Hey everyone! I'm on Windows right now and looking to make the switch to Linux. I've done some basic programming and I can handle CMD/PowerShell, but I'm by no means an expert. I tried Ubuntu in the past but found the learning curve pretty steep and it was a bit overwhelming. I'm diving into this mainly as a hobby to learn more, so I want a smooth experience, especially since my PC has decent specs and doesn't need a lightweight OS. I'm also keen on exploring Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and open hardware concepts as I go along.
Here's what I'm looking for:
1. A good balance of GUI and command line. I want to get comfortable with the terminal, but I don't want to be forced to rely on it for everything right from the start.
2. A solid environment for coding. I'm doing some coding now, but want to really learn and develop my skills.
3. Privacy is a big deal for me. I'm trying to escape Microsoft's tracking and privacy issues.
4. The essentials. I need good support for multiple language keyboards and proprietary drivers. I'm fine with installing things myself, just don't want it to be a hassle to get WiFi or graphics up and running.
I might game a little, but mostly I'm just excited to explore Linux. Any recommendations for a "middle ground" distro? Thanks!
3 Answers
For what you're looking for, I'd suggest checking out Pop!_OS or Nobara. They handle driver installations easily, which is a huge plus. If you want a comfortable mix of GUI and CLI, starting with a desktop environment might be best before experimenting with a compositor like Hyprland or Niri. Take it slow and get familiar with the basics first!
I'm in the same boat! I recommend picking a few distros and trying live booting them first. I tested out Zorin, Mint, and Kubuntu on an old laptop for a week each. For me, it boiled down to Mint or Kubuntu, and given your past experience with Ubuntu, Mint might be a better fit. Also, the community support is great if you run into issues!
You should definitely give Linux Mint a try! It's based on Debian like Ubuntu, so it supports a ton of applications. Mint is user-friendly and has been popular for a long time. You can even test it out via a live USB to see if you like it before committing.
Totally agree with this approach! Live sessions are a great way to gauge compatibility!