Most Popular Linux Distributions of 2011: 3rd Quarter

Written by: Tolga BALCI • Edited by: Michael Dougherty
Updated Oct 7, 2011 • Related Guides: Linux Distribution | Linux | Ubuntu

We have closed the third quarter of 2011. We would like to look at how the Linux distros performed up to now. We will see the shares of the major Linux distros and their performance in the last 9 month period. Jump right in to see how your favorite Linux distribution performed this quarter.

Introduction

Ubuntu, openSuSE, Mandriva, Fedora, Debian, distrowars, mine is better than yours. Newcomers, intermediate users, advanced users, kernel hackers, switchers from Windows, dual-booters, servers, workstations, desktops...

We have closed the 3rd quarter of 2011 with all these discussions continuously going on in the forums (to nowhere basically), but who is to decide for the Linux distros at the end? Of course the public is and here we have the results for the major Linux distributions.

Most Popular Linux Distributions of 2011 3rd Quarter

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The data has been compiled from Distrowatch as of July 1, 2011 and was based on average page hits per day for the specified period. This gives us the information about the popularity of the distributions.

Ubuntu

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Ubuntu, the famous Debian based Linux distro, tops the list and (the numbers presented include all derivatives like Kubuntu, Fluxbuntu etc) which is not surprising. Since the first release Ubuntu is always taking its place in the top three. It's very easy to download, install and use. The download is one CD which is actually a Live CD, meaning that you do not need to install the system on your computer. Place the CD in your CD/DVD tray and boot your computer from the optical drive and you are ready for your Ubuntu experience. When the system runs from the CD, it does not make any changes to your system. However all the configuration's that you make while running the live CD are not applied and are not lost when you shut down your computer. The software installation and package management is fantastic, thanks to Debian package management system (apt: advanced package tool). Ubuntu is a community Linux distro, sponsored by Canonical. It is suitable for a wide range of users, from newcomers to advance users and there is also a server edition available. Ubuntu is released twice a year in April and October. The current stable version is 11.4. Users have the option to install Ubuntu inside their existing Windows installation just like any other program, or migrate their documents and settings thanks to the WUBI installer.

LinuxMint

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Linux Mint is a community driven popular Linux distro topping the third place in 2008 and the second place in 2010. At the beginning Linux Mint was Ubuntu with integrated multimedia codecs. The project's core competency is being too close to its community. You can make a request online and may see it adapted with the mainstream release. It has its own configuration tools to make users lives easier and compatible with Ubuntu. One more strong recommendation for the newcomers.

Fedora

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Fedora is one of the community Linux distributions sponsored by RedHat. The distribution is easy to download, install and use. The Anaconda graphical tool allows the user to easily install and configure their system. The package management is strong and deploying software is very easy, as the other popular Linux distros. Fedora has the option to embed SE Linux (SE stands for Security Enhanced) during the installation which adds to an already secure system. The distro can also be installed as a server. But this time it will not install graphical user interface by default. This is another recommended distro for the newcomers and pros.

Debian

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Debian is regarded as the mother of all community Linux distributions by some sources. It's history and development have taken on many streams, and as with the previous release, Debian developers have provided a graphical installation interface. Previously everything was done via the command line. However, switching the graphic installation needs a special command install GUI. Otherwise it will continue with a text-based install. Debian does not employ the latest software but rather the tested and stable ones. After the installation the system configuration is done with the making changes in the configuration files, which many of the newcomers find difficult. Therefore this popular Linux distro is considered to be more suitable for the intermediate level users or for the users who want to get a better understanding of the system.

openSUSE

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openSUSE another community Linux distribution sponsored by Novell takes the second place without surprise. OpenSUSE again is an easy install and use system. One of the competencies of the distribution is the graphical installation and configuration utility, called YaST (Yet Another Setup Tool). YaST allows the user to configure almost everything about their system; from printers, bluetooth devices, modem to partioning without going deep in the configuration files and editing them manually. OpenSUSE also has another application called AppArmor which is a security measure against online and offline threats. AppArmor manages policies for each application, which system resources can access a particular application. Software installation is done with YaST which is easy and powerful as Ubuntu. This is one of the Linux distros that newcomers can install. As well as for IT Pros to use to deploy their servers. OpenSUSE is released twice a year and comes in a DVD. OpenSUSE is also available in a box set containing a printed user guide, plus 90-days of installation support.

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Ebaychatter Nov 21, 2011 6:46 AM

RE: Most Popular Linux Distributions of 2011: 3rd Quarter

i think there are not enough linux distro. let me make mine

Tolga BALCI Apr 12, 2011 1:07 AM

Re: Canterbury?

Hello Joshua,

Yes, I have catched that and corrected the article. I think you read it just before the update.

Thank you for pointing this out.

Regards,
Tolga

Joshua J Mallory Apr 11, 2011 10:19 AM

Canterbury?

You said, "There will no more be Debian, openSUSE, Gento, Arch and Grml. The name for the united distribution will be Canterbury." I say, "Check your news sources."

Tolga BALCI Apr 8, 2011 2:10 AM

Re: Somewhat strongly inacurate

Hello,

Thank you very much for your comments and pointing to the server market.

I cannot say I disagree with you, but my personal opinion on the server market is that, Red Hat dominates, followed by CentOS and Ubuntu. There are of course other Linux admins who run Debian, Gentoo or other flavors. However, This fragmentation on the server market -excluding Red Hat- comes close to our "popular" list.

Regards,
Tolga

Anonymous Apr 7, 2011 1:42 PM

Somewhat strongly inacurate

While I respect how the stats were compiled, it's a huge understatement to use this as anything but unofficial statistics. This includes only desktop users, while most Unices are used in server environments.

At best, this should be looked at as an indication of the trends for Desktop users, but not generalized as "Most popular linux distributions", as it is clearly not the case.

Charles Feb 3, 2010 6:37 PM

I think that Distrowatch stat mostly represent desktop use.

I'm a Debian user, I have my ssh windows always open and connected to my Debian boxes. But when I visit distrowatch I'm using OSX, Ubuntu, or something else. (even windows sometime!).

I'm pretty sure that if you calculate server installation the top 5 would be more like Debian, Redhat, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Slack

Tolga BALCI Feb 1, 2010 6:04 AM

Re: Comment

Hello Yathaid,

Thank you for your comments. Please note that the article takes the top distributions from Distrowatch. If we did not include Dream Linux in the list, it does not mean that it will not be included in the future. The new article is under progress, and as John Lucas's comment on Sabayon, the distro is advancing rapidly to the top in Distrowatch and it will be included in the update.

Regards,
Tolga

Yathaid Feb 1, 2010 5:18 AM

Comment

How is DreamLinux not here?? Has a very snazzy looking UI and has out of the box support for almost everything...

Jipo Sep 16, 2009 2:10 PM

I believe Ubuntu is the best, is the most user friendly linux distribution in my opinion.

John Lucas Jun 18, 2009 12:15 AM

Missing Sabayon Linux!

I was very surprised to not see "Sabayon Linux" on this list. Sabayon is a completely pre-configured installation installed as a decompressed disc image. It comes complete with all drivers, media codecs and about every program you could possibly think of including several Media Centers and games.

Their motto is K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid). Leaving very little for a new user to just begin to use it. Even Compiz-Fusion is pre-installed and configured!

Please take a look at Sabayon. As I am only one of the more that 8 Million downloaders of this great Italian Distro! :D

http://www.sabayonlinux.org/

Most Popular Linux Distributions of 2011: 3rd Quarter

Introduction

Ubuntu

LinuxMint

Fedora

Debian

openSUSE

Comments