Tips for installing Linux on a fresh system.
Tips for installing Linux on a fresh system.
Hello, I'm a regular Mac user thinking about setting up a custom high-performance PC for demanding development and graphics work. I know the hardware inside out, but I've only used Windows before. Which Linux distros would suit your needs? For what purposes should I focus? Also, how do different hardware brands generally perform on Linux? Please share all the advice you can. Thanks!
It's a fresh setup, I suggest keeping it for a while before settling. Staying updated is key—think Fedora or similar Arch-based if you're just starting out. For stability with a bit of edge, consider Ubuntu-based options like Pop!OS, Linux Mint, plain Ubuntu, Kubuntu (Ubuntu with KDE), or even Ubuntu Budgie. All these choices might seem overwhelming, but checking screenshots, trying them out, and installing what you like works well. If you're looking for a quick list, here are my thoughts: Fedora 2, PopOS 3, Kubuntu. This is just my perspective, shared on this journey into Linux.
For hardware, the biggest issue with Linux is Nvidia graphics cards. Their custom drivers are difficult to use. Choose AMD graphics instead if possible—they come with drivers built into the Linux kernel. Intel or AMD integrated graphics also receive solid support right out of the box.
I'm using pop_OS with a Nvidia GTX 1080 and everything is running smoothly. All the games I want to play work perfectly—like Overwatch, Mass Effect Andromeda, Borderlands 3, etc.—and my desktop performance is top-notch. G-Sync functions better here than in Windows, which often required me to toggle it on and off.