Try LINUX Without INSTALLING!

Linux Tux Mascot photo from Wikipedia¹

Linux people like touting reasons you should jump into Linux. More than likely, those same people also consume content related to their enthusiasm around why you should consider at least trying it. I should know because I am one of those people and a good portion of my blog posts are topics related to, or at a bare minimum, adjacent to Linux somehow (Browse all Linux categories: https://blog.avrstory.net/p/blog-index.html#idlinux).

Well. I have discovered another way to experience Linux just in case you are interested in taking it for a test run. There are multiple ways to test out Linux that I described in my previous posts but this one is quite different. The unique aspect of this method is that you don't need to install any application AND it works on different operating systems 😉! You can also try out a number of popular Linux distributions that range from low resource to full-on systems complete with applications.

This method is a great option if you want the ability to test Linux without the additional complications of installing an application that can consume some resources on your local device. Another benefit is that there is N0 requirement to create an account.

AUDIENCE

Who is this post for? This post is for nontechnical users and can be useful for more technically savvy individuals to further explore Linux as a potential desktop operating system for daily use.

DISCLAIMER

This is NOT a sponsored post.

MATERIALS

All you will need is a web browser to launch the different Linux distributions.

OTHER WAYS TO EXPERIENCE LINUX

If you want to explore other methods of how to try out Linux, there is an assortment of past posts that provide helpful ways to do so:

• Run Linux on Android and iPhone
• Linux navigate system tools
• Try Linux before committing
• Windows specific Apps on Windows
• Explore All Linux Topics.

THE TEST

 

Images provided by AVRS.

The home page is simple and contains a number of popular Linux distributions to try. Linux distributions include, low resource types, to full fledged version that include Ubuntu and Arch (with different versions of those as well). Since the page only contains the logos and the name of the Linux type, you will need to click on the logo to get a description of the intentional use of that particular Linux.

 

Images provided by AVRS.

During my initial test through, I went with Alpine Linux because of the low resources that it uses for being a very bare bones Linux distribution. Alpine Linux contains no GUI² and interacting with the operating is through a terminal, a text-based interface. I intentionally went with a terminal only distribution to anticipate the potential performance limitations both with the remote server and network. Use may vary depending on different variables like network connection, proximity to servers, server load, etc³.

If all you have is a mobile device, the website will launch the Linux distribution like it normally would on a desktop browser, however you will need a bluetooth keyboard (and mouse) in order to interact with the virtual machine. The preferred method of testing out the different Linux distributions is with a Laptop or Desktop.

HOW TO DECIDE

Deciding on which Linux to use can be a daunting task because of the shear variety available. Usage may vary from user to user and in most instances hardware dependent⁴. To simplify the process, here is a simple list to consider when deciding:

1. This should be obvious: Determine your familiarity with Linux. Considering there is no commitment of trying Linux, there is no limit to which one to start with. However, if there is a goal in mind this is always a good starting point. If you are not familiar with navigating using the terminal, Alpine Linux might not be a good starting point.
2. Determine what you will use Linux for. Review the Distributions section to help you decide.
   • Are you using your computer for work?
   • Do you need graphics intensive workloads?
   • Are you using Linux to learn using the terminal?
   • Will you be gaming?

DISTRIBUTIONS

This is only a list of distributions I am familiar with that are listed on DistroSea. There are many more available beyond what is listed here, however what is provided should be a good starting point on what to decide on.

UBUNTU

The defacto standard of getting into Linux for new people. Many "popular" Linux distributions are derived from Ubuntu for very good reasons.

• Debian: Ubuntu is derived from Debian. Recommended to have some base level knowledge of using the terminal.
• Linux Mint: Recommended for beginners getting into Linux. Minimal, if at all, usage of the the terminal. Downloads available include Ubuntu or Debian derived.
• Lubuntu: A lightweight, low resource distribution derived from Ubuntu. Maybe difficult to use for newcomers, because of some of the naming conventions.
• Pop OS: A work and gaming ready distribution that can include Nvidia drivers. If planning to use, I would recommend going with the 22.04 version and not the latest 24.04 version because it still needs time to develop.
• Essentially anything with the ...buntu attached to it.

ARCH

Synonamous for power users who are typically more technically inclined who want bleeding edge updates.

Gaming:

• Bazzite,
• CachyOS,
• Garudo
• SteamOS

REDHAT

RedHat is common among enterprise users but also includes community derived version as well.

• CentOs
• Fedora

UNIX

Maybe you've heard of these? If you want to explore an ecosystem that is Linux adjacent that isn't Linux...

• FreeBSD/BSD: Well known for usage in routers, BSD contains a number of different distributions.
• Redox OS: A Unix like operating system developed by the people who developed PopOs.

GENTOO

THIS IS FOR EXTREME POWER USERS!

SMALL LINUX

Typically suitable to revive old hardware.

• Linux Lite
• MX Linux
• Puppy Linux

Return to steps.

Where can you try out different Linux distributions...?

What is DistroSea?

DistroSea is a website that provides a number of different version of Linux (aka distributions or often referred to as "distros") that someone can test. These are full versions of different types of Linux. While these are not an exhaustive lists of distros, the available lists consists of common ones that are available (Debian, Ubuntu, Arch...).

CONCLUSION

Distrosea is a great service to help introduce Linux to those interested in trying it without commitment. For many people, this could be a great way to gain familiarity with using Linux. There are some limitations, like not connecting to a network or the virtual machine times out if its idle for too long. Other than that, Distrosea provides a great primer for any new comer to Linux, or rather Unix ecosystems. Whether you decide to dip your toes with Distrosea or go through the installation processes, you have options:

• Explore All Linux Topics.
• Try Linux before committing
• Run Linux on Android and iPhone
• Linux navigate system tools
• Windows specific Apps on Linux

VERSIONS

2026v.0.1.1: fixed id link

2026v.0.1.0: init

REFERENCES

1. Wikipedia Tux Mascot ↩

2. GUI: Graphical User Interface ↩

3. Pinging the server places the server (or at a minimum, the proxy) in California. ↩

4. One of the many benefits for using Linux, there are available distributions that are specifically made for older PCs essentially bringing new life to older hardware and with the added outcome of reducing e-waste that's been a major negative byproduct of new hardware being introduced. ↩