7 Linux distributions to look forward to in 2022

Tidy up | Xin Xiaoliang

Saying goodbye to 2021 and looking forward to 2022, itsfoss has sorted out several Linux distributions worth looking forward to in 2022, and we have made some content additions on the basis of the original to share with you.

1

Veterans are not dead, and the official version of Slackware 15 will be unveiled

Unlike other distributions, Slackware Linux is known for trying to create a true Unix-like Linux distribution, Slackware is designed to follow the principles of KISS, packages are just compressed TAR files, the configuration of the system is done through the command line and plain text configuration files, and the user can manage any dependencies.

As the oldest surviving Linux distribution, Slackware has been released for 28 years since its release in 1993. It has been 10 years since the release of Slackware 14, and users' expectations for Slackware 15 are getting stronger and stronger. Earlier this year, Slackware 15 launched alpha and beta versions, and by August, it was already RC1, and the latest progress is 15.0 RC2 in November. Slackware 15 debuts are also getting closer.

Major updates to this major release, 14 to 15, include:

Upgrade kernel version to Linux Kernel 5.10.29 (test repositories can use the latest 5.11.13 version)

Upgrade GCC to 10.3.0

Security fixes for DNSMASQ and IRSSI

Upgrade the KDE package

Thunderbird upgrade

2

The Ubuntu 22.04 LTS has been popular for a long time

Ubuntu is an open source operating system created on top of Debian and has been a very popular Linux distribution since its release. Previously, a user asked on the Reddit forum, why is Ubuntu so popular? I received the following reply:

"Debian-compatible .deb software format with better desktop interaction than Debian"; "Because Ubuntu is simple to use and has low user maintenance costs, for most users they only want a stable operating system, not a practical platform tailored for Linux enthusiasts"; "Ubuntu offers many user-friendly applications", etc.

According to Ubuntu's official timeline, in 2022 Ubuntu will usher in the next LTS version (codenamed Jammy Jellyfish), scheduled for release on April 21, 2022. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is expected to carry GNOME 42 and will be the first Ubuntu LTS version to use Wayland by default.

3

A must-have for beginners Zorin OS 17

Zorin OS is designed to emulate the operating habits of Windows as much as possible, so that users can easily get started. Since its release, it has been known as the personal desktop system that Linux novices should use the most.

A few months ago, the Zorin OS team released their latest stable 16th release, the latest Zorin OS 16 is built on the Linux kernel 5.11 and is based on the Ubuntu 20.04 design. The biggest change in this release is that Zorin includes the Flathhub software repository by default, since then, Zorin OS has supported Flathub, Snap Store, Ubuntu software repository, AppImage, Zorin's own repository, becoming the largest application collection Linux distribution.

Appearance as a strong point of Zorin OS, there are also many updates in version 16, such as new icons and color schemes, the default theme is more refined, lock screen wallpaper with blur effect, taskbar icon enables activity indicator, notification bubble band counting, etc. Zorin OS 17 in 2022 is even more worth looking forward to.

4

Standing on the shoulders of giants Pop!_OS 22.04

Pop!_OS is a Linux distribution developed by well-known Linux PC manufacturer System76, which decided to abandon Launchpad and plans to build a Rust-based desktop environment from scratch. Pop!_OS is expected to be the backbone of System76's future ambitions.

Pop!_OS has several advantages:

Separate NVIDIA/AMD ISO

Standalone Nvidia drivers that work out of the box to resolve some of the stuttering and performance issues caused by graphics cards.

Program window management

Window management can easily adjust the active windows you open and improve work efficiency.

Application launcher

The application launcher is very convenient for quickly launching applications or navigating between active windows.

Updated kernel

Pop!_OS pushes new Linux kernels faster than most Linux distributions.

It's worth mentioning that Pop!_OS is not a lightweight Linux distribution, and despite its many advantages, pop! _OS may not be for you if you're lagging behind or looking for a more concise Linux distribution.

5

Better than Ubuntu? Linux Mint 21

Linux Mint is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, released in 2006 by the Linux Mint team. Linux Mint's mission is to provide a free and open source, modern, elegant, and powerful operating system. Linux Mint uses a user interface of Cinnamon, which is similar to the user interfaces of GNOME and Windows XP, and it will be easier for new users to get started. It is reported that the Linux Mint team has focused on improving the appearance and feel, and Linux Mint 21 may have a major visual overhaul to improve the user experience of modern desktops.

6

Domestic open source Linux distribution CutefishOS

CutefishOS is a domestic Linux distribution, according to the official website, CutefishOS using a simple and exquisite design, compared to the traditional desktop operating system, CutefishOS pays more attention to design and user experience, CutefishOS refers to a large number of mobile design elements, in the interaction and visual also appear more dynamic. CutefishOS is still in beta and there is no stable version yet.

CutefishOS is also an open source project with project address:

https://github.com/cutefishos

7

Another option for gamers is Fedora 36

While Fedora isn't considered an ideal distribution for Linux gamers, they've been working hard to make their Workstation version the latest and greatest features. An impressive example is the Fedora 35 release, which debuted at GNOME 41 and introduced a new KDE variant.

Fedora 36 isn't necessarily better suited for gamers, but the expected change is wayland and GNOME 42 with Nvidia's proprietary drivers by default.

Official Expected Updates:

https://www.fedoraproject.org/wiki/Releases/36/ChangeSet

Reference Links:

https://news.itsfoss.com/linux-distro-releases-2022/