I'm new to Linux and preparing for the end of support for Windows 10 in October. I don't have much technical knowledge beyond the basics regarding the main distros and I know that Linux has evolved significantly. I'm planning to dual boot Windows 10 and Linux on a 512GB SSD, partitioning it evenly, alongside a 2TB SSD and a 4TB HDD. I use an AMD machine, and my main interests are gaming and experimenting with AI applications like large language models and Stable Diffusion. I've heard about distros like Mint, Nobara, Endeavor, and Fedora. A friend suggested I go with Arch, but that seems too advanced for a beginner. I'm looking for something stable, regularly updated, and with a focus on privacy. I would also prefer an installation experience that's similar to Windows rather than the 'app store' method many distros use.
4 Answers
For gaming, I'd suggest checking out **Aurora** or **Bazzite**. Both are immutable OSes, meaning they're tough to mess up—and their user interface feels familiar to Windows users. If you're exploring distros, starting with Linux Mint or Manjaro is solid. Manjaro is especially user-friendly and lets you get comfy before delving into something like Arch. You could also try Bazzite if you want a dedicated gaming experience.
If you want a balance of stability, updates, and privacy, you might want to consider Ubuntu LTS. It's supported for 5 years, and if you add Ubuntu Pro, that extends to 10 years for up to 5 machines. About your dislike for the app store installation, could you elaborate on that?
I recommend checking out the distro selection page in our wiki, it’s super helpful for narrowing down your options! Also, flatpaks are a great option if you're looking for a Windows-like installation method. They’re self-contained and compatible with any Linux distro, which makes managing applications much easier! Just be sure to back up your files and take time to understand any commands you run in the terminal. Good luck!
A good starting point is to try various distributions in a virtual machine or via a Live USB. This keeps your current Windows install intact while you explore different desktop environments. Here are a few suggestions:
- **Debian** Live images have multiple desktop environments available.
- **Linux Mint** is user-friendly with three DE options to choose from.
- **Ventoy** allows you to create bootable USBs conveniently.
It’s a fun way to test the waters before committing!
I’ve heard about various distros being labeled as ‘gaming’ focused. Do they really outperform the standard ones like Fedora? What’s the scoop on that?