Which Linux distro should I use?
Which Linux distro should I use?
Hey there! It sounds like you're at a crossroads with your current setup and curious about Linux. If you want a modern look, solid gaming performance, and flexibility to tweak things, some popular choices include Ubuntu, Fedora, or even Arch Linux. Each has its own vibe—Ubuntu is user-friendly, Fedora offers cutting-edge features, and Arch gives you full control. Just remember to check compatibility with your hardware and consider what kind of support you need before making the jump. Good luck!
We have two primary distributions: Debian and RedHat. Anything else branches off from these two, or you end up with minor variations such as Arch; for now we'll focus on Debian and RedHat. I prefer Ubuntu since the software I require is built for Debian (Ubuntu is a Debian-based distribution). For gaming, Steam is available, but only a limited selection of games have been adapted from their Windows versions. Before changing your setup, have you checked if the games you enjoy are actually supported?
Mostly it functions on Steam, though I've experienced solid results comparing cross-platform titles. With a vast library of over 10,000 Windows games, Steam offers a huge selection, while other platforms like Nix have around 1,000 options, about 90% of which are visual novels.
For someone just starting out, any Debian-based distribution works well. Mint is my favorite because it relies heavily on Ubuntu for its packages. You can pick a desktop environment that suits you—KDE Plasma, Gnome, Cinnamon, XFCE, LXDE, or even Unity—and tailor it to your preferences. Gaming options vary; if you need major AAA games like BF1, PUBG, Fortnite, or CoD, Linux may not be the best fit.
But you don't need anything beyond that. When you look up support for Linux, you end up on ArchWiki. That's the only option left for every Linux user. Arch users are more skilled than, say, Ubuntu users, and they can assist much better than those using Ubuntu or Mint. Manjaro Linux is the best choice for beginners. Arch is ideal for advanced users. I use Arch even though I shouldn't claim to be advanced—I can fix my systemd no matter what. For about four years, I haven't remembered when I had to reinstall Linux, no matter what I did. Eight years ago, when I first started with Ubuntu, I frequently broke it and tried to recover, but usually had to start over. This is how I learned Linux, and I'm still learning.
You haven’t experienced many of the problems I faced... especially for more experienced users. Honestly, the Arch community seems full of elitist people I don’t want to engage with. Being labeled a moron for having over 1000 packages installed doesn’t help when you’re just trying to get Google Chrome to work smoothly. I’ve dealt with Arch before and still prefer Arch; using a Buntu-based distro makes things much simpler. After all, computers were meant to simplify life.