I just got a new computer, but it's running slower than my old one from 2019. The new computer is tied to my Microsoft account, while my old one used a local account. I've read I can set up a local account on the new device, but I have to do it through Terminal, which seems inconvenient. With Microsoft making things harder, especially with changes coming from AI, I've been thinking about switching to Linux. I use my computer for various tasks like creating CVs, watching movies, and playing games. I've worked in GIS jobs and want to continue using GIS software and enhance my skills with advanced Excel functions. Although I'm not a coder, I have some experience and am currently learning SQL and Python. I've heard that Linux Mint is a good choice for beginners, but I'm curious about other suitable distributions among the many available. What do people recommend?
2 Answers
For a beginner, I'd definitely recommend Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop. It's user-friendly and has a similar layout to Windows, making the transition smoother. I've tried other distros like Kubuntu, which is just Ubuntu with the KDE desktop, and that's nice too. Plus, Zorin OS is gaining popularity and is designed to feel more like Windows, so you might enjoy it as well. Just steer clear of more complex ones like Arch or Debian until you're comfortable with Linux.
Linux Mint is great for beginners due to its ease of installation and similar interface to Windows. Since it's so popular, you'll find plenty of help in the community if you run into issues. I'd suggest using the Cinnamon desktop version since it feels the most familiar. If you're unsure, you can always try it in a virtual machine first!
I've used HyperV for virtual machines before, and it's a great way to test things out without committing right away.