18.04 LTS or 19.04
18.04 LTS or 19.04
I'll focus on gaming and light photo/video work. I'm considering Manjaro since I already use it, but I'm curious about Ubuntu or similar lightweight distributions. The main differences between 18.04 LTS and 19.04 are updates, stability, and feature additions—19.04 generally offers better performance and security fixes compared to the older 18.04.
Begin by choosing Manjaro or opt for a Ubuntu-based distribution that isn’t strictly Ubuntu. Next, Pop!_OS is my top suggestion. Thirdly, 19.04 resolves many issues from 18.04, offers a smoother UI, improved stability, and stronger built-in security. Pop!_OS 19.04 adds extra perks for gaming and everyday tasks, whereas Linux Mint focuses more on UI enhancements and security updates.
Ubuntu is a solid choice initially. Also, Pop!_OS performs well. Let's address your main concern about 18.04 LTS or 19.04. The LTS version offers stability but might include outdated packages. Some issues can be resolved using Snaps or Flatpacks. 19.04 provides more recent packages overall, though it only supports nine months of updates and was intended as a temporary release before the next LTS in April 2020. Personally, I've seen 19.04 run smoothly and reliably, making it a viable option whether you go with Ubuntu or one of its derivatives like Pop!_OS (which also includes 18.04 LTS and 19.04 builds). I’d recommend going with 19.04 for better stability.
19.04 is acceptable. 18.04's package updates, including the kernel, are becoming outdated. If you're using the machine for personal purposes, I recommend choosing the most recent release and upgrading whenever a new version becomes available since it provides more frequent updates. I recently upgraded a PC for my sister-in-law, who experienced unusual behavior with certain hardware on 18.04. Switching to 19.04 resolved all her problems. While this is based on personal experience, unless you're running a server or need long-term stability, I usually opt for the latest stable version of the distribution being used for your project.