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elementary OS screenshot

elementary OS

elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based desktop distribution. Some of its more interesting features include a custom desktop environment called Pantheon and many custom apps including Photos, Music, Videos, Calendar, Terminal, Files, and more.

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Vanilla OS screenshot

Vanilla OS

Vanilla OS, a fixed-release distribution based on Debian (formerly Ubuntu, prior to version 2) with the GNOME desktop, is an immutable operating system. The core parts of the system are locked down to prevent unwanted changes and corruption from third-party applications or a faulty update.

Technical Specs Comparison
elementary OSVanilla OS
Debian, Ubuntu (LTS)BaseDebian
apt / deb, flatpakPackage Managerdeb (APT)
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Fixed ReleaseRelease ModelFixed Release
8.1Latest Version22.10
BeginnerDifficultyIntermediate
December 22, 2025Release DateJuly 28, 2024
x86_64
Architecture
x86_64
PantheonGNOME
Desktops
PantheonGNOME