Which Linux distribution is best for privacy, gaming, and learning?

Most mainstream distributions can meet those requirements; the desktop environment and hardware support matter more than the distribution name. Fedora with GNOME or KDE is a good choice if you want newer software and are comfortable upgrading about every 6–12 months. Ubuntu LTS or Kubuntu LTS may suit you better if you prefer a slower, more stable release cycle of roughly 2–5 years. Both can run current applications even when the underlying system is on a long-term-support release.

Don’t overfocus on finding a perfect distribution. Try a couple of beginner-friendly options and choose the one whose desktop feels intuitive. KDE gives you lots of customization, while GNOME is simpler and more streamlined. For Steam gaming and a Radeon GPU, keeping the graphics stack reasonably current can be useful, so newer Fedora releases may have an advantage, but compatibility should be tested on your specific model.

Privacy and security are mostly about how you configure the system, not just which distribution you install. Use full-disk encryption, automatic security updates, a firewall, strong account security, and reliable backups. Test the distribution in a virtual machine or from a live USB first, and check the device’s Wi-Fi, touchscreen, sleep, graphics, and tablet-mode support before committing.

Linux Mint would be a friendly starting point. It has a familiar desktop, good hardware and software support, and is generally less intimidating for beginners. It can handle Steam, development tools, and engineering software, while still letting you learn more advanced Linux features gradually. Just keep regular backups and avoid running commands you don’t understand.