What is elementary OS? Who it is for
elementary OS is built on Ubuntu. It uses Pantheon as its desktop and apt and Flatpak for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
elementary OS at a glance
- Foundation: built on Ubuntu
- Desktop: Pantheon
- Software tools: apt and Flatpak
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: the elementary installer
Who elementary OS suits
elementary OS suits people who like a clean, Mac-style desktop with a curated app store.
Strengths
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
- A tidy, Mac-inspired layout with a dock and a curated app store.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try elementary OS from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the elementary OS bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare elementary OS
- Ubuntu vs elementary OS
- Debian vs elementary OS
- Fedora vs elementary OS
- Linux Mint vs elementary OS
- Pop!_OS vs elementary OS
- Zorin OS vs elementary OS
Installing software on elementary OS
elementary OS uses apt and Flatpak. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is elementary OS good for beginners?
Yes. elementary OS is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does elementary OS use?
elementary OS uses Pantheon. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does elementary OS need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is elementary OS based on another distribution?
elementary OS is built on Ubuntu.
How often is elementary OS updated?
elementary OS follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try elementary OS without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.