new to linux
new to linux
Sure, I can help you get started with the basics of Linux. Let's begin!
Linux Mint is an excellent choice. It's easy to set up, particularly for those transitioning from Windows. I personally rely on it. The simplest approach is to install directly and explore it. If you're using a desktop, consider booting from a new USB drive to install it that way.
I don't know anything about Macs. You might want someone with experience to help you.
You can choose the amount of RAM based on your needs and system requirements. A common range is 8 to 16 GB, depending on what software you plan to run.
I've set up Mint Cinnamon on a laptop with only 2GB RAM and it functions properly. For Mac users, consider checking the forums at - https://forums.linuxmint.com/ There are several discussions about compatibility issues.
When setting up Linux on a Mac, you may need a physical installation tool like Balena Etcher since no native Mac solution exists. Consider alternatives such as Zorin Lite with xfce, or the Devuan 4.0 live version using LXQt. The Zorin interface resembles Windows 7, while LXQt mimics a Windows 2K menu. Devuan remains one of the few distros supporting 32-bit systems. Originally built by former Debian developers who preferred SystemD over SysVinit, it offers a more stable and secure experience without bloatware.
You could begin with the video by Anthony, which offers a solid introduction for newcomers to Linux. It doesn't matter which distribution you choose, as you'll likely switch between them until you find the right fit. In the clip, he starts with PopOS since it resembles Windows, simplifying the learning curve. If you're running a virtual machine, the amount of resources available depends on your host system. For basic Linux setups such as Ubuntu and PopOS, 2 vCPUs and 4GB RAM should suffice during initial testing. You may need to upgrade these specifications as you add more applications.