The 5 best Linux distributions for students – from middle school to college

Linux used to be a tool for programmers, hackers, and elite (remember, l33t?) users. Over time, that shifted, and now Linux is a viable OS for any type of user — even students.

Linux is right at home in an educational environment. I would go so far as to say it’s even better suited than either MacOS or Windows because of cost, reliability, security, and flexibility. There’s just so much you can do with Linux that you can’t do with the competition.

Also: The Linux file system structure explained

But what distributions are best suited for students? I’ve created a list covering several age ranges (from middle school to university) to help students and teachers decide on which Linux distros to try.

With that said, let’s get to the list.

1. Edubuntu

Edubuntu is an official Ubuntu spin that is geared toward education. The goal of Edubuntu is to bring the freedom of the Linux desktop and the vast library of software to the classroom. The desktop environment is pretty standard Ubuntu but the included software emphasizes that this OS is all about students. 

Also: Edubuntu: The Ubuntu-based OS that brings Linux to the classroom (and home)

Edubuntu includes software covering a wide range of subjects, such as math, science, programming, language, creativity, CAD design, geography, chemistry, genealogy, typing, and more. There’s also GCompris, which is geared toward learning and entertainment for ages 2 through 10. On top of that, Edubuntu also includes the standard list of applications, such as the Firefox web browser, LibreOffice, and all the utilities you’ll need, making it a great option for students of all ages and skills.

Edubuntu is free to download and install.

2. DebianEdu

DebianEdu (aka Skolelinux — Norwegian for “school linux”) is based on Debian and is great for students and teachers. DebianEdu began its life as two different projects but eventually merged in 2003 and the developers have been producing new releases ever since. You’ll find hundreds of educational tools in DebianEdu, covering subjects such as astronomy, chemistry, programming, geography, language, mathematics, and more. 

Also: 10 Linux apps I can’t do without – and why

Of course, like Edubuntu, DebianEdu also includes all of the traditional desktop apps required for daily usage. One thing that sets DebianEdu apart is that it includes a pre-configured terminal server which simplifies installing the OS over an entire network of computers. 

DebianEdu also features user centralization (for centralized user management), proxy caching (for internet supervision), resource sharing (to share things like printers), and the ability to use older computers without compromise.

DebianEdu can be downloaded and installed for free.

3. Sugar

Sugar is geared toward younger students, as is obvious from its icon-based environment (the desktop is comprised of nothing but icons for ease of use). The idea behind Sugar is “cognitive and social constructivism.” The developers believe children are not office workers, so they require a special desktop interface that encourages active engagement and creativity. 

Also: 7 things I never do after I install Linux (and why you shouldn’t either)

The activities found on Sugar are geared toward reading, writing, counting, and other fundamental skills. Sugar can be installed on an existing Linux environment or you can use it via a special distribution, called Sugar On a Stick. You can download SOAS with a Fedora, Ubuntu,  or Debian base, so whichever you’re familiar with is the one to choose.

Sugar can be downloaded and installed for free.

4. Endless OS

Endless OS is another distribution that goes a different route for the UI. Instead of the traditional panel and menu, you’ll find what looks like the GNOME application overview as the default interface, along with a dock to include any apps added to the Favorites.

Also: Endless OS vastly simplifies the Linux desktop so anyone can enjoy it

Endless OS is immutable, which means it’s considerably more secure than the traditional OS. On top of that, you can use the pre-installed applications without an active internet connection. 

One important piece of software is called Endless Key, which allows you to learn from hundreds of different topics, even without an internet connection. Although you do have to have a connection to download the different “packs,” once downloaded, they function fully when the system is unplugged from the network, thus making it a great option for those who want to keep their students focused on the work at hand and not the myriad distractions found on the internet.

Endless OS can be downloaded and installed for free.

5. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is not education-centric but it’s still a great choice for students, especially those in high school or college. I placed this distribution on the list because it is so easy to use. Linux Mint sticks with a very traditional desktop interface, meaning almost any student will instantly be familiar with the UI. 

Also: How to replace Windows with Linux Mint on your PC

Although Linux Mint doesn’t ship with a bevy of education-focused applications, most high school students should have everything they need to hit the ground running. Couple that with the usual Linux reliability and security, and Linux Mint is a great option for those in high school, college, and beyond.

You can download and install Linux Mint for free.

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