I'm a complete beginner when it comes to Linux and I have a spare laptop that I want to experiment with. Can anyone provide some guidance on where to start? Are there specific distributions that are recommended for newcomers?
3 Answers
If you're looking for something that feels more like Windows, ZorinOS is a great option. But, honestly, Linux Mint, Pop_OS, and even Ubuntu are super beginner-friendly too. If you're just playing around, any of these will help you learn as you tinker.
Don't overthink it too much—just pick Linux Mint or something similar to get started. All the distros are pretty similar these days, especially for newbies. Mint is a solid choice that'll get you up and running quickly.
Installing Linux is the first step! I suggest going for Linux Mint. It's super easy to install—seriously, easier than Windows if you stick to the default settings. Plus, if you're used to Windows, the interface will feel quite familiar, and it runs well even on older hardware, like a laptop from 2011.
I’m okay if it doesn’t look like Windows. I just want to get the most hands-on experience possible.