Vanilla OS is an Ubuntu-based distro that is the brainchild of Mirko Brombin, the creator of [Bottles][5].
It aims to provide a **clean, vanilla GNOME experience with on-demand immutability** and an exceptional first-time setup experience.
You can check it out if you want something new and want to try out the on-demand immutability features that make Vanilla OS so unique.
It is yet to receive a stable release (soon) and is set to receive many improvements in 2023.
[Vanilla OS][6]
### 2. XeroLinux
![xeroxlinux][7]
Steve a.k.a. TechXero, started [XeroLinux][8] as a passion project that was not meant to be a mainstream distro with all the bells and whistles.
An **'eye-candy' version of Arch Linux** offers a pleasant out-of-the-box experience with a few exciting features.
You can try this if you want a more accessible Arch Linux experience.
**From January 2023**, XeroLinux will be switching to a monthly release schedule. So, you can expect plenty of updates in 2023!
[XeroLinux][9]
### 3. Crystal Linux
![crystal linux][10]
Crystal Linux is an upcoming Arch-based distro that wants to **provide an easy-to-use desktop experience coupled with modern Linux technologies**.
In its current form, it may not be welcoming to newcomers, and people with experience using Linux are likelier to like it.
So, for now, I would suggest users who are already familiar with Linux give Crystal Linux a try.
I expect Crystal Linux to have a stable release sometime in 2023 with many features and improvements over the [beta version][11] that is available right now.
[Crystal Linux][12]
#### Recommended Read 📖
### 4. TUXEDO OS
![tuxedo os][13]
[TUXEDO OS][14] is an Ubuntu-based offering from TUXEDO Computers, a Linux-focused hardware manufacturer.
It features the KDE Plasma desktop environment with extras like **TUXEDO Control Center** to fine-tune your hardware and **TUXEDO Tomte**, a configuration service for resolving driver/missing package issues.
I suggest you try this if you want a **different KDE-powered experience**.
Initially, it was only made available as a pre-installed operating system on TUXEDO laptops and computers.
But later, it received a general use release back in September 2022 dubbed as 'TUXEDO OS 1'. It is set to receive plenty of updates in 2023.
[TUXEDO OS][15]
### 5. EuroLinux
![euro linux][16]
An RHEL-based distro with **enterprise perks** is what [EuroLinux][17] is. It provides stability and security in a solid package.
Based on **RHEL 9**, it can provide seamless compatibility with other [RHEL-based server distros][18] such as Rocky Linux, CentOS, AlmaLinux, and more.
It aims to lure in Windows and macOS users with a familiar user interface layout with its implementation of a translucent dock at the bottom of the screen.
You should try this because the overall package is quite adequate and can cater to both Linux and Windows/macOS users.
It is now available as stable release, with updates planned for 2023.
[EuroLinux Desktop][19]
### 6. Zinc
![zinc][20]
[Zinc][21] is an **Ubuntu-based distro** that has been tweaked to provide a unique experience. Existing Ubuntu users may be surprised to see what it has to offer.
Based on the latest LTS release of **Xubuntu**, it uses the XFCE desktop environment with numerous improvements, such as integrated Linux AppImage support, deb-get package installer, BTRFS as the default file system, and more.
This distro can be a viable alternative to replace your daily driver, provided it is set up correctly.
It follows a stable release model, so you can expect significant updates in 2023!
[Zinc][21]
### 7. CachyOS
![cachyos][22]
[CachyOS][23] tries to make **Arch Linux a beginner-friendly affair** that anyone can use. It is popular because of its high level of customizability and also because it has the newest software.
It aims to provide you with a fast and secure operating system that is easy to use.
This OS is for users who want to experiment and try something new.
CachyOS is a rolling-release distro, so you can expect it to receive a ton of updates in 2023.
[CachyOS][23]
### 8. risiOS
![risios][24]
In a sea of Arch and Ubuntu-based Linux distros, [risiOS][25] is a rare sight to see.
Based on Fedora Linux, the project saw its beginnings in Seattle, USA.
It uses the **GNOME desktop environment** to provide users with a highly customizable experience with a **customized ZSH version**.
If you want to try a Fedora-based distro, this can be something new for you!
risiOS gets a stable release with minor updates pushed in between. It has much more to give in 2023.
[risiOS][25]
### 9. Exodia OS
![exodia os][26]
Another Arch-based Linux distro!#$**?
Yes. 🤭 Well, it looks like this year, we have had enough of Arch-based distros, which is not necessarily bad!
Meet [Exodia OS][27], an Arch-based Linux distro that aims to be highly customizable for users in cybersecurity fields.
Its feature set includes pre-installed **tools for all cybersecurity fields, TUI Apps, ElKowars wacky widgets (EWW), zsh, and more**.
If you are a cybersecurity expert or an enthusiast, you can give this a try!
They offer three releases for different use cases. You can expect them to keep pushing essential updates and feature additions in 2023.
[Exodia OS][27]
### 10. Kumandar Linux
![kumander linux][28]
At first glance, you would think that it is Windows 7, but if you look closer, you will find that it is [Kumandar Linux][29].
It is based on **Debian 11 and uses a customized version of XFCE**.
The name stands for 'Commander' in English and pays homage to the developer's first computer, the [Commodore VIC20][30].
If you liked the Windows 7 experience but wanted the same thing on Linux. Then you can give this a try!
Currently, only the early-release candidate has been released. But you can expect a stable release in 2023, hopefully!
[Kumander][29]
### 11. Ubuntu Unity
![ubuntu unity][31]
Declared as an official flavor of Ubuntu [earlier this year][32], Ubuntu Unity is a remix of Ubuntu.
It features the **Unity desktop interface** used in Ubuntu from 2010-2017, which was dropped in favor of GNOME.
The development has been in full swing, with the young lead developer pushing updates and feature additions.
Users who want to try a different flavor of Ubuntu can give this a shot. It offers both LTS and non-LTS releases.
[Ubuntu Unity][33]
**So, wrapping up.**
Even with this comprehensive list, I may have missed out on some. 🤔
But.
Maybe a surprise release will take the headlines in 2023, or some existing distro will try something different.
Until then.
_💬 Do tell me what distribution you are excited about in 2023?_
