You can utilize the power of this tiny computer to give life to your model train scenery, learn to code, explore home automation solutions, launch a web server, monitor your home network, or water your plants automatically.
Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch, Debian, and Pop! OS now offer an ARM-based version for the Raspberry Pi bringing an affordable everyday desktop solution to your home. Let’s review these options so that you can decide which one is right for your Raspberry Pi.
1. Fedora
This Redhat based OS is known to be ultra stable, relatively easy to install, and (most of the time) work well immediately after the installation is complete.
Fedora includes support of camera add-ons, touch controls, and expansion HATs for Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 models out of the box.
If you’re not familiar with Fedora’s RPM-based installation tool (DNF) then you can install Snapd and Flatpak in order to get most applications that you need. As well, you can utilize the included software center to download common applications.
After you confirm that you are using Fedora 29 (or later), it is recommended to review the official guide on the Official Fedora Project Page before moving forward.
2. Ubuntu
Ubuntu has earned a lot of popularity as one of the first Linux versions after making the first leap from Windows to Linux.
If you are keen to play with Docker containers, reverse proxies, or Apache server software then Ubuntu server is right for you. You can still use the Ubuntu desktop without issues so long as you choose the correct version. Ubuntu has taken the extra step to provide a Raspberry Pi “certification” for each Ubuntu version to ensure that your experience installing Ubuntu onto your Raspberry Pi is very positive.
Coming from Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu will feel very familiar as you will continue to utilize the apt command line application management tool. Whether you’re keen to start up a server, or simply enjoy the desktop experience, grab the Ubuntu Raspberry Pi image and consult our guide to installing Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi for details.
3. EndeavourOS
Arch Linux (Arch) has been developing ARM-based solutions since 2009. Thanks to influential YouTube creators and Valve’s initiative to deliver a high-quality Linux-based gaming handheld device (the Steam Deck), Arch has garnered a lot of recent attention.
The mission, of Arch, is to allow advanced power users to have full control over their operating system while continuing to deliver new OS enhancements to you in hours (not weeks or months) through its porting system.
The problem with full control is that the initial setup can be rather complex for the uninitiated. If you’re not familiar with tools such as Pacman, AUR, or Yay, this will take some time to get used to.
EndeavourOS creates a straightforward experience when installing Arch Linux. You may have heard of the PinePhone or the Pinebook laptop (both of which focus on data privacy). Both are great examples of practical uses of the Arch Linux image, EndeavourOS.
The minds behind this distribution promise to deliver a small footprint, easy-to-use installer, as well as great resources and community support. Check out Artemis, and other flavors, on the official EndeavourOS download and install guide.
4. Debian
Debian is the foundation that the Raspberry Pi OS is built on and comes with a long history of revisions, improvements, and updates. First released in the mid-1990s, Debian is stable, dependable, and comes standard with a giant software repository for your needs.
Debian is a great ‘back to basics’ option (especially when running in headless server mode where a display is not required). There have been some issues with previous images of ARM-based Debian versions; however, many fixes and updates are actively being completed.
Consult our guide on how to download and install Debian to get started.
5. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu and has a custom GNOME desktop environment called COSMIC. System76 is the company behind this version of Linux. Recently, System76 and HP have collaborated to deliver a developer-focused laptop with Pop!_OS pre-installed.
System76 is focused on creating an operating system that encourages discovery instead of causing unnecessary disruptions throughout your creative process. Another focus, for System76, is to ensure that your installation is secured by default.
Using APT and Flatpack will allow you to explore deep learning, coding and engineering, media production, or science and biology applications, along with all the usual applications.
Download the Pop!_OS image from the official Pop!_OS page and consult our guide to installing Pop!_OS on your Rasbperry Pi for details.
What Major Linux Distribution Will You Try Next?
Many community members were a bit heartbroken to learn that Mint does not plan to offer an ARM-based variant in the near future. This was a bit of a surprise for many as the Linux Mint distribution is well received by many power users.
It is no surprise that there are a few hiccups with these newer releases from popular Linux distributions. Overall, the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 will have the most stable success with ARM-based options from Fedora, Ubuntu, EndeavourOS, Debian, and Pop!_ OS, with all distros aiming for full Raspberry Pi 4 compatibility. Most functions will work well; however, some tweaking may be involved.
This is why the Raspberry Pi is so great. Although many who are curious love to explore complex projects, others are quite satisfied testing new Linux versions to find that perfect desktop solution too. If you are not familiar with installing a Linux operating system onto the Raspberry Pi please visit our guide for help with installing an operating system on a Raspberry Pi.
