Businesses around the world may not realize this, but they absolutely depend on Linux and open-source. Without those two pieces of technology, we wouldn’t have nearly the services and sites we now enjoy.
But Linux isn’t just a good option for servers and technology stacks. Linux is also viable as a desktop operating system. Why? It’s not only one of the most reliable platforms available, it’s also very secure… and cost-effective.
Yeah, that ol’ bottom line will grab your attention every time.
But which distributions should you consider? The choice can be a bit daunting, especially when you consider most Linux distributions will save you money and help protect your assets (think “data”). Let’s take a look at the list I’ve put together.
1. Ubuntu
If there’s one Linux distribution I would recommend to small businesses over any other, it’s Ubuntu. Why this distribution? It’s simple: not only is Ubuntu free and secure, but it also offers some of the best hardware recognition of any operating system available.
That might sound like a bag of magic beans, but it’s true. I’ve plugged all types of peripherals into a Ubuntu system, only to find it automatically detects them and works with them (no drivers needed). Sure, there are occasions when I have to search out a driver for a particular piece of technology, but I rarely have problems with this. Even better, I can use the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel and get even more hardware support.
Also: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu also has a vast repository of software to install, both with apt and Snap, so chances are very good that you’ll find the apps you’ll need for your staff. The one thing I would recommend, however, is that you enable the built-in firewall (UFW), which is typically disabled by default. Once enabled, UFW will not allow traffic into the machine (unless you specify it with a rule, such as sudo ufw allow ssh). There are also a lot of security-specific tools you can install, such as fail2ban (which blocks unwanted SSH connections). For me, Ubuntu sets the gold standard for open-source desktop distributions for individuals and businesses.
2. Linux Mint
Think of Linux Mint as Ubuntu with a more familiar desktop environment. Linux Mint is about as easy to use as it gets, without compromising security. Linux Mint also defaults to a secure configuration, such as an enabled firewall, HTTPS redirection, regular (and automatic) updates, minimal telemetry, and zero open ports to minimize the attack surface. I would say that Linux Mint is probably the best combination of user-friendliness and security you can find in an operating system.
Linux Mint uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which will be immediately familiar to your users, so there will be no training required. Any of your staff will be able to sit at a Linux Mint computer and know how it works. That’s not only a time saver, but a cost saver. Of course, Linux Mint is free, so you won’t be spending any of your budget on operating systems. Linux Mint is also really good at powering older hardware, so you’ll be able to keep those machines around a lot longer.
Also: Linux laptop lagging? 5 simple ways to speed it up fast
3. Debian
There are tons of distributions based on Ubuntu, but did you know that Ubuntu is based on Debian? Debian is often considered one of the most secure desktop distributions available. One reason for that is that the developers take extra time and care vetting and testing software (which is one of the reasons why it takes a bit longer for a new Debian version to be released). Debian does take the security of Ubuntu a bit further by not adding new users to sudo, which means only those with the root user password can do administrative tasks (such as installing software).
Unlike other distributions, where every standard user is created as an admin, Debian goes in the opposite direction. This added layer of security means you don’t have to worry that a user will do something they shouldn’t with their computers. As with most Linux distributions, Debian is free to download and install on as many computers as you need.
4. elementaryOS
ElementaryOS is a favorite of mine, partially because it’s such an elegant desktop, but also because it has a few added security features. Not only does elementaryOS not collect any information about you, but it also gives users warnings when a device (such as a microphone) is being used. This OS also warns you when an app requests permissions to use a service or a piece of hardware. There’s also the housekeeping app, which helps to automatically clean your temporary caches and your trash. Then there’s the Secure Session feature, which ensures apps always respect your privacy and require your consent. Of course, all of this comes at no cost (although you can make a donation to the developers).
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5. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS gets a nod here because it offers two versions: one for NVIDIA GPUs and one for AMD GPUs. This means you’ll spend less time getting graphics to work as they should, because everything necessary is baked into the different versions. And because Pop!_OS is built on Ubuntu, it enjoys all of the security of that distribution.
Another reason why I include Pop!_OS here is that you can purchase hardware directly from System76 (the makers of Pop!_OS) that has Pop!_OS preinstalled. By doing that, you don’t have to use your IT staff to install the OS, so they can spend their time doing more business-related tasks. That alone will save you money. Although you would have to purchase the System76 hardware, you can always download and install Pop!_OS for free on whatever desktop systems you have.
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