Let's Hack!: Which Operating System will be good for beginners?

There are many people who asked me that what OS should be used for hacking. Well you can use any OS you want to BUT Windows and Mac-OS are not as effective as Linux based OS. So I personally suggest to use Linux instead of Windows and Mac-OS.

Why Linux?

Open Source
Unlike Windows and Mac-OS, Linux is open source. What that means for us is that the source code of the operating system is available to us. As such, we can change and manipulate it as we please. If you are trying to make a system operate in ways it was not intended, being able to manipulate the source code is essential.

Transparency
To hack effectively, you must know and understand your operating system and to a large extent, the operating system you are attacking. Linux is totally transparent, meaning we can see and manipulate all its working parts.

Granular Control
Linux is granular. That means that we have almost infinite amount of control over the system. In Windows, you only can control what Microsoft allows you to control. In Linux, everything can be controlled by the terminal in the most miniscule to the most macro level. In addition, Linux makes scripting in any of the scripting languages simple and effective.

Availability of tools
Well over 90% of all hacking tools are written for Linux. Of course, there are exceptions like Cain and Abel and Havij, but those exceptions simply emphasize the rule. Even when hacking tools such as Metasploit or nmap are ported for Windows, not all the capabilities transfer from Linux.

Now which Linux should be used? There are so many Linux distributions! I know some might not knowing about this either, so I'm gonna mention them here.

Linux distributions

1. Debian-Based

Debian is a distribution that emphasizes free software. It supports many hardware platforms. Debian and distributions based on it use the .deb package format and the dpkg package manager and its front ends.

Knoppix
Knoppix, itself, is based on Debian. It is a live distribution, with automated hardware configuration and a wide choice of software, which is decompressed as it loads from the drive.

Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a distribution based on Debian, designed to have regular releases, a consistent user experience and commercial support on both desktops and servers.

2. Gento-Based

Gentoo is a distribution designed to have highly optimized and frequently updated software. Distributions based on Gentoo use the Portage package management system with emerge or one of the alternative package managers.

3. Pacman-Based

Pacman is a package manager that is capable of resolving dependencies and automatically downloading and installing all necessary packages. In theory, a user need only run a single command to completely update the system.

4. RPM-Based

Red Hat Linux and SUSE Linux were the original major distributions that used the RPM file format, which is today used in several package management systems. Both of these later divided into commercial and community-supported distributions. Red Hat Linux divided into a community-supported distribution sponsored by Red Hat called Fedora, and a commercially supported distribution called Red Hat Enterprise Linux, whereas SuSE divided into openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise.

Fedora-Based
Fedora is a community supported distribution. It aims to provide the latest software while maintaining a completely Free Software system.
- RHEL-Based
  Red Hat Enterprise Linux derivatives are Linux distributions that are based on the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
Mandriva Linux-Based
Mandriva Linux (a fusion of the French distribution Mandrakelinux or Mandrake Linux and the Brazilian distribution Conectiva Linux) was a Linux distribution by Mandriva. It used the RPM Package Manager.

openSUSE-Based
openSUSE, formerly SUSE Linux and SuSE Linux Professional, is a Linux-based project and distribution sponsored by SUSE Linux GmbH and other companies. It is widely used throughout the world. The focus of its development is creating usable open-source tools for software developers and system administrators, while providing a user-friendly desktop, and feature-rich server environment.

5. Slackware-Based

Slackware is known as a highly customizable distribution that stresses ease of maintenance and reliability over cutting-edge software and automated tools. Generally considered a distribution for advanced users, it is often suggested to those who want to learn the inner workings of a Linux operating system.

Slax-Based
Slax's modularity and reputation of quality have made it a popular base for other live CD projects.

6. Independent

From independent, I do mean independent. There is no classifications for independent Linux.

What to choose?

Choosing a Debian-Based Linux will be a good decision to start. Later you can switch to any other distribution like Gentoo (For some reason very popular among experienced Linux users).