Disktro is a centralized resource hub for discovering and comparing Linux distributions. We provide direct links to official distribution mirrors, making it simpler for users to find the perfect Linux distribution for their needs without having to search across multiple websites. We don't host any ISO files ourselves; instead, we connect you directly to the official sources.

While you can certainly go directly to each distribution's official website, Disktro offers several advantages:

• Centralized Directory: We save you time by providing direct links to all major distributions in one place
• Comparison Tools: Our side-by-side comparison tool helps you evaluate distributions based on features, system requirements, and use cases
• Consistent Interface: Navigate different distributions with a unified experience, rather than learning different website layouts
• Curated Information: We provide standardized, easy-to-understand information about each distribution
• Simple Discovery: Our categorization and filtering help you find distributions that match your specific needs
• Beginner Guidance: Our Getting Started guide helps newcomers choose and install their first Linux distribution

All download links on Disktro point directly to the official mirrors provided by each Linux distribution. We do not host, modify, or redistribute any ISO files ourselves. When you click a download link, you're accessing the exact same files you would get by visiting the distribution's official website.

We simply provide the information, comparison tools, and direct links to make your Linux discovery journey easier. The SHA256 checksums we display are also taken directly from the official sources so you can verify file integrity.

Choosing the right Linux distribution can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Disktro helps in several ways:

• Interactive Comparison: Our compare page lets you evaluate two distributions side-by-side across multiple factors
• Standardized Information: Each distribution is presented with consistent data points like difficulty level, resource requirements, and ideal use cases
• Visual Organization: Color-coding and clear categorization help you quickly identify distributions that might fit your needs
• Getting Started Guide: Comprehensive step-by-step guidance for choosing, downloading, and installing your first Linux distribution
• Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions about Linux and its various distributions

Our goal is to simplify the discovery process and help you find the perfect Linux distribution for your specific needs and technical skill level.

The Distro Finder quiz is designed to help you discover Linux distributions that match your preferences and needs. To use it:

1. Navigate to the Distro Finder page
2. Answer the series of questions about your experience level, use case, hardware, and preferences
3. After completing all questions, you'll receive personalized distribution recommendations
4. You can click on any recommended distribution to learn more about it
5. If you want to change your answers, you can use the "Start Over" button

The quiz analyzes your responses to suggest distributions that best align with your specific situation and requirements.

We strive to maintain the highest level of accuracy for all information on Disktro:

• All distribution data is sourced directly from official documentation and websites
• Download links point directly to official distribution mirrors
• Checksums are taken directly from official sources for verification
• Our content is regularly reviewed and updated when distributions release new versions

While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, Linux distributions are constantly evolving. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, please let us know so we can update it.

ISO refers to an ISO image file (.iso), which is an archive file that contains an exact copy of data found on an optical disc, like a CD or DVD. The name comes from the ISO 9660 file system used with CD-ROM media.

When you download a Linux distribution from Disktro, you're downloading an ISO file that contains all the data needed to install the operating system. This file can be:

• Burned to a DVD
• Written to a USB drive
• Used directly in a virtual machine

Full ISO:

• Contains all packages needed for a complete installation
• Large download size (typically 2-4GB)
• Can install without an internet connection
• Includes a full desktop environment and common applications

Net Install ISO:

• Contains only the core system
• Small download size (typically 300-700MB)
• Requires internet during installation to download packages
• Allows for a more customized installation
• Results in a more up-to-date system as it downloads the latest package versions

It's important to verify your downloaded ISO to ensure it hasn't been corrupted or tampered with. On Disktro, you can find the SHA256 checksum next to each download. To verify:

On Windows:

On macOS:

On Linux:

Compare the result with the checksum provided on the Disktro website. They should match exactly.

Disktro is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The main sections include:

• Disks: Browse all available Linux distributions
• Compare: Compare distributions side-by-side
• Quiz: Use our Distro Finder to get personalized recommendations
• DEs: Learn about different desktop environments
• Start: Follow our Getting Started guide for beginners
• Guides: Find detailed tutorials and installation guides
• Resources: Discover helpful links and learning materials
• FAQ: Get answers to common questions about Disktro and Linux

The navigation menu at the top of every page allows you to quickly jump between these sections.

For beginners, we recommend distributions that are:

• Easy to install
• User-friendly
• Well-documented
• Have good hardware support

Some excellent choices for beginners include:

• Ubuntu: The most popular Linux distro with excellent community support
• Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu with a familiar Windows-like interface
• Pop!_OS: User-friendly with excellent hardware and gaming support
• Zorin OS: Designed specifically to make Windows users feel at home
• elementary OS: macOS-inspired design focused on elegance and ease of use

Yes! There are several ways to try Linux without modifying your existing operating system:

Live USB/DVD:

Most Linux distributions can run directly from a USB drive or DVD in "live mode." This allows you to test the full operating system without installing anything on your hard drive.

Virtual Machine:

You can run Linux inside a virtual machine on your current operating system using software like:

• VirtualBox (free, works on Windows, macOS, Linux)
• VMware Workstation Player (free for non-commercial use, Windows and Linux)
• Parallels (paid, macOS)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL):

Windows 10 and 11 users can install the Windows Subsystem for Linux, which provides a Linux environment directly within Windows. It's primarily command-line based, although graphical applications are possible.

Dual-booting allows you to have both Windows and Linux installed on the same computer, choosing which to use at startup. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Backup your data - Always backup important files before modifying partitions
2. Free up disk space - Shrink your Windows partition to create space for Linux
3. Disable Fast Startup in Windows - This can cause issues with dual-boot setups
4. Boot from Linux installation media - Use a USB drive with your chosen distribution
5. Select "Install alongside Windows" - Most installers have this option
6. Follow the installation wizard - The installer will guide you through the process
7. Reboot - After installation, you'll see a boot menu allowing you to choose between Windows and Linux

For detailed instructions specific to your distribution, refer to its official documentation.

Gaming on Linux has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to technologies like Proton and Steam Play. For the best gaming experience, consider these distributions:

• Pop!_OS: By System76, includes optimized NVIDIA drivers and Steam pre-installed
• Manjaro: Rolling release with the latest drivers and gaming tools
• Garuda Linux: Arch-based with gaming optimizations out of the box
• Ubuntu: Good hardware support and compatibility with Steam
• Fedora: Relatively up-to-date packages with good stability

Key factors that make a distribution good for gaming include:

• Easy installation of the latest graphics drivers
• Support for Steam and Proton
• Access to gaming tools like Lutris and Wine
• Low-latency kernel options
• Good hardware compatibility

No, Disktro is not a Linux distribution creator or maintainer. We're an independent resource hub dedicated to helping users discover existing Linux distributions. We don't develop, modify, or maintain any distributions ourselves.

Our role is to provide accurate information, comparison tools, and direct links to official sources, making it easier for users to find the right distribution for their needs.

We welcome your feedback, suggestions, and questions. You can contact the Disktro team through:

• Email: [email protected]
• Suggestion Form: Available on our Resources page
• GitHub: github.com/disktro/website for bug reports and feature suggestions

We strive to respond to all inquiries within 2-3 business days.

Disktro is an independent, community-focused project. We operate through:

• Volunteer Contributions: Our team donates their time and expertise
• Small Donations: Community members who appreciate our service
• Minimal Non-Intrusive Ads: Carefully selected to be relevant and non-disruptive

We do not receive funding from any specific Linux distribution or corporation, which allows us to maintain our neutrality when presenting information and recommendations.

We're committed to keeping Disktro a free resource without paywalls or premium features.