Select the appropriate operating system based on your needs.
Select the appropriate operating system based on your needs.
I'm a seasoned Linux user who transitioned from CentOS 5 and Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. I'm considering giving it another shot with Proton and SteamPlay, but I'm stuck on choosing the right distro for my needs. My typical usage includes everyday tasks like Discord, Spotify Gaming, Steam games, and Epic Work apps. I also use Outlook and Office, and I'm comfortable with Thunderbird and LibreOffice. Web browsing works fine with Firefox until Edge is released. I'm open to keeping Windows on a disc or booting up a VM if needed. Since I have a Nvidia GPU, I'm aware of the quirks with drivers that still feel similar to old times. What distro would you recommend?
Ubuntu is my preferred choice for everything except Windows, even though I enjoy Windows 11. I've experimented with different distributions but always return to Ubuntu because it feels more natural for me.
It could be a great choice consistently. I've noticed Dell continues to produce drivers for its business laptops. I'll remember that one. Thanks!
It's helpful to know! My biggest problem with CentOS and Manjaro is unexpected issues popping up during startup.
I suggest Arch Linux because of its package manager—it's fairly straightforward to install and start using. For Windows-only applications, you can explore VFIO and set up a gaming VM if needed. If you're looking for a more demanding experience, I highly recommend Gentoo for improved gaming performance.
I’m hesitant to suggest this because it offers a very appealing distribution, yet many Linux guides don’t support it—especially certain scripts. Still, NixOS stands out as a solid choice for reproducible builds with rollback capabilities for almost any modification. It demands some effort, requiring you to grasp a completely new language, nix. While it feels like an advanced YAML format at its core, it carries complexity for intricate tasks. Nix flakes present a more modern alternative with added features. If you own a laptop, your existing nix-hardware might already be configured to streamline setup. You can also manage desktop managers, browsers, audio settings, and more simply by adjusting nix files or adding packages. Automatic updates are handled smoothly, allowing you to revert changes with a reboot while preserving previous system states. If this sounds overwhelming, consider simpler options like PopOS, EndeavorOS, or Garuda Linux. If you prefer to avoid any compatibility headaches, arch Linux could be the safer path.
I was also an Ubuntu user from a similar era (hardy-lucid), but I discontinued due to disliking Unity or the gnome shell (or any other desktop environment) and Windows performing well on my laptop at the time. I returned over a year ago and experimented with various distros, ultimately choosing Pop because of its custom gnome shell and my familiarity with Ubuntu-based setups. I believe Pop represents what Ubuntu could have been if it maintained its original direction. I also explored Manjaro and appreciated its AUR, which offers extensive content without needing extra repos or PPAs. I tried the budgie version, which worked reasonably well but was mainly used in a VM for development rather than daily use. Once the Pop shell and Cosmic package stabilized (see forum link), I might try it as my primary system, especially if SteamOS 3 becomes available.
Check if GPU pass-through is enabled in the Windows VM and identify the software used for it.