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ZDNET key takeaways
- If you thought you knew every Linux distro, think again.
- These obscure distros are fascinating and impressive.
- You can download and install each of these for free.
It never ceases to amaze me that I can always find Linux distributions that I’ve never heard of. Given that I’ve been writing about Linux since 1999, you can bet that I’ve covered just about all of them, and yet I can always stumble upon one or two (or five) that have passed right by my attention.
Some of those obscure distributions live in the shadows because they aren’t really worthy of the spotlight, while others actually do deserve some attention. There are also some lesser-known distributions that are quite good (or at least very interesting). So, I thought I’d list some of my favorite Linux distributions that you’ve probably never heard of.
Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro
Keep in mind, these are some deep cuts, not distributions that you’ve possibly heard of in passing or seen in other lists of viable Linux distros.
With that said, let’s see how deep we can dive into the realm of obscurity.
1. SpiralLinux
SpiralLinux is a collection of spins based on Debian. Yes, there are hundreds of distributions based on the “mother of all distributions,” so what sets SpiralLinux apart, other than there being spins for Cinnamon, Xfce, GNOME, KDE Plasma, MATE, Budgie, and LXQt, as well as a builder tool to allow you to “roll your own version”?
First off, SpiralLinux is designed to be independent of the upstream Debian project. Secondly, SpiralLinux focuses primarily on being user-friendly out of the box across all of the available desktop environments. More importantly, however, SpiralLinux uses the Btrfs filesystem with Zstd transparent compression, along with Snapper to provide snapshotting so you can roll the OS back should something go awry.
Also: Spiral Linux offers a handy tool that can keep you from spiraling if you lose a file
Another fascinating aspect of SpiralLinux is that it can be easily upgraded to either Debian Unstable or Debian Testing (if you’re brave and want the latest, greatest releases — but with probable bugs and issues). SpiralLinux also features zRAM for improved performance (especially on older hardware) and extensive printer support.
You can download an ISO of SpiralLinux with one of several desktop environments for free.
2. LinuxHub Prime
LinuxHub Prime is an Arch-based distribution that uses the Openbox window manager and offers a one-click installation process for optional desktop environments, such as Awesome, bspwm, Budgie, Cinnamon, Deepin, GNOME, Hyprland, KDE Plasma, MATE, Qtile, and Xfce.
The installation also allows you to make use of the “Prime Builder” option so you can create a fully custom spin of LinuxHub Prime.
Also: 5 free Linux distros built for speed and power – and your new PC
The primary goal of LinuxHub Prime (and what truly sets it apart) is to create an immutable installer that can be upgraded without having to download a new ISO image. This might sound familiar, especially if you’ve ever installed Ubuntu Server, which offers to upgrade the installer before the process begins.
Another nice feature of LinuxHub Prime is that it includes the popular Arch User Repository (AUR) helpers like Pamac, Yay, and Paru, which can be added during the installation process. Think of LinuxHub Prime as one ISO with endless choices that could make for a fascinating operating system specifically designed for you.
You can download the latest LinuxHub Prime ISO and install it for free.
3. Xray_OS
Xray_OS is another Arch-based distribution curated with custom tools and fixes for several use cases.
Xray_OS is focused on innovation, creativity, usability, and development. You’ll get KDE Plasma as the default desktop environment, a custom installer, a welcome app (Tolitica) to assist users in taking on complicated tasks with ease, smart GPU detection (which removes unused drivers during the installation process), the AUR helper, and beautifully unique wallpapers.
Also: 5 Linux distros that take a little work out of the box, but are so worth the effort
One of my favorite features of Xray_OS is that it provides out-of-the-box fixes for several common issues with DaVinci Resolve when running on the KDE Plasma desktop environment, so it can serve as a production-ready video editor. If you’ve ever tried to install DaVinci Resolve on Linux, you can certainly appreciate a distribution that makes the process easier.
Xray_OS also comes with preconfigured settings and packages aimed at providing a smooth experience for gamers and software developers. To that end, you’ll find packages like Wine, Lutris, Steam, and tools for Unreal Engine development preinstalled, so you’re ready to go out of the box.
You can download an Xray_OS ISO and install it for free.
4. Gnuinos
Gnuinos is a spin of Devuan GNU+Linux that provides only free, open-source software, so you won’t find any proprietary, nonfree apps on this distribution. One of the most unique aspects of Gnuinos is that you get to choose between several alternative init systems, such as OpenRC, Runit, s6, and SysV. So, if you’re not a fan of systemd, this might be an appealing distribution for you.
Also: You can try Linux without ditching Windows first – here’s how
You’ll also get the GNU Linux-libre kernel as well as images for either desktop or server, and even preconfigured live images with JWM, KDE Plasma, Openbox, and Xfce. This particular distribution is best suited for those who are adamant about not using proprietary software and have an aversion to systemd. If that sounds like you, Gnuinos is right up your alley.
You can download a Gnuinos ISO (the current version is Daedalus) and install it for free.
5. GoboLinux
GoboLinux is special because it totally reorganizes the Linux file system by program instead of adopting the traditional Linux Standard Hierarchy system. Instead of requiring a package database for managing apps, the file system is the database, such that every package is stored in its own directory.
By going this route, GoboLinux makes it possible to quickly see all files for a specific application, install multiple versions of a particular application (without suffering from conflicts), and even simplify compiling from source.
Also: How to choose the right Linux desktop distribution for you
GoboLinux is another obscure distribution that shrugs off systemd as its init system and even uses a daemon-free network manager (GoboNet) that attempts to be less intrusive than more traditional network managers, such as NetworkManager.
If you’ve used Linux for a long time, GoboLinux will be a bit challenging at first, simply because of how it arranges the file system. If you’re new to Linux, you won’t have any problems with that because you have zero expectations as to where things are housed in the directory structure.
You can download an ISO of GoboLinux and install it for free.
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