Elementary OS is a Linux-based operating system based on Ubuntu. It was designed to be fast, secure, and easy to use. It features a custom desktop environment called "Pantheon" which is built on the GNOME 3 stack and uses the Gala window manager. Elementary OS comes with a wide range of software including a web browser, a music player, an image viewer, an office suite, and many other applications. It also includes a package manager, AppCenter, which allows users to install, remove, and update software. Elementary OS is designed to be visually appealing, with a modern look and feel, and has been praised for its intuitive user interface.
No tricks, no gimmicks, no color tricks fun stuff but it works well. The primary has to grow.
Very user-friendly and easy to use.
Elementary OS and Linux Mint are derivatives of Ubuntu (and, therefore, of Debian). Both are community distributions. Both use .deb packages. The difference will be mainly in the default desktop you get (Mint comes with Cinnamon by default) but you can easily install the desktop you want anyway.
Arch Linux is a difficult distribution for beginners or even intermediate users, as it requires detailed knowledge of the system and how to configure everything from the command line. If you want an Arch-based distribution that is even easier to use than Mint, try Manjaro. It comes with a wide variety of desktop environments, almost always runs "out-of-the-box", has faster responses to security vulnerabilities, and has great community support.
Fedora CAN be a good elementary OS. The Fedora 2016 release is its most polished and usable version. But if you're looking for an Ubuntu-, Debian-, Debian- or any kind of complete beginner distro, Fedora shoots a little off the mark. Try Elementary, Mint, Kubuntu or even Manjaro (yes, of course: they're very beginner-friendly these days).
The elementary operating system is certainly friendly for beginners. It enjoys excellent UI and Ubuntu compatibility. However, do not commit to it before considering Manjaro. Manjaro is based on the extremely difficult arc, but Manjaro users make it very easy to use, it has huge software repositories and great community support.
Elementary OS is based on Ubuntu, which is based on Debian. But it's geared toward ease of use and convenience of the kind that those new to Linux would appreciate most. Tails is also based on Debian, but its goal is to provide a super privacy-oriented setup that leaves no traces of what you've been doing. Very different.
Kubuntu and Elementary OS are basically both Ubuntu under the hood but with different desktops. Kubuntu's Plasma is more complex and customizable, Elementary OS comes with something that hints at the MacOS look and feel. Take your pick.
Ubuntu MATE is a very flexible and customizable distribution with a rich set of comprehensive and easy-to-use applications. It picks up where GNOME 2 stopped and can be customized to look like Unity, macOS or Windows using the Tweak tool.
Both Antergos and Manjaro are rolling distros based on Arch. Manjaro enjoys broader support and a more polished, out-of-the-box experience. The elementary operating system is suitable particularly for newcomers to Linux. Contrary to what most people expect, I would also recommend Manjaro for beginners, but Antergos less so.
Elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution with an emphasis on a very user-friendly experience, which is ideal for beginners. Qubes OS is a Debian-based distribution that aims for the best possible security through an elaborate setup involving ephemeral virtual machines. Very different and excellent, but definitely not suitable for beginners.
Discontinued The Jide company decided to discontinue the Remix OS project and concentrate its efforts on the enterprise space: http://www.jide.com/ At this time, the latest version, 3.0.207, released in November 2016, can still be downloaded From the official website.
Ubuntu
Debian
Linux Mint
Arch Linux
Windows 10
Fedora
Manjaro Linux
Xubuntu
ReactOS
FreeBSD
openSUSE
Tails
Kubuntu
Lubuntu
Ubuntu MATE
Antergos
CentOS
Qubes OS
Remix OS
Solus
Not suitable for beginners who need a 100% operational installation ready to use, requires adjustments. Basically, what ElementaryOS is not.