I'm a beginner looking to learn more about Linux, but I don't want a distro that comes prepackaged like Mint. I'm interested in something that's challenging enough to help me learn, yet not overwhelmingly difficult like I hear Arch can be. Any recommendations on a suitable distro?
4 Answers
Honestly, any distro can help you learn the basics of Linux. The core is the same across all of them; it just comes down to the interface and the software included. If you're not into a Windows-like experience, you might like Ubuntu or Fedora. Just grab a solid Linux course on platforms like Udemy or YouTube to get started!
You can also consider AntiX. It's lightweight and doesn’t use systemd, which can be a nice change of pace for someone wanting to learn different aspects of Linux without the complexities of heavier distros.
How about trying Debian? It's customizable like Arch but doesn't throw you into the deep end right away. It's a great middle ground since you have to do things yourself, like enabling the non-free repository to install Nvidia drivers, but it’s not as easy as Mint, which does everything for you. It's an excellent option if you want to learn without being overwhelmed.
If you're feeling adventurous, don’t let the hype about Arch discourage you. It’s really not that hard! I used it for several months, and I found it to be manageable. Just remember, it’s all about how much you want to learn. And yes, for your civil engineering software like AutoCAD, it might get tricky. You may need to dual boot or use alternatives.

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