deepin vs PCLinuxOS
deepin: A polished desktop environment with its own apps. PCLinuxOS: A long-running independent rolling desktop. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersdeepinBoth are beginner-friendly; deepin has a macOS-like layout.
- GamingPCLinuxOSPCLinuxOS gets newer drivers and kernels faster.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwarePCLinuxOSPCLinuxOS uses a rolling model; deepin is stable.
- Long-term stabilitydeepindeepin changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | deepin | PCLinuxOS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #41 | #44 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Independent (formerly Debian-based) | Independent (Mandriva heritage) |
| Release model | Stable | Rolling |
| Desktop | Deepin Desktop (DDE) | KDE Plasma, MATE, Xfce |
| Package management | APT · deepin App Store | APT-RPM · Synaptic |
| Init system | systemd | sysVinit |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Everyday use | Everyday use |
Key differences
- deepin is based on Independent (formerly Debian-based), while PCLinuxOS is based on Independent (Mandriva heritage).
- deepin follows a stable release model; PCLinuxOS is rolling.
- deepin ships Deepin Desktop (DDE); PCLinuxOS ships KDE Plasma, MATE, Xfce.
- Software comes from APT · deepin App Store on deepin and APT-RPM · Synaptic on PCLinuxOS.
- deepin uses systemd as its init system; PCLinuxOS uses sysVinit.
Choose deepin if…
- visually refined, integrated desktop
- in-house applications and control center
- simple graphical installer
Desktop is heavier than Xfce or LXQt
Full deepin profileChoose PCLinuxOS if…
- rolling without reinstalling
- graphical package management
- systemd-free
64-bit only; small package team
Full PCLinuxOS profiledeepin vs PCLinuxOS: FAQ
Is deepin better than PCLinuxOS?
Neither is better for everyone. deepin is the stronger pick for beginners, long-term stability; PCLinuxOS for gaming, latest software.
Which uses less RAM, deepin or PCLinuxOS?
Both need about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is deepin based on PCLinuxOS?
No. deepin is based on Independent (formerly Debian-based); PCLinuxOS is based on Independent (Mandriva heritage).
Can I switch from deepin to PCLinuxOS without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.