I'm currently using Windows 10 and I'm getting frustrated with it. I want to switch to Linux but don't want to spend extra money on Windows 11. The main things I need Linux to do are run Steam and Epic Games, and I also want to use apps like Discord, GIMP, Blender, and DaVinci Resolve. I'm curious about which Linux distribution would be the best fit for me considering these requirements.
5 Answers
Honestly, I think you should try a few different distros on a USB drive and see which one you like best. Distros like Linux Mint and Zorin are very beginner-friendly and also have good compatibility for gaming and the software you need. You'll find a lot of tutorials online to guide you too!
Definitely! The more you experiment, the better you'll understand what works for you.
All the applications you mentioned should work fine on Linux. I suggest starting with Pop!_OS if you have an Nvidia GPU; it has out-of-the-box support for those drivers, running games smoothly. For a more customizable experience, check out Garuda Linux, especially if you want everything ready for gaming.
Pop!_OS is awesome for gaming, but do check out ProtonDB to see how your favorite games will run.
Definitely look into Garuda if you want to tweak your system more—it’s got great community support too!
Essentially, any distro can handle your needs, but choosing one with good community support is critical. Mint is a user-friendly option, but Fedora or even Nobara could be better for gaming and running up-to-date software. Just make sure to check compatibility for various games, especially those with anti-cheat systems. You might want to dual-boot at first, too, just to ease the transition.
Totally true! Having Windows as a backup can make the switch less daunting.
Great advice! Plus, using tools like Lutris can help to run other games seamlessly.
From my experience, Linux Mint is solid for a beginner, especially with its Cinnamon desktop resembling Windows pretty closely. You can easily run Discord, GIMP, and Blender without issues. For DaVinci Resolve, it might take a bit more setup, but it's manageable with community guides. If you're looking for performance, just check if your games will run on Linux using ProtonDB.
I had no issues with those apps on Mint either—it’s a great way to get started!
Exactly! Just keep the community forums handy—great for troubleshooting!
A lot of people starting out with Linux recommend Linux Mint or Ubuntu. Both have user-friendly interfaces that are similar to Windows, which can help ease the transition. If you're mainly gaming, Mint runs well but be aware it might be a bit behind in terms of updates. For better gaming support, you may want to check out a KDE version of Fedora, which is very compatible with gaming and easy to use.
I completely agree! Mint is great for beginners, but Fedora is awesome if you want the latest everything.
I tried switching to Mint and loved how easy it was, but later moved to Fedora for more frequent updates.
That's a smart idea! Live USBs are the best way to test things out.