A collection of Linux distributions tailored for beginners!
A collection of Linux distributions tailored for beginners!
SpaceGhostC2C: Well the many distro thing is both a pro and a con. But lately I have seen a push for a unified linux and I honestly hate it. Linux should remain linux, sure you can have your user friendly linux but I am still open to the hard core slackware/arch/gentoo crowd. But putting linux under one umbrella is indeed a bad idea, it would still be fractured in one way or another as many would just fork it anyhow thanks to the GPL. Sauron: I just dont feel the latest openSUSE releases are as strong, the last good one for me was 13.1 but it seems to have faltered after 42.
I stumbled upon this *identical* edition recently and it was really frustrating. Before updating, I was running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS smoothly, but now I understand what was happening.
Aim for a calm conversation and steer clear of harsh or passive-aggressive responses.
Nah, Ubuntu is generally doing okay now. The 18.04 version had some issues early on, but 18.04.1 is definitely improved. The 16.04 release was a bit rough, even with recent updates. 18.04 is much more reliable. As for why I favor Ubuntu-based distros, it's mainly about compatibility—it tends to handle hardware detection and support better than most. Of course, the others aren't terrible, but Ubuntu has a lot of backing thanks to its popularity around the mid-2000s.
Distributions, like any operating system, can face different problems depending on the setup. Manjaro didn’t suit your needs, which is understandable, but that doesn’t mean all non-working distros are worthless. Manjaro remains popular because it appeals to most users. Every system has its challenges, as others have noted; I personally experienced more issues with Ubuntu-based setups and suggest Vanilla Arch instead. That doesn’t imply Ubuntu is inferior—it simply doesn’t fit your situation. Mint, MX, and Manjaro are still solid choices for beginners. If you’re exploring Arch or already on Arch and concerned about stability, consider installing a Long Term Support (LTS) kernel as a fallback. Opt for LTS when you don’t require the newest updates; it keeps your system stable for longer. On Manjaro, regular updates boost reliability, especially with big releases. For Arch users, running "sudo pacman -Syyuu" during major upgrades helps avoid disruptions. If you’re new to Linux or considering it, embrace the learning curve—it offers freedom to tailor your environment. Trying various distros is a good way to discover what suits you best. Your path may involve hiccups, but once you adapt, you’ll appreciate how much easier and more flexible Linux can be compared to Windows or macOS.
I haven’t used those distributions before, so I can’t comment on them. They don’t really grab my attention, and I’m not interested in trying them. Someone must have put effort into building them, which suggests the creators like it. That doesn’t guarantee quality. My main concern is that Linux lets you tailor everything to your preferences. As I mentioned earlier, I prefer a clean Arch setup because it’s more customizable. Most popular distros feel too heavyweight for my taste—Ubuntu, Mint, and even Manjaro all have that. I get that they’re aimed at the general crowd and work for most users. For those who know exactly what they need, a simple configuration is ideal in my view. My Arch Cinnamon uses about 460MB of RAM, XFCE on Arch uses 290MB; Manjaro XFCE requires over 1GB, which isn’t necessary for me. That doesn’t mean I dislike Manjaro, just that it doesn’t fit my needs. For newcomers, starting with Mint, Manjaro, or MX is a better way to get comfortable with Linux first.
Well, I never mentioned anything about a unified Linux or anything similar. I simply shared two points without any hidden meaning: There are many distributions because (1) and most distros change often, making thorough testing impossible. Consequently, any ranking—like my own—is not just personal taste but also limited by the data available. For instance, calling Mint 19.1 the best general-purpose OS isn’t just my opinion; it’s based on what I’ve tried under certain conditions, and even then, I might prefer something else. There’s also a key difference between using Linux as a hobby versus using it as an operating system. The qualities people praise about certain distros or Linux generally relate more to how fun it is to use, especially for those who enjoy it, rather than its practicality as a full OS for everyday tasks. It’s not about the user’s experience level or moving from one platform to another, but about whether Linux serves as a tool versus a destination.
Linux provides flexibility and choices in areas that Windows or MacOS doesn't, which can be challenging for newcomers to grasp. If you're not satisfied with your current interface, switch it; if your file manager isn't right, change it. If the system feels sluggish or memory-heavy, opt for a lighter setup. The sheer number of options here is unique and often overlooked by other operating systems. Freedom and selection are central themes. The idea of asking whether Linux can serve as a daily driver doesn't quite fit the picture because Linux is essentially a kernel, while popular distros build upon it. Windows and MacOS also rely on kernels, so we rarely consider using a specific kernel as a primary OS. Instead, we focus on the distributions—Windows 10, servers, phones, and consoles—each tailored for different needs. Linux itself is more of a foundation, with many specialized versions available. Whether it can be your everyday operating system depends on the distribution you choose. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution; it varies by user preference. Once you understand Linux, you can customize it to match your requirements without unnecessary complexity. If your current setup works well, sticking with it is perfectly reasonable. For those seeking more control and variety, Linux offers that, along with alternatives like Ubuntu and Mint. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal needs and comfort with the underlying system.
I find it quite clear to grasp, but comprehension doesn’t simplify the process of running tests required to build a solid ranking of distributions or to confidently pick an operating system for your needs. I’m not sure you’re fully aware. Yes, each distribution is considered an OS. The phrase “Linux as an OS” just refers to Linux-based systems, similar to how “Windows” isn’t a strict definition but often used. All of them? Absolutely—each has its strengths and weaknesses, and even users who prefer one can’t always be certain another is superior. In fact, technically Windows isn’t a single OS; there are many variations. Recently, I became more interested in Linux after encountering compatibility problems with newer hardware on Windows 7, and I confirmed that Windows 10 isn’t really suitable for laptops (though maybe it could be), while Workstation is definitely viable. If I were to rank OSes without caring about the kernel, Windows 10 falls into a group that doesn’t meet my standards.