Hi everyone! This is my first post, and I really need advice on selecting the right Linux distro for my situation. I have some decent experience with Linux, having set up an Ubuntu server and dabbled with Debian-based systems like Raspbian for VPN configurations. I'm done with Windows due to its sluggishness and bloat, which makes even casual tasks frustrating. I'm looking to fully switch to Linux and need a distro that fits my needs.
Here's what I'm after:
- General usage, like browsing
- Development work (various projects, ML/DL, LLMs, video/photo editing)
- Gaming
My hardware specs include:
- Intel 10th gen CPU
- NVIDIA 30 series GPU
- 32GB RAM
Right now, I'm considering:
- Pop!_OS
- Linux Mint
- Garuda
- Ubuntu (if all else fails)
What do you all think?
3 Answers
If you're coming from Windows, focus on the Desktop Environment too! I personally think Cinnamon in Linux Mint is super user-friendly, plus KDE Plasma on other distros is also a great option. It really depends on what you're most comfortable with.
The migration page is a great resource! You can find tons of tips on switching over. A lot of people recommend Pop!_OS if you want a smooth out-of-the-box experience for general use and gaming.
You should definitely try running the distros from a USB first to see which one you like best. It’s a great way to test without committing! There are tools like Ventoy that let you put multiple ISO images on one USB stick, making it super convenient. Check out some tutorials online if you need help getting started!
Totally agree! I've done it before, and it's really straightforward. Plus, it gives you a chance to play around with each one without any installation hassle.
Yeah, Pop!_OS is pretty solid for gaming! Just ensure you check the compatibility with your new hardware too.