I'm currently using Windows, but I'm studying IT and want to try Linux for programming and tools such as wireless network scanning. I also need to handle some Word and Excel documents, and I'd like to keep playing games through Steam and other platforms, including FIFA and Halo. Which distribution would be a good choice for a beginner while still supporting these needs?
3 Answers
Fedora with the KDE desktop would be a solid choice for studying IT. It has current software, a good package manager, and plenty of development tools without being as demanding as a rolling-release distribution. Just remember that Microsoft Word and Excel do not have native Linux versions, so LibreOffice or browser-based Office would be the alternatives.
Linux Mint is probably the easiest place to start. It works well for programming and Steam, and its desktop will feel familiar if you’re coming from Windows. For Word and Excel, you can use the web versions or install LibreOffice, though complex Microsoft Office files may not always look perfect.
Gaming is the main thing to check before switching. Steam and many Windows games work through Proton, but compatibility varies by title. Some newer competitive games and multiplayer modes use anti-cheat systems that do not support Linux, so check each game beforehand. Older FIFA titles may work, while newer releases can have multiplayer restrictions.
I’m mainly interested in playing locally and don’t really care about multiplayer, so that limitation should be manageable.