The year is almost over again (we swear it gets quicker and quicker each time), so it’s the perfect time to reflect on the things in tech that made our digital lives faster, simpler and slicker. Linux is a far cry from the esoteric bundles of code it once was, and the number of polished distros out there, offering variants on Windows, OS X and Ubuntu, is testament to that.

If you’re new to Linux or are looking for a change, these distributions are easily among the best options of 2017. This list was designed to cover different experience levels and use cases. So whether you’re a system admin, developer, or a desktop user, you’ll find something to interest you.