{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "generatedAt": "2026-11-12",
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "credit": "Data: LinuxStatistics (linuxstatistics.com), CC BY 4.0",
  "sources": [],
  "data": [
    {
      "slug": "alma",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "server",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Free, community-run rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, made for servers with long support."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Free rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux",
        "Around ten years of support per major version",
        "Backed by a non-profit foundation"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Older software by design",
        "Desktop is secondary",
        "Some desktop apps need extra repositories"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "alpine",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev",
          "server"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Tiny and security-minded; best known for containers and servers."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Tiny and fast",
        "Security-minded defaults",
        "Standard base for containers"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "musl libc breaks some prebuilt software",
        "Minimal desktop experience",
        "Uses OpenRC, not systemd"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "anduin",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "windows-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu-based with a GNOME desktop laid out like Windows 11."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Windows 11-style layout on GNOME",
        "Ubuntu base, so Ubuntu guides apply",
        "Simple setup for people leaving Windows"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Young project with a small team",
        "Fewer desktop choices",
        "Relies on GNOME extensions for its layout"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "antix",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Very light Debian-based system that runs on old hardware."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Runs on very old or low-memory hardware",
        "No systemd by default",
        "Excellent live USB features"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Window managers instead of a full desktop",
        "Many tasks need the terminal or custom tools",
        "Not aimed at beginners"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "arch",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev",
          "everyday",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Build your own system from a minimal base; excellent wiki."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Excellent wiki that helps users of every distro",
        "Always-current software",
        "You install only what you choose"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Manual install (archinstall helps)",
        "Updates occasionally need manual steps",
        "Not aimed at beginners"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "none",
        "detail": "Nothing is sent by default. The optional pkgstats package reports installed packages only if you install it.",
        "turnOff": null,
        "source": "https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Pkgstats",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "armbian",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "server",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian and Ubuntu builds for hundreds of ARM boards, popular for servers and home labs."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Supports hundreds of ARM boards",
        "Debian or Ubuntu base",
        "Good for servers and home labs"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Support varies by board",
        "Desktop is secondary",
        "Some boards only get community builds"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "artix",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Arch without systemd: choose OpenRC, runit, dinit or s6."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Arch without systemd",
        "Choice of init systems",
        "Access to Arch-style rolling packages"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Some software assumes systemd",
        "Smaller community than Arch",
        "Manual setup expected"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "aurora",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev",
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Image-based Fedora with KDE and developer tools; updates roll back if something breaks."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Image-based Fedora with KDE and developer tools",
        "Updates roll back if something breaks",
        "Containers and dev tools set up"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Different way of installing system software",
        "Young project",
        "Apps mostly via Flatpak"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "counting",
        "detail": "Like Fedora's image-based systems, a timer sends an anonymous \"countme\" ping to estimate the number of systems.",
        "turnOff": "Run: systemctl mask --now rpm-ostree-countme.timer",
        "source": "https://coreos.github.io/rpm-ostree/countme/",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "avlinux",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "creative"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian-based system for musicians and video makers, set up for low-latency audio."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Set up for low-latency audio",
        "Music and video tools included",
        "Debian base"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Small team",
        "Niche focus",
        "Fewer desktop choices"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "bazzite",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "gaming"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Fedora-based gaming distro with Steam set up; image-based updates you can roll back."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Steam and gaming tools ready out of the box",
        "Image-based updates you can roll back",
        "Steam Deck-style mode available"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "System changes work differently than on traditional distros",
        "Installing system packages is discouraged; apps come as Flatpaks",
