The 5 best rolling release Linux distributions - and why you should be using one

12 hours ago 1

The 5 best rolling release Linux distributions - and why you should be using one

Choice is one of the greatest things about Linux. You get to choose which version of the open-source operating system you use, what desktop environment you want, how secure you want it to be, and so much more. Linux is rife with choice, and that ideal permeates the platform.

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One choice is whether or not to go with a traditional release or a rolling release. So, what's a rolling release? Let me take a step back and explain.

What is a rolling release?

When you download and install a traditional distribution, it might be on, for example, version 10. You use the distro and it works well. A few months later, the team behind that distro releases 10.1, so you upgrade to that version. Next, they release 10.2. Both these "point" releases include bug fixes, security patches, and more. A year later, the team releases version 11, a major release with fixes and new features.

Should you upgrade from 10.2 to 11 or run a fresh installation?

From my experience, most Linux distributions are good at upgrading from major to major or point to major updates. That doesn't mean the upgrade is 100% guaranteed to be flawless. I remember that things went sideways during one particular upgrade from a point to a major Ubuntu release, and I wound up doing a fresh install anyway.

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A rolling release does away with point releases. Instead, you'd install version 10 of the rolling release and updates would be available as they are released. Over time, thanks to those frequent updates, you'd move from version 10 to 11 without having to do anything. The update happens and it's a spiffy experience. In short, rolling releases do away with major version upgrades because everything occurs incrementally.

The rolling release model allows for rapid deployment of new features and security patches. I've used rolling release distributions and never experienced a problem with the upgrade process; it's as seamless and painless as you can imagine.

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In the end, the benefits of using a rolling release distribution include:

Immediate access to new features and enhancements
Simpler, more frequent updates
Rapid bug fixes and security patches
Greater customizability

Of course, nothing is without its challenges and rolling release distributions can suffer from:

Stability issues from less thorough testing
Increased maintenance
Compatibility issues with third-party software

With that said, let's look at my five favorite rolling release distributions.

1. openSUSE Tumbleweed

I have a soft spot in my heart for openSUSE because I've worked with SUSE and found the people behind the distribution to be pretty wonderful. The best thing about openSUSE Tumbleweed is that it's been around for years and is based on an even older OS. Another reason I appreciate openSUSE Tumbleweed is YaST. With YaST, you can configure all sorts of services and advanced features.

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One reason to opt for openSUSE is if you already use a distribution that depends on the RPM package manager. As openSUSE has a massive repository of software, you won't want for applications.

You can download an ISO for openSUSE Tumbleweed from the official openSUSE download page.

The default openSUSE Tumbleweed desktop.

2. Rhino Linux

I'm not gonna lie: I like Rhino Linux because it's beautiful. This distro never fails to take me by surprise, given Rhino uses the Xfce desktop (which might be known for being highly flexible, but not overly elegant).

Also: 5 ways to make the Xfce desktop more enjoyable to use

Rhino Linux is not just a pretty face. One nifty aspect of Rhino Linux is you get a variety of package managers that you wouldn't otherwise find on an Ubuntu-based distribution. The default is pacstall, but you also get apt, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImages, which equates to a large amount of software available for this distribution. I covered Rhino Linux here, so can you read through that piece to get an even clearer picture of the distribution.

Download an ISO of Rhino Linux here.

3. Manjaro Linux

Manjaro is the most popular distribution based on Arch. As Arch is a rolling release distribution, so to is Manjaro. Manjaro offers an elegant take on the KDE Plasma desktop and has a version with GNOME or Xfce.

One interesting thing about Manjaro is that the distro offers a cascading stability approach, which means there are several versions you can use: base, unstable, testing, and stable. Of course, if this distro is your daily OS, you'll want to go with stable. I've covered Manjaro here, so read that piece for more detailed information.

You can download an ISO of Manjaro here.

4. Void Linux

One reason I placed Void Linux on this list is because it's one of the few rolling release distributions made from scratch. Void is not based on Debian, Ubuntu, Arch, or Fedora.

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Another good reason to add this distribution to the list is that, although Void is a rolling release distribution, it's not considered "bleeding edge" (such as those based on Arch), which means it'll be more stable. At the same time, you still get the most updated (and stable) version of all the installed software. One thing to note about working with Void Linux is that you should be an experienced user. If you've only just begun your Linux journey, avoid the Void.

You can download an ISO for Void Linux here.

5. Solus Linux

Solus is a great distribution. Designed for home users, Solus delivers a cohesive desktop experience with plenty of customizations available, thanks to either the Budgie or Xfce versions. The inclusion of the Budgie desktop gave Solus the nod to be included here. I love the Budgie desktop and firmly believe it's one of the best options for those new to Linux.

I've covered Solus before, calling it a no-frills desktop distribution that makes using Linux a no-brainer. I stand by that statement and believe any user would feel at home on a Budgie desktop. Another interesting thing about Solus is that the distro, like Void Linux, was made from scratch. Don't let that scare you away because the distro's "scratch-ness" doesn't show.

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Solus is a do-anything distribution, which means you can use this desktop Linux distribution for nearly anything.

Download an ISO for Solus here.