Technically, Ubuntu is Debian-based, and it also comes with Long Team Support(LTS). This means that you can install a stable version for your machine. Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions that still matters. If you are willing to compile or develop software to set up a perfect environment for yourself—Slackware is the way to go.
_OS by Sytem76 is an excellent pick for developers and other working professionals. Of course, not just limited to coders—it is also an excellent choice for any user looking for a unique desktop experience. The best Linux distribution for pen testing is Kali Linux, hands down. Kali is a Linux distribution that includes a lightweight desktop environment and tons of popular networking, programming, and tools. It is the de-facto Linux distribution for cybersecurity analysts and researchers. We explore the best distros for a variety of use cases, looking at ease of use, size on disk, compatibility with the best Linux apps, and lots more.
Linux for Network Engineers: How to get started
In addition, you have “Core”, “Education” & “Ultimate” editions. You can choose to install the Core edition for free – but if you want to support the developers and help improve Zorin, consider getting the Ultimate edition. Unlike Ubuntu, MX Linux features Xfce as its desktop environment. In addition to its impeccable stability—it comes packed https://remotemode.net/ with numerous GUI tools (MX Tools), which makes it easier for any user comfortable with Windows/Mac originally. Fret not; even though thousands of distributions are around, in this article, I have compiled a list of the best Linux distros available now. But, here, we try to categorize the distros—so there’s something for everyone.
- A Linux distribution is an operating system made from a software collection that includes the Linux kernel and, often, a package management system.
- Ubuntu by default uses Unity as its desktop environment but is also available in different flavors like Lubuntu (which is based on LXDE/LXQT), Xubuntu, and Kubuntu.
- Once you’re in the game, and your a good guy, you can excel and really expand from there.
- Besides the standard edition, there is one that is designed specifically for users with Nvidia hardware and ships with the proprietary driver for the hardware.
- That’s why, in this article, we are going to list the Linux distros that you should give a try.
- The permissive licensing of free software means that users with sufficient knowledge and interest can customize any existing distribution, or design one to suit their own needs.
This course is designed specifically to introduce both new and experienced professional network engineers to the Linux operating system and environment. This course will fully prepare attendees to continue on to the Shell Scripting Fundamentals for Network Engineers course. Sabayon Linux is available in multiple editions, based on different desktop environments. The project aims to deliver a fuller out of the box experience and despite being a bleeding edge rolling release, is pretty stable thanks to its Gentoo underpinnings.
Best Linux distro for programming for security pros and their hacker enemies
Like CentOS, it’s designed to be 100% compatible with RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) and in fact builds its software sources from RHEL. This means in effect you can enjoy the same benefits as users and businesses who pay for Red Hat at no cost. Configuration files must be set by hand and everything from partitioning to installing the bootloader must be done manually. There’s no „live“ version to try out what you’ve installed and no helpful graphical setup wizard to let you choose which programs and components to load. While the average Linux distro provides a predefined set of apps, Arch lets users assemble their installation from scratch.
Unlike Windows or Mac OS, a Linux operating system consists of many open-source components produced and managed by different organizations. EasyOS is an experimental project by the original developer of Puppy Linux. While it looks like any other Puppy variant, the distro is in fact designed from scratch to explore the use of containers on the desktop. One of the linux network engineer highlights of the distro however is that it includes a pre-configured Main Server, which you can choose to install on first boot. You can install one of these on each educational network you manage to allow you to oversee deployment of the OS on regular workstations. The distro is the result of the collaboration between the two projects that lend it its name.
Linux for Network Engineers
Interestingly, it doesn’t use any of the existing container technologies like LXC and Docker, and instead uses its own home-brewed solution. This helps it isolate individual apps and can even run complete distros with minimal overhead. Technically, however, OPNsense isn’t a Linux distro and is in fact powered by HardenedBSD, which is a security-oriented fork of FreeBSD. OPNsense is actually derived from the efforts of two mature open source projects, namely pfSense, and m0n0wall. With OPNsense you can display a captive portal, shape traffic, detect and prevent intrusions, as well as set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and lots more. You can manage all these services from an intuitive, modern, web-based multilingual, and well-documented user interface, which is a pleasure to use.
We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. Networking amongst systems is essential for the exchange of information.