5 Obscure Linux Distros You've Probably Never Heard Of - But Should Definitely Try

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ZDNET cardinal takeaways

• If you thought you knew each Linux distro, deliberation again.
• These obscure distros are fascinating and impressive.
• You tin download and instal each of these for free.

It ne'er ceases to amaze maine that I tin ever find Linux distributions that I've ne'er heard of. Given that I've been penning astir Linux since 1999, you tin stake that I've covered conscionable astir each of them, and yet I tin ever stumble upon 1 aliases 2 (or five) that person passed correct by my attention.

Some of those obscure distributions unrecorded successful nan shadows because they aren't really worthy of nan spotlight, while others really do merit immoderate attention. There are besides immoderate lesser-known distributions that are rather bully (or astatine slightest very interesting). So, I thought I'd database immoderate of my favourite Linux distributions that you've astir apt ne'er heard of.

Also: 7 things each Linux beginner should cognize earlier downloading their first distro

Keep successful mind, these are immoderate heavy cuts, not distributions that you've perchance heard of successful passing aliases seen successful different lists of viable Linux distros.

With that said, let's spot really heavy we tin dive into nan realm of obscurity.

1. SpiralLinux

SpiralLinux is simply a postulation of spins based connected Debian. Yes, location are hundreds of distributions based connected nan "mother of each distributions," truthful what sets SpiralLinux apart, different than location being spins for Cinnamon, Xfce, GNOME, KDE Plasma, MATE, Budgie, and LXQt, arsenic good arsenic a builder instrumentality to let you to "roll your ain version"? 

First off, SpiralLinux is designed to beryllium independent of nan upstream Debian project. Secondly, SpiralLinux focuses chiefly connected being user-friendly retired of nan container crossed each of nan disposable desktop environments. More importantly, however, SpiralLinux uses nan Btrfs filesystem pinch Zstd transparent compression, on pinch Snapper to supply snapshotting truthful you tin rotation nan OS backmost should thing spell awry. 

Also: Spiral Linux offers a useful instrumentality that tin support you from spiraling if you suffer a file

Another fascinating facet of SpiralLinux is that it tin beryllium easy upgraded to either Debian Unstable aliases Debian Testing (if you're brave and want nan latest, top releases -- but pinch probable bugs and issues). SpiralLinux besides features zRAM for improved capacity (especially connected older hardware) and extended printer support.

You tin download an ISO of SpiralLinux pinch 1 of respective desktop environments for free.

2. LinuxHub Prime

LinuxHub Prime is an Arch-based distribution that uses nan Openbox model head and offers a one-click installation process for optional desktop environments, specified arsenic Awesome, bspwm, Budgie, Cinnamon, Deepin, GNOME, Hyprland, KDE Plasma, MATE, Qtile, and Xfce.

The installation besides allows you to make usage of nan "Prime Builder" action truthful you tin create a afloat civilization rotation of LinuxHub Prime. 

Also: 5 free Linux distros built for velocity and powerfulness - and your caller PC

The superior extremity of LinuxHub Prime (and what genuinely sets it apart) is to create an immutable installer that tin beryllium upgraded without having to download a caller ISO image. This mightiness sound familiar, particularly if you've ever installed Ubuntu Server, which offers to upgrade nan installer earlier nan process begins. 

Another bully characteristic of LinuxHub Prime is that it includes nan celebrated Arch User Repository (AUR) helpers for illustration Pamac, Yay, and Paru, which tin beryllium added during nan installation process. Think of LinuxHub Prime arsenic 1 ISO pinch endless choices that could make for a fascinating operating strategy specifically designed for you.

You tin download nan latest LinuxHub Prime ISO and instal it for free.

3. Xray_OS

Xray_OS is different Arch-based distribution curated pinch civilization devices and fixes for respective usage cases. 

Xray_OS is focused connected innovation, creativity, usability, and development. You'll get KDE Plasma arsenic nan default desktop environment, a civilization installer, a invited app (Tolitica) to assistance users successful taking connected analyzable tasks pinch ease, smart GPU discovery (which removes unused drivers during nan installation process), nan AUR helper, and beautifully unsocial wallpapers. 

Also: 5 Linux distros that return a small activity retired of nan box, but are truthful worthy nan effort

One of my favourite features of Xray_OS is that it provides out-of-the-box fixes for respective communal issues pinch DaVinci Resolve erstwhile moving connected nan KDE Plasma desktop environment, truthful it tin service arsenic a production-ready video editor. If you've ever tried to instal DaVinci Resolve connected Linux, you tin surely admit a distribution that makes nan process easier. 

Xray_OS besides comes pinch preconfigured settings and packages aimed astatine providing a soft acquisition for gamers and package developers. To that end, you'll find packages for illustration Wine, Lutris, Steam, and devices for Unreal Engine improvement preinstalled, truthful you're fresh to spell retired of nan box.

You tin download an Xray_OS ISO and instal it for free.

4. Gnuinos

Gnuinos is simply a rotation of Devuan GNU+Linux that provides only free, open-source software, truthful you won't find immoderate proprietary, nonfree apps connected this distribution. One of nan astir unsocial aspects of Gnuinos is that you get to take betwixt respective replacement init systems, specified arsenic OpenRC, Runit, s6, and SysV. So, if you're not a instrumentality of systemd, this mightiness beryllium an appealing distribution for you. 

Also: You tin effort Linux without ditching Windows first - here's how

You'll besides get nan GNU Linux-libre kernel arsenic good arsenic images for either desktop aliases server, and moreover preconfigured unrecorded images pinch JWM, KDE Plasma, Openbox, and Xfce. This peculiar distribution is champion suited for those who are adamant astir not utilizing proprietary package and person an aversion to systemd. If that sounds for illustration you, Gnuinos is correct up your alley.

You tin download a Gnuinos ISO (the existent type is Daedalus) and instal it for free.

5. GoboLinux

GoboLinux is typical because it wholly reorganizes nan Linux record strategy by programme alternatively of adopting nan accepted Linux Standard Hierarchy system. Instead of requiring a package database for managing apps, nan record strategy is nan database, specified that each package is stored successful its ain directory. 

By going this route, GoboLinux makes it imaginable to quickly spot each files for a circumstantial application, instal aggregate versions of a peculiar exertion (without suffering from conflicts), and moreover simplify compiling from source. 

Also: How to take nan correct Linux desktop distribution for you

GoboLinux is different obscure distribution that shrugs disconnected systemd arsenic its init strategy and moreover uses a daemon-free web head (GoboNet) that attempts to beryllium little intrusive than much accepted web managers, specified arsenic NetworkManager. 

If you've utilized Linux for a agelong time, GoboLinux will beryllium a spot challenging astatine first, simply because of really it arranges nan record system. If you're caller to Linux, you won't person immoderate problems pinch that because you person zero expectations arsenic to wherever things are housed successful nan directory structure.

You tin download an ISO of GoboLinux and instal it for free.

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