Hey everyone! I've primarily used Windows and macOS, but I'm eager to dive into Linux and leave Windows behind. I plan to set up a dual boot with Windows since I still need it for gaming and some specific programs like OwnCloud and Microsoft 365 apps for work. I'm looking for a Linux distribution recommendation that resembles macOS in terms of user interface. I've tried Fedora Workstation, but I found the interface a bit confusing, especially with the dock showing only when I open workspaces. I need to keep Secure Boot enabled because it's necessary for using Windows. Any suggestions? I'd appreciate it if there was no judgment on my choices! Thanks!
5 Answers
If you want something that closely resembles macOS, going with GNOME is smart. But, if you’re looking for customization, KDE might be better. You can easily tweak it to mimic macOS features and it feels very intuitive once you set it up.
We switched from Mac too, and I recommend a distro with KDE. Try Fedora KDE or a live Debian KDE ISO. KDE can be customized to look and work more like Mac than GNOME. It starts out looking similar to Windows but is super easy to change!
Definitely keep Secure Boot enabled! Disabling it can lead to issues with BitLocker on Windows. If you're aiming for a macOS-like experience, the GNOME desktop might be more your style, especially with some extensions like "Dash to Dock" to keep the dock visible. If you're new to Linux, going for mainstream distros like Ubuntu or Fedora can make life easier, especially with documentation on installing drivers. Bazzite is also solid for gaming if you're looking to try that out!
I need Secure Boot, so I'd rather stick with something that doesn’t require turning it off. I’ll give GNOME another go since I thought it had a nice macOS vibe.
Check out the distro selection page in the Linux community wiki. It can guide you to the best options based on what you're looking for. Just remember to back up your data and maybe test things out in a virtual machine first!
Since you found Fedora a bit challenging, you might want to check out Linux Mint, especially the Cinnamon edition. It's user-friendly and has a Mac-like feel right out of the box. Plus, it's easier to customize, so you can adjust it to suit your tastes!
Can I customize it to add a dock and make it feel more like macOS?
You could also try Fedora with the KDE desktop environment, which might be a smoother experience.
What distro do you think is better for that? Is Fedora a strong choice?