Top 10 Best Linux Distro for Touchscreen

Key Points

• GNOME is a sleek, innovative Linux distro based on Ubuntu.
• This Linux distro for touchscreen comes with a desktop that is familiar to users of Windows, Mac OS X, and Android.
• Cinnamon is an excellent choice for all your computing needs, including touchscreen devices.

Linux has been gaining ground among desktop and laptop users for years, but it is only now that a large number of devices running the operating system are being shipped. The latest trend in computing is the touchscreen device, which Linux was designed to work with.

The touchscreen is an efficient new input method, making it natural to switch from Windows, Mac, or other operating systems to Linux. This article lists the top 10 best Linux distros for touchscreen.

1. GNOME

GNOME is a sleek, innovative Linux distro based on Ubuntu. It uses the same package management system. It is a Linux distribution that is both stable and feature-rich. By making a range of excellent applications, utilities, and technologies freely available, GNOME aims to give users complete control over their computing.

The desktop environment of GNOME makes it ideal for touchscreen devices. The interface is intuitive, customizable, and easy to use. It is also a good choice for Linux beginners. What’s more, the GNOME platform integrates with Canonical’s Ubuntu to create a simple and easy desktop experience, and it’s always fun to play with new software.

With this Linux distro, you can run Gnome applications at their native speed with no performance compromises using the ARC++ high-performance graphics acceleration architecture. In short, you get powerful, easy-to-use, and customizable application software, fun and integrated user experience, new communication methods, a familiar desktop, and much more.

2. KDE Plasma

This is a powerful, lightweight desktop environment with a beautiful interface and an intuitive workspace that works well on touchscreen devices. Whether you want to use it as your main operating system or just as a supplement to Android or Windows, KDE Plasma will suit all your needs.

This Linux distro for touchscreen comes with a desktop that is familiar to users of Windows, Mac OS X, and Android. It is a good choice if you are looking for an alternative to Windows or Mac OS X. In addition, KDE’s Plasma Desktop comes with a wide range of applications that let you manage your documents, music, and video files from one place.

The KDE Platform includes some of the most powerful applications and technology for all types of computing needs. With this Linux distro for touchscreen, you have a wide range of powerful applications and technologies to work with – including innovative open-source 3D software – and it is always easy to learn new functionality.

KDE Plasma 5 allows you to run apps from multiple running sessions. It also integrates with other applications using KDE Connect. All apps support touch and are designed for ease of use on a touchscreen. KDE is a great choice for Linux beginners and people who want to use touchscreens in their day-to-day computing. It is also good for people who want to try out new software.

3. Cinnamon

This is a Linux distro built on top of the popular GNOME 3. Cinnamon is an excellent choice for all your computing needs, including touchscreen devices. The desktop environment of Cinnamon makes it ideal for touchscreens, making it an excellent choice for all your computing needs.

The interface is simple, customizable, and easy to use. It is also a good choice for Linux beginners. Cinnamon is a distribution that can also be used, directly or through the use of a virtual machine, as a software development environment. The distribution is easy to install on computers with Intel graphics chipsets.

In addition, the Cinnamon desktop offers many useful and simple applications, utilities, and technologies that make it attractive for newcomers. Namely, it makes the graphical user interface easier to use. What’s more, the number of applications available has expanded over time, providing even greater user functionality.

4. Deepin

This is a well-known Linux distro in China and one of the best desktop environments for touchscreen devices. A deep-learning neural network enables Deepin to predict what you want to do and make it happen automatically. This works by mapping your environment with a neural network that learns faster than you can type words into a mouse or trackpad.

Deepin also has a smart task switcher and other innovative features. It provides a user experience that is based on a three-dimensional screen model and takes full advantage of the touchscreen.

In addition, this Linux distro is compatible with the most popular touchscreen devices, including all Apple iPad models and many Samsung Galaxy models. The software works on most Linux distributions and Windows systems, allowing you to access files using numerous methods.

5. Budgie

This is a Linux distribution for newcomers and advanced users who are looking for stability and easy-to-use workflows. Budgie is based on Ubuntu, with the latest package versions, as well as an advanced file manager called Nautilus. Budgie also has access to a large set of applications like Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and VLC Media Player.

Budgie desktop is a more compact version of Gnome, but it lacks basic features. It comes with a built-in calendar app, weather information, and other questionable design choices. However, it is an excellent choice for Linux newcomers.

6. Ubuntu

The Ubuntu Linux distro is one of the earliest Linux distributions for touchscreen devices. Its user-friendly interface and full integration with popular desktop applications make it an ideal choice for both novice and advanced users.

It supports touch, pen, and multi-touch input, making it more than just a lightweight operating system for touchscreen devices. Ubuntu also offers a range of high-performance graphical options for any type of desktop computer. It is easy to use, has excellent security features, and offers both privacy and customization at the same time.

Ubuntu offers a range of straightforward applications to install or remove safely, with a complete package management system based on Debian’s APT. You can also get free technical support from Ubuntu community forums in addition to paid support from Canonical.

7. Fedora

This is a Linux distribution that features cutting-edge technologies and is known for its excellent KDE desktop. Fedora comes with the latest and greatest software, such as LibreOffice, Akonadi, and MySQL, along with all the other GNOME apps you can think of.

It gives you the power to customize your computing experience on your terms. You have a choice over everything from application software to preferred default settings. In addition, it’s a solid, stable Linux distro for touchscreen devices that offers a friendly interface for users who are new to Linux.

