I'm on the hunt for a Linux distribution that allows me to customize the desktop environment extensively. I'm also looking for something that's great for learning Linux in general, and it should fit my hardware specs well. I recently picked up an ASUS S406UA laptop with an i7-8550U processor and 8 GB of RAM for a steal at $37. It was supposedly defective, lacking a battery and SSD, but after plugging it in and booting a USB ISO with a distro, it actually runs! The only hiccup was a loose flex cable on the IPS display, which I fixed. Crazy what people throw away!
3 Answers
When you say you want to "learn Linux," what exactly do you mean? For server management, I'd suggest Debian. If you're just looking to use Linux at home, most distros will work fine for learning. Just pick one you like and dive in!
I highly recommend awesomewm if you’re into customizing and scripting your desktop. Remember, though, it’s not a distro but rather a desktop environment. It's pretty flexible!
Have you tried any specific distros before? Just keep in mind that the desktop environment is different from the distro itself. It’s helpful to choose a distro that fits your comfort level.
What exactly is a DE? Thanks for your input!