Which linux distro should I use?
Which linux distro should I use?
I suggest trying elementary OS. You're already familiar with managing packages via apt, and staying on a Debian/Ubuntu-based system will let you carry your Pi expertise forward. The main advantage is AppCenter, which offers many useful tools such as Mixer (volume control), Mauborgne (2FA client), Inspektor (EXIF viewer), Harvey (color picker), Evince (PDF viewer/editor), Captive Network Assistant, and more. When I used desktop Linux for years, switching distros often meant losing access to those handy applications—elementary OS keeps everything consistent.
I've been craving Linux for ten years but never found the ideal setup. Yet, installing Manjaro KDE made me feel right at home. It offers - massive software collection even without AUR - a visually appealing interface with lots of tweaks - smooth performance on my system - and it handled everything without needing command-line interaction. If you prefer the GNOME look, POP_OS might be worth checking out!
Opt for Linux Mint for a smooth start with minimal effort. It supports all your programming needs, lets you enjoy Minecraft, and offers appealing visuals after gaining experience. You’ll find several attractive GUI choices to ease the shift from Windows or Mac to Linux. If you’re a developer already comfortable with Linux, Arch Linux could be a good pick too. However, the initial setup might feel a bit tricky as it requires some time to understand its deeper features. Alternatively, you can follow the official guide on the Arch Wiki and install your preferred desktop environment, which will cover most requirements. Just remember, you’ll still need to add applications manually, so Arch isn’t ideal if you prefer a plug-and-play experience. Ultimately, feel free to explore different distros and see what suits you best—experimentation is key in learning Linux. Enjoy the process!
I agree with this about Mint. It performs well. I've dual-booted it alongside Windows 11 and everything functions smoothly. Cinnamon is a solid desktop environment that's user-friendly and avoids the complexity of options like Plasma or GNOME, which can be overwhelming for some users. I haven't encountered any issues with Mint since installing it on my laptop. My priority is having a stable operating system without unnecessary complications. I just want things to run efficiently without constant troubleshooting. That's why I favor distros like Mint that emphasize reliability.
On Linux, you can freely pick any desktop environment or tiling window manager that suits your needs. This flexibility makes the setup process much smoother compared to Windows. For instance, if you choose Linux Mint Cinnamon, you can install development tools, configure Git, run Minecraft, and create a large save file without having to reinstall everything. If you're not interested in your current desktop, simply switch to another one—without losing your saved projects or settings. This adaptability is one of the key advantages of Linux.
I’m not looking to repeat this discussion with a similar situation but a different setup. Please be assured it’s okay. My interest started after discovering the Steam Deck, which sparked curiosity about moving to Linux because of its potential for better future support. I haven’t decided to install it on my primary machine just yet, and I don’t have the funds to build a new system solely for testing. Used office computers are affordable in my region—around $60 to $150 converted. That would let me get an i3 through i5 3rd to 6th generation models. Is this a viable path? Which Linux distribution would be best for someone just starting out? I’m not sure of a specific use case yet; I’m mainly looking to get familiar with it. To give context, I only used Linux in a school library as a student, and my computer skills are mostly informal—learned from friends and online.
For testing purposes, a 6th generation desktop CPU with integrated graphics works well. Valve moved to Arch as the foundation for their new SteamOS, so if you wish to explore that platform → choose Arch. The distribution closest to pure Arch but offering some helpful features like GUI-based installation is https://endeavouros.com/. If you prefer a distro built around GUIs without relying on the original Arch repositories (source for packages), try https://manjaro.org/. Because Arch’s documentation is excellent and your aim is to grasp basics, here are some tips:
1. Keep VirtualBox installed on Windows.
2. Run both operating systems inside virtual machines.
3. Experiment with various window managers (KDE, GNOME, XFCE, etc.).
4. Feel free to break things whenever you like.
5. Once you have a second machine, install the one that appeals most.
For quick visual ideas: Endeavour OS, Manjaro.