I'm making the leap from Windows 10 to Linux since I want to avoid the forced upgrade to Windows 11 in October. I've enjoyed using Arch for about six months, but I've run into some issues while experimenting and ended up breaking things. With a lot of important data (2-3TB) on my current setup, I'd prefer a distribution similar to Arch that minimizes the chance of messing things up. I considered Pop!_OS, but I'm open to other suggestions. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
What about using a backup strategy? Consider systems that utilize Btrfs with snapshots, like openSUSE Tumbleweed. That way, you can roll back changes if something goes wrong. It's like having a safety net while you explore things. Plus, it's also rolling release, so you'll get updates timely.
Every Linux distro has the potential for breakage, especially when using commands like sudo. But if you're looking for something more user-friendly than Arch, I'd suggest Linux Mint or even EndeavourOS, which gives you a lot of Arch vibes but is easier to manage. Mint is particularly good for those new to Linux, as it has a familiar interface for Windows users.
Consider running Arch in a VM or using another PC to play around with it. It's great for experimenting without risking your data. By doing this, you can keep your main system stable while getting your Arch fix. You could also look into openSUSE Tumbleweed, which is rolling release but has built-in tools for handling system snapshots, making it safe to recover from mistakes.
Using a VM sounds like a solid plan! How does the setup compare to Mint?
Definitely check out EndeavourOS! It's pretty close to Arch but more beginner-friendly, with AUR support ready to go. Also, pop over to the distro selection page for other options—there's always something new out there!
I’ve read good things about EndeavourOS; I'll have to give it a try!
As for Pop!_OS, I'd be cautious since its handling of Snaps can be a headache. Instead, I suggest looking into alternatives like Solus or even Fedora, which are also stable with nice features!
I like the sound of EndeavourOS; I'll definitely check it out. Thanks!