There are three Linux distributions that didn't make it into my top 10 list of best Linux distributions but they are ones to watch. These three distributions are all aimed at the Desktop, are simple to install and use, and they're free.
Linux Mint, gOS, and OpenSuSE are the three distros (distributions) to watch. (I reviewed 2 (gOS & Linux Mint) of these 3 in a Linux Magazine article, "Spawn of Ubuntu.")
Linux Mint - From Freedom Came Elegance - The tagline for this distribution holds true--Linux Mint is an elegant twist on its Ubuntu parent. Linux Mint installation is very similar to Ubuntu's--giving the user simple, easy-to-follow instructions along the way. Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu (whose parent is Debian) you use Synaptic (graphical) or apt-get (command line) to update your system and install new software.
Linux Mint is also suitable for commercial users as well as personal Desktops. Commercial support is available for corporate adopters. I recommend Linux Mint for a complete and enjoyable Desktop experience for the beginner and the guru alike.
OpenSuSE - Get It. Discover It. Create It. - I know what you're saying, if you've read my top 10 Linux distros post, "Hey, you totally dissed Novell's Linux--including OpenSuSE." "What's up with that?" It's true that I'm not a huge fan of Novell's commercial offerings but I find OpenSuSE somewhat intriguing. It is more on par with other up-to-date distributions with the latest features, software, and drivers included. OpenSuSE is really what Novell should offer in a commercial sense. They should offer it free to those who want it but offer commercial support as Linux Mint does.
Though OpenSuSE 10.3 was sluggish and failure prone, OpenSuSE 11.x is proving to be a viable and well-crafted OS.
My recommendation for OpenSuSE 11.x and above? Get it, discover it, and report back to me on what you think of it.
gOS - Linux For The Rest Of Us - gOS, or Good OS, is very different from any distribution I've ever seen. It has a cleverly designed Desktop with active icons that link you to just about everything you could possibly want to use. It seems to be tightly connected to Google Gadgets and other Google offerings like Gmail, Google Search, and so on. gOS comes pre-installed on Everex PCs, Netbooks, Laptops, MiniPCs, and the CloudBook. gOS is geared more toward beginners, home users, and the newly converted. Old pros will like it on the Netbooks for its small footprint and snappy performance.
I recommend gOS strongly to anyone who wants to use something completely different. gOS is ready to deliver.
It was your feedback and comments that lead me to write this post. I value your feedback and as long as you keep it clean and respectful, feel free to disagree or even argue with me.
Let me know what you think of these three very capable and enjoyable Operating Systems and if you order one of the gOS computers, please let me know, I'd love to hear about it.
