I'm considering switching from Windows 10 to a Linux distro and I need some guidance. I've got a 2017 ThinkPad with 4GB of RAM, and quite frankly, I'm not very tech-savvy. I've heard stories about how Windows 11 isn't great, especially for older hardware like mine. I've had a bad experience before trying to install Zorin OS on an older computer, and I lost some money with that. Now, I'm hoping to find a solution that's user-friendly, easy to install, and doesn't hog too much RAM. Ideally, I'm looking for an option that feels somewhat similar to Windows 10 or earlier versions, so I can extend the life of my laptop. Can anyone recommend a suitable Linux distro for a total beginner?
6 Answers
For beginners, Mint is a fantastic choice. It uses the Cinnamon desktop, which looks a lot like Windows 7, making it easier to adapt to. You can download it as an ISO and run it off a USB to test it without making any changes to your current system. Just be sure to back everything up before making the switch! If you want another option, Zorin OS is also good, though it has a different look and feel than Mint. It's all about personal preference in the end.
If you're looking for something modern and lightweight, give openSUSE Tumbleweed KDE a try. It’s stable, visually appealing, and performs really well.
You could also try out Lubuntu; it's lightweight and designed to be easy on low-spec systems. Just make sure to do some research on the specific requirements for your ThinkPad!
Mint is actually the go-to choice for many Windows users switching to Linux. But you might also want to check out Pop!_OS - it’s designed for ease of use as well. Just remember to look up some guides or YouTube tutorials if you're anxious about the install process. You'll find it's pretty straightforward, especially if you do a clean install rather than dual-booting. Also, upgrading your RAM could really help your laptop's performance; web browsers can be RAM hogs regardless of the OS.
How does Manjaro KDE compare to those options? I just switched to it, and while it’s been okay, I find customization to be a hassle.
Have you looked into upgrading the RAM? ThinkPads are generally pretty upgrade-friendly, and going to 8GB could make a world of difference! That said, if you're still considering Zorin, their lightweight XFCE version might be suited for your needs.
I'd suggest trying Linux Mint. It's much lighter than Windows 10 and has a user interface that's pretty familiar to anyone who's used Windows before. Plus, there's a ton of support available for new users online.
I had the same issue with customization. What I found helpful is sticking to the defaults for a while to get a feel for it before tweaking things.