        "Focused on gaming more than general use"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "counting",
        "detail": "Like Fedora's image-based systems, a timer sends an anonymous \"countme\" ping to estimate the number of systems.",
        "turnOff": "Run: systemctl mask --now rpm-ostree-countme.timer",
        "source": "https://coreos.github.io/rpm-ostree/countme/",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "bluefin",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev",
          "everyday",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Image-based Fedora with GNOME and developer tools built in; updates roll back if something breaks."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Image-based Fedora with GNOME and developer tools",
        "Updates roll back if something breaks",
        "NVIDIA images with drivers included"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Different way of installing system software",
        "Apps mostly via Flatpak or Homebrew",
        "Smaller community than Fedora itself"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "cachyos",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "gaming",
          "everyday",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Arch-based and tuned for speed, with gaming-friendly defaults and a graphical installer."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Performance-tuned kernels and packages",
        "Gaming-friendly defaults",
        "Graphical installer with many desktop choices"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Rolling updates need regular attention",
        "Optimised packages need newer CPUs for the fastest builds",
        "Young project with a smaller team"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "debian",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev",
          "old-hw",
          "server"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome",
          "kde",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Very stable base that many other distros build on; you choose the desktop."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Very stable and thoroughly tested",
        "Huge package archive",
        "Community-run with no company in control"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Stable releases ship older software",
        "Less hand-holding at install than Ubuntu or Mint",
        "Non-free firmware and drivers may need extra steps on some hardware"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "opt-in",
        "detail": "The installer asks whether to join the package usage survey (popularity-contest). It's off unless you agree.",
        "turnOff": null,
        "source": "https://popcon.debian.org/",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "deepin",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "mac-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Independent distro with its own polished DDE desktop and a macOS-style dock."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Polished DDE desktop with a dock",
        "Own set of good-looking apps",
        "Easy installer"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Desktop can feel heavy",
        "Development is centred in China, and docs are often Chinese-first",
        "Smaller English-speaking community"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "devuan",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "server"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian without systemd, with a choice of init systems."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Debian without systemd",
        "Choice of init systems",
        "Stable Debian-style releases"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Some software assumes systemd",
        "Releases follow Debian's with a delay",
        "Smaller community"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "dietpi",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "server"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Minimal Debian for small boards and servers, with a menu that installs common self-hosted apps."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Very small footprint",
        "Menu installs common self-hosted apps",
        "Runs on many boards and PCs"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Mostly for servers, not desktops",
        "Text-menu driven",
        "Fewer graphical tools"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "elementary",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "mac-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Clean, macOS-like desktop with a curated app store."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Clean, consistent macOS-like desktop",
        "Curated app store with pay-what-you-want apps",
        "Strong focus on design"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Fewer customisation options",
        "Releases follow Ubuntu LTS slowly",
        "Smaller app selection in its own store"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "none",
        "detail": "elementary says it collects no data from elementary OS.",
        "turnOff": null,
        "source": "https://elementary.io/privacy",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "endeavour",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Arch with a friendly installer and a close-to-Arch setup."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Close to plain Arch, with an easy installer",
        "Access to the AUR",
        "Friendly community forum"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Rolling updates need regular attention",
        "Few graphical admin tools",
        "Expects you to use the terminal"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "endless",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Image-based system that comes loaded with apps and offline content; aimed at schools and new users."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Comes loaded with apps and offline content",
        "Image-based updates that roll back",
        "Made for new users and schools"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Large download",
        "System software is hard to change",
        "Fewer desktop choices"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "fedora",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev",
          "server",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome",
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Up-to-date software on a fixed release cycle; a common choice for developers."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Recent software on a predictable six-month cycle",
