Getting Linux
You’ve decided Linux is right for you. Now comes the big question: which one?
Linux comes in many versions called “distributions” (or “distros” for short). Each one packages Linux with different default apps, settings, and design choices. Think of it like how Android looks and feels different on a Samsung versus a Pixel, even though it’s the same system underneath.
You don’t need to try them all. Here are our recommendations.
Our Top Pick: Universal Blue#
Universal Blue distributions are built on top of Fedora, but with one major advantage: they’re designed to be unbreakable. The core system updates as a single image, so a bad update can’t leave you with a broken computer. Install your apps, do your work, and don’t worry about the rest.
All Universal Blue distros support Flatpak out of the box, which means Defenestra’s products work immediately with no extra setup. Nvidia graphics cards are also supported automatically, no extra drivers to install.
Bluefin#
Bluefin is our recommendation for general everyday use. It uses the GNOME desktop, which has a clean, minimal design that focuses on staying out of your way. Defenestra’s products are built with GNOME in mind, so everything looks and feels right at home.
Aurora#
Aurora offers the same reliability as Bluefin, but uses the KDE Plasma desktop instead. KDE Plasma will feel familiar if you’re coming from Windows: taskbar along the bottom, a start menu, and a system tray in the corner. It’s also highly customizable if you want to make it your own.
Bazzite#
Bazzite is built for gaming. It comes ready to play with controller support, Steam, and performance tweaks already configured. That said, it works just as well as a general-purpose desktop. If you game and want everything set up from the start, Bazzite is the way to go.
Traditional Options#
If you’d rather have a more traditional Linux experience with full control over your system, these are great choices. Unlike Universal Blue, these distros use a conventional package manager, giving you more hands-on control over what gets installed and updated.
Fedora#
Modern, well-maintained, and the foundation that Universal Blue is built on. Fedora has great Flatpak support, so Defenestra’s products work right out of the box.
Ubuntu & Kubuntu#
Ubuntu is the most widely recognized name in Linux. It has the largest community, the most third-party software support, and nearly every Linux tutorial online is written with Ubuntu in mind. If you ever need to search for help, chances are someone has already answered your question for Ubuntu.
Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop (clean and minimal), while Kubuntu uses KDE Plasma (Windows-like layout with more customization). They’re the same system underneath, just with a different look and feel.
Ubuntu defaults to its own app format called Snap instead of Flatpak, so installing Defenestra’s products takes an extra step. Our setup guide walks you through it.
Coming Soon: DefenestraOS#
We’re building our own Linux distribution, designed from the ground up to work perfectly with all of our tools. No extra setup, no driver headaches, no compromises.
Stay tuned.
Once You’ve Picked a Distro#
After installing Linux, use Slipgate to bring your files, apps, and settings over from your old system. It’s designed to make the move as painless as possible.