So, I recently made the jump from Windows 10 to a Linux distro called Gentoo, which my friend suggested as a stepping stone before I try out Arch Linux and Debian. I'm curious about how long it might take for a total newbie like me to get comfortable switching to those more challenging distributions. Any tips or experiences to share?
3 Answers
I think it depends on what you're using your computer for. If you're just curious about Arch, why not run it in a VM first? That way you can explore without fully diving in right away!
It can vary a lot based on your background and how quickly you learn. For me, using the Archinstall script made it easier to get a functioning OS first, instead of wading through the sometimes complicated Arch Wiki. Once it's set up, using Arch isn't too bad! You just need to know how to Google for solutions when issues pop up.
Honestly, Gentoo is one of the toughest distros out there, so if you've tackled that, you're probably ready for Arch. Just know that both Gentoo and Arch aren't exactly beginner-friendly, but they are really rewarding once you get used to them. If you're looking for something easier to start with, consider Fedora, Mint, or one of the Ubuntu flavors instead!

That's a good idea! I've been wanting to try several distros before settling on one, so testing in a VM makes total sense.