        "Close to upstream GNOME and KDE",
        "Early adopter of new Linux tech (Wayland, PipeWire, Btrfs)"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Each release is supported for only about 13 months",
        "Patented media codecs need extra setup",
        "Version upgrades twice a year"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "counting",
        "detail": "Package updates include an anonymous weekly \"countme\" flag so Fedora can estimate how many systems are in use. No ID or package list is sent. A crash reporter (ABRT) is also installed; its sending is under Settings, Privacy, Diagnostics.",
        "turnOff": "Set countme=0 in each repo file under /etc/yum.repos.d/.",
        "source": "https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Changes/DNF_Better_Counting",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "garuda",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "gaming"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Arch-based, eye-catching KDE setup with gaming tools included."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Striking KDE setup with gaming tools",
        "Btrfs snapshots set up for rollback",
        "Arch base with the AUR"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Heavy defaults need a fairly modern PC",
        "Rolling updates need attention",
        "Busy look isn't for everyone"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "gentoo",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Build packages from source with your own options; maximum control, long installs."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Build software with exactly the options you want",
        "Excellent documentation",
        "Choice of init systems"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Compiling takes a long time",
        "Installation is manual",
        "Needs ongoing attention"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "kali",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "privacy",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Security testing toolkit; not meant as an everyday desktop."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Hundreds of security testing tools included",
        "Well documented for penetration testing",
        "Many platforms including ARM"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Not meant as an everyday desktop",
        "Rolling base with frequent changes",
        "Easy to misuse without security knowledge"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "kdeneon",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "The newest KDE Plasma on an Ubuntu LTS base."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Newest KDE Plasma as soon as it's released",
        "Ubuntu LTS base underneath",
        "Made by KDE developers"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Aimed at KDE enthusiasts more than general users",
        "Mix of new KDE and older Ubuntu packages",
        "Fewer extras out of the box"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "kubuntu",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "windows-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu with the KDE Plasma desktop."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Ubuntu with the KDE Plasma desktop",
        "Windows-like layout by default",
        "Ubuntu's documentation and support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Plasma versions lag behind KDE's releases",
        "Snap defaults as in Ubuntu",
        "Smaller team than main Ubuntu"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "lite",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "windows-like",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu LTS-based Xfce system with a simple, Windows-style layout for people leaving Windows."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Simple Windows-style layout",
        "Light on resources",
        "Ubuntu LTS base with long support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Desktop looks dated next to newer ones",
        "Small team",
        "Fewer desktop choices"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "lubuntu",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "old-hw",
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Lightweight Ubuntu flavour for older computers."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Light LXQt desktop for older computers",
        "Ubuntu base and documentation",
        "Low memory use"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Fewer built-in tools than heavier desktops",
        "LXQt looks basic to some",
        "Still needs a 64-bit CPU"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "mageia",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Community-run, independent descendant of Mandriva with a friendly control center."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Friendly graphical control center",
        "Community-run and independent",
        "Several desktop choices"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Slow release cadence",
        "Smaller community",
        "Fewer third-party packages"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "manjaro",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "gaming"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Arch-based with tested, delayed updates and graphical tools."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Arch-based with graphical tools",
        "Holds updates back for testing",
        "Several desktops to choose from"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Delayed updates can clash with AUR packages built for current Arch",
        "Has had certificate and infrastructure mishaps",
        "Not supported by the Arch community"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "mint",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "windows-like",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Familiar Windows-style desktop (Cinnamon), Ubuntu LTS base, very little setup."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Windows-style Cinnamon desktop that feels familiar",
        "Media codecs and drivers offered at install",
        "Built on Ubuntu LTS, so most Ubuntu guides apply"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Newest apps and kernels arrive later than on Fedora or Arch",
        "Wayland support is behind GNOME and KDE",
        "No official ARM builds"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "none",
