Choose a Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora, paired with a desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, or XFCE.
Choose a Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora, paired with a desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, or XFCE.
Mint is essentially a top layer added over Debian or Ubuntu source files. It resembles a skin with minor source adjustments, though not extensive. It’s unclear why Linux distributions changed this way; similar results can be reached by selecting a different graphical interface during installation on Debian—since all these distros ultimately rely on Debian’s codebase.
I understand that Mint is another Ubuntu-based distribution, which in turn stems from Debian. However, I don’t believe it should be dismissed for that reason. Yes, you can replicate similar functionality by selecting Cinnamon during Debian installation, but the advantage lies in simplicity and ease; with Debian you receive a solid base system, whereas achieving a Windows-like experience typically demands installing and setting up many terminal-based tools first (such as Synaptic, a media manager, codecs, etc.). In contrast, platforms like Ubuntu or Mint come ready to go, needing minimal tweaking and offering a polished interface. It’s interesting how the distro scene remains diverse—with around 300+ options according to DistroWatch. I see no reason to view this as negative. For instance, Elementary OS also uses Debian but provides a seamless macOS feel through its Pantheon interface. After all, isn’t choice in software freedom what Linux and GNU aim for?
Debian stable paired with xfce sounds solid and reliable for your needs.
I'll start by installing it on a gaming laptop that's been around a few years. It was quite powerful four years back, so even though it's not the newest model, it shouldn't pose any issues. I expect Windows 10 to run smoothly without any slowdowns or problems. Once I get comfortable with Linux, I'll decide whether to upgrade to my i7 6700k GXT 1080 build. I'm tired of Windows and want to adapt to its way of working. Most of what I use is open-source, but there are a few projects like Cemu (a Wii emulator only on Windows, but tutorials exist), demul (Dreamcast emulator with an open alternative), Kindle for PC, PotPlayer (my favorite media player), IrfanView for images, Notepad++, and Launchbox. I'll need to figure out how to make them work before I'm satisfied.
I also have a collection of older PC games that run on Windows XP, so I'll check what options are available. I imagine most should be fine with Wine or a virtual machine if things get tough (though they'll use over 1% system resources). A major concern is the Windows Media Preview tool—it gives preview thumbnails for images and videos in a large icon mode, letting me hide the annoying picture frames or video borders. I don’t want to lose that feature.
Lastly, I need to decide which anti-malware solution suits me. Linux is generally free of viruses, but I’m too cautious to skip protection entirely.
A correctly set up firewall and script blocking eliminates genuine malware risks. Using a basic permission account for web browsing further reduces attack chances. The operating system typically controls file and disk access more effectively than Windows in many scenarios. Although I haven’t added any additional security layers beyond Windows Defender or SELinux—except a specialized PFSense firewall—for over a decade, I’ve never encountered malware or virus infections. *knocks on the nearest wooden object*
I believe most windows viruses can be prevented with basic common sense. Yet this doesn’t deter me from pursuing a lifetime license for mbam, even though I haven’t used it before. For similar reasons, I’d like to learn how to protect a linux system while still having strong, well-reviewed extra security in place. If needed, knowing these steps is reassuring and ensures proper precautions are in place.
Many people suggest this approach, so it seems to work. I chose gufw for the firewall and checked out the setup guide they provided. Debian installation has been a bit tricky so far. Initially, everything was set up from a CD-ROM, which doesn't make sense with internet access and working drivers. Since USB installation failed because it wasn't recognized as an install source, I had to edit the sources.list file and disable the deb cd option. Because this was my first Debian experience, I struggled to raise my privileges at first, but eventually managed by opening a text editor from a root terminal and editing sources.list through File > Open. It was definitely a hassle, but now I understand how to fix it if needed.