Hey everyone! I just got a new laptop and I'm looking to install Linux. A bit of context—I have some very basic experience with Linux from a few years back (I think it was Mint). I'm on the hunt for a visually appealing, lightweight OS that still offers a lot of options for software without being bloated. I want to be able to easily add new programs as needed.
Here are my specific questions: Does the 'flavor' of Linux matter in terms of how easy it is to install new software, or do all distros generally allow access to compatible programs?
I plan to use my laptop for retro gaming, writing, and file storage, so if it includes Libre Office, that's a plus! Here's what I've found so far, ranked in preference:
1. Kubuntu - It looks great.
2. Ubuntu Cinnamon - Looks cool, but can I change the brown background?
3. Linux Mint/Cinnamon - Seems decent; it looks similar to Ubuntu Cinnamon, but I feel like Ubuntu is a bit more robust.
4. Lubuntu - Honestly looks too basic and old for my taste.
7 Answers
It really depends on your comfort level. Most Linux distros aren't overly bloated. You can typically choose a light or full version during installation. All the distros you mentioned are just different desktop environments of Ubuntu, so it's mostly about aesthetic preference. I'd recommend giving Debian a try as it has a wide range of desktop environments and a solid package base.
A good approach is to try out different distros. Use one for a few days, then switch it up. This helps you find the one that suits your needs best. Since gaming is important to you, look into gaming distros. They come pre-configured for better compatibility with Windows software. The one I landed on after a lot of trial and error? Garuda Dragonized. Also, since your laptop is new, don't shy away from heavier distros—they can perform well even on newer hardware!
What made you choose that one?
If you decide to go with Ubuntu, I’d suggest checking out Kubuntu. It’s essentially Ubuntu but with the KDE desktop environment, which looks fantastic!
That's one I was considering! If a program isn't available in the repository, can I still install it if it works on Linux? Or are there compatibility issues with certain distros?
What are some other options I should be looking at?
To answer your question about flavors of Linux: it does matter a bit, but since you're looking at Ubuntu-based distros, they all share access to the Ubuntu repositories, so you'll have no shortage of software. Generally, certain distros like Fedora might require a bit more effort for software with licensing quirks (like NVIDIA drivers), but standard software packages are broadly supported across most distros.
So, if Debian is the OG, does that mean Mint and Kubuntu use the same repositories as Ubuntu?
Another great option to consider is Fedora. I went with the GNOME version, but if you want something more Windows-like, their KDE spin looks fantastic. It's well-maintained and quite up to date.
I jumped to Linux a month ago and have been using Linux Mint. It’s been solid for me, and installing games was pretty easy too!
Nice! Was it bloated at all? I’m trying to keep things lightweight since I'm ditching Windows 11.
Forget about Ubuntu Cinnamon. If you like the Cinnamon desktop, I'd suggest just going with Linux Mint—it’s what you’ll need!
What do you like most about KDE Plasma?