In fact, the GNOME desktop environment provides a familiar experience for Windows users so that you can jump right in. Fedora has superb documentation for users who need advice about its functions. Most Linux distros do not have the level of documentation that Fedora offers its users.

It is a user-focused distribution that is constantly being improved and updated with the help of its massive community of developers and testers. After installing Fedora, you can easily install third-party software, which starts you on your path to easy customization of your open-source operating system.

8. Mint

This is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that became very popular after the release of Ubuntu 11.04. While it was designed in line with Ubuntu’s policies, Mint is not a commercial product but rather a community project. As such, Mint has its own software repositories and governance structure; both are managed by the community and are open to user contributions.

The project is building a worldwide community of users and developers, developing a modern desktop experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Mint is suitable for any Linux beginner. It can work equally well for the complete newbie as for the experienced user.

Mint also offers an intuitive and modern user interface, which you can easily customize and interact with using touch, mouse, gesture, and voice commands. In addition, this Linux distro for touchscreen devices gives you a smooth, customized desktop experience. It is designed to work with a variety of touchscreen devices and has been tested with many of them. It is also suitable for your favorite music, videos, e-books, games, and photography.

9. Elementary OS

This is a Linux-based operating system designed to be very simple and easy to use. This allows for a simple desktop environment, which is perfect for touchscreen devices. The operating system offers the user powerful, responsive, and customizable alternatives to Windows, Mac, and other mainstream operating systems.

The elementary OS desktop includes many useful applications such as Thunderbird email application, Kompozer web editor, LibreOffice office suite, Shotwell photo manager, and more. The interface is simple, elegant, and looks much like their Ubuntu base.

Elementary OS is perfect for touchscreen devices, and it’s a great Linux choice, especially with its very appealing design. In addition, the user experience is flawless and you get a very high-resolution screen that is perfect for all your computing needs.

10. Solus

This is an independent, community-driven operating system. Solus comes with a simple software collection and some extra software to make life easier for users. In addition, you can install extra software using the GUI Software Center. Some of the applications that Solus includes are Firefox, GNOME Music, VLC Media Player, and GIMP. This Linux distro for touchscreen also includes a full suite of standard GNU programs.

The Solus package manager automatically sorts available updates based on your cache settings. That means that it will only download updates that are deemed necessary according to your preferences and cache settings. The package manager also keeps track of your software so it can easily remove packages when they are no longer used.

Solus runs with a new Linux 4.6 kernel, supports OpenGL 4.4, and has improved graphics drivers. It also has an enhanced bootloader and an updated X stack for better support for the latest Intel and AMD graphics chips.

Turbo Boost and Turbo Core

You can improve performance by enabling Turbo Boost and Turbo Core. Turbo Boost will let your processor go to higher frequencies when you need it most, and it will automatically decrease the clock speed when the processor is idle so you can save power.

On the other hand, Turbo Core increases the processing frequency of some cores when the rest are idle, which means that your system will go faster than normal with less heat being generated.

Other cool features of Solus include a Tuxplayer multimedia player and a Ristretto web browser, which are both included. In addition, a new wireless driver provides faster Internet connections with the NetExtender.

How to Choose the Best Linux Distro for Touch Screen

When it comes to choosing a Linux distro for your touchscreen device, there are many options to choose from. Some of them are designed for specific devices, such as the Asus Transformer Prime; others are designed for various devices. Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing the best touchscreen Linux distros.

What Kind of Hardware Will You Be Using?

Linux offers different versions for a variety of hardware. You can choose from 32-bit and 64-bit versions, which range from lightweight to heavy-duty. You can also choose between variants that are designed only for touchscreen devices or those that work on desktops and laptops as well. If you are unsure, it is best to start with a lightweight version. You can always upgrade later.

What Kind of Software Will You Be Using?

When it comes to software, most Linux distros have a different assortment of applications. You can choose from the necessary office applications for business use, entertainment software, and games; some even have internet access. Look for the required applications, and don’t worry about the rest.

What Is the Purpose of Your Linux Distro?

You can choose a Linux distro according to various uses. For example, you can choose an operating system for a low-cost device with limited features, or a more feature-packed version for a high-end device that doesn’t need as many features. If you are using your device for productivity, work, or entertainment, it is best to choose one with the most useful applications on board.

How Much Experience With Computers Do You Have?

The more experience you have, the better you can choose a Linux distro. If you are new to computers, it is recommended that you start with Ubuntu, which has a simple interface and is widely used. However, if you have extensive experience with computers as well as operating systems, choose an operating system designed for your day-to-day needs.

When it comes to the touchscreen, many Linux distros are tailor-made for devices that use it. For example, if you are using an Asus Transformer Prime, the best option is to use the TouchPad Remix, which is based on Ubuntu.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best Linux distro for touchscreen, you have many options to choose from. You can pick one that is specific to touchscreen devices or one that caters to a variety of hardware and software.

If you are new to Linux and have limited computer experience, Ubuntu is the best option. However, if you are experienced in computers and don’t mind investing time in learning a new OS, go for something with heavy-duty applications.

Linux in the News

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that has been around for about 30 years, yet continues to make headlines. In 2023, the latest version of the Ubuntu-based Linux Lite has been released with stunning new features, most notably an AI helper than can assist with troubleshooting or any other tricky issues you can run into.

Other versions of Linux that have received upgrades this year include the Mozilla Thunderbird and the Kernel 6.5. As popularity in Linux grows and settings become more customizable, it’s clear we’ll continue to see the most popular versions of Linux experience updates and improvements to better support the users experience.

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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash.