I've been using Windows for a long time and I'm ready to dive into Linux. My experience is pretty limited—I mostly just used my Steam Deck in desktop mode. I consider myself somewhat tech-savvy, so I can search for solutions and ask for help if I need to, but I don't want to spend too much time tinkering. I'm not super comfortable with using the terminal and would prefer a GUI, even if it means less customization. Here are the key points I'm considering:
- Stability is my top priority. I don't want to waste hours fixing issues; I want something that just works.
- I want a distro with a solid developer team behind it; something that feels future-proof.
- Gaming support is essential. I play a lot of games—AAA titles, indie games, and some multiplayer ones with anti-cheat systems like Marvel Rivals and Halo Infinite. I also plan on using emulators.
- It should work well with my AMD CPU and GPU.
- I also need it to be suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, chatting on Discord, and watching shows.
- Plus, I'm looking for compatibility with applications like Plex, Radarr, Sonarr, Prowlarr, SabNZBD, and others from my Windows setup.
4 Answers
Ubuntu or Fedora could also work. Fedora is good if you’re comfortable with a bit of tech stuff, like adding repositories for certain drivers. Ubuntu is more straightforward, but its software might lag a bit behind in terms of freshness. Overall, both are solid choices for a beginner.
I think Mint could be a great choice! It's user-friendly with a simple interface, and you won't need to use the terminal often. Plus, it does well for general usage. Just a heads-up though: if you're using a newer AMD GPU, you might need to update the kernel for optimal performance and to get the latest drivers.
Thanks for the tip! I appreciate the heads-up on the drivers.
I’ve used Mint, but I found it lacking for gaming. Some of the AMD drivers aren't the latest, which caused issues for me.
Consider Linux Lite! It’s designed to be easy for Windows users and supports running Windows apps/games via Wine or Bottles, which could be a plus for you.
If stability is your main concern, I'd recommend Debian. It's not as cutting-edge as other distros, but everything tends to work flawlessly, especially with AMD hardware since the drivers are integrated into the kernel.
Debian might be solid, but keep in mind it could feel a bit outdated with some software.
True about Fedora, it can be a bit maintenance-heavy. Ubuntu is a classic choice for good reason!