Hey everyone! I'm about to build my new desktop and am finally making the switch to Linux after using Windows for as long as I can remember. I do have some bash experience and work with R and Python, so I'm confident in figuring things out with some patience. I'd like to know how well Ubuntu Linux Mint and Debian Linux Mint work with certain programs I often use, like R with RStudio, QGIS for mapping, and maybe ArcGIS later. I'm also interested in gaming on Steam (and using Proton for some tweaks), as well as using Discord and Clip Studio Paint. Do any of you have a particular distribution you'd recommend, or which one would be easier to set up for these applications? Additionally, what's the best way to install apps—through the console or via the web?
5 Answers
Check out the migration page I found! It has some helpful tips for transitioning. A quick reminder, always be cautious with root commands, avoid third-party repositories unless necessary, and don’t forget to verify checksums for your ISOs after downloading them!
I’ve used both LMDE 7 and Linux Mint 22.2 on similar laptops, and honestly, they feel very similar in everyday use. Both are reliable and well-supported. In terms of compatibility for the apps you mentioned, I wouldn’t worry too much; you should have a smooth experience on either. If you're curious about some technical differences, check out some comparison articles online. I personally lean towards LMDE for daily use, but I recommend Linux Mint for beginners because it has a wealth of resources available. So, you can't go wrong with either choice! Good luck with your setup!
What kind of hardware are you working with? Your GPU, CPU, and RAM can really affect performance and compatibility.
If you want the latest software quickly and your hardware is relatively new, go for Linux Mint (the Ubuntu version) since it features the newest kernel and has a handy driver manager. LMDE, on the other hand, will tend to have older packages and mainly receive security updates after a year or two. You can install newer packages from Flathub or AppImages if needed, but I found it tricky sometimes due to dependency issues when compiling from source. In terms of gaming, you shouldn’t notice major differences between the two.
Awesome, thanks for sharing those insights!