The worst Linux distributions to avoid if you're starting out

When we think of Linux, we usually associate it with freedom, security, and total control of the systemAnd, to be honest, it almost always delivers. However, that doesn't mean that all distributions in the ecosystem offer the same experience or the same levels of [performance/performance]. reliabilityThere are distros that are a delight to start with… and others that can turn your arrival on Linux into a real nightmare.

In the world of free software there are also controversial projects, questionable decisions, and distributions that, due to their complexity, extreme approach, or even dubious practicesIt's best to avoid them if you're just starting out or if you only want a stable system for everyday use. In the following lines, we'll review both complex distributions designed for very advanced users, as well as others that suffer from serious security, privacy, or usability problems, and even the curious case of Ubuntu, which, while not a bad distribution, has taken paths that aren't to everyone's liking.

Really problematic Linux distributions you should avoid

Not all distributions that resemble Windows or promise to be revolutionary They are not necessarily a good idea. In this first section, we'll look at several examples of projects that have raised serious concerns among security communities, privacy experts, and veteran users.

Think about it, just like with some browser extensions or apps de AndroidThere are also seemingly innocent systems that conceal poor data processing practices, poorly protected infrastructure or activation models that directly clash with the philosophy of free software. The recommendation here isn't so much that they "don't exist," but rather that you know exactly what you're getting into before installing them.

Winux (and its LinuxFX / Wubuntu heritage)

Winux presents itself as a modern distribution, based on Ubuntu, with a desk that very successfully imitates the appearance of Windows 11For a new user, it might seem like the perfect option: visually very similar to Windows, with familiar menus and an unpretentious style. The problem is that behind that friendly appearance lies a rather murky past.

This distro is directly related to previous projects such as LinuxFX and WubuntuThese initiatives have a history of controversy, leaks, and decisions that are far from aligned with the Linux philosophy. In these projects, a activation database fully exposed on the Internet, accessible without any protection.

This database included sensitive information such as email addresses, IP addresses, and registration keys of thousands of users. This revealed two very serious issues: first, that the system applied a centralized "activation" mechanism in the style of Windows, which is already highly questionable in a Linux environment; and second, that the entire infrastructure was poorly configured and lacked even the most basic security measures.

Winux is, to a large extent, The same concept, rebranded, with the same team behind itEven with a rebranding and a name change, questions about privacy, security, and activation architecture remain. Therefore, many advanced users and security experts believe that simply using this system poses an unnecessary risk.

RedStar OS: When the operating system is a surveillance tool

RedStar OS is an extreme and very particular case. It is the official operating system of North KoreaIt was specifically designed to give the state total control over its citizens' digital activity. Normally, no one outside that regime uses it, but it serves as a perfect example of what happens when a government decides to turn an operating system into a comprehensive surveillance mechanism.

This system includes a mechanism for Watermarks that automatically label all documents and files that are created or opened. In this way, it is possible to trace the origin of each file, know who generated it, who modified it, and how it has spread. In other words, every digital trace is systematically recorded.

It also includes a supposed "antivirus" whose Its main function is not to protect from malwarebut rather detect attempts to disable the system's monitoring layers. If the user tries to modify internal components, tamper with the firewall, or access restricted areas without permission, the system itself may restart automatically or generate deliberate errors to prevent it.

RedStar OS also continuously scans content, with a censorship module that locates and removes files categorized as unauthorized without user intervention. Conceptually, it is an operating system that embodies completely intrusive surveillance, far removed from the idea of ​​freedom, transparency, and user control that is usually associated with Linux.

Ubuntu: a popular distro that isn't always the best choice

The case of Ubuntu is curious because, being one of the most recommended distributions for startersIt has also garnered criticism for the direction it has taken over the years. We're not talking about an insecure or poorly maintained distro: on the contrary, it's quite robust, has clear support cycles, and a huge community. The problem is that, compared to what it was in its early days, it's becoming increasingly cumbersome and less flexible for some users.

One of the most notable points is its desktop environment based on GNOME, which is not exactly the most optimized in terms of resource consumptionThere are alternatives, such as Linux Mint (with Cinnamon) or Debian itself with other environments, which can be lighter and more agile, especially on computers that are a few years old.

Nor should we overlook the strong commitment to Snap, Canonical's universal packaging systemWhile Snap has advantages, its backend operates under its own license, and the official store is entirely under the company's control. In practical terms, this is quite similar to the centralized store model of other systems, something that doesn't entirely convince some members of the community.

Another recurring complaint is that Canonical introduces frequent changes to the interface and user experienceThe modified GNOME that comes pre-installed isn't always to everyone's liking, and those who get used to one version will find noticeable changes in the next. For a new user, this might not be a big deal, but for those who prioritize workflow stability, it can become annoying.