        "detail": "Linux Mint says the OS collects no telemetry.",
        "turnOff": null,
        "source": "https://github.com/orgs/linuxmint/discussions/936",
        "checked": "statement"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "mx",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light",
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian-based with handy graphical tools; light enough for older machines."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Handy graphical MX Tools for common tasks",
        "Light enough for older computers",
        "Debian stable base"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Xfce default looks dated to some",
        "Older software than rolling distros",
        "Smaller community than Mint or Ubuntu"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "nitrux",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Immutable Debian-based system with its own Plasma-based desktop; apps mostly come as AppImages."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Immutable system that rolls back",
        "Distinctive Plasma-based desktop",
        "AppImage-first apps"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Unusual setup that differs from most guides",
        "No systemd may surprise some software",
        "Small team"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "nixos",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev",
          "server",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "The whole system is defined in one config file; reproducible and easy to roll back."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Whole system defined in one config file",
        "Easy rollback to earlier setups",
        "Largest package collection (nixpkgs)"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Steep learning curve with its own language",
        "Doesn't follow usual Linux file layouts",
        "Some software needs extra work to run"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "nobara",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "gaming"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Fedora with gaming and media fixes already applied."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Fedora with gaming and media fixes applied",
        "Codecs and drivers handled for you",
        "KDE desktop set up for gaming"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Maintained by a small team",
        "Updates can lag behind Fedora",
        "Less tested than Fedora itself"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "omarchy",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "An opinionated, keyboard-driven Arch setup around the Hyprland tiling window manager."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Fully set-up Hyprland tiling desktop",
        "Keyboard-first workflow",
        "Arch base with current software"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Opinionated defaults you may need to undo",
        "Keyboard-driven, steep for mouse users",
        "Young project"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "opensuse",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev",
          "server"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Leap (fixed release) or Tumbleweed (tested rolling), with the YaST admin tools."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Choice of Leap (fixed) or Tumbleweed (tested rolling)",
        "YaST and other strong admin tools",
        "Btrfs snapshots for easy rollback"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Media codecs need extra setup",
        "Smaller English-speaking community than Ubuntu",
        "Two editions can confuse newcomers"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "counting",
        "detail": "The package manager sends a random installation ID with every download from openSUSE's servers so it can count installs.",
        "turnOff": "Empty the file /var/lib/zypp/AnonymousUniqueId (don't delete it).",
        "source": "https://en.opensuse.org/openSUSE:Statistics",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "parrot",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "privacy",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian-based security toolkit, with editions for penetration testing and private everyday use."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Security tools ready to use",
        "Home edition for private everyday use",
        "Debian base"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Security edition is not an everyday desktop",
        "Tools are only legal on systems you're allowed to test",
        "Smaller community than Kali"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pclinuxos",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Independent rolling distro with a classic KDE desktop and no systemd."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Rolling updates with a classic desktop",
        "No systemd",
        "Long-running, independent project"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Small team",
        "64-bit only, fewer packages than big distros",
        "Less modern tooling"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "peppermint",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Light Debian-based Xfce system that keeps the desktop simple."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Light Xfce desktop",
        "Debian base",
        "Simple, uncluttered setup"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Few apps installed by default",
        "Small team",
        "Less hand-holding than Mint"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pikaos",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "gaming",
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome",
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Gaming-focused system built on Debian's newest packages, with its own kernel and driver tools."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Gaming tweaks and newer kernels out of the box",
        "Debian package base",
        "Graphical tools for drivers"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Small team",
        "Built on Debian's moving packages, so updates change more often",
        "Less documentation than big distros"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "popos",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "gaming",
          "dev",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "System76's Ubuntu-based distro with an NVIDIA ISO and a tiling-friendly desktop."
