Different systems, different desktops, the same freedom
Linux is not just one system in a single form. There are many different versions of Linux, known as Linux distributions. They all use the Linux kernel, but differ in appearance, software, update methods, stability and intended use.
For beginners, the most important question is: which distribution should I choose? This page therefore explains the main distribution families, fork distributions, stability, difficulty levels, graphical desktop environments and the differences between Wayland, X11 and X.Org.
A Linux distribution is a complete operating system. It includes the Linux kernel, a graphical environment, basic system tools, applications, a package manager and an update system.
Put simply: the Linux kernel is the engine, while the distribution is the entire car. The engine provides the foundation, while the distribution adds the appearance, settings, applications, tools and overall user experience.
The kernel is the most important part of a Linux system. It manages communication between software and hardware such as the processor, memory, storage devices, graphics card, keyboard, mouse and other devices.
The term fork means that a project takes an existing foundation and develops its own version from it. In Linux, this often means that a new distribution is based on another distribution but adds its own appearance, applications, settings, tools and target audience.
A fork is not necessarily a bad thing. Many very successful distributions were created this way. Forking allows a community or company to adapt an existing foundation for a different purpose.
It is important to understand that a distribution based on another distribution is not simply a copy. It often has its own development process, tools, appearance, default settings and target audience.
For your first steps with Linux, distributions that are stable, easy to use, well documented and supported by a large community are usually the most suitable.
Our top recommendation for beginners
Linux Mint is very user-friendly, especially for people coming from Windows. Its most popular edition uses the Cinnamon desktop environment.
An excellent choice when switching from Windows
Zorin OS is a visually polished distribution designed especially for users who want an easy transition from Windows.
One of the best-known general-purpose distributions
Ubuntu is one of the most widely used Linux distributions. The LTS version is suitable for users who want a stable system with long-term support.
If you are using Linux for the first time, Linux Mint is a very safe choice. If you want a system that feels familiar to Windows users, take a look at Zorin OS. If you want a widely used distribution with plenty of documentation, choose Ubuntu LTS.
In Linux, a distribution and a desktop environment are not the same thing. A distribution is the complete operating system, while the desktop environment is the graphical interface that determines the appearance of the desktop, menus, taskbar, settings, file manager and the general feel of the system.
The same distribution can use different desktop environments. Ubuntu, for example, is available as Ubuntu with GNOME, Kubuntu with KDE Plasma, Xubuntu with Xfce and Lubuntu with LXQt.
A modern, clean and uncluttered desktop environment, commonly used by Fedora and Ubuntu.
A highly customisable and modern desktop environment with a wide range of configuration options.
A familiar, simple and user-friendly desktop environment, particularly suitable for beginners.
A classic, stable and lightweight desktop environment that is also suitable for older computers.
A lightweight, fast and reliable desktop environment, well suited to less powerful computers.
A very lightweight desktop environment for older or less powerful computers.
An older and very lightweight desktop environment designed to use as few system resources as possible.
An elegant and simple desktop environment best known from Solus and Ubuntu Budgie.
Cinnamon and KDE Plasma are very beginner-friendly. GNOME is a good choice if you prefer a modern workflow. For older computers, Xfce, MATE, LXQt or LXDE can often be good options.
In addition to the distribution and desktop environment, Linux has another important part of its graphical system. It handles the display of windows, input from the mouse and keyboard, monitors, and communication between applications and the graphics hardware.
On Linux, you will often encounter the terms X11, X.Org, Xorg and Wayland. These terms can be confusing for beginners, but they can be explained quite simply.
X11, also known as the X Window System, is an older graphical system that served as the foundation for graphical environments on Linux and other Unix-like systems for many decades.
X.Org is the project and organisation that develops an open-source implementation of the X Window System. Xorg is the display server that many Linux distributions have traditionally used to provide the graphical environment.
Put simply: X11 is the technology or protocol, X.Org is the project, and Xorg is the software or server that enables the graphical environment to work.
Wayland is a more modern replacement for X11. Its goal is to provide a graphical system that is simpler, more secure, more efficient and easier to maintain.
| X11 / Xorg | Wayland |
|---|---|
| An older and very well-tested graphical system. | A more modern graphical system for newer Linux desktops. |
| Very good compatibility with older applications. | A better design for modern desktop environments. |
| Useful with older hardware or specialised applications. | Often a better choice for newer systems. |
| Still useful as a fallback option. | Becoming the default choice in many distributions. |
Enter the following command in the terminal:
echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPEIf the result is:
waylandyou are using Wayland. If the result is:
x11you are using an X11 or Xorg session.
Most beginners do not need to choose between Wayland and X11 manually. The distribution will usually select the most appropriate option automatically. If everything works normally, simply keep the default setting. If you experience problems with graphics, screen recording, remote desktop or a particular application, you can try switching between a Wayland and X11 session when logging in.
Distribution stability refers to how carefully updates are tested before they reach users. More conservative distributions may not always include the newest software, but they generally prioritise reliability.
DistroWatch is a well-known website for following Linux distributions. It provides news, release information, distribution descriptions and rankings based on visitor interest.
If you are a complete beginner, choose a distribution that is stable, easy to use and has plenty of community support.
The variety of distributions is one of Linux's greatest strengths. Every user can find a system that suits their computer, experience and way of working.
For beginners, Linuxabc particularly recommends Linux Mint, Zorin OS and Ubuntu LTS. As users gain experience, they can also explore other distributions, desktop environments and graphical technologies such as Wayland and X11.