5 first-rate Linux distros for power users (or anyone seeking challenge)

Some would argue that Linux isn’t for everyone. To those people, I’d say, “nay, nay!” In fact, there’s a Linux distribution suited for every sort of user — even those with zero experience with open-source software.

That said, I cannot deny that there are certain Linux distributions from which new users should shy away. Choose the wrong distribution and the experience will sour you on Linux very quickly. Choose the right distribution and it’ll be smooth sailing.

Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners: Expert tested and reviewed

Most “best of” lists of Linux distributions focus on new users because introducing people to Linux is a calling. For power users with more skills than the average bear, which distribution do you use?

I have some suggestions for you. 

Let’s dig in and review five advanced Linux distributions you should consider trying.

1. Gentoo

Gentoo is the beast of all beasts within the Linux world. Installing this distro is a remarkable challenge — and the trials don’t let up from there. Gentoo uses the Portage package manager and defaults to the Plasma desktop. Beyond the installation, one of the trickiest aspects of Gentoo is that the package manager compiles all software from source, so you won’t find binary installers for Gentoo. That is a curse and a blessing. 

It’s a blessing because every package installed will be optimized for your machine, which means it will run like a champ. At the same time, installing the OS and software can be time-consuming. 

Speaking of installing the OS, you can download the live ISO image, but there’s no traditional installer. Guess what? Like installing applications, the entire OS is installed from source. That makes the installation challenging and time-consuming. 

If you like the idea of a serious challenge, Gentoo is for you. Download the live ISO image for free and see if you’re up for the complications that come with this open-source OS.

2. Arch

Arch ranks second on my list of challenging Linux distributions for one reason: the installation. Like Gentoo, Arch Linux doesn’t have a gentle, hand-holding installer. Instead, you boot the live distribution and, at the command line, type archinstall to start the text-based installer. The installer requires you to go through the entire list of options and configure the operating system how you want it. 

Also: Don’t like your Linux desktop? Here’s how to install an alternative

During the installation, you can select from several desktop environments  — such as Awesome, Bspwn, Budgie, Cinnamon, Cutefish, Deepin, Enlightenment, GNOME, and Plasma. Once you’ve made all your choices, the installation will begin and it will take some time to complete. Once finished, reboot and you’re ready to start your journey with an operating system that will challenge you but will be as rock-solid a platform as you’ve ever used. You can download the live installer for free from the official site.

3. openSUSE

openSUSE is on this list for one reason: YaST (Yet Another Setup Tool). YaST is the admin equivalent of Settings and includes a good number of options that are best suited for advanced users. In fact, I always recommend that users new to openSUSE avoid YaST until they have a better understanding of how Linux works. 

Also: openSUSE Leap 15.6 is your last chance to use this version before it switches to immutable

Outside of YaST, openSUSE is not especially challenging. However, once you open YaST, you’ll find a world of opportunity, some of which beginners simply will not understand. YaST isn’t the only settings tool available to openSUSE; you’ll also find a more traditional Settings app geared toward more standard configurations (similar to what you’d find in Ubuntu or Linux Mint). 

Although the openSUSE installer isn’t especially difficult, it’s nowhere near as simple as, for example, Ubuntu. During the installation, you’ll need to select repositories, add-on products, and more options that you won’t have in user-friendly distributions. You can download and install openSUSE Leap for free from the official download site.

4. Slackware

Slackware goes on this list for two reasons: First, the installation process is as similarly challenging as Arch Linux. Second, for a GUI desktop, you also have to install the necessary drivers, which means you need to know your hardware. I would rank the Slackware installation as more challenging than the Arch Linux install. 

Also: Want to save your old computer? Try these 5 Linux distributions

One thing about Slackware makes it especially appealing to seasoned users: It’s one of the most stable and reliable operating systems on the planet. Once you get Slackware up and running, it will not disappoint you. Getting there, however, can be a challenge.

 In fact, nothing is easy about getting Slackware up and running. So, if you like to test your Linux mettle, this might be a great option (if you find Gentoo to be too much). Download the ISO installer for free and see if you can get this remarkable OS installed.

5. Kali Linux

I normally wouldn’t place Kali Linux on any list of desktop operating systems because it is purpose-built for penetration testing. That said, Kali Linux can be used as a desktop OS that also happens to be built for testing the security of your network and any computer connected to your LAN. Kali Linux is considered a must for security professionals because it includes a large range of tools for “pentesting.” Those tools are not easy to use. In fact, nearly every one of the tools in Kali Linux requires specialist-level knowledge to use. 

Also: 5 best Linux commands for troubleshooting problems (and how I use them)

Although Kali Linux isn’t really considered a desktop OS, it does include a desktop environment that makes accessing the tools easier. You can download Kali Linux for free from the official site.

If you’re already an advanced Linux user, you’ll find one of these distributions challenging enough to keep you on your toes.