Pop!_OS
The Comfortable Choice
- User-friendly interface
- Optimized for gaming
- Great hardware support
- Regular updates
- Limited enterprise features
- Not as stable as LTS distros
Best for
Desktop simplicity
Pop!_OS vs Rocky Linux
Pop!_OS and Rocky Linux are two distinct Linux distributions catering to different user needs. Pop!_OS excels in desktop usability and gaming, while Rocky Linux focuses on enterprise stability and long-term support. This comparison covers their key features, pros, cons, and best use cases.
Rocky Linux
Community-Driven Stability
- Enterprise-ready
- Great stability
- Long-term support
- RHEL compatibility
- Not focused on desktop use
- Slower update cycle
Best for
Enterprise environments
TL;DR: Pick Pop!_OS for desktop and gaming. Pick Rocky Linux for enterprise stability.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers an intuitive user experience with its customized GNOME desktop, ideal for newcomers.
Linux
Rocky Linux requires more technical expertise, focusing on enterprise and server environments.
Desktop feel
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS provides a modern and polished desktop with tiling features for enhanced productivity.
Linux
Rocky Linux is not optimized for desktop use, adhering to a more traditional and minimal server setup.
Stability
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS receives frequent updates, offering new features but sometimes at the cost of stability.
Linux
Rocky Linux prioritizes stability with its long-term support model, ideal for critical systems.
Updates
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS follows a rolling release model, providing regular improvements and new features.
Linux
Rocky Linux follows a slower, stable update cycle aligned with RHEL, ensuring reliability.
Software access
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers easy access to a variety of software via its Pop!_Shop and APT package manager.
Linux
Rocky Linux supports enterprise-grade applications with YUM/DNF package management, mirroring RHEL repositories.
Privacy
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS respects user privacy with minimal telemetry and strong security features.
Linux
Rocky Linux also emphasizes privacy, especially in enterprise environments, adhering to open-source principles.
Community & docs
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS benefits from a supportive community and comprehensive documentation from System76.
Linux
Rocky Linux has a growing community, with strong documentation and support for enterprise users.
Gaming
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is optimized for gaming with tailored drivers and performance tweaks.
Linux
Rocky Linux is not focused on gaming, aligning more with server and enterprise use cases.
Pros & cons summary
Pop!_OS
Pros
- Pop!_OS features a clean and intuitive GNOME-based desktop environment that is customized for ease of use.
- System76's focus on gaming ensures optimized performance for gaming enthusiasts.
- Excellent out-of-the-box hardware support, especially for System76 devices.
- Frequent updates keep the system secure and feature-rich.
- Integrated features for tiling windows enhance productivity.
Cons
- Pop!_OS lacks some of the enterprise-grade features found in server-focused distributions.
- Rolling updates can occasionally introduce instability, compared to LTS distributions.
- The GNOME environment might be resource-heavy for very old hardware.
Rocky Linux
Pros
- Rocky Linux is a community-driven enterprise operating system designed for stability.
- It aims to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
- Perfect for servers and enterprise-grade applications thanks to its robust security and support.
- Long-term support provides a reliable platform for critical applications.
- The community-driven approach ensures open-source principles are upheld.
Cons
- Rocky Linux is not optimized for desktop use, focusing instead on servers and enterprise applications.
- The slower update cycle prioritizes stability over having the latest features.
- Limited gaming support compared to desktop-centric distributions.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers a user-friendly interface similar to Windows, easing the transition.
Following Linux Tutorials
Pick: Either
Both distributions have strong communities and documentation to support learning.
Using Older Hardware
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is more adaptable for older hardware with its lightweight modes and GNOME optimizations.
Gaming
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is optimized for gaming with dedicated drivers and gaming performance enhancements.
Work/Professional Use
Pick: Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux offers stability and security, ideal for professional environments.
Simple Daily Desktop
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS provides a simple and efficient desktop experience for everyday tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
How are Pop!_OS and Rocky Linux related?
Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu, focusing on desktop use and gaming, while Rocky Linux is a RHEL clone for enterprise environments.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Pop!_OS is more beginner-friendly with its user-focused design and intuitive interface, suitable for new Linux users.
How do they compare in terms of performance and speed?
Pop!_OS is optimized for desktop performance and gaming, while Rocky Linux focuses on stable performance for servers.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both Pop!_OS and Rocky Linux offer live environments to test the system before installation.
What about software compatibility?
Pop!_OS includes a wide range of software via APT, while Rocky Linux offers enterprise software through YUM/DNF.
How do they support various hardware?
Pop!_OS supports a broad range of hardware, especially System76 devices, while Rocky Linux targets server-grade hardware.
What is the release cycle for each distro?
Pop!_OS follows a rolling release model for frequent updates, while Rocky Linux aligns with RHEL's long-term support cycle.
Is it easy to switch between these distros?
Switching requires a fresh install due to different base systems, but both offer strong documentation to assist with migration.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.