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Fedora

Key info

Distro type
Fixed releases
Built on
Independent
Package manager
DNF
Focus
Newer software
Difficulty
Some setup

Fedora provides recent software in fixed releases. Workstation uses the GNOME desktop, while the KDE Plasma Desktop edition offers a different desktop layout and tools.

A new Fedora version arrives about every six months, with each version supported for about 13 months. You don’t have to upgrade as soon as a new version comes out.

Fedora GNOME desktop in the Activities overview.
Source: Fedora (opens in a new tab)

Unique features

  • Desktop choice: GNOME, KDE, and more.
  • Newer software: Recent Linux features without much setup.
  • Fedora Labs: Software bundles for music, science, and design.

Pros

  • Recent software, ready-to-use desktop.
  • GNOME, KDE and other desktop choices.

Cons

  • Each version gets about 13 months of support.
  • NVIDIA drivers and some media support need extra setup.

Choose this if...

  • You want newer software.
  • You want a desktop that's already set up.
  • You're happy to upgrade roughly once a year.

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