Despite all this, Ubuntu remains one of the distros most used in the world, with a market share of approximately one-third Linux on the desktop. That is to say, it's not a "bad distribution," but nowadays there are many equally easy-to-use alternatives that don't carry so much weight, don't depend so much on their own store, and don't change their appearance so often.

Distributions that are a nightmare if you're just starting out

A distro that's questionable because of its philosophy or practices is one thing, but quite another are... distributions designed for advanced users who enjoy wrestling with the line of commandsIf you're coming from Windows, want something simple, and want to use the computer without getting into the nitty-gritty of the system, it's best to stay away from these options until you're more experienced.

Many of the distributions in this section focus on maximum customization, extreme performance, or experimentation. They're great for learning and getting the most out of Linux, but they also demand... time, patience and technical knowledgeFor a novice, they can turn the experience into something frustrating and make them end up thinking that Linux "is complicated", when in reality there are much more user-friendly options.

Linux From Scratch (LFS): building the system from scratch

Linux From Scratch isn't really a typical distribution, but rather a An extremely detailed guide to creating your own Linux system by compiling everything from source codeWhat it offers is a foundation based on the kernel and the essential tools for you to build your own distro piece by piece.

The main objective of LFS is educational: it seeks to ensure you fully understand three essential pillars: compile the kernel, install the basic system software and configure the necessary drivers and services so that the hardware It works. When you complete the process, you not only have a fully customized distribution, but you've also learned a great deal about how traditional distributions are assembled internally.

In terms of technical requirements, with a Quad-core CPU and 8 GB of RAM You should be able to compile the system without too many performance issues. The real hurdle isn't the hardware, but your level of knowledge. If you barely know the terminal If you're coming from Windows with no prior experience, following the LFS documentation can become a very high wall.

Therefore, although Linux From Scratch is fascinating for advanced users or for anyone who wants to understand Linux "from scratch," it is a poor choice as a first contact with the ecosystemIt is much more advisable to start with distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora or similar, and leave LFS as a challenge for later, when you are more comfortable with it.

Gentoo: maximum power in exchange for compiling everything

Gentoo is famous for its philosophy: Everything is compiled from source code to best suit your machine.The result, when properly tuned, can be a highly optimized and fast system, with packages tailored to the architecture and your exact preferences. But that very idea is what makes it one of the most complex distributions.

If you've ever tried to compile a single program from code, you'll already know what it's like to chase after problems. chains of dependencies that seem to never endYou install one library, you need another, then another, and so on. Gentoo extends this dynamic to a large part of the system: from the base environment itself to many applications.

The power that Portage (its package system) and the famous USE flags give you is enormous, but it also implies having Clearly what you want to activate, what you want to deactivate, and what effects each change will have.For someone who hasn't yet mastered the basics of Linux, this is asking too much and could lead to a brutal clash with the system.

In practice, Gentoo is best enjoyed once you've mastered the console, understand dependencies, and are willing to invest time configuring the system to your liking. Before reaching that point, the wisest course of action is do not approach Gentoo as your first distrobecause frustration is practically guaranteed.

Arch Linux: total freedom, unfriendly installation

Arch Linux has become well known for its motto «keep it simpleBut that "simplicity" refers to the internal philosophy, not necessarily to the experience of a novice user. It's a lightweight distribution with modest minimum requirements, and its rolling release approach gives you constant access to the latest versions of the programs.

The biggest problem for beginners is the initial installation and configuration process. For years, installing Arch meant Do everything from the command line, without a graphical assistant.Today there is the archinstall tool, which simplifies part of the process by asking questions and automating some steps, but even so, many technical decisions still need to be clear.

Arch lets you build your system from scratch: you choose what to install, which desktop environment to use, which services to enable, how to manage partitioning… That freedom is wonderful when you already know what you're doing, but for a newcomer it's very easy to get lost among the options. documentation, commands, and options that you do not understand.

Furthermore, Arch uses its own package manager, Pacman, with a unique syntax and dependency management system that differs from Debian-based distributions. It's not complicated once you get used to it, but it adds another layer of learning that you might not want to tackle right at the start.

Slackware: experience and stability, in exchange for doing almost everything manually.

Slackware is one of the older distributions in the Linux ecosystem And it has a reputation for being very stable and conservative in its updates. That has its advantages: fewer abrupt changes, fewer surprises, and a system that is usually rock-solid once configured.

The flip side of that coin is that Slackware It does not incorporate many modern amenities. to which users of other distributions have become accustomed. There isn't as much automation in updates; the package system (slackpkg) requires you to carefully manage what is installed and what is removed, and there is no automatic dependency resolution like APT or DNF.

