Linux (noob)
Linux (noob)
Well actually, grub tends to be much more stable compared to any Windows bootloader. It works best when you install it on a drive without Windows installed and make it the primary boot option. Troubleshooting becomes simpler with most Linux live CDs, not just the one you used for installation. The kernel is more prone to issues from binary files and driver problems than a grub error would cause. Even then, it usually offers an option to boot any detected OS, such as Windows in a dual-boot setup. On the other hand, I haven't tried it on systems using GPT or Secureboot. For a starting point, Ubuntu is reliable thanks to its strong community and user base. Some less common Ubuntu variants might have minor visual issues rather than functional ones, so stick with the official release. If you find it unsatisfactory after using it for a while or if your machine is too low-powered, consider switching to a lighter distribution. Transitioning from Ubuntu to Fedora or Manjaro (especially with their default interfaces) is less likely to affect performance compared to changing to a simpler desktop environment.
Ubuntu 20.04 is the latest release and enjoys widespread support from developers worldwide. https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop As previously mentioned, Linux demands some effort but Ubuntu 20.04 offers the most resources, applications, and snap packages. It’s also popular among students, making forums a great place to seek help. Zorin, Linux Mint all stem from Ubuntu, and if I’m honest, sticking close to the source is ideal. The downside comes when your distribution becomes unstable and you’re forced to switch quickly. My perspective comes from using: Ubuntu (Uni), Fedora, Redhat (Work), Linux Mint, Manjaro, Ubuntu, Debian (Home)
Participate in the community of your preferred distribution. The group tends to be supportive and, given their experience with your choice, they can offer valuable assistance when issues arise. Try to remain with one distribution for a while to become familiar with Linux. Many options allow customization, making it simple to adjust settings that don’t suit you. Personal preferences vary and aren’t always incorrect—what matters is what works best for your needs. For instance, KDE desktop was recommended above for Kubuntu. Among the desktops you’ve used, Cinnamon stands out to me. If you prefer Kubuntu’s layout or appearance over KDE, consider switching to alternatives like Cinnamon, Gnome, XFCE, or MATE instead of installing a completely new distro. You can choose any desktop that appeals to you rather than navigating through multiple installations to match a default look. Adjust your start menu visuals, audio settings, or color schemes if they don’t suit you. Experimenting with these changes is part of the learning process and adds value to your Linux experience. Here are some useful resources:
- 40 commonly used Linux commands: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/most-used-...-commands/
- 9 Lethal terminal commands you should never run: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/9-lethal-l...never-run/
- Forums on Windows users often advise deleting the System 32 folder.
- The "man" command is handy for exploring what a terminal command does—avoid copying it without checking first.
- Chris Titus shares insights on Linux customization: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg6gPGh...1vaFCAsvmQ
- Learn Linux TV offers practical tips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxQKHvK...vUrVtJYnUA
Consider your needs and pick a distro that aligns with them. For me, Linux Mint is my top choice: https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
Linux Mint Forums: https://forums.linuxmint.com/
I suggest the Unix Power Tools book. For distributions, I’d choose Ubuntu because it offers the best support for free software packages, which could be helpful for drivers.