I'm planning to switch from Windows to Linux this winter as my main operating system. I'm aware that as a newbie, complex distros like Arch may not be the best choice. However, I'm really interested in an Arch-based distro or something similarly challenging, yet manageable. I want to use it as a learning tool for Linux, especially since I'm looking to set up a sleek and customized desktop environment, support cutting-edge software, and get better battery life. I've had issues with Windows, like apps unexpectedly turning black, which is frustrating.
I've been looking at EndeavorOS, but a friend told me it's not great and suggested CachyOS instead. Yet, I've come across many people praising EndeavorOS, which is confusing. I'm open to other distro recommendations too.
My use case involves light coding, some editing, and using FreeCAD for design work. I'll also be gaming (I can dual boot) and I have an Nvidia GPU, which I've heard can have driver issues in Linux. Plus, I'm planning to triple boot, so I have room for a heavier OS if needed, though NixOS doesn't appeal to me due to its complexity. I've dabbled a bit with Debian and Arch in a VM, so I'm not starting completely from scratch. I'd appreciate any suggestions and insights!
5 Answers
I think both EndeavorOS and CachyOS are solid choices! If you’re really leaning toward Arch, Endeavor is pretty user-friendly and has a good community support. If you're feeling adventurous, give both a test run in VMs. Just make sure you keep backups of your data, and don't hesitate to try out different desktop environments to see which one suits your style best!
Nvidia can be tricky on Linux for sure, but don't let that discourage you. Most distros have pretty decent guides for setting up drivers. Also, it might be wise to stick to simpler setups initially and ease into more complex configurations as you grow more comfortable.
If you want the cool 'rice' setup, think about your desktop environment. Customization is more about that than the distro itself. Once you decide on a distro, dive into your selected DE, and explore themes and tools available for it. Just remember to balance your time between learning Linux and customizing so you don't get lost in the rabbit hole too soon.
If you have some experience with Arch and haven't encountered major issues in your VM, maybe you're more ready for it than you think! Just be prepared for some learning curves, especially with drivers for your Nvidia GPU. Be sure to look into the community forums for help if you hit any snags.
Definitely check out both distros before making a choice! You can install them in a VM and see which interface you prefer. And you know, a lot of people hop between distros at first, just to find what fits. No harm in trying them out and switching if you find one not as user-friendly.
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