Ranking Linux Distributions for 2024: a tier list for my use case !

Summary

In this video, the host presents their annual Linux distribution tier list for 2024, ranking various distros based on their suitability for content production and business use. They discuss the evolution of distros, personal preferences, and sponsor Square X, a privacy-focused web browsing tool.

Takeaways

• 📅 The video is a 2024 Linux distribution tier list update, reflecting the presenter's personal rankings based on their usage for content production and business.
• 🔒 The video is sponsored by Square X, a browser extension and web app that offers private and secure browsing with features like a burner browser, disposable file viewer, and email address.
• 💻 The presenter discusses the evolution of Linux distributions, noting improvements and changes since their last tier list, and shares personal preferences for different distributions.
• 🚀 Ubuntu is placed in the 'average' category due to its renewed focus on GNOME and performance patches, but the presenter dislikes its push for snap packages over flatpak.
• 🌟 Linux Mint retains its 'great' ranking for offering a complete out-of-the-box experience, with improvements like Wayland support and an edge ISO for newer hardware.
• 📉 Zorinos moves to 'average' due to its slow release cycle, with the presenter noting that it will be outdated by the time the next LTS is released.
• 🚫 Elementary OS remains in the 'no thanks' category due to its slow updates and lack of compelling features in the current version.
• 🌱 Fedora's Workstation is in the 'great' category for its stability, frequent updates, and innovation, despite being based on Red Hat.
• 📊 Debian is in the 'average' category, with the presenter preferring more up-to-date desktop environments and apps.
• 🎮 Tuxedo OS is the presenter's current choice, placed in the 'good' category for its semi-rolling release model, stability, and updates to critical components.
• 🔄 Pop!_OS is in the 'no thanks' category for the presenter due to its outdated GNOME version and lack of significant updates in the past two years.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is a tier list ranking of various Linux distributions at the beginning of 2024, focusing on their suitability for content production and running a business.

What is the purpose of the tier list?

The purpose of the tier list is to rank Linux distributions based on their performance, updates, and overall suitability for the creator's personal use case.

What is the sponsor of the video and what do they offer?

The sponsor of the video is Square X, which offers a browser extension and web app that provides a suite of disposable tools for private and secure web browsing.

What are the categories used in the tier list?

The categories used in the tier list are 'Great', 'Good', 'Average', 'No Thanks', and 'Hell No', indicating the creator's likelihood of using each distribution.

What is the creator's current stance on Ubuntu?

The creator ranks Ubuntu in the 'Average' category, acknowledging its progress but criticizing its reliance on snap packages and Canonical's treatment of open-source projects.

Why does the creator place Linux Mint in the 'Great' category?

Linux Mint is placed in the 'Great' category because it provides a complete graphical experience out of the box, has fixed most annoyances, and is beginner and advanced user-friendly.

What is the creator's opinion on Zorin OS?

The creator moves Zorin OS to the 'Average' category, noting that while it has improvements, its release schedule makes it outdated by the time a new LTS is released.

Why does the creator rank Elementary OS in the 'No Thanks' category?

Elementary OS is ranked in the 'No Thanks' category due to its slow updates and lack of compelling features in its current version, despite the upcoming version having some improvements.

What is the creator's view on Fedora and why is it ranked in the 'Good' category?

Fedora is ranked in the 'Good' category because it is a solid improvement over previous versions, delivering better performance and a suite of useful pre-installed tools.

What are the creator's thoughts on Tuxedo OS and why is it in the 'Good' category?

Tuxedo OS is in the 'Good' category because it is a semi-rolling release that provides regular updates and has been very stable for the creator, making it the best KDE distribution they have used.

Why does the creator rank Pop!_OS in the 'No Thanks' category?

Pop!_OS is ranked in the 'No Thanks' category because its desktop is outdated, and the experience has not changed in two years, which is not acceptable for the creator.

What is the creator's final verdict on Chrome OS Flex?

The creator ranks Chrome OS Flex in the 'Hell No' category due to its poor performance, basic features, and privacy invasive nature.

What is the recommendation for those looking for a Linux-compatible device?

The creator recommends Tuxedo Computers for those looking for a Linux-compatible device, as they offer a range of customizable hardware that is tested and supported for Linux.