Linux beginner distribution
Linux beginner distribution
I’m exploring different Linux distros to find the best fit for a beginner. Mint is popular, but I’m open to trying others to discover what suits me best. I’ll use VirtualBox and focus on learning Linux fundamentals while transitioning my daily tasks to it. Regarding free video editing tools, there are several excellent options available. As for Microsoft Office, many functions can be handled by free alternatives like LibreOffice or OpenOffice. If you’d like, I can share some helpful resources to speed up your learning process.
Mint is a solid choice for beginners or any Ubuntu-based system. For video editing, Kdenlive is widely used, even though I haven’t tried it myself. This resource could be useful. When it comes to replacing Office, LibreOffice and OpenOffice are both well-known options, and WPS Office earns a nod here. I’m unsure how they stack up against Office since I’ve never used them beyond school. I shared a simple tutorial on starting Linux a while back—check it out in my signature if you’re interested.
Mint is a solid option; I also suggest Ubuntu MATE. KDEnlive stands out as one of the top video editing tools for Linux at no cost. Blender is another strong choice, though it's a bit more complex. Liber and OpenOffice aren't quite as impressive as M$ office, but based on my experience, most everyday tasks are manageable with them. Feel free to explore and see what suits you best.
Mint offers a gentler start for newcomers, though sticking with Ubuntu long-term might yield better results. For video editing, Kdenlive is highly recommended. OpenShot 2.0 is also available, currently in beta and providing solid functionality with a clean interface.
Mint is the top pick for beginners. It offers stability, minimal size, and a refined look. Choose version 17.3 instead of 18 because the latter is still in testing. Ubuntu and its variants (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.) are also solid options, though some users report problems with the current release (16.04). Generally, Ubuntu-based distros tend to be welcoming for newcomers. Recently, Manjaro has gained attention as an alternative—it runs on Arch Linux, which is more advanced but designed for experienced users. It may feel less intuitive at first, but it could be worth exploring. Pure Debian is another option, though it might not be ideal as a starting point. Playing with a virtual machine is perfectly acceptable; just remember that performance will lag behind a full installation due to the extra layers of software and your existing OS. Creating a live USB and switching to another OS afterward provides smoother results.
There are many choices available. If you want something that mimics Windows 7's appearance, Chalet OS 16.04 based on Xubuntu could be a good fit. Zorin OS is another polished option, though its release status for version 12 isn't clear. For those who prefer established distros, sticking with popular Ubuntu variants or Mint is a safe bet.
I recommend Debian and Cinnamon for Linux Mint, ZorinOS. Skip Ubuntu and Unity—it doesn’t work well.
Another option is OpenShot, with a new version 2.0 coming soon.