Hey everyone! I previously asked about the benefits of using Linux and received some great insights (sorry I couldn't reply to them). Now, I'm looking to set up my first Linux environment because I'm a computer science major. I want Linux for programming, including full-stack development, databases like MySQL, Git for version control, and even web browsing. I've used Ubuntu in the past but found Mint appealing due to its customizations from a YouTube video I saw. Are there any distros similar to Mint that would suit my needs, or is Mint good enough for coding?
Also, I plan to install Linux on an external HP 512GB SSD to use it across three laptops or take it to college. Is this a good idea, or would dual booting or a virtual machine give me better performance? Alternatively, should I remove Windows from one of my laptops and install it there? Just a note, I'm mostly used to Windows and GUI, and I rarely do terminal work.
Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
Consider trying MX Linux if you're looking for something tailored for programmers. It allows you to create an .ISO image after installing your preferred software, which makes it great for preserving your setup. This way, you won’t have to start from scratch every time!
Check out the distro selection page in our wiki for some options! Always make regular backups and maybe experiment in a VM first to get the hang of things. Remember, understanding commands before executing them can save you a lot of trouble!
Mint is a solid choice for coding—it's user-friendly and has great support! Just keep in mind that getting familiar with the terminal will enhance your experience, especially for things like Git and server management. I recommend installing Linux directly on a laptop instead of a VM for better performance. Dual booting can work too, but it's really up to your preference!
If you choose Mint, I’d suggest installing the XFCE or MATE version on your older laptop since they’re lighter on resources. Alternatively, you could set up KVM software across all machines to control them simultaneously and mix Windows and Linux tasks! It’s a great way to transition smoothly from Windows.
Thanks for the tips! That sounds like a smart setup!