check this one out! NB: No version specified, as it has a rolling release model!
Download link: http://manjaro.github.io/download/
If you are into computer security you may want to try out this follow-up of the "BackTrack" Linux distribution. It has some nice WiFi drivers ;-)
Download link: https://www.kali.org/downloads/
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