I'm planning to install Linux on a second SSD with the long-term goal of eventually moving away from Windows entirely. My current setup involves gaming primarily through Steam, managing media and family accounting with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, and music recording with Audacity. I also need compatibility with my USB-3 KVM switch for my peripherals and normal messaging apps like Signal and Discord. While I understand I won't replicate my Windows workflows overnight, I want to know which Linux distribution would be best for me. I've narrowed my options down to a few options: Ubuntu (my go-to from years ago), Mint (known for stability), Fedora (up-to-date packages), Bazzite (gaming-focused but new), and CatchyOS (Arch-based but potentially complicated), and I'm curious to hear your thoughts on which Linux is ready out of the box vs. needing tinkering. Additionally, I'd like to know the preference for desktop environments between Gnome and KDE in the context of usability and software compatibility.
5 Answers
I've been using Bazzite after trying several distros, and it’s been the most straightforward. It just works for my gaming needs! But I’m worried about its stability long-term, especially with SteamOS developments and its relatively new status in the community. Just be ready for testing, as dual-booting allows you to switch things up easily if needed.
I think Ubuntu is the safest bet for dual-booting. It’s highly popular, so if you run into issues, you'll find plenty of resources online. You can easily use Office 365 through the browser, and it's smooth for installing Steam and apps. Plus, going with a separate SSD is a wise move to keep things organized.
Is it better to go with Ubuntu 25.10 or stick with the LTS version?
I got Cachy on my second SSD, and I haven’t touched Windows since! Most games work with Steam and Proton, and for media, VLC gives you the same experience as on Windows. Audacity is available too, and while WhatsApp has a web version, Discord works just fine. Just be ready to tinker a bit for things like fan control due to differences from Windows.
What’s AUR? I see it mentioned a lot in discussions.
I'd recommend going with Fedora Workstation. It's pretty user-friendly and has great hardware support with regular updates. The Gnome desktop environment is smooth and won’t get in your way while you're working. Plus, it’s not a fork of a fork, so you’ll have a more stable experience.
Totally agree! Ubuntu LTS is also a solid choice if you want something that just works without too many updates. You can easily switch between Gnome and KDE, so don’t let that stress you out.
Consider trying Nobara. I've been using it for over a year and it's been stable for my daily needs. It's built on Fedora and optimized for gaming, which might help with your Steam setup. Just keep an eye on its long-term support since it's a smaller project.
Is there a downside to using Nobara since it seems to be developed by just one person?
What are your thoughts on Bazzite’s performance compared to more established distros?