Looking to Get Into Linux, Where to Start?
Looking to Get Into Linux, Where to Start?
Ubuntu offers a strong option for beginners and provides flexibility for advanced users. You can tailor your experience with various themes, toolbars, and desktop layouts. Installing KDE Plasma lets you customize everything from a single panel to multiple desktops with distinct task bars. If you prefer a more streamlined setup, many distributions like Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, and others are available. For those seeking a hassle-free installation, simply search for "how to install KDE desktop" on the relevant forum. It’s convenient to switch themes anytime—just log out and change the desktop view in the top-right corner. Keep in mind that extensive customization can affect stability, especially with older versions like 15.10 or 16.04 LTS. Be cautious when modifying settings, as some changes may require a restart.
Debian paired with Cinnamon DE offers a theme package you can find in the themes menu within Cinnamon settings, giving it a Windows-like appearance. (I’ll capture screenshots later if you want.) Many features have been removed, and by version 16.04 it’s disabled by default. There’s a quick access option from Amazon, but it can be easily hidden via the launcher. I’m certain there are methods to hide it from the Unity Dash. Still, I agree Ubuntu and its variants are excellent for beginners. Personally, I’ve spent considerable time on Linux and prefer Ubuntu slightly more than Debian. I admit I’m a bit reluctant about Arch, but I think someone could assist if I choose that path. Elementary OS could be a solid option for newcomers. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve seen many videos about it and its name suggests simplicity. Probably built on Ubuntu, yet it differs in ways beyond just updated packages and desktop environment—some tweaks other Ubuntu versions don’t have.
According to common knowledge, disabling Amazon links or ads usually requires installing a specific package. I believe Unity Tweak Tools was the name, though I'm not certain. I used to rely on Ubuntu after its Xorg configuration files became corrupted during an upgrade. Mint seems like a more suitable choice for beginners. This issue highlights the challenge of recommending a single distribution for everyone—everyone has different preferences, making each suggestion feel like a personal choice. My advice is to choose one major distro and commit to it. If you dislike its package manager (which really defines the difference between distributions), consider switching to another option.
To a certain extent, it's accurate that some Linux systems can operate with just 128 MB of memory. However, the overall experience doesn't quite meet expectations. This situation applies to many Linux distributions as well.
Initially, keep in mind that a small Linux installation is only about 16MB and operates without using much memory. It even includes a graphical interface. This isn’t suited for everyday tasks, but it’s quite efficient! If you manage to do the same on Windows, that’s impressive. You might want to revisit older systems like DOS or Windows 3.11 floppy disks for such a project. Let go of those large 128MB and 512MB files.
Next, full Linux live environments with applications and office tools typically take around 4GB in size. Windows 10 is roughly 20% smaller than Windows 7 or 8, but still requires at least 8GB without extra programs. In real-world use, Linux doesn’t always consume resources as expected. I can handle about 250 Chrome tabs on Windows, but only around 150 in Linux before things get tricky.
However, using a 16GB USB drive won’t make it easy to run Windows with multiple apps and swap memory. That’s the point to clarify. So, what exactly are we discussing? Disk space? Memory?
Regarding your question: @Meestagibbon, Ubuntu is an excellent option. But why not try yourself? Here’s a straightforward idea: learn how to set up a Linux live system on a USB stick. That’s your first real challenge. Depending on the distro, you might need different methods—unless you have Dd handy. There are guides and tools available to help with this. If you hit roadblocks, don’t hesitate to ask.
Next, simply download Linux distributions you like and boot from a USB drive. Test them out with your preferred distros and choose the one that suits you best. Honestly? You’re likely to end up using Ubuntu. I’d suggest it over Unity, which is available as a ready-to-use live system. Personally, I find Linux “more secure,” “lighter,” and offers more control if you move away from commercial OSes like Windows or even MAC OS. With live systems, you can start exploring Linux hands-on without too much hassle.
Most common distros will have menus with typical daily apps—like Firefox (or Chromium for Linux), Thunderbird for emails, OpenOffice or LibreOffice. Your biggest hurdle might be remembering your wireless password and then diving into using Linux with a live setup. After all, that’s exactly what live systems are meant for. Before committing, see if it meets your needs by trying it out yourself.