Linux is at the heart of a huge ecosystem of operating systems, software and hardware. From desktop PCs and laptops to servers, single board computers and embedded devices, Linux offers enormous choice, flexibility and control.
LinuxLinks has been exploring Linux and open source software since 1994. We have published 13,228 articles, helping readers discover great software, choose a Linux distribution, find useful system tools, explore open source alternatives, and identify hardware that works well with Linux.
This page brings together our main Linux resources in one place. Explore our extensive collection of free and open source software, browse actively developed Linux distributions, discover essential system and productivity tools, find open source alternatives to proprietary software, or explore our Linux hardware coverage.
| Explore Linux | |
|---|---|
 | Best Free and Open Source Software - A huge collection of recommended free and open source software covering every major category. |
 | In-depth Linux Software Reviews - Detailed assessments of Linux software covering features, usability and overall quality. |
 | The Big List of Active Linux Distros - An extensive collection of actively developed Linux distributions. |
 | Open Source Alternatives - Alternatives to software and services from Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle and others. |
 | Essential Linux System Tools - Indispensable utilities for monitoring, maintaining and managing Linux systems. |
 | Linux Productivity Tools - Useful utilities for improving productivity and streamlining everyday tasks. |
 | Alternatives to Popular CLI Tools - Modern alternatives to familiar command-line utilities supplied with Linux systems. |
 | Awesome Free Linux Game Tools - Tools, utilities and companion software that improve gaming on Linux. |
 | Machine Learning on Linux - Machine learning and deep learning software, self-hosted applications and practical tools. |
 | Saving Money with Linux - Practical ways to reduce electricity consumption and lower computing costs with Linux. |
 | Linux Candy - Fun, entertaining and sometimes delightfully quirky software from the lighter side of Linux. |
Linux Hardware
We test mini PCs, workstations, NAS systems, single-board computers, phones and other hardware from a Linux perspective, covering compatibility, performance, power consumption and everyday use.
| Linux Hardware | |
|---|---|
 | Minisforum N5 Pro - A powerful five-bay NAS with extensive storage expansion and fast networking. |
 | Beelink EQi Core 3 304 - A compact Intel mini PC tested for compatibility, performance and power use under Linux. |
| BOSGAME VTA-439 - High-performance AMD mini PC with Radeon 890M graphics and a powerful NPU. |
| Minisforum M2 - Intel Panther Lake mini PC examined for performance, efficiency and Linux support. |
 | Minisforum MS-02 Ultra - Expandable mini workstation with PCIe, four M.2 slots and exceptionally fast networking. |
| Minisforum MS-R1 - ARM mini workstation with UEFI, PCIe expansion and dual 10GbE networking. |
| BOSGAME M7 - Compact Core Ultra mini PC with Intel Arc graphics and strong all-round performance. |
| PELADN WO4 - Affordable Ryzen mini PC showing what older hardware can still deliver under Linux. |
 | Volla Phone Quintus - Smartphone running Ubuntu Touch, including Linux applications and everyday mobile use. |
 | Orange Pi 6 Plus - Powerful ARM single-board computer explored as a Linux desktop and development platform. |
 | Raspberry Pi 5 - Exploring the Raspberry Pi 5 as a compact Linux desktop and general-purpose computer. |
 | Portable Monitors - Portable displays tested with Linux: UPERFECT UColor T6 4K, UPERFECT Unify B5 1080p, Intehill 16" 3K, Intehill 13.4" 4K, Luckfox 15.6" |
See all of our Linux hardware reviews and articles.
We’re always looking for new series to write about. If you have any suggestions, drop us a comment below. We love getting feedback!
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
You are right for me. Of the wayland compositors I am interested in you mentioned them all. E25, and wlroots based Wayfire, Hikari, Lab WC and Hyprland. I prefer lightweight both to carry equipment, and rather lightweight compositors, browsers, choice of search engines, abiword, and other programs that just do what I without problems. I need good info of Fedora, Arch and Debian,Wayland, Pipewire, the new linux tech. Thanks a lot.
Wrong page I think.
Kudos to all at LinuxLinks for a terrific website. Keep up the great work.
A terrific website. Well done to all involved.
Thanks Torin.
Hi Steve. Do you know about how many software and how many games articles you’ve published on LL?
Hi Torin.
There are over 8,300 published articles on LL, probably 99% of them are software related. Of course, there is a huge number of open source software yet to be featured, but I’m aiming to cover everything 🙂
Regarding games, I don’t have an exact number to hand, but free games are organized in this section.
Thanks. Wow, that’s an impressive amount! Kudos!
I’ve only been using Linux for a couple of months and I’m still finding new things all the time. I came over expecting it to be quite technical, but so far the bigger problem has been having too much choice rather than not knowing how to use it.
This page is a really useful starting point. I’ve already spotted a few bits of software and a couple of distributions I want to try. Linux feels like a bit of a rabbit hole, but in a good way.