Which are the Best Linux Distros for Students?

Important Linux Distros for learners to help you stay ahead of your game despite the different challenges that you are likely to encounter in school as you strive for excellence.

Numerous technological developments have allowed students to use different computer-based learning resources to improve their learning experience. Thanks to technological advancements, students can easily seek help from reputable custom writing companies like https://peachessay.com/. Although Linux is mostly used by developers and administrators, it is essential to note that any student can use it for any purpose. Linus distributions, popularly known as Linus Distros, refer to a complete Linux system containing various applications, programs, management tools, and drivers necessary for operating your computer. Students looking for Linux distribution have a broad spectrum of preferences that need to be considered, such as stability, customization, user-friendliness, and accessibility of pre-installed applications. Students can choose among the many available Linux distros according to the specific purpose they intend to use it for.

Ubuntu

This is a Debian-based free, open-source software from Linux distribution and all its distributions run only on computers or virtual machines. Ubuntu has three officially released editions for robots and internet devices: Server, Desktop and Core. A new Ubuntu is released every six months, while long-term releases are after every two years. The current release is ‘kinetic kudu’ 22.10 as of October 2022, while ‘Jammy jellyfish’ 22.04 is the most recent long-term support release. This software is developed by a British company called Canonical in conjunction with other developers. Canonical specializes in providing security updates and support for each release from the release date until it reaches its expected end-of-life date. Also, they generate their income through sales of premium subscriptions associated with Ubuntu and donations made by Ubuntu software downloaders.

The Gnome desktop environment requires minimal effort to navigate, intuitive and user-friendly. Students who lack confidence in operating command lines can enjoy the GNOME software, which is a graphical front-end software that manages software packages and provides an easier way of managing student packages. Students can also get support on common technical issues that may arise via an online support community.

Zorin OS

This Ubuntu-based Linux distribution uses XFCE 4 and GNOME 3 desktop environments as default and has many customizations to transition from macOS to Windows easily. Zorin OS users can use windows software such as Microsoft Office, which is compatible with PlayOnLinux and wine. Users can also get desktop layouts and themes similar to macOS, Ubuntu or Microsoft windows. Various editions are available for use, including Pro, Pro Lite, Education, Education Lite, Core and Lite. The Lite editions use XFCE rather than GNOME and are streamlined to work faster on older computers.

Students who use this OS enjoy an outstanding performance, speed, and privacy and get a smooth, user-friendly experience similar to Windows, regardless of their experience with the OS. Zorin Appearance App provides many customization options, allowing users to customize their desktop to their favourite layout easily. Learners also benefit from essential applications such as Thunderbird email client, Mozilla Firefox and LibreOffice suite. All these features help students increase their productivity and save a lot of time carrying out other activities. Zorin Lite is intended to be used on older computers; hence students can install it on their older computers and save on buying new ones.

Academic GNU

This is Debian-based Linux distribution software developed explicitly for educational purposes and contains free software and branded software for education for all education levels from elementary school to university. This OS currently has more than 130 education applications, many of which are open source or free, so the students and their teachers can use them at no extra cost. Academic OS has a software called Edu that is based on Linux Mint distribution and allows for faster installation of educational applications. New educational categories have been added. They include; Electronics, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Genetics, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, Virtual Laboratories, Teacher, Programming, Architecture, Foreign Languages, and Robotics. Teachers and instructors also have a special section dedicated to them, allowing them to conduct student training and online publishing.

Elementary OS

Elementary OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and has been designed to assist learners and new users in transitioning quickly to a Linux environment. This OS is considered a perfect replacement for Windows and macOS due to its polished, elegant look and ease to use. It endorses itself as a thoughtful, ethical and capable substitute to Windows and macOS, and it also offers a model where you pay for what you only want. The Elementary OS distribution, being Ubuntu-based, began as applications and a set of themes designed for Ubuntu before later developing into a Linux distribution. Different versions of Elementary OS have been developed over time, varying from the first to the current one. These versions are; Jupiter, Luna, Freya, Loki, Juno, Hera, Odin, Jolnir and Horus. Jupiter was the first Ubuntu-based elementary OS stable version published on 31st March 2011. Luna was developed in November 2012 with its first beta version, which was also based on Ubuntu. Many improvements, such as bug fixes and a complete overhaul, were carried out, and on 10th august 2013, a stable Luna version was released.

Freya is the third version and was released in April 2014, with its first beta version released on 11th August 2014 and the final version released on 11th April 2015. Loki is the 4th version and was released on 9th September 2016. Loki was based on a long-term support Ubuntu version released earlier that year. Loki updated the OS notifications, allowed users to set notification display preferences, and revamped the notification menu bar indicators. Horus is the latest version and was released on October 2022.

ubermix

This Ubuntu-based Linux distribution is purposely built with the learners’ requirements in mind. It makes the learning process easier for students by providing critical pre-installed applications for learning and creativity platforms. Code writers are provided with various IDEs that allow flexibility in writing their codes in their favourite code editor. UberMix is easy to use, can easily be deployed in an educational institution and is easy to install.

In conclusion, there has been a significant advancement in technology, and students should take advantage of it to enhance their overall learning experience.