Linux used to be a tool for programmers, hackers, and elite users. Over time, that shifted, and now Linux is a viable OS for any type of user -- even students.

Linux is right at home in an educational environment. Its cost, reliability, security, and flexibility make it even better suited for students than either MacOS or Windows. There's just so much you can do with Linux that you can't do with the competition.

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But which Linux distributions are best suited for students? I've created a list covering several age ranges (from middle school to university) to help students and teachers decide on which Linux distros to try.

With that said, let's get to the list.

1. Edubuntu

Best for elementary school through high school

Edubuntu is an official Ubuntu spin that is geared toward education. The goal of Edubuntu is to bring the freedom of the Linux desktop and the vast library of software to the classroom. The desktop environment is pretty standard Ubuntu, but the included software emphasizes that this OS is all about students. 

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Edubuntu includes software covering a wide range of subjects, such as math, science, programming, language, creativity, CAD design, geography, chemistry, genealogy, typing, and more. There's also GCompris, which is geared toward learning and entertainment for ages 2 through 10. On top of that, Edubuntu includes the standard list of applications, such as the Firefox web browser, LibreOffice, and all the utilities you'll need, making it a great option for students of all ages and skills.

Edubuntu is free to download and install.

2. DebianEdu

Best for high school

DebianEdu (aka Skolelinux -- Norwegian for "school linux") is based on Debian and is great for students and teachers. DebianEdu began life as two different projects, but merged in 2003 -- and the developers have been producing new releases ever since. You'll find hundreds of educational tools in DebianEdu, covering subjects such as astronomy, chemistry, programming, geography, language, mathematics, and more. 

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Like Edubuntu, DebianEdu also includes all of the traditional desktop apps required for daily use. One thing that sets DebianEdu apart is a pre-configured terminal server, which simplifies installing the OS over an entire network of computers. 

DebianEdu also features user centralization (for centralized user management), proxy caching (for internet supervision), resource sharing (to share things like printers), and the ability to use older computers without compromise.

DebianEdu can be downloaded and installed for free.

3. Sugar

Best for elementary school

Sugar is geared toward younger students, as is obvious from its icon-based environment. (The desktop is composed of nothing but icons for ease of use.) The idea behind Sugar is "cognitive and social constructivism." The developers believe children are not office workers, so they require a special desktop interface that encourages active engagement and creativity. 

The activities on Sugar are geared toward reading, writing, counting, and other fundamental skills. Sugar can be installed on an existing Linux environment, or you can use it via a special distribution called Sugar On a Stick (SOAS). You can download SOAS with a Fedora, Ubuntu, or Debian base, so choose whichever you're familiar with.

Sugar can be downloaded and installed for free. One thing to know is that the original Sugar Linux distribution is no longer available, and the only way to use it is to download the official Fedora Sugar Spin.

4. Endless OS

Best for middle school through high school

Endless OS is another distribution that takes a different approach to the UI. Instead of the traditional panel and menu, the default interface is what looks like the GNOME application overview, along with a dock for any apps added to the Favorites.

Also: Endless OS vastly simplifies the Linux desktop so anyone can enjoy it

Endless OS is immutable, which means it's considerably more secure than a traditional OS. On top of that, you can use the preinstalled applications without an active internet connection. 

One important piece of software is called Endless Key, which allows you to learn from hundreds of different topics, even without an internet connection. Although you do have to have a connection to download the various"packs," once downloaded, they function fully when the system is unplugged from the network. This makes Endless OS a great option for those who want to keep their students focused on the work at hand and not the myriad distractions found on the internet.

Endless OS can be downloaded and installed for free.

5. Linux Mint 

Best for high school through college

Linux Mint is not education-centric, but it's still a great choice for students, especially those in high school or college. I placed this distribution on the list because it is so easy to use. Linux Mint sticks with a very traditional desktop interface, meaning almost any student will instantly be familiar with the UI. 

Also: How to replace Windows with Linux Mint on your PC

Although Linux Mint doesn't ship with a bevy of education-focused applications, most high school students should have everything they need to hit the ground running. Couple that with the usual Linux reliability and security, and Linux Mint is a great option for those in high school, college, and beyond.

You can download and install Linux Mint for free.

6. ElementaryOS

Best for high school through college

ElementaryOS, like Linux Mint,  wasn't created for educational purposes, but it's such an easy-to-use Linux distribution that it very much belongs on this list. One reason I like elementaryOS for students is that it resembles the MacOS UI, which means it could serve as a very familiar interface for students accustomed to using Apple products. Also,  elementaryOS leans heavily into containerized applications, which means applications are sandboxed for more security. 

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Another thing I like about elementaryOS is the consistency of the UI. It's beautiful from the top to the bottom, which will appeal to younger users -- especially if they're using a desktop environment that resembles MacOS.

ElementaryOS can be downloaded and installed for free (but they do take donations).

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