To install and maintain software in Slackware you will need to Read a lot of documentation, refer to manual pages, and really understand what's going on.It's a fantastic distro for those who value that control and don't mind investing time, but it's incredibly unfriendly for someone looking for something similar to clicking "Install" in an app store.

NixOS: declarative configuration for very methodical users

NixOS is a distro with a very peculiar approach: the entire system is managed through a declarative configuration in text filesInstead of tweaking things piecemeal, you define how you want the system to be, and NixOS takes care of leaving it in that state. It's pure power for those who love reproducibility and cleanliness, but also a challenge.

Its package manager, Nix, is unique and forces consider the configuration of each component: graphical interface, network, services, security, etc. Furthermore, installing non-free software requires additional steps, such as adjusting the option nixpkgs.config.allowUnfree = true in the /etc/nixos/configuration.nix file, something that may sound like gibberish to someone who has just arrived in Linux.

Official documentation is helpful, and search engines like search.nixos.org make it easier to find out how to install a specific program, but the system still requires a A significant mental shift compared to classic distrosIf what you want is to install Linux, open your browser and get on with your life, NixOS is not the best entry point.

Void Linux: Total independence… and a steeper learning curve

Void Linux is another distribution that stands out from the norm because It is not based on any otherIt was built from scratch. This independence is evident in decisions such as the use of the xbps package manager or the abandonment of systemd as the init system in favor of alternatives like runit or OpenRC.

The xbps package manager has its own syntax, with commands like sudo xbps-install -S package to install software. It also allows compiling from source code using xbps-src, cloning repositories, and using specific commands to build and install packages. This provides flexibility, but it also presents another barrier for those hoping for something more "plug and play."

Although Void supports technologies like Flatpak, which facilitates the installation of modern applications, it does not offer it as standard. such polished graphical interfaces or assistants like other more popular distributions. And because it doesn't use systemd, much of the information available online doesn't directly fit: a good portion of tutorials and guides They assume that your system uses systemd.

All of this makes Void Linux an interesting option for users who want Explore different alternatives, learn and play with the system architectureBut it is clearly not advisable as a starting point for someone who has not yet memorized even the basic commands.

OpenBSD: ultra secure, but it's not Linux and it's not for beginners

Although it is not a Linux distribution, OpenBSD often appears on many lists of free alternatives, especially when talking about safety and robustnessIt is a system derived from the BSD family, extremely careful with vulnerabilities and with a philosophy very focused on audited code and minimizing risks.

For tasks like running highly sensitive servers or projects where security is paramount, OpenBSD is a fantastic option. However, for someone who simply wants Replacing Windows 10 on an older PC And having a simple desktop environment is a bad idea to start here.

OpenBSD requires comfort with the command line, a good understanding of its particular way of configuring services, and accept that it's not LinuxMany guides, packages, and tutorials that work on Debian, Ubuntu, or Fedora won't work here. Therefore, although it deserves a mention, it shouldn't be on your list of options for your first experience with free software.

What you should look for if you're a beginner

In contrast to all of the above, there are distros that have done an excellent job in terms of simplify installation and everyday useUbuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin OS, Fedora, or even user-friendly Arch derivatives like Manjaro are examples of systems that you can install, update, and use without having to struggle too much with the terminal.

According to compilations like Distrowatch's, today there are Hundreds of active distribution channels, each with its own audienceSome are very technical and spartan, others are full of visual details, and some are geared towards video games or for penetration testing, and others designed for basic office tasks and browsing. And if you don't find exactly what you need, there's always the option of creating your own derivative based on established distributions like Debian or Ubuntu itself.

This diversity also fuels the typical discussions within the community: dialectical battles about which layout is more difficult, which desktop is better or which one offers the highest performance. Just like the eternal wars between editors like vi and emacs, or between environments like KDE and GNOME, the fights between fans of different distros are part of Linux folklore.

If you're new, it's wise to steer clear of those conflicts and prioritize a distro that allows you to learn without overwhelming youSomething with a graphical installer, good documentation, an active community, and sufficient hardware support. There will be time to experiment with Linux From Scratch, Gentoo, or NixOS when you've mastered the command line and want to take things a step (or several) further.

Between distributions that compromise privacy, systems designed as state tools to monitor every file, projects with poorly designed activation infrastructures, and initiatives conceived as extreme technical challenges, there's a large group of options that are best left aside at first. Choosing a simple, well-supported, and honest distribution in its approach It makes the difference between hating Linux from the first opportunity or discovering a versatile, powerful system full of possibilities that, if chosen well, can make you forget about Windows for many years.