A collection of Linux distributions tailored for beginners!
A collection of Linux distributions tailored for beginners!
On various tech communities featuring Linux sections, I often try to avoid compiling a standard list of Linux distributions aimed at Windows users. With Linus gaining more attention on Linux recently, I now have a curated selection to share. The year 2019 promises excitement as we approach the end of Windows 7’s support lifecycle, offering numerous solid Linux alternatives. As Windows 7’s window closes, it’s time to highlight some appealing Linux options for those hesitant to dive into Windows 10 and explore what Linux has to provide:
1. **Linux Mint 19.1 Cinnamon** – This is my top recommendation for beginners. Its current Cinnamon interface closely mimics the look of Windows 7/10, making it a smooth transition point. It’s an excellent starting point and highly advised!
2. **Kubuntu 18.04.1** – Despite its simple KDE desktop, Kubuntu delivers a solid app collection. While it has a straightforward appearance, it’s a strong contender for users seeking a fresh Windows alternative.
3. **MX Linux 18** – This may come as a surprise since its interface differs noticeably from Windows. It offers a learning curve but receives widespread praise. If you have older hardware (pre-2006), it remains a solid choice. For newer systems, stick with Mint or Kubuntu—especially if your machine has at least 4GB RAM and a Core2Duo chip.
4. **Xubuntu 18.04.1** – Primarily designed for older setups, Xubuntu is stable and user-friendly. It’s a great pick for those with legacy hardware, though it lacks robust software support.
5. **Solus, Mageia, and Magenta** – These are Ubuntu-based distros. Solus has limited software availability, while Mageia and Magenta have decent installs but aren’t ideal for beginners.
6. **Arch Linux, Slackware, Gentoo, Kali Linux, Tails** – These are advanced options best suited for users comfortable with command-line interfaces. They’re not recommended for newcomers.
7. **The “Garbage Bin” List** – This includes lower-quality releases like openSUSE (recent versions), Manjaro (currently problematic), and others that may lack reliability or support.
For those seeking alternatives to Ubuntu, Arch, Slackware, Gentoo, Kali, Tails, or even the quirky Mr. Robot-inspired distros, remember they cater to more experienced users. If you’re just starting out, focus on the more accessible choices above.
It seems unclear what issues you're facing with your Arch-based installations. You mentioned enjoying Manjaro, but the context suggests you're seeking guidance on troubleshooting or expectations for Arch. Clarifying this would help provide a more accurate response.
I'm not sure if a randomly breaking OS is the best choice for Windows users. Mint 19 works okay for me, but it's not ideal for gaming without Windows. The NVIDIA drivers cause problems, especially with screen artifacts and driver compatibility issues. I've had my share of random crashes and missing files when updating. While I appreciate Mint, it feels unstable compared to a clean Ubuntu setup. Fedora 29 with Cinnamon seems promising, and you can start playing games right away from the store.
Really? Linux Mint has a significant Bluetooth security problem right now. Xubuntu doesn’t have VSync turned on, which means video will flicker badly. Manjaro seems like a great choice since it works perfectly. As for other distros, you didn’t mention Fedora at all. Elementory OS wasn’t on your list either.
I've been running Linux Mint version 19.1 since the update from 19, and everything seems fine so far. Many issues have been resolved, making the experience smooth. Manjaro is a solid distro too—I saw it on a friend's system; the interface is really nice, and the basic features work well. Updated on April 4, 2019 by wkdpaul
Arch is known for occasionally breaking due to frequent updates (rolling release). It might face issues if you don’t update regularly—like skipping a week or two—and then updating again. Daily updates should keep it stable. I used it before and found it less reliable than Ubuntu, especially compared to Ubuntu LTS. That’s typical for rolling-release distributions.
Linux presents challenges because there are too many versions to thoroughly evaluate all at once. Even specialized content would require significant effort to test comprehensively, considering diverse user requirements, keeping it current, and presenting results meaningfully. Based on limited experience, Mint 19.1 stands out: it minimized frustration during use among the options tried. It offers a reasonable amount of freedom from hassle, allowing most tasks to be completed without excessive difficulty. While I can't claim it's the absolute top choice, it remains a solid option for newcomers seeking a versatile operating system, though its suitability varies across different distributions.