I'm transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux and having a rough time choosing the right distribution. My PC is mainly for offline gaming and university office programs, and I'm interested in learning to code. I tried Fedora KDE, but ran into issues since my country has sanctions that blocked updates, and I couldn't even download VPN software to help fix it. After several frustrating attempts, including having my system freeze on auto-login, I had to reinstall Fedora multiple times. I'm now considering alternatives like Linux Mint, which is known for being beginner-friendly, or CachyOS, but I'm hesitant to dive into an Arch-based distro after my Fedora experiences. What would you recommend for me?
5 Answers
If you want something user-friendly, both Linux Mint and Zorin are great options for beginners. Mint is very stable and has a nice classic desktop feel, while Zorin offers a more Windows-like experience, which might help you adjust more easily.
You could also try Debian or Linux Mint Debian Edition. Debian is more community-driven and less subject to corporate restrictions, plus it has a ton of mirrors for updates, which can help with any sanctions issues you might encounter.
Have you thought about using a VM to test different distros? That way, you can try Fedora or Mint without fully committing to one. Plus, you'll get to learn without risking your main system!
I think sticking with Mint might be your best bet for now, especially since it’s comfortable for new users. You can always switch to something like Arch later when you're feeling more confident.
Ubuntu or Mint are solid choices for new users. You could set up a separate data partition during installation, which would make it easier to switch distros in the future without losing your files.

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