Q40S 4.8

Neither a big KDE user nor a fan of Windows, and yet Mayank Sharma can't resist the charm of this KDE distro and its Windows installer.

- Mayank Sharma

Q40S' strength are its custom tools that reduce common administration tasks into a series of clicks, making them easier to new Linux users.

IN BRIEF

A Debian-based desktop distro that ships two editions, one for older 32-bit machines, which uses the lightweight Trinity desktop environment that began as a fork of KDE 3.5 desktop. The main 64-bit edition uses the latest KDE Plasma desktop. The current Gemini series is a Long Term Support release that's supported for five years.

SPECS

CPU: 300MHz

Memory: 245MB

HDD: 3GB

Build: 32and 64-bit

Many distros try to do many things in an attempt to appeal to a large number of people, but end up failing to impress. Q40S is a welcome exception, in that the distro caters for three distinct sets of users.

Q40S' 32-bit edition, for older computers, comes with a curated set of programs to help you get the most of your aging workhorse. On the other hand, the main 64-bit edition of the distro rocks the KDE Plasma desktop and uses customized tools to tune the desktop for everyone from those new to Linux to experienced users.