I'm trying to help my friend who isn't familiar with Linux and is struggling with a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3. It's not an old PC, but Windows is making it lag when he watches videos and does some light browsing. I want to find a suitable Linux distro for him since he doesn't have a lot of experience with computers, especially the terminal. I mostly use Arch Linux myself, so I thought Debian 13 with KDE or Fedora 42 could be options. Any thoughts on how these handle Intel on-board graphics, especially for day-to-day use like browsing and video watching?
5 Answers
What's key here is the Desktop Environment! For a user coming from Windows, I'd recommend sticking to KDE Plasma, or maybe Cinnamon through Linux Mint. They’re both intuitive and user-friendly. If he’s willing to learn a bit, Fedora with KDE would also be a good fit.
Honestly, most distros should handle Intel integrated graphics just fine. KDE can be a bit heavy for older machines, so you might want to check out lighter environments like MATE or Xfce if needed. Also, you're definitely the right support for your friend as he starts this journey into Linux!
Good point! I think KDE will be fine on his setup, but I'll keep other options in mind too.
Don't stress about Intel graphics, they are well-supported on all distros for regular desktop use and video streaming. If you prefer not to do constant maintenance, Debian is definitely a solid pick.
That’s awesome to hear! He just needs something nice for binge-watching and browsing, so I think Debian could be a win.
All three of the distros you mentioned would work fine. Personally, I find Mint easiest for new users. I’ve got it running on an old Thinkpad and it's smooth for video and light tasks. You could have your friend test drive a few options on a USB stick to see which he prefers.
I agree on the testing part! I’ll set up a USB with a few distros for him to try. It’d be good for him to get a feel for them.
Debian with KDE sounds perfect for what your friend needs! It's stable and won't require much hassle. If he’s open to experimenting a bit, you could even set up a few options in a VM for him to try out. Also, Linux Mint is a favorite among new users for its user-friendliness.
Mint isn't for everyone, I get that! But how does it handle Intel graphics for video playback? I’ve heard good things about it.
You're right. KDE does have that Windows vibe which might make it easier for him.