Linux is one of the utmost famous and free open-source platforms. Linux has recently gained a lot of attention and is widely used due to its security, scalability, and flexibility. The distribution named Linux does all the hard work for you by taking codes from open-source till compiling and then combining them into a single operating system so that you’re easily able to boot up and install. Furthermore, they also provide you with different options such as the default desktop environment, browser, and other software. Users can get an operating system by installing one of the most stable Linux distros.
Linux has numerous distinct features for different users. There are lots of Linux distributions for a variety of uses, including education, gaming, and developing software. Somehow I can find so many different Linux distributions that I can’t even remember the exact numbers. There are some unique tendencies, revealed in some clones of each other. So it’s kind of confusing. But that’s the beauty of Linux. Few features of Linux distributions are quite identical to one another, but some distributions have their own user interface and unique features.
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Although there are numerous Linux distributions, this article conveys the topmost stable Linux distributions of 2022 currently available.
List of Most Stable Linux Distributions
It is quite common for the term “stable” to be used with Linux operating systems or with a distro, this is because of the accessibility of the modification like updating repositories according to user requirements. Out of these modifications, some of them are vital like Debian, roughly like a fork of a base distribution; Arch, Ubuntu, and many others like Mint.
However, they are unable to fulfill numerous features like support and documentation. In this article, we will list down the top 5 most stable Linux Distros carrying good support, repositories, updating regularly, quite easy to use, and durable.
1. Debian Linux
Leading the pack, Debian Linux stands out as the pinnacle of stability among Linux distributions. Its appeal lies in its user-friendliness, lightweight nature, and broad compatibility with various environments. The Debian development team’s extended working cycles enable them to resolve the majority of bugs prior to rolling out a new release.
The most recent stable version, Debian 12 “Bookworm,” is available for complimentary download on the official download page.
Main Features
- Effectively repair bugs
- It does not require maintenance and the software can be updated itself.
- The official archive upholds cutting-edge and modern packages of programming.
- Package manager i.e. Apt the ability to control dependency issues and proficiently orphaned packages
2. Linux Mint
There is always tough competition to be at the top place and the Linux Mint is not far behind. It is the most widely used distribution and is dependent on Debian and Ubuntu. Linux Mint is one of the most well-known Linux distributions that are both free, community-centric open-source Linux distributions with a huge number of packages.
Linux mint was titled as the best distribution in October 2012. “Virginia” is the latest version, released in January 2024 whereas the older version of this environment was “Vanessa”. Linux mint also maintains and supports operating systems in Python and helps to modify its software.
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Completely supports interactive multimedia
- Comes with basic software such as “LibreOffice, Thunderbird, HexChat, Pidgin”
- Linux Mint offers you to download numerous software like “transmission and VLC media player” by using the package manager.
- Easy to install for newbies
- Linux Mint also accompanies numerous flavors like “Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE”, etc.
3. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is considered the most established Linux distribution for Debian beginners. It is pre-installed on many laptops these days. The good thing is, Ubuntu has its own repositories and functionalities which are frequently synced with the repositories of Debian.
Ubuntu is a well-known, open-source desktop that contains various applications like an office suite, email and media applications, and so forth. For example, you can easily make presentations, assignments, and formal documents on Ubuntu with LibreOffice.
Main Features:
- The graphical user interface is easy to use as you can easily customize the look according to your needs.
- Ubuntu has a secure platform.
- It supports numerous desktop environments i.e. “Unity, XFCE, MATE”, etc.
- Most customizable distribution for super users.
4. Slackware
Slackware Linux is one of the oldest continuously-developed distributions, having been created by Patrick Volkerding in 1993. that is designed for advanced users who are looking for a secure, stable, and reliable distribution. It has a proven record of reliability and stability, making it a popular choice among advanced users. It is also known for its customizability and comes with a large number of preinstalled packages. It can be used on a wide range of hardware, from low-end PCs to supercomputers.
Main Features:
- The oldest Linux operating system with continuous development
- Flexible and stable distribution
- Can be easily installed on older hardware.
5. OpenSUSE
OpenSUSE is another incredibly stable Linux distro developed by various companies and SUSE Linux. The purpose of OpenSUSE is to make easily accessible open-source tools by giving developers a user-friendly environment.
OpenSUSE combines and collaborates in order to stop conveying the ordinary release and focus to deliver the most stable distros. The code of OpenSUSE usually takes each one of the extraordinary characteristics from the Enterprise of SUSE Linux and gives the other way around.
Main Features:
- User friendly
- It also supports graphic cards.
- It has various characteristics of “GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon, LXDE, Xfce, Openbox”, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, each Linux distribution has its own unique features and is optimized to perform specific tasks. This article conveys the top 5 most stable Linux Distributions for 2022.
The term stable is very relative when it comes to operating systems. It depends on the type of hardware you are running on your system or the software you are going to run. An operating system that is stable for one user might not be stable for another. When looking for a new stable OS for your system you should go for the one which has the LTS or stable version tag.
