General Use

Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu/Lubuntu/etc One of the most popular general-use distributions with one of the largest selections of software. Based on: Debian Download |	Fedora The most cutting-edge general-use distribution on a 6-month release cycle. It’s cutting edge in two ways: new versions of software, and it uses new software before other distributions use them. Based on: Itself; Originated from: Red Hat Download |
openSUSE A stable, general-use distribution for everyone that excels in enterprise environments. openSUSE includes a few different defaults such as it’s package manager and the KDE desktop environment Based on: Itself; Originated from: Slackware Download |	Debian One of the most stable distributions in existence, with a large selection of software. It is often used as the base of many other distributions. Based on: Itself Download
Linux Mint A highly-customized distribution that includes many features out-of-the-box that other distributions do not, including codecs. Linux Mint has such a large following that it’s starting to look toward going in its own direction. Based on: Ubuntu, Debian Download |	Mandriva Linux Back in the day, one of the most popular distributions when it was known as “Mandrake Linux”. A great general-use distribution which uses custom themes and system tools. Originated from: Red Hat Download |
PCLinuxOS Another general-use distribution that combines technologies from different distributions to present an overall great experience. Originated from: Mandrake Linux Download	Linpus Linus A general-use distribution that has specialized themes and apps for an easier overall user experience. Originated from: Red Hat Download
PinGuy OS A general-use distribution that comes with a number of customizations to make an easier out-of-the-box experience. Based on: Ubuntu Download |

Minimal

Arch Linux A minimal rolling-release general-use distribution where you install only what you want or need. It’s highly cutting-edge and there are no default installations. Most customizations are done manually in text files. Based on: Itself; Originated from: Itself Download

Puppy Linux A very small distribution that uses an extremely low amount of resources. Great for older systems or those that need every drop of power for their tasks. Based on: Itself; Originated from: Itself; Compatible with: Slackware, Ubuntu, others with Woof tool Download |

Commercial

Red Hat Enterprise Linux A commercial solution from Red Hat for a great enterprise system, both desktop and server. Costs of the distribution come from support packages. Based on: Fedora; Originated from: Itself Download

Enterprise

CentOS A great, free clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux for a pure, stable enterprise system. Based on: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Download

Specialised Purpose

Joli OS A distribution aimed for use on netbooks and working with different cloud services. Who needs ChromeOS? Based on: Ubuntu Download |	ArtistX A specialized distribution that includes virtually every single multimedia application for Linux that you can think of. Great for work on images, sounds, and videos. Based on: Ubuntu Download
GParted A distribution made especially for partitioning hard drives. The distribution comes as a LiveCD only and contains only the GParted partitioning software and a console. Based on: Debian Download |	Parted Magic A distribution aimed specifically at partitioning your hard drives, but includes plenty of other features that make it more of a rescue disc than a lone partitioning tool. Download
Backtrack Linux A fantastic distribution that is specialized for network penetration testing and security auditing. It includes all kinds of software and needed patches to do the job. Based on: Ubuntu; Originated from: Whoppix Download

For Mac & Windows Users

PearOS A very beautiful general-use distribution that mimics the look, feel, and functionality of Apple’s Mac OS X. Based on: Ubuntu, Debian (soon) Download

ZorinOS A general-use distribution that mimics the look, feel, and functionality of Windows. This is geared for those who prefer the Windows interface or need an easier way to transition from Windows to Linux. Based on: Ubuntu Download

Disclaimer: All distributions listed were thoroughly reviewed. I Am not responsible for any damage and/or data loss