      },
      "pros": [
        "NVIDIA ISO with drivers ready",
        "COSMIC desktop with built-in tiling",
        "Made by a hardware vendor (System76) that tests it on laptops"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Release timing follows System76, not Ubuntu's calendar",
        "COSMIC is newer and less mature than GNOME or KDE",
        "Fewer desktop choices than Ubuntu flavours"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "none",
        "detail": "No telemetry or error reports. It only contacts System76, Ubuntu and Flathub to check for updates and to test the network connection, and System76 says nothing from those requests is stored.",
        "turnOff": null,
        "source": "https://system76.com/privacy",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "puppy",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Tiny system that runs from a USB stick and loads into RAM, made for very old computers."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Runs in RAM from a USB stick",
        "Works on very old computers",
        "Saves your session to the stick"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Unusual way of doing things",
        "Several variants to choose between",
        "Not meant as a modern everyday desktop"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pureos",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "privacy",
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Purism's Debian-based system with only free software and privacy-minded defaults."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Only free software",
        "Privacy-minded defaults",
        "Also used on Purism phones and laptops"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Some hardware won't work without non-free firmware",
        "Older Debian base",
        "Small community"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "q4os",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "old-hw",
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "windows-like",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian-based with a classic, Windows-style desktop that stays light."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Classic Windows-style desktop (Trinity)",
        "Light on resources",
        "Debian stable base"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Trinity is an older desktop with a small team",
        "Small community",
        "Older software"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "qubes",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "privacy"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Security by isolation: apps run in separate virtual machines."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Strong isolation: apps run in separate virtual machines",
        "Compromise of one app is contained",
        "Trusted by security professionals"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Needs powerful hardware and lots of RAM",
        "Limited hardware compatibility",
        "Steep learning curve"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "raspios",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "The official system for Raspberry Pi boards, with the best hardware support."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Official system for Raspberry Pi",
        "Best hardware support on Pi boards",
        "Huge number of Pi guides"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Only for Raspberry Pi",
        "Older Debian packages",
        "Light desktop with few frills"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "rocky",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "server",
          "dev",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Community rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux led by a CentOS founder, with long support."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Free rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux",
        "Around ten years of support per major version",
        "Large enterprise community"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Older software by design",
        "Desktop is secondary",
        "Some desktop apps need extra repositories"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "slackware",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "The oldest surviving distro: simple, traditional and hands-on."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Simple, traditional design",
        "Very stable",
        "Teaches how Linux works"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Manual dependency handling",
        "Infrequent releases",
        "Not aimed at beginners"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "solus",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome",
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Independent, curated rolling distro focused on the desktop."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Independent and desktop-focused",
        "Curated rolling updates, released weekly",
        "Budgie desktop made by the project"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Smaller package collection",
        "Has gone through leadership changes",
        "Small team"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "sparky",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light",
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Debian-based, light and quick, with stable and rolling editions."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Light Debian base",
        "Stable and rolling editions",
        "Many desktop choices"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Small team",
        "Less polish than Mint or Ubuntu",
        "Documentation is thinner"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "tails",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some",
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "privacy"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Runs from a USB stick, sends traffic through Tor and forgets everything on shutdown."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Routes all traffic through Tor",
        "Forgets everything on shutdown",
        "Runs from a USB stick on almost any PC"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Not meant for everyday use",
        "Slower browsing through Tor",
        "Optional persistent storage must be set up"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "tinycore",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "A very small core you build up yourself; runs in RAM on almost anything."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Extremely small",
        "Runs in RAM on very old hardware",
        "You choose exactly what to add"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Very bare out of the box",
        "Unusual package system",
        "Not for beginners"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "trisquel",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "privacy"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu-based with only free software, endorsed by the Free Software Foundation."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Only free software",
        "Endorsed by the Free Software Foundation",
        "Ubuntu base"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Some Wi-Fi and graphics hardware won't work",
        "No proprietary codecs or drivers",
        "Releases lag behind Ubuntu"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "tuxedo",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "gaming"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "TUXEDO Computers' Ubuntu-based KDE system, tuned for their laptops but usable on any PC."
      },
      "pros": [
        "KDE Plasma on an Ubuntu base",
        "Driver and power tools from a Linux laptop maker",
        "Works on other PCs too"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Best tested on TUXEDO hardware",
        "Smaller community",
        "Release timing set by one company"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "ubuntu",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev",
          "server",
          "ai"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "The most widely documented desktop Linux; long-term support releases."
