Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
I've worked from home for over a decade. Without Linux as my primary operating system, I'm not sure how I would be able to do the things I do with the level of simplicity and reliability that I've achieved with the open-source OS.
Linux makes a lot of things possible for me that Windows and MacOS cannot handle.
Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
But which distributions would I recommend for people who want an operating system that can serve as their home office desktop? I've considered this over the years (and used many different flavors of Linux), and have come up with a short list of distributions that would make outstanding home office OSes. Although the operating systems listed here are great for the home office, not all of them are perfectly suited as desktop operating systems for those new to Linux.
And remember, choosing the right Linux desktop distribution for you isn't nearly as challenging as you might think.
1. openSUSE
Before I get to why openSUSE, I want to offer this warning: this distribution can be user-friendly, but it includes a very powerful tool that, in the wrong hands, could wreck a system. That tool is YaST (Yet Another Setup Tool), and it's why openSUSE is on the list. YaST makes configuring Linux for the home office much easier than other distributions. For example, YaST includes a GUI for Samba configuration that makes sharing folders across your home network easy. openSUSE also comes in two flavors: Tumbleweed and Leap.
Also: This Linux distro makes openSUSE accessible to all - even newbies should take a look
Tumbleweed is a rolling release version of the distribution -- which means you always have the latest software installed -- and Leap is a traditional (non-rolling) release, where stability rules. Because of this, you can choose which version makes the most sense for your needs. And, of course, like most Linux operating systems, it's free.
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