Hey everyone, I'm looking to install Linux on my Asus Zenbook UX3405CA-U9321TB. I don't have much experience with Linux, aside from a brief stint with Ubuntu around 10 years ago. Could you suggest a user-friendly distribution that works well with my notebook?
4 Answers
If you’re just getting started, I'd definitely recommend Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop. It’s very similar to Windows, which should make the transition easier for you.
I'd say go for either Ubuntu or Linux Mint! Both are pretty beginner-friendly. Also, don’t skip on watching some YouTube tutorials; they can really help you out. Just a heads-up: after installing, take some time to understand how the Linux filesystem works. I see a lot of folks jump into Arch without the basics, and it can get pretty tricky when problems pop up!
Honestly, just keep it simple and go for Zorin or Mint. They’re easy to use and should work great on your laptop!
Ubuntu 25 might be your best bet since it’s something you’re already familiar with. Just a note, avoid the LTS versions for now unless you're comfortable. You could also check out Fedora with the GNOME environment or CachyOS if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to test your WiFi and audio during the installation from the USB—it’s usually fine, but some laptop hardware can be tricky.
Totally agree! GNOME is super clean right out of the box! Just a heads-up though, the latest Fedora version has been a bit wonky for some users, especially with loop devices getting stuck when trying to close them. That can mess with your kernel modules!