      },
      "pros": [
        "The most documented desktop Linux",
        "LTS releases supported for years",
        "Widely supported by commercial software and hardware vendors"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Snap packages are the default for some apps, which some users dislike",
        "Stock GNOME is customised in ways that differ from upstream",
        "LTS software ages between releases"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "opt-in",
        "detail": "The installer asks whether to share anonymous system data (Ubuntu Insights); if you decline, only an opt-out flag is sent. When an app crashes, Ubuntu asks before sending an error report.",
        "turnOff": null,
        "source": "https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/ubuntu-insights-how-telemetry-is-changing-on-ubuntu-desktop/73442",
        "checked": "build"
      }
    },
    {
      "slug": "ubuntubudgie",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "mac-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu with the Budgie desktop and layouts that switch between Windows-, Mac- and Ubuntu-style."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Clean Budgie desktop with switchable layouts",
        "Ubuntu base with long support",
        "Good-looking defaults"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Budgie is less widely used",
        "Fewer guides than Ubuntu",
        "Some layouts need tweaking"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "ubuntumate",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light",
          "windows-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu with the traditional MATE desktop and switchable layouts, including a Windows-style one."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Traditional MATE desktop",
        "Switchable layouts, including Windows-style",
        "Ubuntu LTS base"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Desktop has fewer modern features",
        "Some Ubuntu tools assume GNOME",
        "Smaller community than Mint"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "ubuntustudio",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "creative"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu with KDE and a full set of audio, video and graphics tools, tuned for low-latency audio."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Audio, video and graphics tools installed",
        "Tuned for low-latency audio",
        "Ubuntu base with long support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Large install with many apps",
        "Needs a fairly capable computer",
        "Only KDE Plasma"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "ultramarine",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "kde",
          "gnome",
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Fedora-based with codecs and extra repositories set up for you, in several desktop editions."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Fedora with codecs and extra repositories ready",
        "Several desktop editions",
        "Close to Fedora, so most Fedora guides apply"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Small team",
        "Short Fedora support window per release",
        "Less documentation of its own"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "vanilla",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday",
          "dev"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "gnome"
        ],
        "blurb": "Image-based Debian with GNOME; apps from other distros run in containers."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Image-based Debian that rolls back",
        "Run apps from other distros in containers",
        "Clean GNOME desktop"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Different way of installing software",
        "Young project",
        "Fewer guides than Debian or Ubuntu"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "void",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "expert"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "dev",
          "old-hw"
        ],
        "updates": "rolling",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Independent, minimal rolling distro with its own package manager and init."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Independent with its own fast package manager",
        "runit init instead of systemd",
        "Glibc and musl editions"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Smaller package collection",
        "Few graphical tools",
        "Not aimed at beginners"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "xubuntu",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new",
          "some"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "old-hw",
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "light"
        ],
        "blurb": "Ubuntu with the light, traditional Xfce desktop."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Light, traditional Xfce desktop",
        "Ubuntu base and documentation",
        "Stable and predictable"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Xfce develops slowly",
        "Looks dated to some",
        "Wayland support is limited"
      ],
      "telemetry": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "zorin",
      "suits": {
        "levels": [
          "new"
        ],
        "uses": [
          "everyday"
        ],
        "updates": "stable",
        "desktops": [
          "windows-like",
          "mac-like"
        ],
        "blurb": "Polished desktop with Windows- and macOS-style layouts; aimed at people leaving Windows."
      },
      "pros": [
        "Layouts that mimic Windows or macOS",
        "Polished, beginner-focused setup",
        "Ubuntu LTS base with long support"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Some layouts and extras need the paid Pro edition",
        "New major versions arrive well after Ubuntu's",
        "Smaller community than Ubuntu or Mint"
      ],
      "telemetry": {
        "level": "counting",
        "detail": "An hourly \"census\" ping sends an anonymous installation ID and OS version to count users.",
        "turnOff": "Choose \"Don't participate in the census\" in the installer, or run: sudo apt remove zorin-os-census",
        "source": "https://zorin.com/legal/privacy/",
        "checked": "statement"
      }
    }
  ]
}